WTI’s Pan India Whale Shark Conservation Project celebrated World Oceans Day 2026 to raise awareness of issues affecting our oceans and safeguard the globally threatened marine species, including the world’s largest living fish, the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus). Several field activities were planned to include participation from key stakeholders from diverse groups of coastal communities, including active fishers, scientists, research scholars, Fishery graduate students, coastal school students and coastal communities across Gujarat, Goa and Kerala.  

Gujarat

Marine debris along the shoreline poses a serious threat not only to whale sharks, a filter-feeding pelagic marine species, but also to millions of other marine organisms. As part of an initiative to keep the Veraval beach coastline clean, a team of 30 graduate students from the Fisheries Science program joined hands to participate in a cleanup drive. 

We aimed to raise awareness among coastal communities about the importance of removing marine debris, maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem, and encouraging citizens to understand how small individual efforts can contribute significantly to safeguarding marine life. By the end of the cleanup drive, the team collected approximately 350 kg of marine debris. Large burlap sacks were used to gather the waste, which was subsequently handed over to the cleaning department of the Veraval Municipal Corporation for proper disposal.

Fishers are among the primary stakeholders of the project; therefore, they were engaged in the celebration hosted at Dhamlej through the screening of a project documentary and focused interactions with more than 50 active members of the local fishing community. The session was held in the late evening at the Fishermen’s Association Community Hall in Dhamlej fishing village.

The ocean serves as the primary source of livelihood for these coastal communities that are dependent on marine resources. Fishers have a moral responsibility in protecting marine species such as whale sharks, thereby contributing to the ecological balance and health of the oceans. The conservation efforts and stewardship demonstrated by coastal communities in safeguarding globally endangered marine species are closely linked to their socio-economic conditions and dependence on marine ecosystems. This perspective was emphasised by Shri Rajeshbhai Budhabhai Panjari, President of the Kharva Fishermen Community Association of Dhamlej. These interactions helped achieve the objectives of World Oceans Day by promoting awareness, dialogue, and community participation in marine conservation.

Our team also delivered a talk for the faculty members of the Fisheries Resource Management team at the College of Fisheries Science, Veraval. The presentation highlighted WTI’s whale shark conservation efforts over a span of 20 years in the state and the long-term conservation success through the collective efforts of a diverse group of stakeholders.

 

Kerala

In the days leading up to World Ocean Day, our team working in Kerala collaborated with Sree Durga Kalalayam to conduct a colouring and sensitisation workshop for students from the fishing community in Bengara, Manjeshwar, Kasaragod — a traditional village near the Karnataka-Kerala border where families have depended on the sea for generations. 

Mr. Prasanth Siju, Manager of Sree Durga Kalalayam, welcomed the participants, and Mr. Jithin Jose, Field Officer at WTI, spoke with the children about the ecological importance of whale sharks and the significance of healthy oceans. Through the colouring activities that followed, young participants connected with conservation in a way that felt immediate and personal.

Furthermore, our team, in collaboration with the Departments of Aquatic Biology, Fisheries, and Forest & Wildlife Studies at Kerala University, organised a one-day workshop at Government RFTVHSS, Valiyathura, to commemorate World Oceans Day.

Themed “Empowering the Blue Planet: Marine Protected Areas,” the event brought together students, scientists, and policymakers to discuss marine conservation and sustainable ocean management. Prof. Dr. M. Bijukumar, Vice Chancellor of KUFOS, delivered the keynote address, setting the tone for the day’s discussions. Dr. Renjin Mathyu Varghese of WWF-Kerala led an engaging student interaction session, while a panel of distinguished marine scientists and fisheries professionals shared their knowledge and commitment to ocean conservation.

Meanwhile, in Veliancode, Thrissur, a separate training session introduced local fishers to the Meenu Watcher app—a tool designed to help coastal communities document whale shark sightings along Kerala’s coastline. Those who spend their lives at sea are often the first to encounter these gentle giants; equipping them to record such sightings transforms everyday fishing activities into valuable contributions to conservation science. 

The day concluded with an awareness session in Kochi, Ernakulam, where around 50 members of the local fishing community gathered to discuss marine conservation, particularly the protection of species such as the whale shark. The strong participation reflected genuine interest and concern from the community, offering encouragement for continued engagement in conservation initiatives.

In a parallel event, Mr. Sajan John, Co-Principal Investigator of WTI’s marine conservation projects, represented the organisation at a seminar organised by CMLRE, Kochi, to commemorate World Oceans Day 2026. The seminar brought together marine scientists, research scholars, and conservation practitioners, providing a platform to showcase WTI’s conservation model for globally threatened marine ecosystems and species, including coral reefs, mangroves, and whale sharks.

Goa

Lastly, our team based in Goa conducted a whale shark conservation sensitisation programme at Talpona, Canacona. The programme was attended by local fishers, along with representatives from the Fisheries Department, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Indian Navy.

During the session, the project team highlighted the ecological importance of whale sharks and other marine megafauna, emphasising their crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Participants were also sensitised to the safe rescue and release of accidentally entangled marine animals, including whale sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and rays, thereby promoting responsible stewardship of marine biodiversity.

The team also discussed reporting mechanisms for stranded, injured, or entangled marine wildlife and encouraged participants to promptly inform the relevant authorities to facilitate timely rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Special emphasis was placed on the legal protection provided to whale sharks and several other marine species under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, reinforcing the shared responsibility of coastal communities and stakeholders in conserving India’s marine biodiversity.

To engage young learners in ocean conservation, WTI also organised a drawing competition at Shri Nirakar High School, Mashem. A total of 90 students enthusiastically participated, showcasing their creativity and understanding of marine conservation through art.

We are grateful to Ttat Chemicals Ltd.(TCSRD, C-SCAPES), Oracle and the respective State forest Departments for supporting our Pan India Whale Shark Conservation Project.