9 months ago
Andhra Fishermen Arrested for Illegal Fishing in Odisha's Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
Seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh were caught and arrested for fishing illegally in a protected marine sanctuary in Odisha, India.
They were using a trawler and special fishing tools.
This is part of a larger effort to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles that nest in the area during this time of year.
The fishermen were taken to court and their boat and tools were taken away.
Seven Andhra fishermen arrested for illegal fishing in Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
Trawler and fishing implements seized
Fishermen remanded in judicial custody under Wildlife (Protection) Act
Over 110 fishermen arrested since November for sanctuary intrusion
Trawl fishing ban imposed due to Olive Ridley turtle nesting season
- Who
- Seven Andhra fishermen
- What
- Arrested for illegal fishing
- Where
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha's Kendrapara district
- When
- Tuesday
- Why
- To protect Olive Ridley sea turtles during their nesting season
Key facts
- Total arrested since November
- Over 110 fishermen
- Vessels seized since November
- Around a dozen
- Turtle species
- Olive Ridley sea turtles
- Turtle count in 2025
- Over 6.06 lakh
- Fishing ban duration
- Seven months
- Prohibited area
- 20-km Dhamara-Devi river mouth stretch
Quotes
Forest officials
The officials responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations within the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.
“The arrested marine fishermen were natives of Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district.”
thestatesman.com
“The fishing vessel had trespassed into the prohibited sanctuary corridors, contravening the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, and the mandatory rules of the marine sanctuary.”
thestatesman.com
