FLASH NEWS
The fourth and concluding session of the Awareness Program on Conservation of Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) Marine Species was held on 08 August 2025 at Hotel Essentia Manipal Inn, Udupi, marking the final phase of the coast-wide initiative conducted under the Karnataka State FIP. Organized by the Small Pelagic Purse Seine Fisheries – Karnataka State FIP in partnership with ICAR–CMFRI, the Department of Fisheries, the Karnataka Forest Department, and fishermen associations, the program brought together 90 participants, including vessel owners, captains, and senior fishermen from Udupi and surrounding regions. This session aimed to consolidate the awareness efforts carried out across Kumta, Bhatkal, and Byndur, ensuring widespread understanding of conservation requirements among purse seine stakeholders.
The Udupi program continued the standardized training approach adopted throughout the series, focusing on the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the legal obligations pertaining to protected marine fauna such as sharks, rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. Trainers from the partner institutions elaborated on the ecological importance of these species and the rising conservation challenges associated with incidental bycatch in the purse seine fishery. A detailed demonstration of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guided participants on safe handling and release techniques for accidentally entangled ETP species, proper documentation using the ETP Release Log Sheet, and communication with relevant authorities. Participants were also trained in the use of the Crew Training Register and the Voluntary Compliance Declaration, reinforcing vessel-level accountability and supporting long-term behavioral change.
To facilitate immediate adoption of best practices, each attendee received a comprehensive ETP awareness kit, including identification posters, SOP manuals, logbooks, and training registers, enabling them to implement the learned practices directly on their vessels. The Udupi session was marked by strong engagement and a high level of responsiveness from the fishing community, reflecting their readiness to support conservation initiatives and align with national regulatory frameworks. The event strengthened collaboration between fisheries institutions and community leaders, ensuring that efforts toward the protection of endangered marine species continue beyond the training period. With the completion of this final session, the ETP awareness initiative successfully reached 744 participants along the Karnataka coast, establishing a strong foundation for improved compliance, conservation awareness, and sustainable fishing practices.