In a significant move for wildlife conservation, the Odisha government has declared a comprehensive seven-month fishing ban in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary to protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtles during their crucial nesting period.
Extensive Protection Measures
The fishing prohibition will be enforced from November 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, covering the entire 1,255-square-kilometer marine sanctuary area. This extended ban aims to create a safe environment for the turtles during their mass nesting phenomenon, known as 'arribada.'
Why This Ban Matters
Gahirmatha, located in Kendrapara district, hosts the world's largest known nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. These marine creatures face severe threats from fishing activities, particularly from trawlers and mechanized boats that often entangle and drown them in fishing nets.
Key Implementation Details
- Duration: November 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 (7 months)
- Area Covered: Entire 1,255 sq km marine sanctuary
- Monitoring: Intensive patrolling by forest and fisheries departments
- Enforcement: Strict action against violators
Conservation Success Story
The annual fishing ban has proven remarkably effective in recent years. During the 2023-24 season, approximately 6.37 lakh turtles nested successfully at Gahirmatha, marking one of the most successful conservation efforts in the sanctuary's history.
Broader Impact
This conservation initiative not only protects the Olive Ridley population but also helps maintain marine biodiversity. The turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, and their protection contributes to the overall health of the Bay of Bengal's aquatic environment.
Forest officials emphasize that the extended ban period is carefully timed to cover the turtles' entire breeding cycle, from their arrival to nesting and the subsequent hatchling emergence, ensuring comprehensive protection for this vulnerable species.
