Bhubaneswar, 01 November (H.S.): A seven-month fishing ban in and around the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary will come into force today, November 1, 2026, and remain in effect until May 31, 2027. This measure is part of the Odisha government's efforts to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their annual breeding and mass-nesting season.

Under the restriction, fishing activities will be prohibited within the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and adjoining coastal waters extending up to 20 km into the Bay of Bengal along the Kendrapada coast. The measure is aimed at providing a safe, peaceful and undisturbed environment for the marine turtles during their breeding, nesting and mass-nesting period.

The prohibition is being enforced under the provisions of the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Odisha Marine Fishing Rules, 1983, a senior official of the Rajnagar Mangrove Forest and Wildlife Division said.

To ensure effective implementation of the restriction, the Forest Department will launch awareness campaigns among fishing communities and seek their active cooperation in protecting and conserving the endangered species.

We will organise awareness campaigns among fishing communities to secure their cooperation in the protection and conservation of Olive Ridley turtles, the official said.

Recognised as the world's largest rookery of Olive Ridley sea turtles, Gahirmatha is one of the most important breeding and nesting habitats for the endangered marine species. Every year, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles congregate along the Odisha coast to undertake their spectacular mass-nesting phenomenon, known as 'Arribada', during which large numbers of female turtles come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.

To ensure a safe and undisturbed nesting environment, the Forest Department will work in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police and Fisheries Department.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda