National Plan of Action for Sharks in India: Overview

National Plan of Action for Sharks in India: Overview

Question: Sharks in Indian waters are at risk prompting marine scientists to frame an action plan to save them. Discuss the National Plan of Action for Sharks in India in this context.

- Sharks in the Indian ocean water are at risk prompting marine scientists to formulate an action plan to save them

- Scientists from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute at Kochi have drawn up the action plan- Guidance on National Plan of Action for Sharks in India in consonance with the International Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks developed by FAO

- The fish landing trends have been analysed by CMFRI as well; scientists from this research organisation have found that share of sharks in total fish landings has fallen by greater than 64% from 1985 to 2013

- Annual shark landings have fallen within the range of 50,000 to 70,000 tonnes

- There has been constant decline in shark landings in India and species here are fewer in numbers in the coastal waters

- Biological features spelling the threat of extinction for sharks include the following:

a. Slow growth
b. Big size
c. Slow turnover of generations
d. Late maturation
e. Production of few offsprings

- As a conservation measure, 10 species of sharks have been included in Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act

- Trade in shark fins and plate is regulated

- Ban has been imposed on shark finning and export/import of shark fins in India

- NPOA Plan calls for the following:

- Strengthening of database on fishery

- Improvement in number and biology of sharks

- Utilisation of resources

- Market channels and trade growth

- Coordinated requirement specific R&D programmes

- Improved coordination and consultation between management, researchers and stakeholder community

- Review of current conservation and management measures and implementation of improved strategies

Facts and Stats

- Around 160 species of sharks are known to occur in the commercial fishing zone of India

- Some of the major varieties found in India include Requiem sharks, Hammer-heads, Threshers, Mackerel sharks, Bamboo sharks and Hound sharks.

- Low biological productivity makes them vulnerable to fishing with less chance of recovery

- Sustainable shark fishing was practiced in India by artisans fishermen prior to the advent of mechanised fishing

- It was during the 1990s that targeted shark fishing commenced

- There has been constant decline in the shark population in the past one decade