Panaji: After finalising the SOPs for turtle conservation, the fisheries department will soon be framing SOPs for marine megafauna, like whale sharks and others, said director of fisheries Shamila Monteiro.“As custodians of Goa’s marine life, it is our responsibility to protect it,” said Monteiro, speaking at International Whale Shark Day event on Saturday. The day is observed on Aug 30 every year to raise awareness about the conservation of whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the world.This year’s celebration was held at Goa Science Centre, Miramar, under Wildlife Trust of India’s (WTI) Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project, Goa.K Ramesh Kumar, additional principal chief conservator of forests, Goa, said that coastal communities, particularly fishers, play a vital role as eco-warriors and role models in marine conservation. He said that conservation and coexistence are deeply rooted in Goa’s culture and emphasised on collective responsibility to protect the whale shark as an umbrella species for marine life.WTI is expanding its whale shark conservation efforts across states.Two fishers Vaibhav Kandalgaonkar of Panaji and Caetano Fernandes of Colva were recognised for their roles in Goa’s first documented whale shark rescues in 2023 and 2026, respectively.Jose Louies, CEO, Wildlife Trust of India, said, “It’s particularly special to celebrate this day in Goa because it has been just over a year since the Wildlife Trust of India’s Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project was launched here, in partnership with the Goa forest department and the Centre for Environment Education (CEE). And in this first year, we’ve already seen a very encouraging response, with growing awareness and interest in protecting these animals.”
