Indian government initiates steps to protect marine species

November 22, 2007

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*Lok Sabha*

Some of the marine species are facing threat due to habitat destruction,

over exploitation, commercial fishing, by-catches during commercial fishing

etc.

The issue of conservation and management of marine species was one of the

agenda items for the 4th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife held on

1st November 2007 under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister.

The steps taken to provide protection to marine species are as given below:

All cetaceans (Whales, Porpoises & Dolphins) and 10 species of elasmobranch

(sharks & rays), Holothurians, Corals, 9 species of Molluscs, Sea Horses,

Giant Grouper have been included in the Schedule I of the Wild Life

(Protection) Act, 1972, thereby affording them highest degree of protection.

Hunting of these species is prohibited as per the provisions of the Act.

With the amendments in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the penalty for

poaching of species included in the Schedules of the Act and illegal trade

in its parts and products has been enhanced.

Financial and technical assistance are provided to the State/UT Governments

under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Development of National Parks &

Sanctuaries' for development of protected areas which include marine

national parks as well.

All developmental activities within the Coastal Regulation Zone area are

regulated.

India is a signatory to the International Whaling Commission (IWC),

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and Convention on International Trade

in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for conservation of

marine species and its habitats and for control of illegal trade in its

parts & products.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of

Environment and Forests, Shri Namo Narayan Meena in a written reply to

question in the Lok Sabha today.

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