Bhubaneswar, Nov. 4 -- Lakhs of Olive Ridley turtles are expected to arrive at Gahirmatha, Odisha's only marine sanctuary located in Kendrapara, for their annual mass nesting season. However, illegal fishing by trawlers in the protected zone continues to pose a threat to the turtles, with thousands reportedly dying after getting caught in fishing nets.

The turtles travel thousands of miles to reach Gahirmatha, where they gather on the sandy shores to lay eggs before returning to the sea.

Environmentalists have raised concerns over the repeated entry of fishing trawlers into the prohibited area and the need for stronger protection during the nesting season.

Fishing by mechanised boats is prohibited from November 1 to May 31 within 20 km...