Archive · 25 Jan 2026
16 Fishermen Arrested in Odisha's Gahirmatha Sanctuary
Some fishermen were caught fishing in a special area called Gahirmatha in Odisha, India.
This area is a safe place for sea turtles called Olive Ridley turtles.
The fishermen were not allowed to fish there because it's a protected place for the turtles.
The government has a rule that says no fishing is allowed in this area for seven months to keep the turtles safe.
The fishermen were arrested because they broke these rules.
The turtles are in danger because they can get stuck in fishing nets and die.
The forest department is trying to make sure the turtles are safe.
16 fishermen were arrested for illegal fishing in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Odisha.
The fishermen were from Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj districts.
The arrest was made under the Wildlife Protection Act and other fishing regulations.
Around 300 fishermen have been arrested this season for similar offenses.
A seven-month fishing ban is in place to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.
- Who
- 16 marine fishermen from Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj districts
- What
- Illegal fishing in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary
- When
- Sunday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Kendrapara district, Odisha
- Why
- To protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their mass nesting season
- Location
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Kendrapara district, Odisha
- Number of Arrested Fishermen
- 16
- Fishing Ban Duration
- 7 months (from 1 November)
- Ban Area
- 20-km stretch from Dhamara to Devi river mouth
- Protected Species
- Olive Ridley sea turtles (Schedule 1 under Wildlife Protection Act)
- Acts Violated
- Wildlife Protection Act, Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, and marine sanctuary rules
- Total Arrests This Season
- Around 300
