Considering the need to have a conservation paradigm for marine mega fauna and marine turtles, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has released ‘Marine Mega Fauna Stranding Guidelines’ and the ‘National Marine Turtle Action Plan’.
Context
- Considering the need to have a conservation paradigm for marine mega fauna and marine turtles, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has released ‘Marine Mega Fauna Stranding Guidelines’ and the ‘National Marine Turtle Action Plan’.
What is ‘in’ the plan?
- These two documents highlight actions to be taken for:
- handling stranded animals on shore
- stranded or entangled animals in the sea or on a boat
- management actions for improved coordination
- reducing threats to marine species and their habitats
- rehabilitation of degraded habitats
- enhancing people’s participation
- advance scientific research
- exchange of information on marine mammals and marine turtles and their habitats
The need of the initiative
- Despite the immense economic, ecological and cultural values of marine habitats in India, marine mega fauna species and marine turtles face a wide variety of challenges including stranding and entanglement.
- Managing such challenging situations requires coordination, action and people’s participation which would help in the long-term conservation of marine species and their habitats.
Marine biodiversity
- India has rich marine biodiversity along a vast coastline of over seven thousand 7,500 kilometer.
- From colorful fish, sharks, turtles and big mammals like whales, dolphins and dugongs to bright corals, marine habitats not only harbor diverse species but also provide resources essential for human wellbeing.
- Millions of people depend on these resources ranging from maritime trade and transport, food, spiritual values and inspiration that draw tourists from around the world.
|
Significance of the plan
- Promotion for conservation: The documents contains ways and means to promote inter-sectoral action for conservation
- Improved coordination: It will also guide improved coordination amongst the government, civil society and all relevant stakeholders on the response to cases of stranding, entanglement, injury or mortality of marine mammals and also conservation of marine turtles.
