India Is Using Digital Technology To Improve Shark Conservation

KOCHI-In a move that blends marine conservation with digital innovation, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has launched two technology-driven platforms aimed at improving awareness and compliance for the protection of endangered sharks and rays.

The ‘Shark Aware’ mobile application is an interactive e-learning module at its Kochi headquarters. The platforms are designed to help fishermen, fisheries officials, wildlife enforcement agencies, researchers and students identify protected shark and ray species while improving compliance with conservation laws.

The mobile application features a database of protected elasmobranch species listed under the wildlife protection act. It also provides scientific information, legal protection status, international trade regulations and the ecological importance of conserving threatened marine animals.

The app was developed to bridge the knowledge gap among stakeholders involved in marine fisheries and wildlife conservation.

The accompanying interactive e-learning module allows users to study at their own pace through quizzes, instant assessments and progress tracking. It covers the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, species identification techniques, and the conservation importance of protected sharks and rays.

The initiative by making scientific and legal information more accessible to stakeholders, is hoping to support sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation. (IANS)