Why were fishermen arrested in the marine sanctuary?

Fishermen were arrested for trespassing into prohibited sanctuary corridors, violating the Wildlife Protection Act and marine sanctuary rules.

How many fishermen have been arrested for Gahirmatha sanctuary intrusions?

As of the report, 367 marine fishermen have been arrested for intruding into the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary.

What is the fishing ban in Odisha for Olive Ridley turtles?

Odisha enforces a seven-month trawl fishing ban along the Dhamara-Devi river mouth and a year-round prohibition in Gahirmatha sanctuary to protect Olive Ridley turtles.

Home / Environment / Poachers Seized in Turtle Sanctuary Raid

Poachers Seized in Turtle Sanctuary Raid

1 Jan

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Summary

Ten fishermen were arrested and their equipment seized.
Vessels trespassed into sanctuary corridors, violating wildlife laws.
367 fishermen arrested since November 1 for sanctuary intrusion.

Poachers Seized in Turtle Sanctuary Raid

Ten fishermen hailing from Vizianagaram district have been arrested for violating wildlife protection laws by trespassing into prohibited marine sanctuary corridors. Their fishing equipment was seized, and they have been remanded to judicial custody. This incident highlights the ongoing enforcement efforts to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.

The state government has imposed a seven-month trawl fishing ban along a 20 km stretch from November 1, coinciding with the mass nesting season of Olive Ridley turtles. However, the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary maintains a year-round fishing prohibition to ensure the species' safety.

Olive Ridley turtles, classified as a Schedule-1 animal due to their threatened status, face significant risks from fishing activities, including entanglement in nets and collisions with fishing trawlers. Since the enforcement of the sea-fishing ban on November 1, 367 fishermen have been arrested, and approximately a dozen vessels have been seized.