Whale Shark Conservation Programme

Whale Shark Conservation Programme protects the endangered whale shark, the world's largest fish, along the coast of Gujarat. Gujarat government runs this scheme through the Forests and Environment Department to help local fishermen who rescue whale sharks trapped in their fishing nets.

Under the scheme, fishermen get cash compensation for nets that get cut or damaged during rescue operations. The compensation was raised from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per net in 2024, and the programme continues to run in 2026 to encourage the safe release of trapped marine life and build a culture of wildlife protection among coastal communities.

Whale Shark Conservation Programme - Introduction

Whale Shark Conservation Programme protects the whale shark, which is known as the world's largest fish. This marine creature finds a crucial breeding and feeding ground along the Gujarat coast, where it migrates from Australian and African waters. The scheme actively reduces threats from fishing by paying compensation for damaged nets and helps local fishermen become protectors of the species.

Launched in 2004, Whale Shark Conservation Programme by the Forests and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat, addresses the problem of incidental catch to keep this species safe along the coast. The government gives full legal protection to these sharks, listing them under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, since May 28, 2001. This made it the first fish protected by Indian law. Fishermen who take part in rescue operations by reporting trapped sharks or releasing them safely become eligible for compensation for their damaged gear.

In February 2024, the state forest department increased the net damage compensation from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 for every whale shark released. This was done to encourage more fishermen to join the conservation effort. Over the years, more than 2,000 whale sharks have been rescued along the Gujarat coast, with the highest number of rescues recorded in 2019-20 when 781 fish were freed from nets.

Key Information

Benefits

Whale Shark Conservation Programme offers direct cash support to fishermen who help in rescue work. The main benefit is compensation for nets that get damaged or cut while freeing a trapped whale shark.

• Compensation for damaged nets: A fisherman can receive up to ₹50,000 for nets that are cut or damaged during rescue operations involving trapped whale sharks. This amount was raised from ₹25,000 in 2024 to reward more fishermen for taking part.
• Recognition of rescue effort: Fishermen who report a trapped shark or release it safely get financial support for their damaged gear, which turns hunters into protectors of the species.

Eligibility

To get the benefit, a fisherman needs to meet the conditions set by the forest department. The scheme focuses on the coastal communities that work in the waters where whale sharks are most often found.

• Applicant must be a fisherman, mainly from the Kharva and Koli communities living in the coastal talukas of Veraval, Sutrapada, and Mangrol in Junagadh district.
• The fishing net must get damaged during an active rescue mission to free a trapped whale shark.
• The whole rescue process must be recorded through clear photography or videography.
• Applicant should follow the self-documentation rules by photographing the shark and reporting the incident to the Forests and Environment Department after returning to the shore.

Application Process

The claim is filed through the forest range office. The process is offline and works through the rescue and reporting system set up by the department.

STEP 1 - Send information from the fishing boat to people on land as soon as a whale shark is found trapped in the net.

STEP 2 - Make sure the information reaches the local forest range office so the official rescue can begin.

STEP 3 - Once the rescue team reaches the site, follow the guidance of the forest department to cut the nets and release the shark safely.

STEP 4 - Document the release through photos or videos to support the claim.

STEP 5 - If the self-documentation route is chosen, record the rescue on your own and submit the required evidence to the Forests and Environment Department once you land.

Documents

Keep the following documents and evidence ready to file a claim successfully.

• Valid identity proof showing you are a fisherman.
• Evidence of the damaged fishing nets.
• Clear photographs of the trapped whale shark.
• Photographs showing the shark being released.
• Video footage of the rescue operation.
• Any relevant details about the incident.

Help and Support

For help, contact the Gujarat Biodiversity Board at 5th Floor, Aranya Bhavan, Sector-10A, Gandhinagar, or call (079) 23257950. The forest range office in Junagadh district also handles rescue and claim verification.

References

Whale Shark Conservation - Gujarat Forests and Environment Department

Times of India - ₹50,000 to fishermen for nets damaged saving whale sharks

FAQ's

What compensation do fishermen get for damaged nets?

Fishermen can receive up to ₹50,000 for nets that get damaged or cut while freeing a trapped whale shark. This amount was increased from ₹25,000 in 2024.

What evidence is required for a claim?

The entire rescue operation must be documented with clear videography or photography. Photos of the trapped shark and its release are needed to qualify for the compensation.

Which communities are eligible for this scheme?

The scheme is aimed at fishermen from the Kharva and Koli communities in the Veraval, Sutrapada, and Mangrol talukas of Junagadh district.

What is the process for self-documentation?

Photograph the shark, release it, and submit these photos along with a formal report to the forest department after returning to the coast.

What is the role of the Forest Department?

The Forests and Environment Department of Gujarat manages the rescues and verifies claims for net damage compensation.