The Odisha forest department has put a seven-month long ban on fishing along the coast as mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles begins. The ban will be implemented from November 1, 2015 and continue till May 31, 2016.
During winters, these sea turtles arrive for mass nesting in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, and the Rushikulya river mouth. Fishermen and trawlers will not be allowed to carry on fishing within 20 km off the coastline close to the turtle nesting areas.
In Puri district, the use of merchandized trawlers and motorboats have been prohibited from the coast between Baliharchandi and Astarang. Also, patrolling will be carried out to ensure that no violations take place along the coastline.
Every year, around half a million Olive Ridley turtles gather in the waters of the Bay of Bengal during the month of November and nest between December and March. By May, hatchlings emerge. There are three nesting sites in Odisha including the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district, Devi river mouth in Puri district, and Gahirmatha beach in Kendrapada district.
Not only are on-shore camps organized for the protection of the endangered species, but, to keep the eggs safe, temporary incubation centres have also been set up.
Image Credit: thehindu.com
