BACKGROUND
The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish in the world. Its uncontrolled hunting in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India threatened the species' survival. The massive decline in the breeding population of a slow breeder with a low reproductive rate, prompted the Government to declare the Whale Shark an endangered species in May 2001 under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, thereby, providing it the highest legal protection.
However, the long coastlines, inadequate resources for law enforcement and poor awareness of its endangered status meant that hunting continued despite the ban. To make the ban effective, it was vital to bring about a change in attitude among fishermen and enhance awareness of the law.
IMPLEMENTATION
In 2004, Tata Chemicals Ltd. partnered with the Wildlife Trust of India, the Gujarat State Forest Department and International Fund for Animal Welfare to launch the 'Save the Whale Shark' campaign. A community-led conservation project aimed to end the whale shark trade in Gujarat. The project adopted a two pronged approach - an awareness campaign and scientific study.
Awareness Campaign -
Connecting Culture and Conservation
The awareness campaign was launched with Shri Morari Bapu, a much-revered spiritual leader in the region, as its ambassador. He named the Whale Shark 'Vahli' (the dear one) and highlighted the similarity of the Whale Shark coming to Gujarat's shores to breed with that of a daughter returning to her maternal home ('maika') for childbirth. This invoked an emotional response and fired-up the paternal protection instinct among the people.
A street play based on this theme was performed at all fishing settlements along the Saurashtra coast, and had an overwhelming impact on the communities who pledged to protect the species. Today, Whale Sharks caught accidentally are set free by cutting the fishing nets and monetary relief for damages incurred during rescues is reimbursed by the State Forest Department.
Films, rallies, games, posters, inflated shark flotillas, postage stamps, drawing competitions in schools, and fêtes with the whale shark conservation theme helped reposition the Whale Shark as the Pride of Gujarat.
Scientific Study -
Identification, Satellite Tagging
and Genetic Study
The second stage of the project focused on research and study of the Whale Shark ecology for establishment of a scientific database.
A Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) and a Governing Council (GC) were formed to facilitate implementation. While the SAC included Indian and international marine experts, the GC included project implementers and senior officials from Gujarat Forest Department.
Some of the key scientific interventions adopted include:
Photo-identification project for population estimation and migration studies by comparing underwater photographs with a global database managed by ECOCEAN
Satellite tagging and collection of genetic samples to better understand the species migratory patterns, range, feeding and breeding habits, etc. and help replicate similar projects elsewhere.
Till date, Tata Chemicals has invested a total of INR 3.13 crore towards the project.
IMPACT
787 whale sharks rescued
and released since inception of the project,
as of March 2020.
By creating a link between the conservation efforts and local customs, the campaign successfully embedded lasting behavioural change amongst the coastal fishing communities. The project led to the establishment of Whale Shark rescue and release protocol for the first time in India. It also helped forge an alliance between national and international organisations and contributed to the global repository of Whale Shark research. The municipalities of Veraval, Mangrol, Porbandar, Diu, Dwarka, Okha and Ahmedabad adopted "Vahli" as their mascot.
'ZERO' incidents
of whale shark poaching along
the Saurashtra coast achieved.
Inspired by the success of the project, two coastal states of India i.e. Kerala and Andhra Pradesh and one Union territory - Lakshadweep - initiated similar conservation campaigns. The project has won a multitude of awards and recognitions.
The Green Governance Award instituted by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and presented by Dr. Manmohan Singh, Former Prime Minister of India, at New Delhi. (2005)
Runners-up at the Indian Biodiversity Awards organised by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of India. (2014)
Recognised as Good Environment Friendly
Practices of Gujarat by the State Government.