Test of Philippines
In 1995, the Philippines had noticed strange Chinese military structures coming up on Mischief Reef in its Spratly Islands.
The Forest Department personnel have taken into custody seven sea-going fishermen for trespassing into the prohibited Gahirmatha marine sanctuary.
The fishing trawl used by the intruders was also seized by the patrolling unit engaged by the Forest Department near Barunei coast. Nearly 12 quintals sea fish, 15 nets besides two GPS devices were seized from them.
Prohibition on sea fishing remains enforced round the year within the marine sanctuary limits. However, the sea patrolling is stepped up within Gahirmatha marine sanctuary water territory during November-May every year in view of the annual mass nesting season of endangered Olive Ridley Sea turtles.
Advertisement
The arrested fishermen are natives of fishing villages in Kendrapara and Balasore districts, said officials. They were booked under Sections 27 and 29 of the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, said forest officials.
It is unlawful to fish in the marine sanctuary throughout the year. Fishermen have been sensitized on the restrictions imposed on human activities in the marine sanctuary, said Manas Das, Gahirmatha Forest Range officer.
Advertisement
