Kochi: The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) will observe the
International Whale Shark Day along with school children on Friday, in view of creating
awareness about this critically endangered fish. The institute will conduct an awareness
programme, including lectures, quiz, painting and elocution contests for students at the
Govt. U P School, Vypin to draw their attention towards the conservation of this fish.
The gentle giant of the sea, whale shark is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act,
making its capture and trade punishable.
Recent changes in the ocean ecosystem and subsequent phenomena have a serious impact
on whale sharks, said Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI. “Increasing accumulation of
plastics in the sea, abandoned fishing nets and climate change among others are often
posing threat to this species”, he added.
He also said that CMFRI’s extensive awareness initiatives among the fishermen for the last
few years are yielding results. “Following these campaigns, the practice of releasing whale
sharks caught in nets back to the sea has become widespread”, CMFRI Director said.
Despite its impressive size, a maximum of 21 meters in length and a maximum of 42 tonnes
weight, the whale shark is a harmless plankton feeder.
CMFRI’s awareness programme at the Govt. U P School, Vypin will be inaugurated by CMFRI
Director. Principal Scientist Dr T M Najmudeen, Scientists Dr Livi Wilson and Remya L will
coordinate the programme. Similar programmes will be conducted by all the Regional
Centres and Stations of CMFRI located across the country.