Goa is preparing to chart a new course in marine protection. On International Whale Shark Day, the state announced plans to launch the country’s first vessel dedicated solely to conserving marine life. It is a move that, officials say, will put Goa at the forefront of ocean conservation in India.
Goa Launches India’s First Marine Conservation Vessel
According to India.com, Forest Minister Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane, making the announcement, described the ship as “one of its kind.” He promised that it would be equipped with cutting-edge facilities tailored for rescue, research, and monitoring at sea. The minister said that they are trying to get this ship on priority. He also stated proudly that it will be the only one in India designed exclusively for marine conservation.
The vessel is part of a wider push that includes the formal rollout of the Whale Shark Conservation Project along Goa’s coastline. The initiative is a collaboration between the Wildlife Trust of India, the Goa Forest Department, the Fisheries Department, and Oracle India. Beyond research, it will focus on urgent rescues and community awareness.
The Committee Behind The Initiative
On International Whale Shark Day, we launched the Whale Shark Conservation Project along Goa’s coast with Wildlife Trust of India, Goa Forest Department, Department of Fisheries & Oracle India.
To strengthen conservation, a reward of ₹75,000 will be given to fishermen or… pic.twitter.com/bNycfzxcKT
— Vishwajit Rane (@visrane) August 30, 2025
Acknowledging the role of Goa’s traditional fishing community, Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane announced a ₹75,000 incentive scheme. Fishermen who rescue and safely release whale sharks or other Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, will be rewarded. He recognised in his speech that the fishermen community of Goa is their greatest strength. With their commitment and collaboration, Goa will continue to lead the way in protecting marine life.
To guide the effort, the government has set up a high-powered committee headed by veteran conservationist Prof. B.C. Choudhury. The panel also features wildlife experts Vivek Menon, Praveen Kumar Raghaw, Shamila Monteiro, community leader Francis Fernandes (Pele), along with Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane. Fernandes, who has long worked to sensitise fishermen about conserving marine species, will once again act as a bridge between science and the shoreline.
Everything You Need To Know
For Vishwajit Pratapsingh Rane, the project is not just about building infrastructure but about building a movement. His speech iterated that they want the whole community and the youth involved. This ship will help them move forward with all the facilities and make Goa the state capital for marine conservation.
When operational, the vessel will patrol Goa’s waters, respond to emergencies involving marine animals, and serve as a mobile research base. Conservationists believe the ship could become a model for other coastal states. It signals a shift from tourism-first to ecology-first thinking in India’s beach capital, as stated by India.com.
Goa, long known for its sunsets and shorelines, now wants to be known for something more enduring: leadership in safeguarding the country’s fragile marine heritage.
Cover Image Courtesy: visrane/X
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