The following is presented by:

Action Forum for Sustainable Shark Fishery,
Office:Divine Complex,
College Road, Thoothoor
P.O, PIN 629 176
Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India
Phone: 04651 240617
E-mail: sharkassn@yahoo.co.uk.

Sharks Preserve Us
In Turn We Protect The Sharks

Introduction

Shark is one of the most commercially valuable among the marine species. There are over 370 shark species identified and we have 50+ shark species in Indian waters. Shark fins are used for the preparation of soup in some countries which increases the demand for sharks. This results in over fishing which adds to the decline of the shark population. Most shark species reproduce very slowly and give birth to a limited number of pups, which threatens stocks and species.

Shark Fishing in India

Shark fishing is a source of income for the fishermen of Thoothoor region of Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, India. At present there are more than 800 boats and 10,000 fishermen engaged in shark fishing. The average duration per voyage is 30 to 40 days with fishing grounds 40 to 45 hours away. They use manual hooks and line in small-mechanized boats equiped with navigational equipment for shark fishing in the deep-sea. They are the most skilled hard workers in the country, who migrate to the entire coastal India. Their fishing method is daring to the industrial fishing vessels. In the year 1992, Association of Deep-Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen (ADSGAF) was established with the support of South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies (SIFFS).

Though a small number of fishermen from coastal states like Andhra, Orison, Karnataka, Gujarat are going for shark fishing, they are not comparable to the ‘shark hunters’ of Thoothoor region. Merchants play a vital role in shark fishing. They advance money to the boat owners and bind them to the catch. Each merchant has 15 to 20 boats under his control. This group of boats always moves from port to port along with the merchants. The merchants are responsible for the general welfare of the fishermen, arrange for fishing permits with the port/Customs authorities and also for the supply of diesel and food items and for other local problems. Sharks are purchased on weight basis. The fins are dried separately and sold to agents. Chennai and Mumbai are the best place for such fin markets. Salted shark meat is dispatched to Kerala markets, which offer the best price for salted shark. Cleaned head, teeth and other parts are also exporting. Shark liver oil is using for medicine. Shark is a premium product in India as well as out side India. Lakhs of people including women engaged in shark fishing.

Ban on Shark Fishing?

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India vide Gazette Notification dated 11 July 2001 banned harvesting of nearly 60 different marine species including the entire class of elasmobranches that includes all sharks, rays and skates under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The artisanal fisher people protest against the ban vehemently and the MOEF revoked the ban partially on December 5/ 2001. If the original ban had existed, the poor people of lakhs would have lost their source of income and put into utter starvation. The ban imposed by the MOEF is for the conservation of sharks. Because the foreign industrial fishing vessels are throwing the live shark at sea after cutting fins. It is called finning. This is a national waste and affects the coastal environment also. Another reason is over fishing of sharks result declination of the population sharks.

But it is not the truth. The notification was issued under the pressure of some environmentalists who do not have much connection with fishermens livelihood struggles are getting involved in environmental activism. Elasmobranches including sharks are not endangered in India. Based on scientific research the country’s nodal marine fisheries research institute, the Centre for Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in its special publication in the year 2000, has recommended that there is a scope for increasing the exploitation of sharks in India. The estimate of catchable potential of elasmobranches is 1,68,000 tones in India’s EEZ. But the actual catch was only around 65,000 tones’. It is wonder that elasmobranches are under exploited, how could this be considered as endangered or threatened, which need conservation? If the foreign industrial fishing vessels are doing the cruel practice of finning, stop its entry. Why is there a ban on all elasmobranches?

Whatever may be true, we accept that resources that are endangered or threatened should be conserved. To protect, conserve and manage resources there are various methods. Imposing a total ban is an extreme step. If our Government does not know the methods for conservation of sharks it has to learn from other countries how they are protecting their resources without affecting the livelihoods of poor people. The recommendations of International Union for Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) could be sought out and put into practice according to the situation of India. The successful implementation of any programme, ensures the involvement of the stakeholder.

Student friends!

Let’s shoulder some responsibilities of conservation of sharks with our Government. Consider that it is our duty also. We request our Government to take some immediate conservation action in this regard:

1. Cancel all the licenses given to the foreign fishing vessels
2. Stop the cruel practice of finning, and action taken against the culprits.
3. Organize awareness programme on the importance and need of conservation of sharks and marine resources to the stakeholders.
4. Educate the stakeholders on
   - Community based sustainable shark fishing management plans for conservation of shark resources
   - National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Shark Fishery in India
   - FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Species cannot be caught, harvested or traded. Killing or unauthorized possession of the prohibited species is a non-bailable offence, attracting imprisonment for a period ranging from three to five years and fine of Rs 25 000.

Species protected under wildlife protection act 19972

IUCN

Founded on 5 October 1948 as the International Union for the Proection of Nature (IUPN), following on an international conference in Fontainebleau, France. The organization changed its name into International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 1956. In 1990 it was shortened to IUCN- The World Conservation Union.

CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna

Opened for signature: 3 March 1973

Entry into force : 1 July 1975

Initiating body : IUCN

Contents : Preamble and articles 25; 3 appendices

Objectives : To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival

Appendix I : includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

Appendix II : includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.

Appendix III : contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.

Action Against the Ban on Shark Fishing

Association of Deep-Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen (ADSGAF) mobilized the people from Erayumanthurai to Neerodi and different organizations. As a token protest in the first instance a Padha Yatra (Rally) was organized 23.10.2001, which also helped to bring people together.

The National level meeting, on 1 November 2001, 125 people belonging to various categories participated. An action council was formed with the support of NFF and SIFFS and Mr. Vincent Jain, Chief Executive of ADSGAF was selected as the convener of the action forum.

On 9 November 2001, a road blockade was organized at the National Highway 47 at Kerala –Tamil Nadu Boarder (Parasala-Kaliakkavilai) to highlight the issue.

An Indefinite Dharna was organized on 21 November 2001 at Delhi during the time of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.