Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: On the occasion of International Whale Shark Day, the Goa government launched the Whale Shark Conservation Project along the State’s coastline in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Forest Department, Department of Fisheries and Oracle India. Announcing the initiative, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said that a cash reward of ₹75,000 will be offered for rescuing and releasing whale sharks and other Schedule I endangered species. He stressed that the support of the fishermen community would be vital for the success of the mission, as they serve as the first line of guardians for Goa’s marine ecosystem.
As part of the conservation drive, the government has also decided to constitute a committee on marine life protection under the chairmanship of Prof. B.C. Choudhury. The committee will include experts and stakeholders such as conservationist Francis Fernandes (Pele) and Minister Rane himself, with the objective of safeguarding Goa’s diverse marine species.
“Goa stands resolute in conserving its rich marine biodiversity,” Rane affirmed, underscoring the State’s commitment to sustainable marine protection efforts.
