PANAJI
Seashell trade in Goa, which is mostly in the form of curios, is set to come under the microscope with enforcement authorities now equipped with a new set of identification tools developed by TRAFFIC and WWF-India.
The new identification tools will help enforcement agencies identify marine mollusc species accurately.
Currently only 24 of the 3000-odd species of marine mollusc which are soft-bodied animals who remain ensconced in shells are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, in India. Also, only a limited number of seashell species are protected.
Illegal seashells trade has been a challenge for enforcement authorities to tackle with research indicating that in the Indian market is driven mainly by the demand for curios and accessories like buttons and combs, lampshades and fashion articles among other decorative items.
The major impediment for enforcement agencies is related to the correct identification of protected species being traded. The lack of accurate identification normally leads to wrongful seizures, faulty reports and ultimately low conviction rates.
According to Dr Saket Badola, IFS, Head of TRAFFIC’s India Office and co-author of the ID tools seashells are sold openly at markets in coastal regions and correct identification of seized species is essential to tackle the illegal trade.
"We are hopeful that the new ID tools, probably one of their kind in India, will aid wildlife law enforcement officers in their initiatives to protect and conserve marine molluscs” Badola said.
Badola's co-authors of the ID tools include Dr Deepak V Samuel; Dr R Ravinesh, Dr A Biju Kumar and Dr Merwyn Fernandes. The new tools provide vital information about marine molluscs which are protected, their legal and conservation statuses, natural distribution, key identification features and the threats faced by them.
According to Dr Samuel, who is a well-known marine biologist large quantities of shells are obtained as bycatch from bottom trawlers dragged along the seabed.
He added that most of the shells gathered end up in trade and therefore, enhancing knowledge among the fishing community and enforcement agencies about sustainable practices and conservation of marine molluscs is crucial.
