Fishing Ban Imposed from November 1 to March 31 to Protect Olive Ridley Turtle Breeding

Kakatpur: 01/11
Report: Tushar Dixit

To protect the breeding of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, the Fisheries Department has imposed a ban on fishing in the coastal regions of Puri district, including areas like Astaranga, Devi river mouth, and the Konark–Puri coastline. The restriction came into effect from November 1 and will remain in place until May 31.

As per the directive issued by the Fisheries Department, no motorized fishing boats or trawlers will be allowed within 20 kilometers of the sea zone stretching from Nuagaon Jetty to the mouths of the Devi and Keluni rivers during the breeding season of the turtles. Following the order from the Forest Department, hundreds of fishermen have been forced to remain at home with their hands tied, unable to work.

Strict prohibition has been enforced on the entry of trawlers and motorized boats into the sea in areas like the Devi river mouth, Keluni mouth, Ganga Devi estuary, and Nuagaon Jetty. Similarly, the state government has also banned fishing activities during this period for the safety and protection of the Olive Ridley turtles.

While the state government is taking commendable steps to ensure the conservation and breeding of the turtles and marine species, the livelihood of local fishermen who depend entirely on fishing has been severely impacted, pushing many families into deep concern and financial stress.