The forest department has stepped up efforts to protect the endangered olive ridley turtles presently mating in the coastal waters. The number of onshore turtle protection camps in Ganjam has been increased to 11 from 10 last time. “We have also intensified patrolling along the coast. A speed boat and a trawler have been stationed at Markandi village to keep an eye on rogue fishing vessels. “The number of turtle casualties this time have been minimal so far. There have been just 48 deaths since the beginning of November,” said Ganjam divisional forest officer A.K. Behera. The officer said the department had also set up eight hatcheries to ensure that turtle eggs were not destroyed under any circumstances. Sources said efforts were also being made to sensitise fishermen to adopt measures for ensuring the turtles’ safety. Sensitising the fishermen living along the coast is considered necessary as most of the turtle casualties are caused by fishing trawlers. The number of turtle deaths has shown a declining trend in the past two years because of such initiatives. Sources said that while 153 olive ridley turtles were found dead along the Ganjam coast in 2016-17, around 175 dead turtles had been spotted in the 40-km-long coast in 2015-16. The number of casualties is expected to come down further this time. During the turtle breeding and nesting period, the state government imposes a ban on sea fishing in the sensitive areas. The no-fishing zone stretches up to 20km from the coast. The fisheries department also keeps a close watch on the movement of boats and other vessels in the sea during this period. However, traditional fishermen have been protesting against the prohibition on fishing to protect the turtles as it affects their livelihood. “The ban is irrational and should be reviewed immediately. What is worse the affected fishermen are yet to get adequate compensation for the losses they sustain during this period,” said Odisha Matsyajivi Forum president Narayan Haldar. The state government officials refused to comment on the issue.