Restriction on fishing trawlers to protect the environment during mating and nesting season of Olive Ridley turtles has increased the fish yield for traditional fishermen living near the Rushikulya rookery in Ganjam district of Odisha. Rushikulya is a major nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles on the Indian coast. Every year mechanised fishing is restricted in the sea near Rushikulya rookery from November 1 to May 31. Speaking to The Hindu, Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ashis Behera said that these restrictions have increased the presence of fish population near the Rushikulya coast over the past few years. Catch of tuna, kingfish and sardine has increased many folds in this region. Last year, this increased catch had even led to a tussle between fishermen of different villages, he said. Fishermen of Gokharkuda, Purunabandha and Podampeta are the biggest beneficiaries of the increased catch. They fish with small traditional boats that are now operated by small motors. Olive Ridleys have started to arrive near the Rushikulya coast for the mating season that starts in the second week of December. Sporadic mating of these turtles is also being seen in the sea near this coast. To protect them from fishing trawlers, the forest department has started patrolling the sea with the help of two speed boats and one trawler. In December another trawler would join them. Berhampur forest division has sent a proposal to the government seeking a well-equipped vessel for patrolling under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP). We want a vessel that can carry more personnel and remain on sea for several days to enhance security for the endangered Olive Ridleys, said the DFO.