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Goa Fisheries Dept to Protect Whale Sharks
30 Aug
Summary
- New SOPs for marine megafauna are being developed by the fisheries department.
- International Whale Shark Day was observed to raise awareness for conservation.
- Two fishermen were recognized for documented whale shark rescues in 2023 and 2026.
Goa's fisheries department is expanding its conservation focus by developing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for marine megafauna, such as whale sharks. This follows the finalization of similar procedures for turtle conservation. The announcement was made during the recent observance of International Whale Shark Day on August 30th, an event dedicated to raising global awareness for the conservation of the world's largest fish.
Under the Wildlife Trust of India's (WTI) Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project, the Goa Science Centre in Miramar hosted this year's celebration. Officials emphasized the integral role of coastal communities and fishers as "eco-warriors" in marine conservation, noting that conservation and coexistence are deeply embedded in Goan culture. The WTI has been actively broadening its whale shark conservation initiatives across various states.
During the event, two local fishermen, Vaibhav Kandalgaonkar and Caetano Fernandes, were honored for their involvement in Goa's first documented whale shark rescues, occurring in 2023 and 2026, respectively. WTI CEO Jose Louies expressed optimism about the project's first year in Goa, noting encouraging responses and growing interest in protecting these marine creatures.
