Kendrapara, Jan. 13: Forest officials have intercepted as many as 11 fishermen for allegedly fishing in the Gahirmatha wildlife sanctuary on Thursday.

Besides, two boats with other fishing tools have been seized in this connection.

Sources said the core area of the Gahirmatha sanctuary has been banned for fishing due to the breeding of the Olive Red-Ridley turtles.

Flouting the ban order,11 fishermen from the Mahakalapada area with two boats namely, Om Maa Mangala and  Maa Shantilata were illegally fishing in the sea.

Being informed, Range officer Debashis Bhoi and his team intercepted the boats and arrested the fishermen under different Sections of the Wildlife Act.