Odisha imposes seven-month fishing ban to protect Olive Ridley turtles
The state government has announced Rs 15,000 financial assistance for 11,000 fishing families affected by the restriction.
The Odisha government on Sunday enforced a seven-month ban on sea fishing within 20 km of the coast near the mouths of the Dhamara, Devi and Rushikulya rivers, according to Deccan Chronicle and ThePrint.
The prohibition aims to protect Olive Ridley turtles during their annual breeding and nesting season and will remain in force until May 31. Sea fishing remains banned throughout the year along the Gahirmatha coast, which is a marine sanctuary.
Officials said the restriction is intended to prevent the endangered species from dying due to entanglement in nets or being struck by trawler propellers. The ban follows the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982 and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
To enforce the ban, the government has established 61 onshore and five offshore camps across the Bhadrak, Rajnagar, Puri and Berhampur wildlife divisions. Surveillance will involve the forest and fisheries departments, Marine Police and the Coast Guard.
A forest officer stated that armed police, five high-speed boats, 13 trawlers and support vessels have been deployed to intercept illegal fishing. The ban is expected to affect approximately 11,000 fishing families.
The state government has announced a one-time financial assistance of Rs 15,000 for each affected family to compensate for the loss of livelihood.