Ornamental Fish Production and Management (1+1)

14.2.1 Trade regulations and wildlife act in relation to ornamental fishes

The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 refers to a package of legislation enacted in 1972 by the Govt. of India applicable to entire India except Jammu and Kashmir which has its own separate act. The act consists of established schedules that lists protected plant and animal species and hunting or harvesting these species was largely outlawed.

It has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties. Species listed in Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much lower. Enforcement authorities have the power to compound offences under this Schedule (i.e. they impose fines on the offenders).