Paradip, Dec. 28: The state government has embraced age-old transistors to sensitise fishermen and crew members of fishing vessels to protect the endangered olive ridley sea turtles, who arrive in millions for their annual sojourn along the coast.

"As radios are still quite effective medium of entertainment and news dissemination at seaside villages, predominantly inhabited by marine fishermen communities, awareness on turtle conservation measures could reach out to these communities in a better manner," said principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) Sidhant Das.

"It has emerged as an effective tool to spread the message of protection of the threatened marine animals. That's why we have sent official request to the All India Radio authorities to broadcast turtles protection awareness message," Das said.

"Transistors have become a part of our culture and a tradition of sorts. Radio is still the main source of news for us. Fishermen communities rely more on radios for keeping weather updates. During voyages, transistors are a must. It entertains us besides keeping us informed about the weather. Awareness message on the protection of will be of immense help," said Ramalu Venkatesh, a seafaring fisherman from Paradip.

"Our village is not electrified. We depend on diesel generator sets to light up our houses. Authorities have branded our locality as an unauthorised settlement and refused to electrify our houses," Haripada Saha, a resident of Sandhakuda Colony near Paradip.

"Since watching television through generator-supplied power is a very expensive affair, radios are found in every households. We keep ourselves abreast of news and happenings through radio broadcasts," he said .

The state government agencies have sounded the turtle conservation bugle by clamping a prohibition from November 1 till May 31 on fishing activities within a 20km radius of the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary to ensure the safety of marine lives during their mating and breeding season.

"The meeting of a high-powered committee for the protection and conservation of olive ridley turtles was held in Bhubaneswar for strict enforcement of all conservation rules. The committee decided to spread awareness message through radios, besides organising meeting at seaside villages to sensitise people," Das said.

The turtle conservation measures are being carried out in a co-ordinated manner. The forest department, along with the marine fisheries and marine wing of the state police, are also involved in the drive.

The Coast Guard has also been requested to have real time intelligence sharing with the concerned departments about illegal fishing. Authorities of Paradip, Gopalpur and Dhamara have also been called upon to provide seaworthy vessels for patrolling in their respective coasts.

Emphasis is on to stop illegal fishing along the 20km radius of the sanctuary, so that the turtles do not get entangled in fishing nets and perish due to asphyxiation. The animals are also killed after being hit by propellers of the water vessels.