Navigating Conservation: Balancing Shark Protection and Fisher Livelihoods in India

CMFRI establishes a special committee to examine the challenges faced by the fishing community due to shark fishing regulations under India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The panel will focus on scientific studies to address biodiversity conservation and fisher livelihoods while proposing training for enforcement agencies.

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has announced the formation of a specialized committee to address the challenges fishermen face due to shark fishing regulations in India.

Amendments to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, have imposed new restrictions on the catch, trade, and export of various shark and ray species, prompting concerns among coastal communities. CMFRI's initiative aims to balance conservation efforts with fisher livelihood security through a scientific study.

The institute emphasizes the importance of cooperation between scientists, policymakers, and the fishing community to implement effective conservation strategies, including training programs and community-driven monitoring efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)