Kendrapara, Nov 21: A forest patrol team from the Barunei Forest Section in Kendrapara conducted a midnight raid and arrested eight fishermen for illegally fishing in the restricted zone of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, which is home to the world's largest rookery of Olive Ridley sea turtles.

The forest department has implemented a seven-month annual fishing ban to protect turtle nesting, which runs from November 1 to May 31. During the raid, the team seized 11 large fishing nets, one GPS device, two VHF communication sets, and a country boat from the offenders. Additionally, around 14 quintals of fish caught in the prohibited waters off the sanctuary were confiscated.

The fishing ban is enforced strictly every year within Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary to safeguard the nesting and hatching of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, whose annual nesting season is a critical time for their survival.

This recent operation brings the total number of fishermen arrested for violating the sanctuary's fishing ban to approximately 120, according to forest officials.

To ensure the continued protection of the sanctuary, both sea and land patrols will remain active throughout the nesting season, with support from the Coast Guard and Marine Police, officials said.