Kendrapara: Use of speed boats and trawlers for fishing despite restrictions has turned Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the nesting site of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles and other marine creatures into a death zone, a report said.
This apart, use of gillnetters in fishing, large scale encroachment of forest land, mushrooming of prawn gheries and frequent missile test from the nearby Abdul Kalam Island (formerly known as Wheeler Island) have also contributed to the death of various marine creatures.
Fish, whales, dolphins, and Olive Ridley turtles were seen dying at frequent intervals.
The illegal fishing goes on unabated despite regular patrolling by Marine police. The state of affairs has sparked concern among environmentalists and nature lovers.
Environmentalist Jagannath Dash said the state government declared 672 sq.km of Bhitarkanika as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 while the Union government accorded it the status of a national park for wild animals in 1988. The Gahirmatha sanctuary is to the east of Bhitarkanika.
The new found status proved a boon for the marine creatures and other wild animals. However, frequent deaths of wild animals and marine creatures raised concerns.
Gahirmatha is the world’s largest nesting ground for the Olive Ridley turtles. It extends from Dhamra river mouth in the north to Brahmani river mouth in the south. The Olive Ridley turtles travel thousands of miles every year to mate in Gahirmatha and lay eggs in the golden beaches.
Recently, three Irrawaddy dolphins were killed after being hit by fishing trawlers and their carcasses were found lying on the Pentha beach December 14. In January, the carcass of a 40-ft long dolphin was washed ashore. The frequent death of marine creatures was not seen earlier, Dash said.
Environmentalist Hemant Kumar Rout said marine creature gets attracted towards Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha due to its rich biodiversity. The state government has declared 20 km area from the beach as prohibited zone and banned entry of fishing trawlers and use of gillnets in the area.
This apart, special fishing ban comes into force from November 1 to May last due to the mass nesting by Olive Ridley turtles. However, all these restrictions have failed to deter illegal fishing in the area.
A 2018 census had estimated the presence of 307 dolphins in Gahirmatha but their numbers came down to 126 in another census in January 2019.
The rampant movement of fishing trawler has posed serious threat to lives of the marine creatures. Every year, hundreds of turtles are killed after being hit by fishing trawlers, another environmentalist Ashok Kumar Swain said.
Besides, frequent missile tests, encroachment of forest land in the sanctuary, regular release of toxic chemicals from prawn gheries have also contributed to the death of marine creatures.
When contacted, Debashis Bhoi, Gahirmatha range officer, said steps are being taken by the forest department to protect the marine sanctuary. At least 22 trawlers and speed boats have been seized and 137 persons arrested since November, he added.
PNN