Odisha government clamped a seven-month-long prohibition on sea fishing activity from Wednesday within 20 km of the coast at the mouths of rivers Dhamara, Devi and Rusikulya to ensure the safety of marine animals like Olive Ridley turtles during their mating and breeding season.

The measure, which is taken every year, will remain in force from November 1 to May 31 in accordance with the provisions of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982 and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, a forest department official said.