Odisha imposes seven-month fishing ban to protect Olive Ridley turtles
The state government will provide Rs 15,000 to each of the 11,000 affected fishing families.
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 restriction, which lasts until May 31, aims to protect Olive Ridley turtles during their annual breeding and nesting season. Officials said the move prevents the endangered species from dying due to fishing nets or trawler propellers.
While this ban is seasonal, fishing remains prohibited year-round along the Gahirmatha coast, which is a marine sanctuary and a major habitation corridor for the turtles.
To enforce the rules, 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 stop illegal fishing. The ban is expected to impact approximately 11,000 fishing families.
To assist those losing their livelihoods, the state has promised a single payment of Rs 15,000 to every affected family.