Experts Call for United Effort to Combat Illegal Shark Fishing and Trade

Speedy summary

• Marine experts stress the need for coordinated action to combat illegal shark fishing and trade in India.
• A workshop organized by ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research institute (CMFRI) emphasized collaboration among agencies for species conservation.
• India has recently expanded the list of protected sharks and rays under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
• Key suggestions included habitat mapping, public awareness campaigns, gear modifications, demarcation of conserved areas, AI-supported shark recognition devices, and creation of an identification manual.
• Challenges in enforcement stem from difficulties in identifying frozen shark fins; stronger institutional capacity across fisheries management, trade regulation, biodiversity conservation, and enforcement agencies was recommended.
• Chief Commissioner Shaik Khader rahman called for joint training exercises and real-time communication between Customs officials, fisheries officers, coastal police, researchers, and wildlife departments.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The emphasis on strengthening coordinated strategies for shark conservation reflects India’s growing commitment to preserving marine biodiversity.The expansion of protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) act is a critically important step but raises practical concerns about enforcement efficacy due to limited resources. recommendations such as AI-supported tools and inter-agency collaboration highlight innovative approaches that could address gaps in monitoring illegal activities. However, successful implementation will depend on timely resource allocation across institutions.India’s global reputation as a biodiversity steward may benefit from these measures if effectively operationalized. Building public awareness alongside scientific advancements can play a vital role in enhancing local engagement with marine conservation efforts while addressing challenges posed by unsustainable fishing practices.

Read more: Published – July 14, 2025 09:20 pm IST