ReefWatch Marine Conservation

ReefWatch Marine Conservation focuses on conserving the Karnataka coastline, a habitat covering 320km and housing diverse marine megafauna like Sea Turtles, Dolphins, and Whales. With excessive human activities impacting the region's wildlife, the Coastal Conservation project, initiated in 2019, addresses critical issues, undertaking varied efforts. Since then, ReefWatch, collaborating with veterinarians and biologists, has responded to 236 Marine Stranding incidents, rescuing and rehabilitating Sea Turtles and Birds, organizing Coastal Clean-ups, and studying waste patterns. Based in Kundapur, the team aims to enhance marine habitats, tackle unsustainable practices like overfishing and improper waste disposal by introducing alternative methods. To ensure sustainable progress, ReefWatch engages with stakeholders, local authorities, communities, and youth, involving the forest department, volunteer groups, and Kundapur's children in proactive initiatives.

ReefWatch Marine Conservation delves into preserving Goa's rich biodiversity, combating the adverse impacts of mining, illegal sand extraction, and unchecked tourism that have altered the state's serene landscapes. With an exponential rise in tourism and unsustainable development causing overcrowding and pollution, Goa's coastline faces immense pressure. In April 2021, ReefWatch initiated its project, establishing a veterinary network to aid stranded marine megafauna, such as dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds, in collaboration with the Goa Forest Department. Since then, ReefWatch's veterinarians and biologists have responded to approximately 270 stranding incidents and conducted engaging presentations for school children, fostering discussions on marine conservation and biodiversity, with 13 successful sessions held by April 2023.

ReefWatch Marine Conservation actively engages in preserving the diverse ecosystems of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a unique Union Territory rich in coral reefs, mangroves, rainforests, and endemic species. Despite facing challenges from the 2004 tsunami impact, escalating tourism, development, climate change, and declining water quality, these islands remain crucial biodiversity hotspots. Since 2018, ReefWatch has operated from Chidiyatapu on South Andaman Island, conducting community outreach initiatives, monitoring coral reefs, and undertaking coral reef restoration efforts in the region.

ReefWatch Marine Conservation is tackling challenges along Gujarat's lengthy coastline, balancing diverse ecosystems with significant commercial activities. Despite this, the coast lacks thorough exploration and monitoring. Rich in aquatic life and attracting megafauna like Blue whales and Dolphins, Gujarat's waters house coral reefs and serve as crucial breeding grounds for marine turtles. ReefWatch is actively conducting reconnaissance, interviewing coastal communities, and collaborating with C-SCAPES to establish a Marine Megafauna Stranding Response System. Its efforts involve gathering data, raising social awareness, promoting cultural events linked to coastal life, establishing a comprehensive stranding reporter network, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.