Whale Shark Conservation Programme

Whale Shark Conservation Programme क्या है?

The scheme aims to protect the endangered Whale Shark, the world's largest fish, along the Gujarat coast, a crucial breeding site. It mitigates threats from fishing by providing compensation for damaged nets and cultivates a strong conservation ethic among local fishermen and the broader public.

लाभ

> **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.

स्तर

State — Gujarat

मंत्रालय / विभाग

Forests and Environment Department

लाभ का प्रकार

cash

मुख्य पात्रता

- 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. - Th

अंतिम सत्यापन

Recently

Benefits

> **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.

Eligibility

Documents Required

How to Apply

1. Step 1: Offline application — step 1

   Step 1: Transmitting Information to Land

2. Step 2: Offline application — step 2

   The crew of a fishing boat or trawler must transmit information about a Whale Shark getting trapped in their nets to personnel on land.

3. Step 3: Offline application — step 3

   Step 2: Forwarding Information to Forest Range Office

4. Step 4: Offline application — step 4

   This transmitted information is subsequently forwarded to the respective forest range office, which is responsible for initiating rescue efforts.

5. Step 5: Offline application — step 5

   Step 3: Organizing a Rescue Operation

6. Step 6: Offline application — step 6

   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.

7. Step 7: Offline application — step 7

   Step 4: Releasing the Whale Shark

8. Step 8: Offline application — step 8

   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.

9. Step 9: Offline application — step 9

   Step 5: Documenting the Operation

10. Step 10: Offline application — step 10

    The entire rescue operation, from the sighting to the release of the Whale Shark, is thoroughly documented through either videography or photography.

11. Step 11: Offline application — step 11

    Step 6: Receiving Compensation

12. Step 12: Offline application — step 12

    Following the successful and documented rescue operation, compensation is paid to the fishermen in accordance with the established guidelines for damaged nets.

13. Step 13: Offline application — step 13

    Step 7: Self-Documentation and Claiming Compensation (Option Since 2012)

14. Step 14: Offline application — step 14

    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.

15. Step 15: Offline application — step 16

    Help & Support / Grievance Redressal

16. Step 16: Offline application — step 17

    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.

17. Step 17: Offline application — step 18

    Contact Details

18. Step 18: Offline application — step 19

    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.

19. Step 19: Offline application — step 20

    Conclusion

20. Step 20: Offline application — step 21

    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.

Sources & References

• Official scheme website ↗
• Source record ↗
• Information is summarised from official government sources. Verify all details on the official website before applying.