About Us

REEFWATCH MARINE CONSERVATION

ReefWatch Marine Conservation is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1993 as a Public Charitable Trust under the Societies Registration Act. For over three decades, ReefWatch has worked towards the conservation and restoration of India’s marine and coastal ecosystems through a combination of science, education, community engagement, and capacity building.

Our work began with coral reef restoration in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and has since expanded to include marine megafauna stranding and response, ghost net retrieval, and the strengthening of coastal conservation networks across India. We work closely with government agencies, researchers, local communities, fishers, and volunteers to promote sustainable management of marine environments.

VISION

To protect the ocean and the life within, so our children (and theirs) will have access to this source of richness and beauty that sustains us today.

OUR OBJECTIVES

RESTORATION & REHABILITATION

To establish scientifically informed, community-driven projects to actively restore damaged marine ecosystems and rehabilitate threatened marine animals.

EDUCATION & AWARENESS

Raise awareness about the ocean’s beauty, biodiversity and the essential ecosystem services it provides us with.

MANAGEMENT

Collaborate with government regulatory bodies and local communities to improve our relationship and use of shared marine resources.

Governing Body

 Mitali is considered to be one of the most resourceful ad-film producers in the country. She is deeply passionate about raising awareness about the need for marine conservation. In the conservation space, she is best known for her film “Troubled Waters”. Mitali combines her passions for Scuba Diving and films to inspire younger generations to be ecologically conscious, responsible citizens.

MITALI DUTT KAKAR
CO-FOUNDER

Prahlad is a leading Indian ad-film director. He is the founder and main director for Genesis Film Productions, one of India’s leading production houses, established in 1977. As the founder of India’s oldest dive centre, Prahlad is single-handedly responsible for inspiring generations of divers and marine conservationists across India.

PRAHLAD KAKAR
CO-FOUNDER

Tarak Patel is the Managing Director at GMM Pfaudler. He has a BA in Economics from the University of Rochester, USA and an MBA degree jointly conferred by Columbia Business School, London Business School and University of Hong Kong (HKU) Business School. He is passionate about protecting the oceans through sustainable CSR programs and the education of coastal communities.

TARAK PATEL
DIRECTOR

Sumer is an award-winning underwater photographer and documentary film-maker. He’s one of the most experienced scuba divers in India, a CMAS Course Director and a Managing Partner at Lacadives. He uses his images and experiences to educate the world about the ocean.

SUMER VERMA
DIRECTOR

MANAGEMENT

Nayantara has an MSc in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from the Scripps University of Oceanography. She is qualified as a PADI Open Water Scuba
Instructor and is passionate about introducing people to the oceans and instilling empathy in them towards the marine environment. Nayantara is particularly adept at rehabilitating coral reefs while educating locals about sustainability.

NAYANTARA JAIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With a degree in Marine Science from the University of Auckland and a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Pondicherry, Shantanu worked in a diverse range of roles all over India. After 3 years working in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve with a Mobile Wildlife Vet Service, he found himself drawn back to the sea and now works with stranded marine animals along the coast of Karnataka.

DR SHANTANU KALAMBI
PROJECT MANAGER

Dr. Suranjana Ganguly is a Veterinarian by training from the University of Glasgow. She has worked in the fields of Urban Wildlife and Shelter Medicine & Welfare. She is currently also a senior advisor and vet to the elephants with Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Bangalore.

dr. Suranjana Ganguly
Veterinarian Supervisor

An educationist with over 15 years of experience, Anjili is passionate about the environment and has been designing programs that understand and prioritise community needs. She completed her Master of Education from The University of Sydney, Australia and is a PADI Divemaster.

Anjili MATHEW
Operations Manager

Tanuj has an M.Sc. in Wildlife Conservation and has experience working in diverse landscapes, addressing conservation issues related to large carnivores, threatened freshwater and marine fauna, and community-centric conservation. He aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of conservation issues and share knowledge to support informed decision-making. 

Tanuj Mark
PROgram lEad

OUR TEAMS

Re(ef)Generate

A PADI Rescue Diver with a PhD in Marine Biology and Oceanography, specializing in coral reef ecosystems and restoration. Passionate about marine conservation, biodiversity monitoring, taxonomy, ocean outreach, and guiding nature walks, while also assisting in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine megafauna in the Andaman Islands.

