Bhubaneswar: The state government has decided to set up a Sea Turtle Research Centre along the coast of Gahirmatha or Rusikulya taking into consideration tourist potential and research prospects.
The decision to further protect and conduct research on Olive Ridley was taken at a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here Wednesday.
As the nesting season begins next month, the state administration is getting ready for protection and conservation operations of Olive Ridley sea turtles. Reviewing the steps taken so far in this direction, Padhi directed the departments of fishery, forest and marine police to operate in close coordination and ensure strict enforcement of conservation rules.
Like last year, the operation to ensure protection of the turtles would start from November 1, 2017 and continue till May 2018.
The coast guard has been instructed to have real time intelligence sharing with the departments about any illegal fishing. Dhamara, Gopalpur and Paradip port trusts have been requested to provide sea worthy vessels for patrolling their respective coasts.
Padhi directed the concerned departments not to unnecessarily harass the genuine and traditional fishermen and apprehend the real criminals who cause damage to the life of turtles. It was also decided to extend some livelihood support programme for the fishermen during the ban period. The Chief Secretary directed the marine police to provide necessary support for sea patrolling during the season.
Sandeep Tripathy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Wildlife, said: “Last year (2016-17) around 9.75 lakh Olive Ridley had emerged from the sea to lay eggs along Orissa coast. Coordination mechanism among the concerned departments like coast guard, naval wing, fisheries and animal resource department, police, various port authorities, community- based organizations and forest and environment department was worked out at the meeting.”
A central monitoring unit would be set up in the office of the PCCF, Wildlife, for taking up awareness activities, Tripathy said.
There would be circle-level monitoring mechanisms under the direct supervision of Regional Conservator of Forests (RCCF), Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and Baripada. They would coordinate with other law enforcing agencies and involve local NGOs in the activities, he added.
Berthing places would be set up at Barunei, Gupti, Sasanapeta and Krushnapriyapur for safe custody of the seized vessels. There would be around 62 on-shore and off-shore camps. Each camp would be provided with VHF communication devices, mobile phones and required camping materials.
There will be regular communication and intelligence sharing among coast guard, patrolling ship, and various camps and marine police. It has been decided to deploy APR force for patrolling and enforcement activities. District collectors would depute magistrates to remain in charge of APR force placed at the disposal of DFOs, official sources said.
Industries and ports along the coast have been requested to comply with the lighting regulations. A web portalmanage.odishawildlife.org has already been developed for monitoring sporadic nesting.
Soon after mass nesting, the rookeries would be fenced to protect the nests and eggs. Patrolling along with watch and ward staff would be further strengthened, the officials said.
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