Rescues also provide a chance for conservationists to carry out genetic analysis of whale sharks as well as fitting satellite tags on the rescued sharks to track their movement. During these most recent rescues, two whale sharks were visual-tagged and their genetic samples were collected.
Whale shark conservation in India is quickly becoming more sophisticated. The creatures were once brutally hunted across the shores of the west Indian state of Gujarat. To stop this slaughter, in May 2001 the species was listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, affording it the highest level of protection in the country. It also receives international protection due to its inclusion in Appendix II of the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The widely-acclaimed Whale Shark Campaign spread awareness on the plight of the species and its protected status in Gujarat. It helped convert the fishermen into protectors of the fish and brought about a change in the perception and attitude of local people. Read the full report here.
Source: Wildlife Extra News.com.
