On World Shark Awareness Day, ICAR-CMFRI conducts workshop to foster coordinated action to conserve protected species
To mark World Shark Awareness Day on 14th July 2025, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) organised a crucial workshop calling for coordinated action and massive awareness campaigns to tackle illegal shark fishing and trade. The multi-agency discussion brought together marine scientists, government officials, the navy, the coast guard, exporters, and NGOs to identify and bridge gaps in monitoring and enforcement. Following India's recent expansion of protected shark and ray species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, experts who attended the workshop emphasised the need for greater collaboration among various agencies to ensure the conservation of protected species. Habitat mapping, public awareness campaigns, gear modification, demarcation of conserved areas, AI-supported shark recognition devices, and an identification manual, among others, were proposed in the workshop.
Shri. Shaik Khader Rahman, IRS, Chief Commissioner of CGST & Customs, who inaugurated the event, highlighted the urgency for joint training and real-time communication among all agencies—from fisheries and customs to coastal police and conservation bodies. In a landscape where illegal wildlife trade adapts quickly, enforcement should be enhanced with better training and closer coordination. Collaborating with CMFRI and other experts are essential to train front-line personnel in recognizing CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) listed elasmobranchs – whether in dried fin form, processed cartilage, or even whole preserved specimens, Mr Rahman stated.
Smt Neetu Kumari Prasad IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India, was the guest of honour. During his presidential address, Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI, said that fishing pressure and unregulated trade, together with other natural and anthropogenic factors such as pollution and climate change, have placed many shark species under threat of extinction. Effective conservation requires awareness among fishing communities, strengthening of monitoring and enforcement, and international collaboration.
At the same time, marine scientists cautioned that while implementing stricter conservation measures, the livelihoods of fishermen must also be considered. They said that shark fishing is a primary source of income for many Indian fishing families, and enforcement should not disrupt legitimate fishing activities.
Dr Shoba Joe Kizhakudan, Head of Finfish Fisheries Division of CMFRI, and Dr T M Najmudeen also spoke on the occasion.
