WTI celebrates International Whale Shark Day across India’s Western coast
Pan-India, August 30, 2025: WTI celebrated International Whale Shark Day with events across its project locations in Gujarat, Kerala and Goa. In collaboration with the Goa Forest Department and Centre for Environment Education (CEE), and with support from Oracle, the day marked the expansion of the ‘Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project’ in Goa.
The project launch in Goa was officially flagged off by Shri Vishwajit P. Rane, Hon’ble Minister for Forest, Govt. of Goa, who called for united efforts to safeguard Goa’s marine wealth and ensure protection of the whale shark — the world’s largest fish and an endangered species. “Today, on the occasion of International Whale Shark Day and WTI’s project launch in Goa, I would like to promise that Goa will be a model for whale shark conservation in the coming years. I also announce a compensation of 75,000 rupees as compensation for fishermen cutting nets for accidentally entangled whale sharks, among other initiatives that would soon be rolled out to support the protection of our marine fauna”, quoted Shri Rane.
Shri Vishwajit P. Rane (Honb. Minister of Forests, Government of Goa) addressing the audience during the launch of WTI’s Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project in Goa | Photograph by Madhumay Mallik/WTI
The launch at Goa Science Centre and Planetarium, Miramar, Panaji, witnessed the convergence of conservation leaders, government representatives, researchers, and community members. The programme featured a welcome address by Prof. B.C. Choudhury, Senior Advisor – Aquatic Projects, WTI, a keynote by Mr. Vivek Menon, Founder & Executive Director, WTI, and a special address by Ms. Dia Mirza Rekhi, UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India and WTI Trustee & Ambassador.
With over 1,000 whale shark rescues already achieved along India’s west coast in Gujarat and Kerala, the Goa launch marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project. This initiative seeks to inspire coastal communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to come together to secure a safe future for whale sharks and preserve India’s rich marine biodiversity.
Dia Mirza, Ambassador, Wildlife Trust of India, in her special address said that “saving the whale shark ensures that the entire marine ecosystem benefits. It is a proud moment that the WTI’s Whale Shark Conservation Project has now reached Goa, a state known for its beaches and marine tourism.
Launch of Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project in Goa | Photograph by Madhumay Mallik/WTI
Similarly, the Kerala Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), with the support of Oracle, felicitated local fishers for their heroic efforts in rescuing and releasing endangered whale sharks entangled in fishing nets. The commemorative event, held at St. Joseph Church Auditorium, Kochuveli, was inaugurated by the Chief guest—Dr. P. Pugazhendi IFS, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) and presided over by Rev. Fr. Tony Hamlet, Vicar of Kochuveli Parish Church. 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 during the event.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shobha K of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), emphasised the importance of grassroots-level participation in safeguarding marine biodiversity. This was followed by a plenary talk led by Prof. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, who outlined the ecological significance of whale sharks and ongoing conservation strategies. Dr. P. Pugazhendi IFS, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF), Government of Kerala, said, “Conservation is not possible without the support of the community. This is true not only for whale sharks but for every species. I sincerely appreciate the fishermen for their efforts and goodwill in rescuing whale sharks. The Forest Department will extend full support to the upcoming conservation initiatives led by the Wildlife Trust of India for whale shark conservation.”
International Whale Shark Day celebrations in Kochuveli, Kerala | Photograph by Sreenanth K/WTI
In Gujarat, where the project marks more than two decades of conservation partnership, an event at the Community Hall in Bhidiya Harbour, Veraval, the event celebrated the success of Gujarat’s pioneering co-managed conservation model, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to protecting the whale shark – a globally endangered and nationally protected species. Over 500 attendees, including local fishing community members, students, government officials, marine line departments, and conservation partners, were in attendance. Distinguished guests included the Chief Conservator of Forests, Junagadh Forest Circle, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Junagadh Forest Division, along with representatives from Tata Chemicals Ltd., WTI, and key leaders from fishermen associations.
Skit performance by students during International Whale Shark Day celebrations in Veraval, Gujarat | Photograph by Farukhkha Bloch/WTI
Mr. Mukesh Solanki, Head CSR at TSCRD Mithapur, representing Tata Chemicals Ltd, emphasised future interventions to establish further conservation achievements and appreciated the recent developments undertaken collaboratively by the Gujarat Forest Department by doubling the amount for net loss compensation and streamlining the application of digital tools, Vhali Watcher mobile application initiative. A felicitation ceremony was organised for fishing community associations from various harbours along the Gujarat coast, honouring their contribution towards the protection of whale sharks.
These initiatives mark an expansion of WTI’s successful whale shark conservation efforts along the west coast of India, building upon the foundations of their partnerships in Gujarat and Kerala that have resulted in the rescue of over 1,000 entangled whale sharks.
