20 Fishermen Arrested in Odisha's Gahirmatha for Illegal Fishing in Turtle Habitat

• Odisha forest officials arrested 20 fishermen, including eight from West Bengal, for illegal fishing.
• The arrests occurred in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, Kendrapara district, a critical turtle congregation zone.
• Two trawlers were seized, and the accused were booked under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The vessels trespassed into prohibited sanctuary corridors, violating marine fishing regulations.
• Around 365 fishermen have been arrested to date as patrolling intensifies to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles.

Why It Matters: 20 fishermen nabbed in Odisha's Gahirmatha sanctuary for illegal fishing, protecting Olive Ridley turtles.