📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Frederick Whymper
Science
Fisheries Director Announces SOPs to Safeguard Marine Megafauna
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 30 Aug 2026, 02:37 AM
👁 3
The fisheries director said new standard operating procedures will be introduced shortly to protect large marine species such as whales, dolphins and sea turtles.
New standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at conserving marine megafauna are set to be rolled out, the fisheries director announced. The guidelines will target the protection of large marine species, including whales, dolphins and sea turtles, which are vulnerable to fishing activities.
The director emphasized that the SOPs will be formulated in consultation with marine scientists and will focus on minimizing accidental catches and habitat disturbance. Implementation is expected in the coming weeks, with training for fishers planned alongside the rollout.
This initiative aligns with India's broader commitments to marine biodiversity conservation and follows international calls for stronger protection of vulnerable oceanic fauna. Authorities will monitor compliance and assess the impact on both marine ecosystems and the fishing sector.
Stakeholders, including fishing communities and environmental NGOs, have been invited to provide feedback during the drafting phase to ensure the measures are practical and effective.
The fisheries department will release the final SOP document shortly, outlining specific operational guidelines for vessels operating in coastal and offshore waters.
The director emphasized that the SOPs will be formulated in consultation with marine scientists and will focus on minimizing accidental catches and habitat disturbance. Implementation is expected in the coming weeks, with training for fishers planned alongside the rollout.
This initiative aligns with India's broader commitments to marine biodiversity conservation and follows international calls for stronger protection of vulnerable oceanic fauna. Authorities will monitor compliance and assess the impact on both marine ecosystems and the fishing sector.
Stakeholders, including fishing communities and environmental NGOs, have been invited to provide feedback during the drafting phase to ensure the measures are practical and effective.
The fisheries department will release the final SOP document shortly, outlining specific operational guidelines for vessels operating in coastal and offshore waters.