Initiatives
KARNATAKA COAST
KARNATAKA COAST
The Karnataka coastline is a relatively understudied wildlife habitat that covers an area of 320km. Many species of marine megafauna including Sea Turtles, Dolphins and Whales have been found along this coast. In the recent past, excessive fishing, fish farming, industrial and other human activity has taken a toll on the wildlife found in these areas. Despite this, very little documentation or research has been conducted.Â
The Karnataka Coastal Conservation project was set up in 2019 after identifying several issues detrimental to the health of our coasts and has been working on a number of aspects of coastal conservation along the coast of Karnataka.
Over the last year, with the help of a dedicated team of veterinarians and biologists, ReefWatch has attended to over 75 Marine Stranding incidents, rescued, rehabilitated and released several Sea Turtles and Birds and has conducted several Coastal Clean-ups in coordination with local volunteer groups, and surveyed women in the Kundapur District. Studies were conducted on the waste to establish source, types of waste, brand assessments, etc.
The ReefWatch team in Karnataka is based out of Kundapur and is working on projects to improve our coastal marine habitats and the lives of people dependent on them. Another issue that plagues our coastlines is unsustainable practices such as overfishing, muscle farming, and irresponsible waste disposal. Alternatives methods of waste disposal and muscle farming are being introduced to the locals to help create livelihoods and improve the health of local ecosystems. For effective progress to be made it is imperative to work with stakeholders, local governing bodies, communities and young minds. ReefWatch continuously involves the forest department, local volunteer organisations and the children of Kundapur in engaging activities.Â
GOA COASTLINE
GOACOASTLINE
The state of Goa is likely one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Being a former Portuguese Colony, it is well-known for historical sites, churches and architecture. Erstwhile Goa was known for its charm, the slow pace of life and beautiful, quaint villages. It also happens to be a biodiversity hotspot, a place with a wealth of different ecosystems such as laterite plateaus, western ghats, traditional Kazaan lands, coastal and intertidal habitats.Â
Over time, the landscape of Goa has changed drastically. The mining industry, though declared illegal by the Supreme Court in 2018, has significantly degraded the environment since it began in 1949. Illegal sand mining and the existence of coal ports has exacerbated the situation. The number of tourists visiting the state has also increased exponentially- 1.3 core tourists compared to the 15 lakh residents of the state. This rise in tourism brought with it issues of overcrowding, pollution, and unsustainable development.
This medley of activity has put an incredible amount of pressure on the barely 105 km coastline of the state. Sadly, it is difficult to fully comprehend the extent of these damages to our marine ecosystems from a cursory point of view.
ANDAMAN ISLANDS
ANDAMAN ISLANDS
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a hotspot of biodiversity located about 1400 km east of the Indian mainland. This unique Union Territory of India is home to coral reefs, mangroves, tropical rainforests, rocky intertidal shores and many endemic species. The islands were severely impacted by the 2004 tsunami and are also threatened by increasing (often unsustainable) tourism, development, climate change and deteriorating water quality.
ReefWatch has been operating a base out of Chidiyatapu (South Andaman Island) for the past 5 years. Here we have been involved with community outreach projects, coral reef monitoring as well as coral reef restoration.
Click below to read more about our various projects. We believe in collaborative efforts and welcome volunteers and donors alike.
BLUE INDIA UNDERWATER IMAGERY COMPETITION
The Blue India Underwater Imagery Competition has 4 main categories – General, Under 18s, Conservation and Video. The competition is only open to Indian Nationals. Featured here are the winners from 2019. We have currently paused this competition due to the Covid crisis and will be announcing the next dates for submission of entries as soon as we are able.
BLUE INDIA UNDERWATER IMAGERY COMPETITION
The Blue India Underwater Imagery Competition has 4 main categories – General, Under 18s, Conservation and Video. The competition is only open to Indian Nationals. Featured here are the winners from 2019. We have currently paused this competition due to the Covid crisis and will be announcing the next dates for submission of entries as soon as we are able.
BLUE INDIA UNDERWATER IMAGERY COMPETITION
The Blue India Underwater Imagery Competition has 4 main categories – General, Under 18s, Conservation and Video. The competition is only open to Indian Nationals. Featured here are the winners from 2019. We have currently paused this competition due to the Covid crisis and will be announcing the next dates for submission of entries as soon as we are able.