PARADIP: Around 80 Olive Ridley turtles were found dead near Jatadhari river mouth on Paradip beach recently. The turtles were found floating off the Paradip coast which is close to Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the biggest rookery for Olive Ridley sea turtles.
Sources said illegal mechanised fishing activities pose a serious threat to the endangered Olive Ridley turtle on Paradip coast. Despite vigil by Coast Guard, turtle mortality continues.
Meanwhile, marine police, forest officials and Coast Guard conducted raids and seized around 10 illegal trawlers. Fishermen were also arrested from these trawlers.