In the first mid-sea crackdown after enforcement of fishing ban since November 1, forest personnel have taken into custody seven sea-going fishermen on the charge of unlawful fishing activity along the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Odisha's Kendrapara district.
The interception was made near Babubali Island that falls under the marine sanctuary yesterday. The fishing vessel had trespassed into prohibited sanctuary corridor contravening the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act and mandatory rules of marine sanctuary, a forest official said.
After being arrested, the crew of the fishing vessel was produced in a local court and forwarded to jail custody for 14 days under Section 27 & 29 of the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act,1982, the officer said.
The state has clamped a seven-month-long ban on fishing activity from November 1 within Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in view of the commencement of mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
The prohibitory order would remain effective from November 1 to May 31 next year. The ban is being clamped in accordance with Sections 2, 7 and 4 of Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982 and provisions of Wildlife Protection Act,1972. 154 trawls and vessels were seized and 322 crews were arrested during ban clamped last time as vessels defied the OMFRA provisions and indulged in fishing along the prohibited water zones, they said.
"The prohibitory orders are being strictly enforced. Trawl operators have been cautioned not to venture into prohibited water zone. Any act of trespass will invite punitive measures," said Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division, B P Acharya.
The olive turtles have been sighted on sea-waters for mating. After the breeding season, the females are expected to lay eggs in February-March.
