Ban on fishing inside Gahirmatha sanctuary

Kendrapada, Oct 28 (UNI) The Bhitarkanika forest officials have imposed a ban on fishing activities inside the Gahirmatha Sanctuary from November 1 to May 31 next due to the approaching mating and breeding season of the endangered Olive Ridleys Sea turtles.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Rajnagar Mangrove and Wildlife Division A K Jena said fishing activities by mechanized boats inside the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary had been enforced under the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act,1982 and Orissa Marine Fishing Rules,1983.

In a bid to protect the endangered Olive Ridley Sea turtles during the mating and nesting season, the Bhitarkanika Forest personnel have sought the help of coast guards and Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) personnel posted at the Wheeler island to step up surveillance.

The DRDO personnel have been taking necessary steps during the last few years for the protection of Olive Ridley Sea turtles during their nesting season.

Official sources said 15 onshore and 3 offshore camps would be set up at Babubali, Agarnasi and Barunei under Gahirmatha marine sanctuary to protect the olive Ridley sea turtles during the mass nesting.

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