Fishing mafia endangering Olive Ridley turtles at Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Odisha

Incidents of illegal fishing activities at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha are posing significant threats to the Olive Ridley turtle population. These activities, conducted by fishing mafia groups have recently turned more violent, including damaging patrol equipment and, in a recent incident, a shocking mid-sea shooting. 

On January 12, 2025, a confrontation at sea between Forest Department officials and fishing mafias turned violent when the latter opened fire, enabling the escape of eight apprehended fishermen. The fishing mafias were operating approximately seven kilometres from the sanctuary’s coast, a restricted area known for its critical role in turtle conservation.

These confrontations have heightened security concerns among Forest Department personnel, who remain on edge following repeated attacks. In February 2023, another violent episode resulted in the tragic loss of Shyam Singh, a committed employee of the department.

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“We have been continuing patrolling activities to apprehend the fishing mafias operating within the restricted area. Some violent attacks have been launched against our department employees. Cases have been registered with the police and one person has been apprehended in connection with a case so far. Investigations into the other cases are currently underway,” said Rajnagar DFO Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav.

The sanctuary strictly prohibits fishing activities during the Olive Ridley turtles’ breeding season from November 1 to May 31, enforcing a no-fishing zone extending 20 kilometres from the Devi River mouth. However, fish mafias continue to breach these laws, jeopardising the habitat of these endangered turtles.

Despite the involvement of various agencies like the Forest Department, the Coast Guard, and Marine Police, enforcement challenges persist, with the Forest Department employees often bearing the brunt of operational responsibilities.

Local communities and conservationists are calling for stronger protective measures and more robust enforcement to curb illegal activities and safeguard both human and wildlife safety within this vital ecosystem.

“We will request to intensify the joint patrolling by the Forest Department, police and Coast Guard with more forces as per the recommendation by the Central Empowerment Committee for effective protection of endangered Olive Ridley turtles,” said environmentalist Bijay Kabi.

“Though the Forest Department has been active there is no coordination with the police and the Coast Guard. Only the Forest Department is patrolling the sea and they need more armed forces. They need help from the police and Coast Guard,” said conservationist Pradeep Nayak.