Unlawful sea-fishing and infiltration into the prohibited Gahirmatha marine sanctuary has been curbed, thanks to the increased sea-route vigil by coastal security agencies. “The unlawful sea-fishing has considerably come down with the commencement of mass nesting season this year. Though patrolling has been beefed up, awareness among the fishermen not to go for fishing by infringing the law seems to have developed,” said Paradip coast guard commandant Ashis. Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) divisional forest officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya said: “Since past one week, not a solitary case of trawler intrusion has been detected. The coast guard’s security patrolling has invigorated the olive ridley turtle conservation drive. The joint patrolling by the forest, state marine police and the marine fisheries is going well because of coast guard ship’s strong presence.” Ban on sea-fishing remains in force within 20-km-long marine sanctuary to ensure the turtles’ safety, said Paradip additional fisheries (marine) officer Bharat Chandra Sahoo. As is the practice, the state government in a bid to curb high mortality of these marine species has prohibited fishing activity within a seaward radius of 20km from the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary from November 1 till May 31 in accordance with provisions of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982. There has also been an increase in awareness level among the fishermen communities, said forest officials. Tractor seized A tractor, which was carrying sand, illegally mined from Luna riverbed in Garadpur of Kendrapara district, was seized on Monday by local tehshil officials. The sand-laden tractor was covered with tarpaulin and dust to give an impression that it was carrying construction debris. The tractor was seized and the owner was imposed with penalty on illegal transportation of sand to ensure safety of riverbed and the embankments, said an official.