The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has announced a significant step towards resolving the intricate challenges surrounding shark fishing and trade in India. They are forming a specialized committee dedicated to a scientific exploration of these issues, particularly in light of recent amendments to India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972.
These amendments, enacted in 2022, have brought numerous shark and ray species under various protective schedules. This means strict regulations are now in place concerning their capture, trade, and export. As a direct consequence, fishing communities along India’s extensive coastline have faced considerable difficulties and uncertainty, as these protected species often end up as unintentional by-catch in their nets.
During a recent workshop in Kochi focused on shark and ray conservation and its impact on fisher livelihoods, CMFRI Director Grinson George emphasized the committee’s crucial role. He stated that this panel will undertake a thorough, science-driven investigation to develop practical solutions. “Our focus,” he explained, “will encompass the biological and ecological aspects of these protected marine species, alongside a critical assessment of how current conservation laws affect the socio-economic well-being of our fishing communities.”
Mr. George also highlighted a recent instance in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district, where the landing of thresher sharks caused confusion among fishers and enforcement authorities. CMFRI promptly intervened, clarifying that while thresher sharks are listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act (which aligns with CITES Appendix II for international trade regulation), this does not outright forbid domestic fishing or trade unless they are also protected under Schedules I or II.