Rajnagar: The Forest Department has seized a fishing trawler and arrested eight fishermen for illegally fishing in the prohibited zone of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary near Babubali Island.
The trawler, reportedly from the Dhamra area, was intercepted by a forest patrol team led by Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary Ranger Chitrasen Jena while it was fishing illegally in the restricted waters.
The operation was carried out as part of measures to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles ahead of their annual nesting season.
The department also seized the fish, GPS equipment, fishing nets and other materials found aboard the trawler, Ranger Jena said.
Fishing has been completely prohibited in the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary from November 1 until the end of May next year to ensure a safe breeding and nesting environment for Olive Ridley turtles.
The ban will remain in force for seven months, with provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, being strictly enforced.
