ICAR-CMFRI Celebrates International Whale Shark Day with Awareness Outreach
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) celebrated International Whale Shark Day by organising by various awareness outreach programmes on the importance of the conservation of this critically endangered species, on 30th August 2024.The gentle giant of the sea, whale shark is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, making its capture and trade punishable. Despite its impressive size, a maximum of 21 meters in length and a maximum of 42 tonnes weight, the whale shark is a harmless plankton feeder.
An awareness programme organised by ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi Headquarters at Govt. U P School, Vypeen, Ernakulam was inaugurated by Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI. He stated that Recent changes in the ocean ecosystem and subsequent phenomena have a serious impact on whale sharks. Increasing accumulation of plastics in the sea, abandoned fishing nets and climate change among others are often posing threat to this species. ICAR-CMFRI’s extensive awareness initiatives among the fishermen for the last few years are yielding results. Following these campaigns, the practice of releasing whale sharks caught in nets back to the sea has become widespread, Dr Grinson George said.Similar awareness outreach was conducted by all the Regional Centres and Regional Stations of ICAR-CMFRI located in all maritime states. These were aimed at creating awareness among school and college students, fishers and the general public on the importance of conservation of this species. Awareness lectures, competitions, and exhibition of posters and illustrations among others were included in these outreach programmes.
Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) hosted an insightful event highlighting the importance of whale shark conservation. The event featured an expert talk by Dr. Joe K. Kizhakudan, Principal Scientist and Head of the Centre. He highlighted the role of artificial reefs in attracting whale sharks, explaining that how these man-made structures deployed to enhance marine habitats have become regular visitation sites for whale sharks.
Digha
Digha Regional Station of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Digha, West Bengal, celebrated International Whale Shark Day by organising an awareness programme, at Ramnagar College, Purba Medinipur on August 30, 2024. A total of 44 students and faculty members from the Department of Industrial Fish & Fisheries, Department of Zoology, and Department of Aquaculture Management from Ramnagar College attended.
Mumbai
Mumbai Regional Station of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) organised an Awareness Programme at Naigaon Landing Centre, Vasai, Palghar. Fishermen, traders, and fish auctioneers attended the event. It focused on educating the participants about conservation measures for whale sharks and other protected elasmobranch species, including the proper handling and release of accidentally caught animals.
Mangalore and Karwar
Regional Centre, Mangalore and Regional station, Karwar of ICAR-CMFRI celebrated International Whale Shark Day and awareness on marine conservation at Malpe Meenugarara Samudaya Bhavana, Malpe, Udupi district on 31 August 2024. The programme was inaugurated by Sri. Harish Kumar, Additional Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Government of Karnataka. Sri. Vivek, R., Joint Director of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Government of Karnataka released the posters prepared by RC of CMFRI, Mangalore on Whale Shark conservation. Dr. Sujitha Thomas, Head and Principal Scientist of RC of CMFRI, Mangalore presided. Deputy Directors of Fisheries, Smt. Savitha Khadri, Dr. Ramalinga, President of Malpe Meenugarara Sangha Sri. Dayanand Suvarna, Secretaries and Members of various Fishermen Societies and more than 80 fishers from Malpe participated in the Programme.
