Odisha bans fishing along 3 river mouths for protection of Olive Ridley turtles

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today imposed a seven-month-long ban on fishing along the river mouths of Dhamara, Devi and Rushikulya due to the nesting season of Olive Ridley turtles.

The restrictions are imposed every year from November 1 to May 31 to protect the turtles from the movement of trawlers/ fishing boats and fishing nets.

Patrolling will be carried out near the river mouths by personnel of marine police, coast guard, forest and fisheries departments to curb illegal fishing activities during the period. High-speed boats have been pressed into service for this purpose.

The state government will provide livelihood assistance of Rs 7,500 to the affected fishermen families in view of the ban on fishing.