Odisha Arrests 10 Andhra Fishermen for Poaching in Protected Turtle Zone
Image Source: Internet
In a bid to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, the Odisha government has arrested 10 marine fishermen from Andhra Pradesh for poaching in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary. The fishermen, from Vizianagaram district, were caught trespassing into the prohibited turtle congregation zone on Thursday and had their fishing equipment seized. This brings the total number of arrests to 367 since the enforcement of the sea-fishing ban on November 1. The state government has implemented a seven-month ban on log trawl fishing along the 20 km stretch of the Dhamara-Devi river mouth to ensure the safety of the Olive Ridley turtles. The Gahirmatha marine sanctuary remains closed to fishing year-round due to its protected status. The Olive Ridley turtles, listed as a Schedule-1 animal under the Wildlife Protection Act, are highly threatened and often get entangled in fishing nets or hit by propellers, resulting in their death. In the last mass nesting season in March 2025, over 6.06 lakh Olive Ridley turtles were spotted on the beach, highlighting the importance of protecting this species. The forest department is committed to enforcing the laws and regulations to prevent poaching and ensure the conservation of the Olive Ridley turtles. The recent arrests are a testament to the department's efforts to safeguard the marine sanctuary and its inhabitants.
