Bhubaneswar: Traditional fishermen have raised concerns over restrictions imposed by the state government on sea fishing to protect the endangered olive ridley turtles.

Fishing community leaders have sought enhancement of the compensation amount being offered to affected fishermen, while demanding revision and rationalisation of the government's prohibitory move.

The seven-month ban clamped on November 1 is enforced up to 20km from the shoreline, affecting the livelihood of around 30,000 fishermen in the state's coastal districts, especially Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur.

Odisha Matsyajivi Forum president Narayan Haldar described the ban as illogical, stating that the traditional fishermen used small boats incapable of venturing far into the sea. "The government should reconsider the ban and reduce the area where fishing is proscribed," he said.

The Odisha Traditional Fish Workers' Union, an umbrella organisation of the traditional fishermen, has also been protesting against the restrictions. They claimed that this practice was irrational and prejudicial to their interests. Union general secretary K. Alleya said the ban needed to be rationalised.

The seven-month ban on fishing from November is an addition to the routine ban every April and May during the breeding season of fish. Besides, the fishermen are not allowed to enter the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara round the year as part of the government's turtle protection measures.

Sources said that despite the government deciding to provide Rs 5,000 to the families affected by the fishing ban as compensation, Haldar called it too little. "Not only is the amount too little, it is provided to a limited number of families at Rajnagar and Mahakalpada areas in Kendrapara."

Sources said the fishermen, both big and small, regularly violated the ban as it posed a threat to their livelihood. There have also been instances of fishermen committing suicide because of the ban.

On the other hand, the forest department has stepped up efforts to protect the endangered olive ridley turtles by setting up onshore protection camps. A forest official said the number of turtle casualties had been vastly reduced this time as a result of enhanced vigil.