Restrictions for Turtle Protection, Strings of Lights Visible in the Sea at Night

Kakatpur, 19/11
(Tushar Dixit) – With the breeding season of the rare Olive Ridley sea turtles underway, the state government has issued strict directives to ensure the safety of this unique marine species. According to the order, from November 1st to May 31st, no trawler is allowed to fish within 20 kilometers from the coast. During this period, any intrusion by trawlers into the area poses a serious threat to the lives of these rare turtles. The Astaranga coastal area is one of the primary nesting zones for Olive Ridleys, where thousands of turtles arrive each year to lay eggs.

Given this, the Forest and Fisheries Departments have been instructed to strictly enforce these restrictions. Although the forest department has previously seized trawlers and collected fines for violations, a concerning situation has recently emerged. From the coastline at night, strings of lights can be seen deep in the sea, suggesting the presence of multiple trawlers. Some trawler owners claim their boats are merely anchored, but environmentalists and intellectuals are not convinced by this explanation.

Speaking on this issue, environmentalist Shobhakar Behera from Astaranga noted that visible strings of lights from trawlers at night strongly indicate their presence in the restricted area. However, it is difficult to determine whether these vessels are complying with the law or actively fishing in prohibited zones. To clarify the situation, he emphasized the urgent need for night-time patrolling by the forest department. Only with active night patrolling can it be ascertained what role these trawlers are playing during the enforcement period.