Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: The Odisha government on Friday imposed a seven-month fishing ban at three river mouths in the state in order to protect the Olive Ridley sea turtles.
The order came into force with effect from today, November 1 and will remain effective till May 31, 2025.
The river mouths where fishing has been banned are Dhamara river mouth, Devi river mouth and Rushikulya river mouth.
As per the ban, no marine fishing activity could be undertaken within 20 km of the coast of the three river mouths.
The measure, which is taken every year aims to ensure a safe mating and breeding season for Olive Ridley turtles who travel to Odisha from far-off places, including the Pacific Ocean.
The restrictions have been imposed in accordance with the provisions of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982 and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, a forest department official said.
A multi-layered patrolling exercise will be in place during the prohibition period in the Olive Ridley turtle habitation corridors and involve forest, fisheries and marine police besides Coast Guard personnel, an official of the state government said on Friday.
