Conservation of marine life and sustainable fishing key to future of India's East Coast

"It is clear from today's discussion, that communities have the most important role in ensuring conservation of our marine eco-systems", said Sanjiv Gopal, campaigner Greenpeace India. "and participatory, democratic processes amongst informed communities to protect these highly fragile eco-systems is the way forward to protect our seas."

Rainbow Warrior arrived at the Chennai port on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by more than 15 sailing vessels of the Tamilnadu Sailing Association (TNSA) to a traditional welcome by the local fishing communities and school children. This morning, over 25 different local and regional groups, discussed the current situation of marine life in the Bay of Bengal and the different threats they face. Among the participants at today's seminar were Pankaj Seskaria, (Kalpavriksh), Dr. Kartik Shanker, (Atree), Liyakhat Khan, (Equations) and Ashish Fernandes, (Sanctuary).

"Non-implementation of the Supreme Court Order is a matter of critical concern for the Andamans and Nicobar Islands. " said Mr. Pankaj Seskaria, with respect to the indigenous people of the region.

Dr. Kartik Shanker, marine biologist with extensive experience on the Olive Ridley turtles said in his presentation "To ensure the conservation of this endangered species the decision making, as well as implementation process, needs to adopt a participatory approach, which would include the contribution of key stakeholders, including scientists, conservationists and fishermen".

Commenting on The Central Empowered Committee's directives regarding the Olive Ridleys, Mr. Ashish Fernandes, said "these are a good way forward as they have taken into account large commercial projects in ecologically and environmentally sensitive zones at Orissa, like Dhamra, asking them to relocate the proposed port site."

However Liyakhat Khan was not so positive about proposed tourism developments at the Sundarbans, " The proposed project at Sundarbans definitely does not adhere to the eco-tourism paradigm. It is yet another example of development projects being given the go-ahead, with no consideration whatsoever given to the surrounding environment".

"Greenpeace is here to bear witness, document the wonderful marine life of the Bay of Bengal and highlight the variety of threats facing these seas," says Richard Page, Greenpeace International campaigner. We are also here to start a dialogue with people that are involved in the protection and the use of the oceans, so that we can work together for the same goal, a clean and healthy Indian Ocean."

For more information - not for publication:
Sanjiv Gopal, Campaigner Greenpeace India, +91 98 4553 5416
Maartje van Boekel, Media Officer Greenpeace International, +91 98 4034 1284
Richard Page, Greenpeace International Oceans Campaigner, +44 7801 212966

Report of The Central Empowered Committee on Olive Ridley Turtles

For more:
Save our Seas

The Deep Sea Conservation council

Go to the Multimedia section and check out the Rainbow Warrior video