Odisha imposes seven-month fishing ban to protect Olive Ridley turtles
The ban applies to areas within 20 km of the coast near three river mouths to safeguard endangered turtles.
The Odisha government on Sunday enforced a seven-month ban on fishing and the movement of mechanised boats within 20 km of the coast, according to ThePrint and Deccan Chronicle. The restriction, which runs from November 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, covers specified areas near the mouths of the Rushikulya, Dhamra, and Devi rivers.
The seasonal ban aims to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their annual breeding and nesting season. Officials stated the measure intends to prevent turtles from dying due to entanglement in fishing nets or being struck by trawler propellers. While the seasonal ban is in place, fishing remains prohibited throughout the year along the Gahirmatha coast, which is a marine sanctuary.
To enforce the prohibition, a multi-layered surveillance operation will involve the forest and fisheries departments, Marine Police, and the Coast Guard. The government has established 61 onshore camps and five offshore camps across the Bhadrak, Rajnagar, Puri, and Berhampur wildlife divisions. Armed police, five high-speed boats, and 13 trawlers have been deployed to intercept illegal fishing.
Purandar Biswal, president of the Paradip Marine Cooperative Society, said fishermen are complying with regulations by venturing beyond 20 km from the coast. The ban is expected to affect approximately 11,000 fishing families. To compensate for the loss of livelihood, the state government has announced a one-time financial assistance of Rs 15,000 for each affected family.