Kendrapada, June 16: Several fishing jetties in the district abuzz with activities after the government lifted the ban on fishing outside 20 KM of the Gahirmatha Marine sanctuary after a gap of six and half months on Wednesday.
The state fishery (marine) department had imposed a ban on fishing from November 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022, to protect the endangered Olive Ridley Sea turtles at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.
The ban was imposed as per the provisions of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982 and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982 and Orissa Marine Fishing Rules, 1983.
After the ban was lifted, the mechanized boat and trawler owners worshipped their boats and sea God, Baruna on the auspicious Raja Sankranti on Wednesday and later ventured into the sea for fishing said Tushar Sardar, the Secretary of Maa Ramchandi boat Owner’s Association, Kharanashi.
More than 25 to 30 fishing vessels ventured into the sea on the first day of lifting of the fishing ban.
The fishermen community were asked to carry their registration certificate, license of the mechanized boat or trawler and the marine fishery identity card(biometric identity card) while venturing into the sea for fishing.
The authorities also asked the fishermen, who possessed Distress Alert Transmitters (DATs) to take it with them and to keep a close eye on suspicious vessels.
They are asked to inform the authorities when they noticed any suspicious movement of ships.
