In a mid-sea surveillance, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary personnel on Monday intercepted five mechanised fishing boats and arrested 30 fishermen for unauthorisedly catching fish at the ‘No Fishing Zone’ near Madali Mouth.
Ranger Debashis Bhoi said the seized mechanised fishing boats have been identified as Maa Parvati -200, Maa Sabitri -1, Ananda, Maa Ramachandini-132 and Maa Tarini Amachandini-161. The forest personnel also seized about 74 kg of fish catch and fishing equipment from the arrestees' possession, informed Bhoi.The 30 fishermen were booked under Section 27,29,31 of Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972 and punishable under Section 51 of the said Act. They were to be produced before the JMFC Court, Rajnagar, said Bhoi.
This is the second seizure since the Forest and Marine Fishery Department imposed a ban on trawler fishing.