In 2019, the O.A.S.I.S project was launched in Kundapura, (Karnataka) to address the growing threats faced by the marine megafauna through rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary response initiatives. Over the years, we have built a strong grassroots stranding response network consisting of fishermen, coastal community members, and frontline Forest Department staff. Strandings are reported to us through this reporting network. 

Marine megafauna such as sea turtles, cetaceans, and seabirds are increasingly impacted by threats including net entanglement, bycatch, and ingestion of marine debris. Through coordinated response and community engagement, the project aims to strengthen conservation action and improve outcomes for stranded marine wildlife. 

In collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Department, our teams have responded to over 562 strandings (March 2019 to December 2025) – both live and dead marine megafauna. The majority of the cases involve Olive Ridley, Green Sea sea turtles, as well as cetaceans such as the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Finless Porpoise, and Bryde’s whales, among others. The commonly observed causes for concern in these incidents include boat strikes, net entanglements, plastic and net ingestion, and drowning.