FLASH NEWS
The third session of the Awareness Program on Conservation of Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) Marine Species was successfully organized on 23 July 2025 at Hotel Parichaya, Byndur, as part of the statewide initiative led by the Small Pelagic Purse Seine Fisheries – Karnataka State FIP. Conducted in collaboration with ICAR–CMFRI, the Department of Fisheries, the Karnataka Forest Department, and local fishermen associations, the program aimed to strengthen fishers’ understanding of conservation laws and promote responsible fishing practices. With 158 participants, including vessel owners, captains, and crew leaders, the Byndur program continued the momentum built in Kumta and Bhatkal, engaging the fishing community through direct dialogue and hands-on training.
The session focused on expanding awareness of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, emphasizing species listed under Schedules I–IV and the legal consequences of harming or landing protected marine fauna. Trainers presented detailed insights into the ecological importance of ETP species such as sharks, rays, dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, many of which face rising threats due to incidental bycatch. A structured demonstration of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) showed fishers how to safely release accidentally entangled animals at sea, minimize stress and injury, ensure crew safety, and properly document encounters. Participants also learned how to use essential monitoring tools, including the ETP Release Log Sheet, the Training Register, and the Voluntary Compliance Declaration—each designed to support vessel-level accountability and promote a culture of responsible, self-regulated fishing practices.
As in previous sessions, all attendees received a comprehensive ETP awareness kit, containing bilingual identification posters, SOP handbooks, logbooks, and compliance forms, equipping them with the knowledge and materials needed for onboard implementation. Engagement from the Byndur fishing community was highly positive, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity and contributing to sustainable purse seine operations along the Karnataka coast. The collaborative efforts among scientific institutions, government departments, and community leaders strengthened the overall impact of the program, helping ensure that conservation practices are effectively adopted. The Byndur session marked another key milestone in the coast-wide ETP awareness initiative, reinforcing the collective resolve to protect vulnerable marine species and enhance the long-term sustainability of Karnataka’s fisheries.