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Bhubaneswar, India — The Forest Department has been invited to enter into a pact with the Indian Ocean - South East Asian Marine (IOSEA) Turtle MoU, an inter governmental agreement to which Government of India is a signatory.
Top officials of Forest Department who attended a meeting in this regard at New Delhi on Thursday sought to know if the agreement can address the issues of livelihood security of the fishermen who are victims of conservation.
The State representatives explained the inter governmental panel that a ban on fishing for about nine months a year has robbed the fishermen of their livelihood and led to serious resentment.
While guarding the long coast is a tough ask, cracking down on the fishermen without addressing their problem has clearly posed a problem for Olive Ridley turtle conservation.
Although there is no prohibition on traditional fishing methods, very few fisher folks use such practices these days since motorised vessels lead to a faster mobility and catch.
The IOSEA panel was also queried if there is any provision for compensating the fishermen if the State entered into the pact.
Similarly, questions over maintaining a harmony between development projects and marine turtle conservation was also raised. The Department is expected to take a call on the MoU shortly.
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