Bhubaneswar: The Forest Department has announced a fishing ban in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, home to the world’s largest sea turtle rookery, from November 1 to May 31 to protect the endangered marine species.

Fishermen have been directed not to go fishing within 20 km of the coastline in the sanctuary areas, which cover 1,435 sq km from Hukitola to Dhamra. ADVERTISEMENT

The sanctuary in Kendrapada district is a prime feeding area for sea turtles that nest all the way up to Nasi-1 and Nasi-2 islands within Gahirmatha beach and other areas. The turtles arrive in November for mating in the sea and lay eggs in March.

The department has set up 14 turtle protection camps, including four offshore ones at Madali, Sasanipada, Ekakula and Babubali islands. “We have deployed four patrolling boa

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