Bhubaneswar: A forest team arrested 19 fishermen for illegally fishing in the Gahiramatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara, a protected area and the world’s largest rookery of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.

The Ekakula and Barunei Sections forest team conducted a raid during patrolling near Mahakalpada and seized two fishing trawlers, 18 fishing nets, two GPRS devices, three VHF sets, and a fish finder. Over 6 quintals of fish were also confiscated.

Gahirmatha has been declared a no-fishing zone during the turtle nesting season, and authorities are taking strict action against those violating the ban. The arrested fishermen will face charges under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Tags: Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary Kendrapara turtle nesting

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