Recommends enhancing monitoring systems, conducting detailed market surveys
Abdul Wahab Khan
Panaji : A study has flagged the overfishing of vulnerable shark, identifying Goa and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh as critical hubs in a trade that threatens marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
Titled as ‘Identifying leverage points for sustainability in India’s shark supply chains’, the research has been published in Marine Policy journal. It has been authored by
seven experts from institutions including the University of Oxford, Ashoka University, and WWF India, and has revealed how supply-driven harvesting, illegal fin exports, and domestic ‘meat’ consumption are pushing vulnerable shark population toward ‘collapse’, despite national conservation policies.
The research has underscored that “shark fishing in Goa and Kakinada is predominantly driven by ecological supply constraints rather than economic incentives”, a finding that calls for targeted management strategies.
As shark populations continue to decline, the need for targeted management strategies becomes increasingly urgent to safeguard the vital marine species and ensure the socio-economic stability of coastal communities, the report has noted.
In Goa, small-scale fishers, especially in Canacona taluka, seasonally target juvenile blacktip sharks, a species described as “relatively productive but harvested at unsustainable rates” due to high market demand for fish meat.
Shark meat, priced higher than most fish, is marketed as a cultural staple in coastal eateries in Goa, where tourists seek dishes like shark Ambot Tik.
The researchers have highlighted that the seasonal fishery further intensifies pressure on shark populations during peak periods, risking long-term sustainability. Despite their limited negotiation power, fishers exploit juvenile sharks
On the other hand, in Kakinada, sharks are mainly sold through auctions, with large wholesalers controlling most of the trade, especially in fins, which are exported or sold to regional markets. The team has emphasised that demand-side factors, such as rising consumption, also influence trade patterns, although supply-side constraints like resource depletion are the primary drivers.
Both regions face critical data gaps, including limited information on actual catch volumes, consumer motivations, and market demand.
These uncertainties hinder the development of effective management policies. The study has underlined the importance of improved catch monitoring, market surveys, and predictive modelling to inform sustainable interventions. It has also advocated for community engagement and predictive approaches to ensure compliance and address local concerns.
The supply chain analysis has revealed that “trade bottlenecks and monopolistic control hinder efforts to improve traceability and enforce trade bans,” especially on fins.
The study was led by Trisha Gupta (Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, University of Oxford), Divya Karnad (Ashoka University and Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning), Rodrigo Oyanedel (Instituto Milenio en Socio-Ecología Costera and Universidad Austral de Chile), Hollie Booth (University of Oxford and The Biodiversity Consultancy), Tejaswi Abhiram (independent researcher), Harsha Gaonkar (WWF India), and EJ Milner-Gulland (University of Oxford).
The report has called for strengthening supply chain regulation, improving fishermen’s access to markets, and reducing demand through consumer awareness campaigns and promoting alternative proteins.
The study has emphasised that “targeted interventions should focus on key actors, such as small-scale fishers and wholesalers, who hold significant influence over trade flows.
The research has underscored uncertainties in market demand, consumption patterns, and actual catch volumes, which hinder effective policy formulation. It has recommended enhancing monitoring systems, conducting detailed market surveys, and integrating multiple levels of evidence to inform adaptive governance.
The authors have emphasised that “balancing conservation goals with socio-economic needs requires practical, context-specific solutions”, especially in data-limited settings.
The study has proposed region-specific interventions. For Kakinada, it has suggested empowerment of fishers through cooperatives, fair credit access, and transparent pricing mechanisms to dismantle exploitative trader relationships.
In Goa, where small-scale fishers dominate, “social incentives, such as public recognition for sustainable practices,” could reduce juvenile harvesting.
The report has also advocated for “catch quotas or seasonal bans paired with alternative livelihoods like tourism or aquaculture” to alleviate pressure on vulnerable species.
The research has highlighted collaborative efforts to replace shark meat with sustainable alternatives in Goa’s restaurants, creating “cost-saving opportunities for businesses while reducing ecological strain”.
With over 26 shark species legally protected but poorly monitored, the study has stressed on the need for an urgent alignment with the national plan of action for sharks. It has warned that “inconsistent enforcement and lack of safeguards for CITES-listed species” threaten both marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions dependent on fisheries.
