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The Odisha Forest Department apprehended 17 fishermen from Balasore district and seized their trawler for illegally fishing within the turtle congregation zone of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. The arrest and seizure occurred on Sunday during a forest patrol, said Assistant Conservator of Forest Manas Das.

The fishermen, traditional marine fishers, were remanded to judicial custody for violating the Wildlife Protection Act, Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation, and mandatory marine sanctuary rules. “The vessel had trespassed into prohibited sanctuary corridors, contravening laws designed to protect endangered Olive Ridley turtles,” added Das.

Since the enforcement of the seasonal fishing ban on November 1, aimed at safeguarding the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles, the Forest Department has arrested over 100 fishermen and seized 17 vessels for similar offenses. The seven-month trawler fishing ban along a 20-km stretch from the Dhamara-Devi river mouth remains in effect to ensure the safety of these vulnerable marine creatures.

Gahirmatha, a year-round marine sanctuary, is a critical nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, listed as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act due to their threatened status. The turtles face significant risks from fishing activities, including entanglement in nets leading to asphyxiation and collisions with fast-moving trawler propellers.

In May 2024, more than 300,000 Olive Ridley turtles arrived for mass nesting at Gahirmatha. Female turtles crawl onto the sandy beaches, dig pits, and lay millions of eggs during this annual event, crucial for their survival.

Forest officials emphasized their commitment to enforcing stringent measures to protect these iconic species and their habitats.

Source: Hans India

Four final-year B.Sc. students from Dr. Lankapalli Bullaya College have been selected for a prestigious 10-day fellowship tour in the United States for their innovative project on restoring the city’s coastal ecosystem through seagrass cultivation. The students—T. Harshitha, A. Tejaambik, M. Ashwini, and J. Karthikeya Narayana—developed the project as part of the Climate Tank Accelerator competition, which included participants from five South Asian countries.

Their project, titled “Pioneering Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Restoring Seagrass Meadows in Visakhapatnam Coast,” emphasizes the ecological significance of seagrass. The initiative has earned them a $1,000 reward and the honor of representing India on an international platform. Faculty guide B. Madhavi, along with support from the college management, played a key role in mentoring the students.

Restoring Coastal Ecosystems

Seagrasses, often called the “lungs of the ocean,” are vital blue carbon ecosystems known for absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide, stabilizing coastal sediments, and supporting marine biodiversity. Recognizing their importance, the team focused on restoring seagrass meadows along the Visakhapatnam coast.

The students selected two seagrass species, Halophila Ovalis and Halodule Pinifolia, from the Chilika Lagoon in Odisha, which accounts for 33% of India’s seagrass area according to the Chilika Development Authority’s annual survey. These species were successfully transplanted to Mangamaripeta Beach between Vizag and Bheemili.

Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action

The project went beyond restoration, involving community awareness campaigns, art exhibitions, and educational events to highlight the ecological role of seagrass. “Our art exhibition combined creativity and science to educate the public about the importance of seagrass ecosystems,” said Ms. Ashwini.

The team also presented their findings at the National Conference on Recent Advances in Biological Sciences in Hyderabad, garnering recognition within the scientific community.

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather, tight academic schedules, and examinations, the team remained resolute in their mission. “Winning this competition and representing India internationally is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for our team,” said team leader Ms. Harshitha during an interaction with The Hindu.

Support and Recognition

Faculty guide Ms. Madhavi highlighted the unwavering support from the U.S. competition organizers, college correspondent G. Madhu Kumar, and Principal G.S.K. Chakravarty. Efforts are underway to bring the students’ achievement to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Mann Ki Baat program.

This accomplishment not only underscores the potential of young minds in addressing environmental challenges but also brings global attention to the importance of conserving blue carbon ecosystems.

A large number of dead fish were discovered floating in the Pavana River near Kejubai bund on Thursday, raising alarm over water pollution in the region. Environmental activists criticized civic authorities for ignoring reports of “toxic foam” in the river over the past three days.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has ruled out chemical contamination as the primary cause of the fish deaths. According to MPCB officials, the deaths were likely due to a significant drop in dissolved oxygen levels caused by stagnant water in the river stretch.

For the past month, the irrigation department had halted water releases from Ravet bund to Kejubai bund, leaving the water stagnant. When fresh water was released from the Pavana Dam, it mixed with the stagnant water, creating foam as it cascaded down the height at Kejubai bund.

The MPCB has collected water samples for analysis. Initial findings suggest no chemical contamination; however, the board is examining whether detergents from nearby dry cleaning units contributed to the foam.

Nilesh Pingale, from the Thergaon Social Foundation, who first reported the incident to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), expressed frustration over the authorities’ inaction despite repeated complaints. “Many drainage lines are directly connected to the river without treatment, causing toxic foam and endangering aquatic life,” Pingale told Pune Pulse.

The PCMC stated that its jurisdictional checks found no immediate cause for the pollution and has requested the MPCB to continue the investigation.

