Pan-India, August 30, 2026: On 30th August every year, the world observes International Whale Shark Day, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the protection of the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) – the largest fish in the world. Despite its size, the whale shark is a gentle, filter-feeding giant that is globally ‘endangered’ and is accorded the highest level of legal protection in India under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 

The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) formally launched the Whale Shark Conservation Project in Gujarat in 2004, in partnership with the Gujarat Forest Department and Tata Chemicals Ltd. Since 2014, International Whale Shark Day has been marked annually as a platform to celebrate community-led conservation ethic and to renew the collective commitment of government, industry and fisherfolk in protecting the species. 

The model pioneered in Gujarat has since expanded to Kerala and Lakshadweep, deepening engagement with local Fisheries Departments and fishers’ associations, and in 2025 further expanded to Goa in collaboration with the Goa Forest Department, marking the project’s evolution into the Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project. Together, these efforts have resulted in the safe rescue and release of over 1,000 whale sharks – a milestone that reflects the scale of grassroots participation the project has built over two decades.

KOLLAM, KERALA

This year’s celebration was held on 29th August at Fatima Mata National College (Autonomous), Kollam and hosted by the Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department, WTI, with support from Oracle. The event brought together forest officials, scientists, fisher representatives and academic institutions to highlight the importance of conserving the species.

The programme began with a welcome address by Mr. Sethu Gopinathan, Manager and Regional Facilitator – South India, WTI.  Prof. B. C. Choudhury, Principal Investigator, Marine Projects and Senior Advisor – Aquatic Conservation, WTI, spoke on the importance of Whale Shark Day and the need for greater public awareness, which was followed by the presidential address by Prof. Manohar D. Mullassery, Principal, Fatima Mata National College, Kollam. Dr. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, delivered the special address.

Dr. Pramod G. Krishnan, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry), Kerala, served as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, he said, “Whale sharks play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ocean ecosystem and supporting healthy marine life. On International Whale Shark Day, while we highlight the importance of protecting this magnificent species, it is equally important to recognise the fishers—the frontline warriors of the sea. Over the years in Kerala, fishers have rescued and released more than 50 whale sharks back into the sea. Their work is truly commendable. These warriors of the sea continue to protect and rescue these gentle giants, often making sacrifices that can come at the cost of their own livelihoods.”A key highlight of the event was the formal release of a report on “Guardians of the Gentle Giants: A Tribute to Kerala’s Whale Shark Rescuers”, which honours the individuals who selflessly work to rescue these endangered giants and give them a second chance at life.

Five fishers—Mr. Al Sameer, Paravur; Mr. Milton, Kochuveli; Mr. Patrick, Kochuthoppu; Mr Sebastian Rosario, Kannur; Mr. Valsan, Chettuva—along with their fishing crew, were honoured by Dr. Pramod G. Krishnan, IFS, APCCF, for their dedicated efforts in rescuing and releasing whale sharks entangled in fishing nets.

Mr. Valsan, a fisherman from Chettuva, Thrissur, said, “Fishers would never intentionally harm a protected species. However, due to a lack of awareness, several adverse incidents have occurred. The awareness created through the Whale Shark Conservation Project has helped us better understand this species, and we are now sharing this knowledge and awareness within our fishing community.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Akhilesh KV, Scientist, ICAR-CMFRI, Calicut, on “Conservation vs Livelihood: Navigating through Blue Economy and Elasmobranch Conservation in India.” The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. P. J. Sarlin, Professor & Head, PG and Research Department of Zoology, Fatima Mata National College.

GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT 

The Gujarat Forest Department, in partnership with WTI and with support from Tata Chemicals Ltd., celebrated International Whale Shark Day at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), bringing together government agencies, conservationists and fishing communities to protect the endangered whale shark and promote the safe release of sharks accidentally caught in fishing gear. The event celebrated the success of Gujarat’s pioneering co-managed conservation model, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to protecting the whale shark.

The programme commenced with welcome remarks by Prof. Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, followed by an address by Paresh Tank, Assistant Vice President-Corporate Affairs, Tata Chemicals.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tiwari, Vice President and Chief of Conservation, WTI, traced the evolution of the whale shark initiative from a pioneering regional campaign in Gujarat to a collaborative conservation programme spanning several states along India’s coastline.