Dr. Sangmesh Uday

PROJECT Coordinator

Jodanne has a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and Aquaculture from JCU in Australia and an Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in Marine Conservation. She has experience working on various conservation efforts, including habitat mapping for cetaceans and guitarfish, fishery policy, and sustainable marine tourism. She is passionate about bioacoustics, community engagement, and innovative approaches to conservation.

jodanne Pereira
Outreach & Communications LEAD

Sanjiv a local to Chidiyatapu and a member of the Ranchi community, he is a master at handling boats and navigating the waters of the Andamans. He is also a skilled carpenter, and mason, all skills that are invaluable to our work in the Andamans. He has a remarkable talent for spotting various marine creatures during our intertidal walks, providing valuable insights into the local marine biodiversity.

Sanjiv Lakra
Field Assistant

Anand is a local from the Ranchi community of Chidiyatapu, with extensive experience in boat handling and on-ground operations. His strong knowledge of the island’s flora, fauna, and topography greatly supports expeditions, conservation, and outdoor activities across the Andaman Islands. His practical skills, familiarity with the terrain, and close connection with the local community make him a valuable asset during programs and ecological surveys.

AnAnD MiNJ
Field AssistanT

O.A.S.I.S

Arpita is a passionate Marine Biologist and conservationist with over nine years of field experience in marine research and community engagement. Dedicated to promoting ocean literacy among young minds, she combines scientific expertise with creativity and compassion. With a heart full of hope and a strong belief in the potential of young minds, she continues to inspire others through her work and her interactions.

Arpita Dutta
PRoject Coordinator

Arjun Trikannad has a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Fergusson College and an Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea), with specialisation in marine megafauna conservation. His interests include macrobenthic taxonomy and ecology, biofouling communities, and experimental marine ecology.

Arjun TRIKANNAD
PROJECT COoDINATOR

A marine conservationist, Diksha, did her master’s in Marine Sciences. With robust field experience, she is driven by a commitment to advancing evidence-based conservation and building bridges between science, community, and policy.  Obsessed with cetaceans, but makes do with dogs as petting whales becomes difficult. When not talking shop, she is almost always talking about food.

Diksha Mandlik
Outreach Officer

Veterinarian graduated from Nagpur Veterinary College, where he developed a keen interest in wildlife medicine during his academic years. With over four years of experience in wildlife and marine practice, he has good hands-on expertise in animal handling, diagnostics, and treatment. He is also a hobbyist photographer who enjoys exploring nature in his free time. Apart from sea turtles, leopards remain one of his forever wildlife interests.

Dr. Manohar
Veterinarian

Dr. Abdul Haseeb began his career working with large animals in clinical practice and later worked in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, where he gained experience managing animal health in remote and resource-limited settings. A graduate of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, he is currently working along the Karnataka coast, focusing on the treatment and care of sea turtles.

Dr. Abdul Haseeb
Veterinarian

Shreya is a passionate wildlife conservationist with experience in biodiversity monitoring, research, and nature education. With a strong interest in marine ecosystems, her work focuses on building deeper connections between people and the natural world through research and community engagement. Her approach emphasizes conservation that is both community-rooted and grounded in ecological understanding. 

Shreya Rajeeva
Project Officer

With an educational background in environmental studies, economics, and conservation practice, Manya is an interdisciplinary researcher focused on marine ecosystems. Her expertise lies in research, science communication, data analysis, and geospatial analysis. Beyond work, she enjoys fibre arts and working with her hands.

manya kotera
Research AsSOCIATE

Ghost net retrieval

 

With 38 years of experience as an Outreach Officer across various NGOs, Venkatesh brings deep expertise in community engagement and relationship-building. His strong local connections and influence have been invaluable in strengthening community partnerships. Having presented his work nationally and internationally, he continues to serve with the same passion and dedication since the beginning of his journey.

Venkatesh Moodekari
Outreach Officer

Nagaraj, a former fisherman, is now a dedicated Ghost Net Collector. Passionate about the ocean, he actively works to protect marine life by collecting the ghost nets that harm marine organisms.

NaGRaJ Poojary
GHOST NeT collector

VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS

Our volunteers are an indispensible part of our team & the work we do at ReefWatch. Over the years, we have welcomed students & professionals from various fields including marine biologists & divers, but also law students, designers & management professionals.
Our only criterion for our volunteers is enthusiasm, passion for the ocean & professionalism.

