Kendrapara: Odisha forest authorities on Thursday arrested 10 marine fishermen from Andhra Pradesh for allegedly fishing illegally within the prohibited turtle congregation zone of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district. The action is part of intensified enforcement measures aimed at protecting the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their critical breeding period.
The fishermen, all hailing from Vizianagaram district of the neighbouring state, were intercepted after two fishing vessels were found trespassing into restricted sanctuary corridors. Officials seized fishing equipment and the vessels involved before producing the accused in court, where they were remanded to judicial custody.
According to forest officials, the intrusion violated provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act and the mandatory regulations governing the marine sanctuary. With this latest action, the total number of fishermen arrested for unauthorised entry into the protected area has risen to 367 since enforcement was stepped up.
Since the implementation of the seasonal sea-fishing ban on November 1, authorities have also seized around a dozen seaworthy fishing vessels during routine patrols. The Odisha government has imposed a seven-month ban on mechanised trawl fishing along a 20-kilometre stretch from the Dhamara to Devi river mouth to safeguard the annual mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles. Fishing, however, remains prohibited throughout the year within the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary due to its protected status.
Olive Ridley turtles are listed as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, reflecting their highly threatened status. Forest officials note that the turtles often die after becoming entangled in fishing nets for extended periods or after being struck by the propellers of high-speed trawlers.
The urgency of protection has been underscored by the scale of recent nesting activity. During the March 2025 mass nesting season, more than 6.06 lakh Olive Ridley turtles arrived along the Odisha coast, emerging from the sea to lay millions of eggs on the beaches. Authorities continue round-the-clock surveillance to ensure the safety of the species and the preservation of one of the world’s most important marine turtle habitats.
