Ten marine fishermen have been arrested for illegal fishing in Odisha's Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, a critical habitat for endangered sea turtles, underscoring the ongoing challenges in protecting this fragile ecosystem.
Key Points
- Ten marine fishermen were arrested for illegally fishing in Odisha's Gahirmatha marine sanctuary.
- The fishermen's trawler was seized by forest officials patrolling the protected area.
- The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their breeding season.
- The fishermen violated laws protecting the turtle congregation zone within the sanctuary.
- The arrested fishermen have been remanded to judicial custody.
Ten marine fishermen were arrested from the sea waters of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Odisha's Kendrapara district on Wednesday for illegally fishing in the turtle congregation zone, a forest officer said.
The fishing trawler, used by the fishermen, was also seized by the forest patrolling team.
The fishermen, who hail from the coastal districts, were later produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Manas Das, said.
The fishing vessel had trespassed into prohibited sanctuary corridors contravening the provisions of various Acts, he added.
