Archive · 1 Feb 2026
20 Fishermen Arrested in Odisha Turtle Habitat
Some fishermen were caught doing something not allowed in a special place where turtles live.
The place is called Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha.
The fishermen were from different places, including West Bengal.
The officials took away their boats and sent them to court.
The court said they should stay in jail for now.
This is because they broke the rules that protect animals and their homes.
20 fishermen, including 8 from West Bengal, were arrested for illegal fishing in the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.
Two trawlers were seized by Odisha forest officials.
The accused were booked under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The fishermen were produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody.
The incident highlights the enforcement of wildlife protection laws in turtle congregation zones.
- Who
- 20 fishermen, including 8 from West Bengal
- What
- Illegal fishing in a turtle congregation zone
- When
- February 1, 2024
- Where
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Kendrapara, Odisha
- Why
- To protect the turtle habitat and enforce wildlife protection laws
- Location
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Kendrapara, Odisha
- Number of Arrested
- 20
- Number of West Bengal Residents
- 8
- Trawlers Seized
- 2
- Act Violated
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972