Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: The Odisha government has prohibited fishing for seven months from today around the sites where the endangered olive ridley turtles congregate for mass nesting.
It has enforced the fishing ban by motorised vessels, trawlers, and those using mechanized fishing techniques in the area spreading 20 kilometers from the coast of the sea turtle congregation area and their buffer zones in the vicinity of the river mouths of Dhamra, Devi, and Rushikulyafrom November 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024.
To ensure the fishing prohibition is upheld, the department has established a set of guidelines to be adhered to.
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During this period, designated areas will be regularly patrolled, and a compliance report will be compiled by the responsible Additional Fisheries Officer (Marine).
To oversee the monitoring of patrolling activities during the fishing ban for the preservation of Sea Turtles, the department has designated the Deputy Director (Marine) as the Nodal Officer within the Directorate of Fisheries.
Additionally, the department has devised a plan to conduct educational awareness camps periodically, involving key stakeholders such as Forest and Marine Police Officials. If feasible, the Coast Guard will assist in educating fishermen about the fishing ban.