As the MPCB conducts its detailed analysis, environmentalists and residents are urging immediate measures to prevent further ecological damage and ensure the safety of the river’s aquatic ecosystem.

Source: Pune pulse

The three-day 15th Odisha Environment Congress commenced on Thursday at Berhampur University, centering on the theme “Environment & Coast.” The event highlights the pressing need for sustainable coastal conservation and development in the region.

Inaugural Session Focuses on Coastal Conservation

The inaugural session, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Geetanjali Dash, emphasized sustainable strategies for protecting and managing coastal ecosystems. Renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh, a recipient of the Magsaysay Award and Stockholm Water Prize, inaugurated the event by planting a sapling. Singh underscored the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems to safeguard coastal biodiversity.

Participation from Leading Environmentalists

The event witnessed the presence of notable environmentalists and experts. Dr. P. Chandramohan, director of Indomer Coastal Hydraulic and former senior scientist at NIO Goa, shed light on Odisha’s unique coastal features. During the session, conference proceedings were formally released, and Prof. S. K. Palita, Dean of SBCNR, Central University of Odisha, provided a comprehensive overview of the discussions.

Technical Sessions Dive into Coastal Issues

The opening day included two technical sessions:

• Coastal Ecosystems and Biodiversity
• Coastal Natural Resources, Livelihood, and Economy

These sessions were chaired by Prof. S. P. Adhikary and Dr. S. N. Patro, bringing forth critical discussions on conserving coastal ecosystems while balancing economic development.

The congress continues over the next two days, fostering dialogue on environmental sustainability and coastal resilience in Odisha.

Parvathipuram manyam District Collector Shyam Prasad emphasized the need for fish producers in the district to achieve economic growth. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a training program on forming fish farmers’ producer organizations was conducted at the Collectorate on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Collector stressed the importance of enhancing fisheries in the district, which currently generates an annual income of only ₹194 crores. He noted that around 96,000 people are directly or indirectly dependent on fisheries. He directed District Fisheries Officer (DFO) Vemula Tirupatiah to address any misconceptions or doubts among fish farmers regarding aquaculture practices.

The district has approximately 1,800 ponds within its panchayats, which should be optimally utilized for fish farming. The Collector instructed the DFO to ensure the distribution of fish seeds by November each year. He also informed that the PMMSY scheme will conclude by March 31, 2025, and that the central government has sanctioned ₹2.5 lakh in the first phase for forming producer organizations.

Fish producers requested Bolero vehicles for fish transportation, to which the Collector assured consideration and necessary action. He highlighted that while there are around 2 lakh fishermen listed in the village secretariat records, active and accessible members should be included in the organization to ensure effective functioning.

The event was attended by District Fisheries Officer Vemula Tirupatiah, prominent industrialist and Fisheries State Coordinator K. Gangadhar, DRDA APM Bharti, and others.

The Union government has approved the construction of a fishing harbour at Kothapatnam, near Ongole, with a budget of ₹400 crore. The project will commence as soon as the state government provides the required 40 acres of land.

This harbour has been a long-standing aspiration of the fishermen in Prakasam district, who have faced recurring challenges due to cyclones and lack of proper infrastructure. Fishermen often suffered losses as they had to sell their catch at lower prices in other regions or deal with damages to their boats during adverse weather conditions.

The demand for a harbour at Kothapatnam or Vadarevu has been raised consistently over the years. Responding to these requests, the state government initiated steps in 2017 to establish marine infrastructure projects, following a consultant’s Rapid Need Assessment and Pre-Feasibility Study.

The study recommended comprehensive facilities at Kothapatnam, including a breakwater, quay, fish handling and auction halls, fishermen gear sheds, net mending sheds, toilets, boat repair yards, and parking areas. These facilities aim to enhance safety and efficiency for the fishing community.

Despite discussions and public hearings in 2020, the plans for harbours at Kothapatnam and Vodarevu failed to progress significantly. However, with the Union government’s recent approval, hopes are now renewed for better infrastructure to support the fishermen.

The project is expected to boost the livelihoods of the local fishing community, improve safety measures, and streamline the handling and sale of fish products in the region.

The fisheries sector in Visakhapatnam is gearing up to implement a district-wide ban on single-use plastics starting January 1, 2025. This initiative, supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), aims to protect the marine ecosystem and promote sustainable fishing practices.

1. Lakshmana Rao, Joint Director of Fisheries, held a meeting on Wednesday with boat owners, fish traders, and other stakeholders to discuss the importance of eliminating single-use plastics. The meeting, conducted under the directives of Vizag District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, emphasized the collective responsibility of the fishing community to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Key Measures Announced

• A special team, led by the Assistant Director of Fisheries, has been formed to monitor and enforce the ban across fishing boats, harbours, markets, and landing areas.
• Awareness programs will be conducted to educate stakeholders on the harmful effects of plastics.
• Alternative solutions and sustainable practices will be encouraged to replace plastic use in the fisheries sector.

