An Assessment of Marine Fauna of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in Curio Trade in India: A Market Study

Abstract

In an endeavor to prioritize the conservation of marine environment, species that are threatened were given protection under various Schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Though the protection is sturdy on paper, marine fauna, such as sea shells, corals, and sea horses are often illegally collected from their natural environment and are traded as marine curios. To assess those protected marine species in the curio trade, all major touristic and pilgrimage hot spots of coastal states (including island territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman) were surveyed during 2006–2008. 16 protected mollusks, corals, and one sea horse species were found, along with other marine taxa in curio trade. The most common protected species of molluscs available in the market were Pleuroploca trapezium and Trochus niloticus. About 82 % markets surveyed had hard coral as curios. The average size of the protected mollusks in the curio markets were found to be smaller than its average wild size indicating possible over exploitation. Interviews with the local vendors revealed that annually, each vendor sells approximately 15 % of the protected species generating an annual turnover of approximately 1.5 lakhs (INR). Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay in Tamil Nadu; island territories of Andaman and Lakshadweep are found to be the major source for protected species. The present study finds that protected marine species are an integral part in the growing marine curio business. High market demand, coupled with a lack of awareness and an inadequate enforcement were found to be major driving forces for the illegal marine curio trade. Awareness campaigns, along with a promotion of viable and alternate sources of income for seashell/coral collectors and strengthening of law enforcement may curtail the illegal marine curio trade.