Image Source: CMFRI (Representative image- Whale shark)

An interactive workshop on Monday will bring together key stakeholders involved in fisheries management, trade regulation, biodiversity conservation, and enforcement

In line with the World Shark Awareness Day on July 14, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is set to foster collaborative response across policy, science and enforcement for shark conservation in India. With this objective, CMFRI will host an interactive workshop and panel discussion on Monday which will bring together key stakeholders involved in fisheries management, trade regulation, biodiversity conservation, and enforcement.

Officials from state fisheries and wildlife departments, customs, coast guard, navy and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau along with representatives of exporters, and various NGO will facilitate inter-agency dialogue to improve compliance and on-ground enforcement.

The workshop assumes greater significance in the wake of India’s recent expansion of the list of sharks and rays protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The sessions will highlight the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems and the increasing threats they face.

The meet is aimed to enhance awareness on updated legal landscape for shark conservation, build capacity for species identification, share information for Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) assessments, and evolve best practices for elasmobranch trade monitoring.

Awareness about the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) listed species and capacity building among implementing agencies and trading stakeholders are critical in amplifying the conservation measures, said Dr Shoba Joe Kizhakudan, Head of Finfish Fisheries Division of CMFRI.

“The CITES plays a vital role in regulating international trade to ensure it does not threaten the survival of listed species. Over 40 shark and ray species are now listed across CITES Appendices, necessitating science-based NDFs for export permits”, she said.

NDFs are science-based assessments certifying that proposed exports will not be detrimental to the survival of a species. India’s recent amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, have added multiple shark and ray species to Schedules I and II, strengthening domestic protections and aligning with CITES obligations, she added.

CGST & Customs Chief Commissioner Shaik Khader Rahman IRS has inaugurated the workshop at 9.30 am. CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George shall preside over the meet. Dignitaries including Union Fisheries Joint Secretary Neetu Kumari Prasad IAS and Forests and Social Forestry Conservator Indhu Vijayan N IFS shall be gracing the occasion.