The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has announced the formation of a special committee to scientifically study the issues on shark fishing and trade in India, arising from the amended provisions of India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The amendment, which came into force in 2022, has placed numerous species of sharks and rays under different schedules of the act, imposing strict regulations on their catch, trade, and export. This has led to widespread unease and operational difficulties for fishermen across the country’s coastline, who often encounter these species as by-catch, according to a release issued here.
Grinson George, Director, CMFRI, said in his inaugural address at a stakeholder workshop on conservation of sharks-rays and fisher livelihood held here on Thursday (September 18, 2025) that the committee would carry out a comprehensive study for a science-based solution to the issue. “It will focus on biological and ecological aspects of the protected species, as well as the socio-economic impact of the conservation laws on fisher livelihoods,” he added.
He said that the CMFRI had recently intervened following an incident in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district, where the landing of thresher sharks sparked confusion among fishers and enforcement officials. The CMFRI clarified that thresher sharks are listed under Schedule IV of the WPA (aligned with CITES Appendix II), which regulates international trade but does not prohibit domestic fishing and trade unless covered under Schedules I or II, he added.
Published – September 19, 2025 01:14 am IST
