01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-07-0260 |
| Title of Abstract | The Indian Ocean⿿s Gentle Giants: Whaleshark Conservation in Indian waters- Population status, threats and community led efforts with preference to their pupping grounds |
| Authors | Sweta Beura*, Bineesh K.K |
| Organisation | Marine Biology Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India |
| Address | Zoological Survey of India, Marine Biology Regional Centre, 130, Santhome high road Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Pincode: 600028 E-mail: bsweta492@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest extant fish species and a migratory filter feeder of global conservation concern, classified as Endangered by IUCN. These blunt-headed giants are found along both the east & west coasts of India. Genetic results indicate that two major subpopulations exist, in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, with approximately 25% & 75% of the population respectively, in the Indo-Pacific. In Indian waters, some of the most significant seasonal aggregations are known with sightings along the coasts of Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands which indicates the region⿿s ecological importance. Of particular interest is the occurrence of juveniles along the Gujarat & Lakshadweep coasts, suggesting the potential presence of pupping or developmental grounds- an aspect still poorly known in Bay of Bengal waters. The east coast of India has documented occasional strandings or releases, but no neonatal captures are reported till date so pupping there remains unconfirmed. In this study, an incidental catch of a small neonatal specimen is found along the Kakinada coast, Andhra Pradesh. The neonate was caught by gill net operated at Kakinada coast & landed at Kasimedu, Chennai. The waters off Kakinada and its nearby coastal areas are now considered to be one of the prominent nursery grounds as these species can be seen all around the year. Since the species inclusion under Schedule I of the Indian WPA (2001), direct exploitation has been significantly reduced & conservation measures includes community-led initiatives which foster fisher engagement in live-release operations & reporting. Recognising and safeguarding potential pupping grounds is essential for sustaining whale shark populations in the Indian waters. In this study, we delve into the significance of stranding reports and occurrences, the potential causes behind them, and the crucial conservation measures needed to protect these gentle giants. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | whale sharks, endangered, pupping areas, conservation-efforts, East-coast, India |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 17-03-1998 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0157 |