Odisha imposes seven-month fishing ban to protect Olive Ridley turtles

The Odisha government on Saturday announced a seven-month-long ban on sea fishing within 20 km of the coastline near the Dhamra, Devi, and Rusikulya river mouths, as part of its annual Olive Ridley turtle conservation programme, officials said.

The ban, effective from November 1 to May 31, aims to ensure safe nesting, breeding, and migration of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, which arrive in large numbers along Odisha’s coast during this period.

According to forest officials, the ban will be enforced by joint teams of the Forest Department, Fisheries Department, and Coast Guard to prevent illegal fishing activities in the restricted marine zones.

The restriction covers a significant portion of Odisha’s coastline, including the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, which remains under a year-round fishing ban as it serves as the world’s largest nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles.

“Gahirmatha is a vital habitat for these marine species. The ban is a crucial conservation step to protect nesting turtles and prevent accidental deaths caused by trawling,” a forest official said.

The state government has also planned livelihood support measures for affected fisherfolk during the ban period to minimize hardship and ensure community participation in conservation efforts.