Kendrapara, Jan 10: Odisha forest officials on Friday arrested 10 fishermen and seized a troller for allegedly trespassing into the prohibited Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapara district and fishing illegally.

The arrested fishermen are natives of fishing villages in Kendrapara district.

A huge quantity of sea fish, fishing nets besides GPS devices were seized from the impounded vessel, officials said.

The sanctuary, which is witnessing a large congregation of Olive Ridley sea turtles for mating, is shut for fishing throughout the year for safety of marine animals.

However, sea patrolling is stepped up within the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary water territory during November-May every year in view of the annual mass nesting season of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.

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