FLASH NEWS
The first session of the Awareness Program on Conservation of Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) Marine Species under the Karnataka State FIP was successfully conducted on 17 July 2025 at Hotel Mandara Elite, Kumta, marking a strong beginning to the coast-wide initiative. Organized by the Small Pelagic Purse Seine Fisheries – Karnataka State FIP in association with ICAR–CMFRI, the Department of Fisheries, the Karnataka Forest Department, and fishermen associations, the event aimed to strengthen the understanding of legal protections under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. With 182 participants, including vessel owners, captains, and crew leaders, the session highlighted the urgent need to prevent accidental harm to protected species often encountered as bycatch during purse seine operations.
The training provided a structured introduction to ETP species conservation, beginning with presentations on the legal mandates, recent amendments, and wildlife schedules that safeguard sharks, rays, dolphins, turtles, and other vulnerable marine species. Resource persons explained the ecological significance of these species and the risks they face from unintentional entanglement. A key highlight was the demonstration of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safely releasing stranded or entangled ETP species, covering human safety, proper handling methods, and accurate reporting protocols. Participants were introduced to monitoring tools such as the ETP Release Log Sheet, Training Register, and the Voluntary Compliance Declaration, enabling fishers to document encounters and commit to responsible practices.
Every attendee received a comprehensive training kit including an ETP identification poster, SOP handbook, logbook, and compliance forms, reinforcing the program’s practical and educational value. The high level of engagement from fishers in Kumta demonstrated a growing awareness within the community regarding their role in marine conservation. This session not only enhanced technical understanding but also strengthened collaboration between enforcement agencies, scientific institutions, and fishers. The program at Kumta laid a strong foundation for the subsequent workshops along the Karnataka coast and marked an important step toward fostering a culture of voluntary compliance and self-regulated conservation within the state’s purse seine fleet.