The celebration also featured a video message from Shri Morari Bapu, whose support was instrumental in building public awareness and strengthening community ownership during the early years of the campaign. A major highlight of the event was the release of the documentary, “Vhali: A Legacy of Conservation – Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership,” which chronicles the success of the initiative and the partnerships that have sustained it over two decades.

In his presidential address,  Dr. Jaipal Singh, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Gujarat Forest Department, stated, ​“Our success today is the result of a true, multi-year partnership between the government and NGOs. Through breakthroughs like satellite tagging, we have uncovered the incredible migration routes of the whale shark down to Kerala and Goa. Gujarat’s 1,900-kilometre coastline is a source of great prosperity, but true coastal development is only meaningful if our ecosystems remain healthy. From the state government’s mangrove programs to tackling plastic pollution through community participation, our goal is to see our wildlife populations increase.”

A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of 30 fishers from 6 of the main landing centres, who were honoured for their dedicated efforts in rescuing and releasing whale sharks entangled in fishing nets. Speaking of his experience, Veljibhai Masani, President of Akhil Bharatiya Machhimar Mandal, Mangrol, said, “Years ago, this species was simply a source of income for us fishers. But a fisherman’s heart is as deep as the ocean, and the message from WTI and Morari Bapu reached those very depths. Today, we feel immensely grateful and blessed to be the protectors of this divine creature.”

Creative awareness programmes for school students were also hosted in Mithapur and Dhamlej. 

PANAJI, GOA 

As the newest landscape under the Wildlife Trust of India’s (WTI) Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project, Goa represents an important chapter in the effort to secure safer waters for whale sharks across India’s western seaboard.

The programme, hosted at the Goa Science Centre and Planetarium, Miramar, began with a welcome address and campaign overview by Shri. Jose Louies, Chief Executive Officer, WTI, followed by special addresses from the Guest of Honour,  Smt. Shamila Monteiro, Director of Fisheries, Govt of Goa and Shri. Sujeet Kumar Dongre, Programme Director, Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Coast & Marine. On behalf of the Hon’ble Forest Minister, Shri Vishwajit Rane’s office, Mr. Dongre also announced the launch of the Whale Shark Konkani Naming Contest, an initiative aimed at encouraging greater public participation in whale shark conservation and strengthening local connections with the species.

The Chief Guest, Shri K. Ramesh Kumar, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt of Goa, formally inaugurated the programme. He highlighted the vital role of coastal communities, particularly fishers, as eco-warriors and role models in marine conservation, while stressing the importance of engaging younger generations. He noted that conservation and coexistence are deeply rooted in Goa’s culture and emphasised our collective responsibility to protect the whale shark as an umbrella species for marine life. He also welcomed WTI’s expanding whale shark conservation efforts across states.

A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of two fishers, Shri. Vaibhav Kandalgaonkar of Panjim and Shri. Caetano Fernandes of Colva, in recognition of their roles in Goa’s first documented whale shark rescues in 2023 and 2026, respectively. Speaking of his experience, Shri Vaibhav Kandalgaonkar said, “In 2023, my crew came across an entangled whale shark. It was their first time seeing the species, and there was fear and hesitation. I immediately looked it up, learned that it was a Schedule I species, and rushed to release it, even though it meant a net loss for us. That moment made me realise that we always take from the sea; it was our honour to give something back. I am grateful to WTI and the Goa Forest Department for this recognition. I hope it inspires more fishers to step up and save whale sharks.”

The programme also featured a panel discussion on “The Blue Economy Dilemma: Balancing Marine Conservation and Economic Growth” featuring Shri Vivek Talwar, Director, C-SCAPES, Arjun Trikannad from Reef Watch, and Puja Mitra from Terra Conscious, who discussed sustainable approaches to protect Goa’s marine ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods and economic interests of coastal communities.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Saymanti B., Manager and Head, Natural Heritage Campaigns, WTI, reaffirming the collective commitment of stakeholders towards conserving the whale shark and its marine habitat.