Fishers Honoured for Saving Whale Sharks

Speedy Summary

• Eighteen local fishers from Kerala’s coastal districts were felicitated for rescuing stranded whale sharks during 2024-2025.
• The event, held in Kochuveli, coincided with International Whale Shark Day and was organized by the Kerala Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of india (WTI), with Oracle’s support.
• A police sub-inspector involved in rescuing a marine turtle earlier this year was also honored.
• Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P. Pugazhendi emphasized the importance of community support for conservation efforts.
• central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) representative Shobha K.highlighted grassroots participation as essential for marine biodiversity protection during her keynote address.
• WTI reported that 50 whale sharks have been rescued along Kerala’s coast to date due to fishermen’s efforts and announced plans to expand its conservation campaign across India’s coastlines.
• Speakers included Jose Louies (WTI Chief Executive Officer), A. Biju Kumar (Vice Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies), and Sajan John (Marine Specialist at WTI), all emphasizing local involvement in conservation initiatives.

indian Opinion Analysis
the recognition of fisher communities for their role in rescuing stranded whale sharks underscores the critical importance of integrating grassroots participation into environmental sustainability initiatives. Local stakeholders like fishers possess firsthand knowledge and access vital for timely intervention,such as wildlife rescues demonstrated here effectively through cooperation with institutions like WTI and government departments.

This event not only reflects triumphant collaboration but highlights larger ecological implications: better awareness can help mitigate human-marine life conflict while strengthening India’s overall biodiversity policies along its extensive coastline-an area known both as a habitat hotspot and a zone prone to environmental pressure from industrial activities like fishing or tourism.

Read more at the Hindu.