WSCP

The scheme aims to protect the endangered Whale Shark, the world's largest fish, along the Gujarat coast, a crucial breeding site. It mitigates threats from fishing by providing compensation for damaged nets and cultivates a strong conservation ethic among local fishermen and the broader public.

Launched in 2004, the "Whale Shark Conservation Programme" by the Forests and Environment Department, Government of Gujarat, aims to tackle the problem of incidental catch and conserve the magnificent Whale Shark species, ensuring its protection along the Gujarat coast. The scheme provides full legal protection to Whale Sharks, listing them under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 since May 28, 2001, marking it as the first fish protected by Indian law. It also features a compensation scheme for fishermen whose nets are damaged during rescue operations, and introduced a self-documentation process for claims in 2012. The fishermen must actively participate in rescue operations by reporting trapped Whale Sharks and assisting in their release. The scheme is implemented by the Forests and Environment Department. Applications for compensation under this scheme are accepted through reporting incidents to the forest range office or by self-documentation.

• The applicant must be a fisherman, particularly from the Kharva and Koli communities residing in the coastal talukas of Veraval, Sutrapada, and Mangrol in Junagadh district.
• The applicant's fishing net must incur damage or require cutting during an operation to rescue a trapped Whale Shark.
• The applicant, or the rescue team involved, must ensure the rescue operation is thoroughly documented through either videography or photography.
• The applicant, under the self-documentation scheme, must photograph the trapped Whale Shark, release it on the spot, and then submit these photographs along with incident details to the Forests and Environment Department after returning to the sea coast.

> Compensation for Damaged Nets

Fishermen are paid compensation not exceeding ₹25,000/- (twenty-five thousand rupees) in lieu of nets that are damaged or cut during rescue operations involving trapped Whale Sharks.

> Conditions for Benefit Availment/Disbursement

• The rescue operation must be documented through videography or photography for compensation to be paid.
• The fishermen must take photographs of trapped Whale Sharks, release them on the spot, and then submit this information and photographs after returning to the coast to receive their compensation.