Olive Ridley conservation: 7-month fishing ban at 3 river mouths in Odisha from today

The Odisha government clamped a seven-month prohibition on fishing activities along the stretch of three major river mouths for conservation of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles in the State.

The fishing ban has been imposed at Dhamra, Devi and Rushikulya river mouths starting today from November 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.   

"Fishing by motorised vessels, trawlers and those using mechanized fishing techniques is prohibited in 20 (twenty) kilometers from the specified coast of the sea turtle congregation area and their buffer zones in the vicinity of the following three river mouths of the Odisha Coast for the period from 1st November 2022 to 31st May 2022 (both days inclusive)," read an order issued by the directorate of fisheries. 

In order to enforce the prohibition of fishing during the ban period, following instructions are to be adhered to. 

1. The fishing ban in Gahirmatha Area is implemented round the year and the conservation programme is implemented through Forest Department. The Additional F.O. Marine, Kujang to support the Forest Department as and when required for joint patrolling. 

2. The area from Dhamara River Mouth (Scotts Island to Udabati North) to be patrolled during fishing ban period and report compliance by the Additional Fisheries Officer, Marine, Balasore. 

3. The area of Devi River Mouth (Keluni Muhan to New-Devi Nasi Island North) to be patrolled during fishing ban period and report compliance by the Additional F.O. Puri every fortnightly.

4. The ban area of Rushikulya River Mouth (South of Prayagi to North Arjiapalli) to be patrolled during fishing ban period and report compliance by the Additional F.O. Marine, Ganjam. 

5. The patrolling boat ML Olive Ridley stationed at Dhamara FH shall patrol from Dhamara River Mouth to cover entire Balasore and Bhadrak and patrolling report is to be submitted to this Directorate. 

6. The patrolling boat ML Sea Horse Stationed at Paradeep FH shall patrol in Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts and patrolling report to be submitted to this Directorate. 

7. The detailed advanced patrolling programme shall be chalked out in consultation with the Forest and Marine Police Officials immediately. 

8. Sri Basanta Kumar Dash, Deputy Director (Marine)-cum-Adjudicating Officer of the Directorate of Fisheries is hereby declared as the Nodal officer for monitoring of the above activities during the ban for fishing for conservation of Sea Turtle. 

9. Periodical awareness camp should be conducted among the stakeholders involving the Forest and Marine Police Officials, if possible Coast Guard also to educate the fishers regarding the ban activities.

(Reported by Ramakanta Nayak, OTV)