Odisha bans fishing in select sea areas to protect Olive Ridley turtles
The seasonal ban on fishing and mechanised boats will last from November 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, near specific river mouths.
The Odisha government has restricted fishing activities and the movement of mechanised boats in certain coastal areas for seven months, according to OTV. The ban, which runs from November 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, aims to protect rare Olive Ridley sea turtles during their breeding season.
The prohibitions are in place near the river mouths of the Rushikulya, Dhamra, and Devi rivers. These locations serve as vital sites for the arrival, mating, and nesting of the turtles.
Purandar Biswal, President of the Paradip Marine Cooperative Society, said the government has imposed a fishing ban within 20 kilometres of the coast. He noted that the rare turtles travel from the Pacific Ocean across the Bay of Bengal to lay eggs near Odisha's river mouths.
Biswal stated that fishermen are following the regulations and are venturing beyond 20 kilometres from the coast to conduct fishing activities.
Fishermen are permitted to continue fishing in deeper waters located more than 20 kilometres away from the coastline. This provision allows for fishing to continue outside the restricted zones to help protect the turtles during the nesting period.