Whale Shark Conservation Programme

Launched in 2004, the "Whale Shark Conservation Programme" by the Forests and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat, aims to tackle the problem of incidental catch and conserve the magnificent Whale Shark species, ensuring its protection along the Gujarat coast. The scheme provides full legal protection to Whale Sharks, listing them under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 since May 28, 2001, marking it as the first fish protected by Indian law. It also features a compensation scheme for fishermen whose nets are damaged during rescue operations, and introduced a self-documentation process for claims in 2012. The fishermen must actively participate in rescue operations by reporting trapped Whale Sharks and assisting in their release. The scheme is implemented by the Forests and Environment Department. Applications for compensation under this scheme are accepted through reporting incidents to the forest range office or by self-documentation.

Compensation for Damaged Nets

Fishermen are paid compensation not exceeding ₹25,000/- (twenty-five thousand rupees) in lieu of nets that are damaged or cut during rescue operations involving trapped Whale Sharks.

Conditions for Benefit Availment/Disbursement

• The rescue operation must be documented through videography or photography for compensation to be paid.
• The fishermen must take photographs of trapped Whale Sharks, release them on the spot, and then submit this information and photographs after returning to the coast to receive their compensation.

• The applicant must be a fisherman, particularly from the Kharva and Koli communities residing in the coastal talukas of Veraval, Sutrapada, and Mangrol in Junagadh district.
• The applicant's fishing net must incur damage or require cutting during an operation to rescue a trapped Whale Shark.
• The applicant, or the rescue team involved, must ensure the rescue operation is thoroughly documented through either videography or photography.
• The applicant, under the self-documentation scheme, must photograph the trapped Whale Shark, release it on the spot, and then submit these photographs along with incident details to the Forests and Environment Department after returning to the sea coast.

Offline

Step 1: Transmitting Information to Land
The crew of a fishing boat or trawler must transmit information about a Whale Shark getting trapped in their nets to personnel on land.
Step 2: Forwarding Information to Forest Range Office
This transmitted information is subsequently forwarded to the respective forest range office, which is responsible for initiating rescue efforts.
Step 3: Organizing a Rescue Operation
Upon receiving the information, the staff at the forest range office organizes a comprehensive rescue operation by gathering available beat guards, local labourers, fisheries personnel, a boat, and other necessary resources.
Step 4: Releasing the Whale Shark
A designated rescue boat then departs for the site where the Whale Shark is trapped. Upon reaching the location, the staff, volunteers, and workmen proceed to cut the nets and safely release the fish.
Step 5: Documenting the Operation
The entire rescue operation, from the sighting to the release of the Whale Shark, is thoroughly documented through either videography or photography.
Step 6: Receiving Compensation
Following the successful and documented rescue operation, compensation is paid to the fishermen in accordance with the established guidelines for damaged nets.
Step 7: Self-Documentation and Claiming Compensation (Option Since 2012)
Fishermen have the option, introduced since 2012, to personally document the incident by taking photographs of the trapped Whale Shark and releasing it on the spot. After returning to the sea coast, they are required to submit this information and the photographs to the Forests and Environment Department to claim their compensation.

Help & Support / Grievance Redressal

• For any assistance or to address grievances related to the Whale Shark Conservation Programme, applicants can utilize the official contact channels provided by the Forests and Environment Department, Gujarat.
• General FAQs and a Forest Helpline Number are available on the department's website for citizen queries and support.

Contact Details

• Specific contact details for Forest Officers are available on the main website of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of the Forest Force, Government of Gujarat.
• The Gujarat Biodiversity Board, a partner in conservation, can be reached at 5th Floor, Aranya Bhavan, Sector-10A, Gandhinagar, with a phone number: (079) 23257950.

Conclusion

• Upon completing the compensation claim process and submitting all necessary documentation, applicants are strongly advised to retain a copy of their submitted information and any acknowledgment receipts for future reference and tracking purposes.
• This practice helps in verifying submissions and facilitating any follow-up queries regarding the compensation claim.