The Odisha government has enforced a seven-month fishing ban at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary from November 1 to May 31 to protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtles during their mating and nesting season. Known as the world’s largest rookery for these turtles, Gahirmatha, located within Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district, sees thousands of Olive Ridleys arriving annually to lay their eggs.
This ban prohibits all fishing activities within a 20 km radius along the sanctuary’s 1,435 sq km coastline, extending from Hukitola to Dhamra. Restrictions also cover the Rushikulya, Dhamra, and Devi river mouths to provide a safe environment for the turtles’ breeding season.
Odisha’s Forest Department has intensified protection measures by establishing dedicated turtle protection camps and deploying marine police personnel to enforce compliance. Olive Ridleys are expected to arrive by November for mating, with female turtles anticipated to begin nesting in March 2024.
The Odisha government has enforced a seven-month fishing ban at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary from November 1 to May 31 to protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtles during their mating and nesting season. Known as the world’s largest rookery for these turtles, Gahirmatha, located within Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district, sees thousands of Olive Ridleys arriving annually to lay their eggs.
This ban prohibits all fishing activities within a 20 km radius along the sanctuary’s 1,435 sq km coastline, extending from Hukitola to Dhamra. Restrictions also cover the Rushikulya, Dhamra, and Devi river mouths to provide a safe environment for the turtles’ breeding season.
Odisha’s Forest Department has intensified protection measures by establishing dedicated turtle protection camps and deploying marine police personnel to enforce compliance. Olive Ridleys are expected to arrive by November for mating, with female turtles anticipated to begin nesting in March 2024.
