40 arrested for illegal fishing in Odisha’s Gahirmatha sanctuary

Biswajeet Swain Published On : Jan 31, 2017 at 10:12 AM Updated On : Jan 31, 2017 at 7:45 PM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Kendrapara, Jan 31:

The Forest department officials conducted raid at Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Odisha’s Kendrapara district and arrested as many as 40 fishermen for unlawful fishing activity in prohibited area.

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The officials have seized ten boats from the fishermen, sources said.

It may be recalled here that over 110 fishermen were arrested from Gahirmatha on January 29 for unlawful fishing.

Notably, prohibition on sea fishing is in force round the year within the marine sanctuary limits. However, sea patrolling is stepped up within the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary from November to May every year in view of the annual mass nesting season of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.