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Fishing Ban Protects Olive Ridleys in World's Largest Rookery
31 Oct
Summary
- A seven-month fishing ban is in effect from Nov 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world's largest nesting ground for olive ridleys.
- 14 turtle protection camps and four patrolling boats safeguard the sanctuary.
The forest department has imposed a significant seven-month fishing ban in Odisha's Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, effective from November 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027. This protected period is crucial for safeguarding the endangered olive ridley sea turtles, as Gahirmatha is recognized as the world's largest rookery for these marine creatures.
The sanctuary, a vital nesting ground, sees turtles arrive in November for mating and laying eggs in March. To ensure their safety, the forest department has set up 14 dedicated turtle protection camps, including four offshore facilities. Four patrolling boats are actively monitoring the area to prevent any illegal fishing activities.
Marine fishermen are prohibited from fishing within 20 km of the coastline in the sanctuary's 1,435 sq km area. This measure, alongside the mandatory installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishing nets, aims to prevent turtle drowning. Previous conservation efforts have seen millions of turtles lay eggs, highlighting the importance of these protective measures.
