Bhubaneswar: The Fisheries Department of Odisha Government has imposed a seven-month fishing ban in three river mouths of the state for protection of Olive Ridley turtles.

The three river mouths are Dhamra river mouth, Devi river mouth and Rushikulya river mouth. The ban, which came into effect from today, will remain in force till May 31, 2024.

Under the government's directive, all forms of fishing activities have been strictly prohibited within a 20-kilometer radius from the coast as well as buffer zones close to the river mouths.

To ensure the enforcement of the fishing ban, the Fisheries Department has laid out specific guidelines. These restricted areas will be patrolled throughout the ban period, and a compliance report will be compiled by the respective Additional Fisheries Officers (Marine).

Furthermore, the Fisheries Department has devised plans to organize periodic awareness camps involving key stakeholders, including Forest and Marine Police officials. When feasible, the Coast Guard will also contribute by educating fishermen about the fishing ban, ensuring that the measures put in place for the protection of Olive Ridley turtles are effectively implemented.