India: Orissa bans fishing near sea turtle nesting sites

The Times of India 1 Nov 11;

BHUBANESWAR: Orissa on Tuesday imposed a seven-month ban on fishing within 20 km of the coastline in three districts to protect endangered turtles who have started congregating in the sea for mating, an official said.

The ban has been imposed near the beaches of Gahirmatha, Rushikulya and Devi in the districts of Kendrapada, Ganjam and Puri where the turtles are expected to come for their annual nesting in December.

"Boats and trawlers will not be allowed to carry out any fishing activities in the sea near the nesting sites," Divisional forest officer Manoj Mohapatra told IANS, adding the ban will remain in force till May 31.

Mohapatra said two-three dead turtles had washed ashore recently at Gahirmatha and Devi river mouth and this indicated that the turtles have started congregating in the sea.

He said patrolling has been intensified along the coast to strictly enforce the ban.

Over half a million Olive Ridley turtles arrive and congregate in the shallow coastal waters of the state in October-November for mating and nest between December and March. Most hatchlings emerge by May.

Most of the turtles nest every year at Gahirmatha located in the Bhitarkanika National Park. It is also known as one of the world's largest turtle nesting sites.

Last year, the nesting commenced twice and a record 7.20 lakh turtles had nested at the beaches of the state.

Like tigers and elephants, Olive Ridley turtles are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Trapping, killing or selling of the species could result in a maximum of seven years' imprisonment.

Despite several conservation measures, thousands of turtles get killed every year mainly after being hit by boats and trawlers that operate illegally.