Rajanagar: Forest officials seized a trawler and arrested 19 persons for allegedly fishing illegally inside the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary near Agarnasi, authorities said Saturday.
The patrol team intercepted the trawler Maa Kalijai, reportedly operating from Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts, while it was engaged in unlawful fishing activities within restricted waters.
The team seized the vessel along with 13.5 quintals of fish catch and equipment, including one GPS device, two VHF sets, and various types of nets.
The operation was conducted under the direction of ACF Manas Kumar Das and led by Gahirmatha range officer Kapilendra Pradhan and forest guard Niranjan Mandal.
Forest officials said intensified patrolling is underway to curb illegal fishing activities in the protected marine zone, home to the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
