Fishers felicitated for rescuing whale sharks

Local fishers who helped in the rescue of stranded whale sharks were felicitated here on Saturday on the occasion of International Whale Shark Day.

A total of 18 fishers from various coastal districts of Kerala were honoured for their successful whale shark rescue efforts carried out in 2024-2025. Sub-inspector of Police, Adimalathura, who spearheaded the rescue of a marine turtle which was intentionally brought to shore by fishers in February 2025, was also felicitated.

The event was jointly organised by the Kerala Forest department and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), with the support of Oracle.

P. Pugazhendi, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF), who inaugurated the event, said that conservation was not possible without the support of the community. This was true not only for whale sharks but for every species, he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Shobha K. of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), emphasised the importance of grassroots-level participation in safeguarding marine biodiversity.

As many as 50 whale sharks have been successfully rescued and released along the State’s coast to date, thanks to the commitment of the State’s fishing communities, the WTI said.

WTI Chief Executive Officer Jose Louies said the trust planned to expand its campaign to more regions to make India’s coastlines a safe haven for whale sharks. Sajan John, Marine Specialist at WTI, said the organisation worked closely with fishers as their active support was key to the conservation of endangered marine species.

A. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, spoke about the ecological significance of whale sharks and the ongoing conservation strategies. Fr. Tony Hamlet, Vicar of Kochuveli Parish Church, presided.