Argus News - Odisha Imposes 7-Month Fishing Ban To Safeguard Olive Ridley Turtles

Jagatsinghpur, Nov 1: To protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, fishing activities have been banned from November 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, across a 160 km × 20 km stretch of the Bay of Bengal, extending from Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapada district to the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district.

This annual ban, implemented under the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, aims to safeguard the turtles during their critical mating and nesting season.

Gahirmatha is globally recognised as the largest rookery of Olive Ridley turtles, drawing thousands of these marine reptiles to its shores each year for mass nesting, known as arribada.

The restricted zone includes key river mouths such as Dhamara, Devi, and Rushikulya, where the turtles arrive in large numbers starting in November.

The ban prohibits all mechanised fishing activities within 20 km of the coastline, a measure that has proven vital in reducing accidental turtle deaths caused by fishing nets and trawlers.

To ensure effective enforcement, the Forest Department has established 14 turtle protection camps, including offshore units at Madali, Sasanipada, Ekakula, and Babubali islands. Additionally, four patrolling boats have been deployed, supported by marine police stations in Jamboo, Talachua, Tantiapala, and Paradip, along with the Indian Coast Guard.

Also read: Eight Sentenced To Life Imprisonment In 2017 Murder Case In Dhenkanal

Authorities are also conducting awareness campaigns among local fishing communities to encourage cooperation and compliance. While the ban poses economic challenges for traditional fishers, the government has assured support through alternative livelihood programs and compensation schemes.

This conservation initiative not only underscores Odisha’s commitment to marine biodiversity but also aligns with global efforts to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.