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Section 49L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

1[49L. Conditions for introduction from sea of scheduled specimens.--(1) The introduction from the sea of a specimen of a species included in Appendices I or II of Schedule IV shall require the prior grant and presentation of a certificate of introduction from the sea.

(2)A certificate of introduction from the sea shall not be granted unless--
1. (a)the Scientific Authority has advised that the introduction of any specimen will not be detrimental to the survival of the species;
2. (b)in the case of a specimen of a species listed in Appendix I of Schedule IV, the Management Authority is satisfied that it is not to be used for primarily commercial purposes and that the proposed recipient of any living specimen is suitably equipped to house and care for it; and
3. (c)in the case of a living specimen of a species listed in Appendix II of Schedule IV, the Management Authority is satisfied that it will be so handled as to minimise the risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment.]

Summary

This section controls bringing protected species into India from international waters, such as the open sea.
You must get a "certificate of introduction from the sea" before bringing an Appendix I or II species into the country.
Experts must advise that taking the specimen from the sea will not harm the survival of that species.
For the most protected Appendix I species, it cannot be brought in for primarily commercial or profit-making reasons.
Anyone receiving a living Appendix I species from the sea must be properly equipped to take care of it.
For Appendix II species, they must be handled in a way that avoids injury or cruel treatment.

Practical examples

1An Indian research vessel finds a rare sea turtle listed in Appendix I in the middle of the Indian Ocean and wants to bring it to a coastal facility for medical help. Under Section 49L, they need a certificate and must show the facility can handle the turtle.

2A company wants to bring in a large amount of a specific coral listed in Appendix II that was harvested from international waters. Under this law, the Scientific Authority must first confirm that this harvest isn't going to wipe out the coral population.

FAQ

1. What document is needed under Section 49L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to bring a protected species from international waters?

You must obtain a certificate of introduction from the sea.

2. Does Section 49L of the Wild Life Act allow bringing in Appendix I species for sale?

No, Section 49L states that for Appendix I species, the authority must be satisfied the specimen is not to be used for primarily commercial purposes.

3. Who decides if taking a specimen from the sea is harmful under Section 49L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972?

The Scientific Authority advises whether the introduction will be detrimental to the survival of the species.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 49L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what is the required document for Appendix I or II species taken from the marine environment?

Q2.For an Appendix II species being introduced from the sea, what must the Management Authority be satisfied of under Section 49L of the Wild Life Act?

Q3.Under Section 49L of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what is a condition for the recipient of a living Appendix I species from the sea?

Q4.According to Section 49L of the Wild Life Act, what must the Scientific Authority advise for any protected specimen coming from the sea?

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