Environmental Impact Highlighted
WWF representative Honey outlined the severe consequences of plastic pollution on marine life and human health, urging immediate action. Supporting this, fisheries development officer D. Muraligaru and other WWF representatives Ratnam and Honey shared insights on sustainable practices.

Community Participation
Prominent boat owners, including Veerraju, Nagaraju, and Balaji, along with fisherwomen and traders, pledged their support to make this initiative a success. The move is expected to significantly reduce plastic waste in the region, contributing to healthier marine ecosystems and improved livelihoods for the fishing community.

This comprehensive ban marks a significant step toward environmental conservation and sustainable fisheries management in Visakhapatnam.

The Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing has urged the government to ensure that all fishermen across India are registered to avail the benefits of various schemes and policies effectively. The Committee emphasized that comprehensive registration will enable the government to design and implement targeted policies for the fisheries sector more efficiently.

In its third report tabled in Parliament on December 17, the Committee highlighted that out of the 2.8 crore fishers, fish farmers, and other stakeholders in the fisheries value chain, only 8.60 lakh—comprising 8.56 lakh individuals and 3,393 organizations—are registered under the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP).

To address this gap, the Committee recommended proactive measures by the Department of Fisheries to identify and register the remaining unregistered fishermen. “The Department should devise effective initiatives to ensure no stakeholder is left out of the benefits provided by the government,” the report stated.

The report also flagged concerns over under-utilization of funds allocated for the Centrally Sponsored Scheme component of the Department of Fisheries. The Committee noted a declining trend in expenditure since 2021-22, even at the Revised Estimates (RE) stage, pointing to gaps in planning and assessment.

One such instance involved publicity expenditures under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). While the allocated budgets of ₹1 crore in 2020-21 and ₹2.4 crore in 2021-22 were fully utilized, the report revealed a significant shortfall in subsequent years. Out of ₹8 crore allocated in 2022-23, only ₹46.37 lakh was spent, and similarly, ₹50 lakh out of ₹8.51 crore allocated in 2023-24 was utilized.

The Committee called for more effective planning and better utilization of allocated resources to ensure the growth and welfare of the fisheries sector.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine

The Kerala State Coastal Development Corporation and Ernst & Young have joined hands to establish an oceanarium and a marine biological museum in Kollam. The ₹300-crore project, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kerala, aims to promote marine science research, biodiversity conservation, and tourism, boosting the state’s economy and global recognition in marine tourism.

The decision was finalized during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on Tuesday. The project will follow a public-private partnership model, with the State Budget allocating ₹10 crore for its initial phase. Suggestions and feedback from people’s representatives will shape the project’s future course.

Key features of the proposed oceanarium include a fish pavilion, touch tanks, theme galleries, tunnel oceanarium, amphitheater, souvenir shops, multimedia theatre, marine biology lab, display zones, and a cafeteria. The initiative will also highlight Kerala’s rich maritime heritage and biodiversity while promoting environmental protection and scientific research.

At the same meeting, a ₹5-crore project for the construction of ‘Kallumala Square’ near Cantonment Maidan in Kollam was also discussed. The Coastal Development Corporation will soon submit this proposal for administrative approval. Additionally, initial discussions were held for the ₹10-crore renovation of Kollam beach. Architects involved in the Kozhikode beach project shared insights on creating attractive facilities with minimal new constructions.

The meeting was attended by MLAs M. Noushad and M. Mukesh, Kollam Mayor Prasanna Ernest, Deputy Mayor Kollam Madhu, District Collector N. Devidas, and officials from various departments. Discussions also covered the construction of groynes to prevent coastal erosion, ensuring the holistic development of Kollam’s coastal region.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has upgraded its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to a more advanced version, SARAT 2, to bolster the effectiveness of maritime rescue operations. Originally launched in 2016, SARAT has been a key resource for Indian agencies, including the Coast Guard, by providing accurate drift predictions for missing objects at sea.

Key Features of SARAT 2:
The upgraded tool offers:

• Enhanced Visuals: High-resolution, colour-coded search maps to quickly identify high-probability zones.
• Customization: Selection from 60 object types for tailored search operations.
• Accurate Drift Modeling: Incorporates advanced data on ocean currents, wind, and wave patterns to predict object drift.

Operational Impact:
SARAT 2 optimizes rescue missions by narrowing search areas, enabling quicker and more focused operations. By using environmental data and object-specific modeling, the tool ensures efficient use of resources and faster rescues, saving lives and reducing costs.

SARAT’s Background:
Introduced in 2016, SARAT was developed to assist in maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations. It uses environmental variables such as wind, currents, and waves to predict the movement of missing objects. SARAT 2 builds upon this foundation, integrating user feedback and technological advancements to improve accuracy and reliability.

SARAT’s Role in Indian SAR Operations:
As an indispensable tool, SARAT has strengthened the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and other SAR agencies. It enhances operational efficiency by identifying the most probable search zones, making rescues faster and more effective.

Why It Matters:
This upgrade aligns with INCOIS’s mission to advance oceanographic tools under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, contributing to safer and more reliable maritime activities in India.