Archive · 27 Dec 2025
17 Fishers Arrested in Odisha Sanctuary
Some fishermen were caught fishing in a special protected area in Odisha, India, where fishing is not allowed.
This area is important because it's a safe place for Olive Ridley sea turtles to lay their eggs.
The government has rules to protect these turtles because they are in danger.
The fishermen were arrested, and their boats and fishing tools were taken away.
The government has a ban on fishing in this area for seven months every year to keep the turtles safe.
The turtles can get hurt or die if they get caught in fishing nets or hit by boat propellers.
The forest officials are working hard to make sure the turtles are safe.
17 marine fishers were arrested for illegal fishing in the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha.
The fishers violated the Wildlife Protection Act, Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, and sanctuary rules.
Around 350 fishermen have been arrested this period for intruding into the sanctuary.
A seven-month fishing ban is in place to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles during their nesting season.
The sanctuary is a critical habitat for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, which are listed as Schedule 1 animals.
- Who
- 17 marine fishers and forest officials
- What
- Arrest of fishers for illegal fishing in a protected sanctuary
- When
- Saturday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Kendrapara district, Odisha
- Why
- To protect Olive Ridley sea turtles during their nesting season
- Location
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Kendrapara district, Odisha
- Number of Arrested Fishers
- 17
- Total Arrests This Period
- 350
- Protected Species
- Olive Ridley sea turtles
- Fishing Ban Duration
- 7 months (1 November to 31 May)
- Ban Area
- 20 km stretch from Dhamara to the Devi River mouth
- Legal Violations
- Wildlife Protection Act, Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, and marine sanctuary rules