"One month at the ReefWatch base in Chidiyatapu was a rich and soulful experience. As an ocean lover and diver myself, I got a deep understanding of marine biodiversity, the symbiotic relationship within the reef as well as conservation of every species. The team consists of experts and is passionate about what they do. ReefWatch involves the entire local community of the coastal village, including education for the children. This created close interaction with the community and a chance to share my creativity with them. "
Kanchi Mehta
"My time as a volunteer at Reefwatch was simply magical. The days I spent on the islands, learning about the marine ecosystem and participating in protecting it, has definitely changed the way I live my life now and I feel great about it. Be it interacting with the locals or the marine life underwater, everything seemed so interesting while I learned about it from some amazing marine conservationists and fellow volunteers, who really inspired me to think big. Volunteering with Reefwatch still remains the best experience of my life and I'd love to be a part of it again."
Mauravi Jukar
"I would like to start off by saying ‘Thank You’ so much for a memorable experience! There are no words to explain how profoundly grateful I am to have come here and learn so much about the good humankind is capable of. You guys are really doing some amazing stuff and I would love to continue to be a part of it. As I write this, Karishma is teaching me some more, and I love it! I love learning from you. I am so glad I decided to come to you for my first volunteer program. You’ve given me a beautiful insight to conservation, both in theory and in the field. Thank you so much! There is much more to say, but no words to explain. Much love to you and the lacadives team. I thank the oceans you guys exist!."
Mihika Goyal
“Being keenly interested in the field of wildlife ecology and conservation, it was a really good opportunity to participate in Karnataka’s Turtle Nest Monitoring as a volunteer. This experience has given me enough insight into marine fauna and sea turtles that I’d like to learn more about them. Through this experience, I have better understood the dynamics and practical reality of conservation. Overall my stay at Reefwatch, Kodi has been pleasant and perceptive. I’d like to thank the whole team for making this volunteering experience a memorable one.”
Karthik M S
“Being a wildlife enthusiast, it was a pleasure to witness the nesting of turtles in Karnataka during nesting season. Reefwatch is doing great work and it was a great opportunity for me to monitor these moments. Although it was not practically possible to learn all the skills and techniques of turtle monitoring, the teammembers gave their best to make us understand everything. I would love to thank the entire team for making this happen.”
Sharanya
“Thanks for giving me this opportunity and teaching me a lot about wildlife. It was a pleasure to work with team members who were very supportive and answered all the queries and doubts about turtle nest volunteering.”
Akshay Nagesh Shet
“I will say it was indeed a divine experience for someone coming from dealing with the day-to-day pressures of a 9-5 job. It has been eye-opening to shift my entire daily routine to a more calm and peaceful environment. I had a particularly wonderful experience in turtle nest monitoring as I was able to witness the resilience and self-reliance of young sea turtles. I would like to thank the team members on site who have been very patient and supportive in guiding the volunteers and explaining the importance of conservation and awareness. If I get the opportunity, I would like to come back to attend and rescue the young turtles.”
Manish J
“Volunteering for five days with Reefwatch Marine Conservation for Sea Turtle Nest Monitoring has been an unforgettable experience. The entire team has been incredibly cooperative, hospitable and informative. We were provided with a thorough briefing on our tasks as well as extensive knowledge of turtle breeding biology, nest monitoring procedures and challenges faced by turtles and other marine organisms. Owing to this wonderful experience, I am eagerly looking forward to returning as soon as possible.”
Dr. Abhishek Bharadwaj R
“I am immensely grateful to Reefwatch Marine Conservation for granting me the opportunity to participate in the Sea turtle nest monitoring project. The entire team has been incredibly welcoming and accommodating throughout my volunteering journey. During my time on this project, I gained invaluable insights into the nesting behaviour of sea turtles and the challenges faced by them. Moreover, I have gained additional knowledge on marine conservation. The passion exhibited by the staff members was inspiring and their dedication to the work was evident in every aspect of the project, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause.”
Pradhan Sreekakulum
“My experience volunteering at ReefWatch was life-changing and truly changed my life for the better. The experience taught me so much about the intricate relationship between the ocean and its inhabitants, from the coral reefs to the sea cucumbers decorating the sea floor. From walks in the mangroves to learning about marine conservation, my time in the islands provided me with knowledgeable insight into the world of conservation. This has triggered a life-long passion in me to pursue this field in the future and hopefully work in marine conservation.”
Kavya

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We are an Indian Not For Profit, established in 1993 as a Public Charitable Trust, committed to the conservation of marine & coastal biodiversity.

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