Ganjam: The breeding season of Olive Ridley sea turtles began in Rushikulya River mouth in Odisha's Ganjam district.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the forest department for breeding season of the endangered species by announcing 10-15 km area on the sea from Puruna Bandha upto Prayagi as prohibited area.

The forest department has formed 10 teams for monitoring illegal fishing in the area.

Sources said that large numbers of sea turtles have arrived at the beach for mating. The process will continue till first week of January.