Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: In a significant move to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, the Odisha government has imposed a seven-month fishing ban effective immediately. This conservation measure, enforced by the Fisheries Department, will be in effect until May 31, 2024.

The ban encompasses three vital river mouth areas within the state, namely the Dhamara River Mouth (Scotts Island to Udabati North), Devi River Mouth (Keluni Muhan to New-Devi Nassi Island North), and Rushikulya River Mouth (South of Prayagi to North of Aryapalli).

Stringent regulations are in place, with all forms of fishing activities strictly prohibited within a 20-kilometer radius from the coast and buffer zones near the river mouths. Mechanized fishing, the use of trawlers, and motorized vehicles are banned within the specified areas, including Scotts Island to Udabati North at the Dhamara river mouth, Keluni Muhan to New-Devi Nassi Island North at the mouth of the Devi river, and from the south of Prayagi to the north of Aryapalli at the Rushikulya river mouth.

To ensure compliance with these conservation efforts, intensified patrolling will be carried out in the restricted regions throughout the ban period. The Additional Fisheries Officer (Marine) will be responsible for preparing a compliance report, ensuring that the regulations are strictly adhered to.

The Fisheries Department has further appointed the Deputy Director (Marine)-cum-Adjudicating Officer of the Directorate of Fisheries as the nodal officer tasked with monitoring and overseeing the patrolling activities during the ban period. This collective endeavor aims to safeguard the Olive Ridley turtles and their natural habitat, emphasizing the government's commitment to environmental conservation.

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