India is on the verge of adopting the National Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA), marking a significant step towards safeguarding shark populations in its waters.
In a collaborative effort, the Department of Fisheries, along with the Central government and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), convened a meeting on Monday to gather feedback from stakeholders, paving the way for the implementation of NPOA.
The draft NPOA outlines key priorities for effectively managing and conserving shark populations, with discussions at the meeting focused on critical areas such as legal frameworks, capacity building, data collection, scientific research, fishing regulation, biodiversity, ecological considerations, and regional cooperation.
Proposed measures include enacting laws for waters between 12 and 200 nautical miles, implementing a logbook system, raising awareness among fishermen, promoting adherence to gear regulations, and reducing bycatch, among others.
Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary to the Department of Fisheries, emphasized the importance of developing NPOA for the sustainability of shark fisheries, highlighting extensive engagement with fisher associations, research bodies, and NGOs to create a comprehensive plan.
P. Krishnan, Director of BOBP, underscored the NPOA’s role in promoting sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term health of both shark populations and the fisheries sector. He noted the plan’s potential to support coastal communities by facilitating the development of alternative livelihoods, as a significant portion of India’s population relies on shark fisheries for their livelihood.
Krishnan also highlighted the NPOA’s significance in regulating India’s involvement in the global shark trade, including compliance with international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and combating illegal fishing activities.
The adoption of NPOA is poised to enhance India’s understanding of its shark population and empower the government to make informed decisions regarding shark fisheries and conservation efforts in the country.
