Seven-Month Fishing Ban Imposed to Protect Olive Ridley Turtles in Gahirmatha

A seven-month fishing ban has come into effect in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary of Odisha’s Kendrapada district from November 1 to May 31 to safeguard endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their annual mating and nesting season. The sanctuary, part of India’s richest marine biodiversity zones, witnesses the arrival of thousands of turtles each year along its pristine coastlines.

Conservation Measures and Patrolling Efforts

The forest department has established 14 turtle protection camps, including four offshore ones at Madali, Sasanipada, Ekakula, and Babubali islands. Four patrolling boats have been deployed to prevent illegal fishing and protect the turtles. Marine police units from Jamboo, Talachua, and Tantiapala in Kendrapada, as well as the Coast Guard in Paradip, will assist forest personnel in enforcing the ban. Authorities have prohibited marine fishing within 20 km of the sanctuary’s 1,435 sq km coastline stretching from Hukitola to Dhamra.

Ensuring Safe Nesting and Hatchling Seasons

According to forest officials, the Olive Ridleys will begin arriving in November for mating, with egg-laying expected in March. To prevent accidental turtle deaths, all trawlers are mandated to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) — specially designed escape hatches that allow trapped turtles to swim out of fishing nets. The department has also demarcated sanctuary boundaries with 14 buoys for better surveillance and navigation safety.

Ecological Significance of Gahirmatha Sanctuary

Declared a marine sanctuary in 1997, Gahirmatha is considered the world’s largest rookery of Olive Ridley turtles. Every winter, lakhs of these marine reptiles gather along its shores for mass nesting. Earlier this year, over 6 lakh turtles laid eggs between March 5 and 10 across multiple islands. Odisha alone hosts about 50% of the global Olive Ridley population and nearly 90% of India’s sea turtles, making conservation efforts in Gahirmatha globally significant.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Fishing is banned in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary from November 1 to May 31.
• The sanctuary covers 1,435 sq km from Hukitola to Dhamra in Kendrapada district.
• Declared a marine sanctuary in 1997, it is the world’s largest Olive Ridley rookery.
• Over 606,000 turtles laid eggs in Gahirmatha in March 2025.

Balancing Livelihoods and Conservation

While the ban affects local fishing communities, authorities emphasise that the measure is temporary and vital for species survival. Conservationists have urged continued cooperation from fishermen, stressing that sustainable practices will help maintain both ecological balance and future livelihoods. The Gahirmatha model continues to serve as a benchmark for marine wildlife protection across India’s coastal regions.