Odisha forest officials have seized two fishing trawlers from Andhra Pradesh for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing activities near the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district, an official said on Friday.
The seizure occurred due to the violation of the state’s seven-month seasonal fishing ban.
The trawlers, containing over 70 kg of fish, were intercepted during a joint patrolling operation conducted by forest staff, police, and fishery personnel.
Eight fishermen were detained and subsequently handed over to the Marine Fisheries Department for legal action.
The Andhra Pradesh fishermen were found operating within the 20 km prohibited zone of the coast, informed Dibya Shankar Behera, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Khallikote.
The seasonal ban, which runs from November 1 to May 31, is imposed by the state government specifically to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their critical breeding and mating season.
The restrictions apply to the coastal areas near the Rushikulya, Dhamra, and Devi river mouths.
“After thorough verification, we have handed over the seized items along with the detained fishermen to the fishery department to take action,” Behera said.
“We have registered a case against the fishermen under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982,” said Devadutta Mohanty, assistant fishery officer, Ganjam.
Rushikulya is recognized as one of the major rookeries globally, where thousands of Olive Ridley turtles visit annually for mass nesting (Arribada).
