Illegal fishing trawlers a threat to Olive Ridley turtles

Illegal fishing using mechanized trawlers in Orissa coast is posing a serious threat to the endangered Olive Ridley turtles visiting the state every year for mass nesting.

Illegal fishing using mechanized fishing trawlers from Andhra Pradesh came to light last week when a trawler was seized by forest personnel off the Ganjam coast near the mouth of Rushikulya river, divisional forest officer, Berhampur, A K Jena said.

Such fishing activities are still on despite a ban by authorities in several areas of the Orissa coast from November 1 to May 31 to ensure the safety of the giant turtles,he said.

Wildlife experts said several thousands of turtles perished in the sea due to fishing by mechanized trawlers. Four turtles were found dead at Ganjam coast recently…. Read Full Article