14th July 2026: The bustling Muthalapozhi Fishing Harbour became a hub for whale shark conservation awareness, as local fishers participated in a Whale Shark Sensitisation Boat Campaign organised by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with Oracle, to mark International Shark Day on 14th July.

Recognised as one of Kerala’s busiest fishing harbours, Muthalapozhi supports hundreds of mechanised and traditional fishing vessels every day. The harbour has also witnessed several accidental whale shark entanglements over the years, making it a key location for conservation outreach.

A life-size inflatable whale shark was taken around the harbour on a boat, attracting the attention of fishers and the public alike while serving as an engaging visual tool to spread awareness about the endangered species.

The life-size inflatable whale shark was taken around the Muthalapozhi habour by boat to attract the public | Photo © Jithin Jose/WTI

The WTI team interacted with fishers on boats and at the harbour, sharing information on the ecological importance of whale sharks and their legal protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Fishers were guided on the safe release of accidentally entangled whale sharks and encouraged to report any sightings or entanglements immediately.

The awareness drive highlighted the vital role played by the fishing community in protecting whale sharks. Through their continued support and cooperation, WTI’s Pan India Whale Shark Conservation Project has facilitated 54 successful whale shark rescues along the Kerala coast, demonstrating how community participation can make a significant difference in marine conservation. The campaign concluded with a call for continued collaboration between fishers and conservationists to ensure that Kerala’s waters remain a safe habitat for the gentle giant of the sea.

A parallel awareness programme brought together students, teachers, and members of the local community for an engaging day of learning and traditional craft activities centred on marine conservation. The programme began with a welcome address by Headmaster Jovel V. Joseph, followed by the presidential address by Rev. Fr. Godwin Kizhakoodan, Assistant Vicar of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral, Thrissur. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Baiju Varghese, Division Councillor, Thrissur Corporation. Mr. Ranjith C.R., Beat Forest Officer, Wadakkanchery Range spoke about the ecological importance of sharks and whale sharks, the threats they face, and the role of forest and wildlife authorities in protecting them.

Mr. Jithin Jose, Field Officer with WTI’s Pan India Whale Shark Conservation Project, was among those felicitated at the event, in recognition of the collaborative efforts between conservation practitioners and educational institutions in promoting marine conservation awareness.

Renowned palm leaf artist Mr. Subramanian P. A. conducted a creative workshop for the students | Photo © Team WTI

Adding a creative dimension to the day, renowned palm leaf artist Mr. Subramanian P. A. conducted a traditional palm leaf weaving workshop, where students crafted marine-themed artefacts, including shark and whale shark motifs. The activity blended Kerala’s traditional art with contemporary conservation messaging, encouraging young participants to appreciate both cultural heritage and marine biodiversity.

Meanwhile, the project team based out of Goa also conducted a series of awareness and capacity-building programmes to promote whale shark and marine conservation.

Students created some beautiful clay sculptures of whale sharks | Photo © Team WTI

A Whale Shark Clay Sculpture Making Competition was organised for the students of St. Andrew’s High School, Goa Velha. The programme also featured an engaging presentation and a screening of the documentary Shores of Silence, highlighting the importance of whale sharks, the need for ocean conservation, the threats facing marine ecosystems, and the role every individual can play in protecting these gentle giants. The clay sculptures created by the students will be used as giveaways during future awareness and outreach events, extending the conservation message to a wider audience.

The WTI team conducted a training program for Lifeguards in North Goa | Photo © Team WTI

In addition, a training programme for Drishti Lifeguards was conducted at the Sinquerim Centre in North Goa. The session focused on the appropriate response to stranded whale sharks, including immediate rescue protocols, crowd management, and the importance of promptly reporting such incidents to the Goa Forest Department.

More such events will be conducted across Goa over the coming days as part of the ongoing International Shark Day celebrations.