ReefWatch Marine Conservation

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ReefWatch Marine Conservation

ReefWatch is an NGO based out of Mumbai, India, working on marine conservation through research, education and management.

ReefWatch Marine Conservation is a Non Government Organization established in 1993, by Prahlad and Mitali Kakar. Since its inception, Reefwatch has been involved in research, education and outreach activities that have included coral reef monitoring projects in the Lakshadweep Archipelago and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, awareness drives and documentary films, beach clean ups in Mumbai, SCUBA tr

aining for scientists and managers on the islands, and school programs in various schools around the country. In recognition of its efforts and expertise, ReefWatch was invited to be a Member of the National Board for Wildlife (Government of India) in May 2007, and has served on the board since then. ReefWatch has had the privilege of working with many dedicated and inspiring individuals in the fields of science, government, filmmaking, photography and the media. Its efforts have always been targeted towards protecting and nurturing the diversity of life in India’s coastal and marine environments.

15/05/2026

This Endangered Species Day, meet Shelvester — a Hawksbill Turtle that we rescued from a fishing net. Thanks to the fisherman who reported the incident immediately, our team was able to rescue, treat, and successfully release the turtle back into the sea within a week.
Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and are protected under Schedule I in India. Their populations continue to decline due to threats like fishing net entanglement, habitat loss, and poaching.
Every timely rescue gives this species a better chance at survival. Stories like this remind us how important local communities and fishers are in protecting marine wildlife.

13/05/2026

From stranded marine wildlife to venomous coastal species, knowing how to respond matters. 🌊

At the recent "DIVING EMERGENCIES CONFERENCE (DECoN 2026)" organised by Kasturba Medical College Manipal, our team conducted a session focusing on marine stranding response, safe handling practices, and awareness around venomous marine life found along the Karnataka coast. Participants explored common coastal hazards, safe response measures, and basic first-aid awareness during marine wildlife encounters.

We thank .manipal for such an esteemed opportunity. Awareness and informed action can go a long way in ensuring safer coasts for both marine life and coastal communities.

12/05/2026

Goldspotted Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus)

Recognisable by its grey-brown body covered in bright yellow to orange spots, the Goldspotted Sweetlips is a common reef-associated fish. Juveniles look completely different from adults, displaying striking orange and bluish-grey horizontal lines that gradually break into spots as they mature. Their thick fleshy lips, which become more pronounced with age, are another distinctive feature of this species.

Growing up to around 60 cm, they are usually found around coastal reefs, lagoons, and silty habitats at depths of 1–30 m, either solitary or in small groups.

At our Re(ef) Generate structures, Goldspotted Sweetlips are frequent visitors and are often seen taking shelter within the framework during high underwater current, using the structures as shelter.

11/05/2026

We have completed our final monitoring round for the 2025–26 season.

This round included measuring coral fragment growth, documenting reef-associated species around our structures, and collecting comparative data from nearby natural reefs.

With summer now at its peak in the Andamans and sea temperatures continuing to rise, this monitoring is particularly significant. The previous round was conducted in March, and carrying out this final round of monitoring just before closing the base allows us to better understand coral growth and susceptibility in the absence of weekly maintenance and without the use of the mineral accretion device.

06/05/2026

A day of curiosity, connection, and coastal stories.

At the Govt. School in Kota, Kundapur, invited by the Geethananda Foundation, we spent time with students across age groups exploring the wonders of marine life along the Karnataka coast.

Through interactive sessions and playful activities, we understood biodiversity while reflecting on the impacts of human activities. The day was filled with learning, laughter, and thoughtful conversations.

Small steps, young minds, and a shared responsibility towards our coasts.

05/05/2026

Eyespot Damselfish (Pomacentrus andamanensis)

The Eyespot Damselfish is recognised by its soft lavender to bluish-grey body, yellowish lower half, and a distinct blue-ringed black eyespot on the rear dorsal fin, retained even in adulthood. Growing up to 6 cm, it is typically found on coral reefs at depths of 2–35 m, where it likely feeds on zooplankton.

This damselfish is a usual visitor at our Re(ef) Generate structures, often seen hovering around the framework.

P. andamanensis is closely related to Ambon damselfish, but differs in its persistent eyespot and significant genetic divergence, marking it as a unique addition to Andaman reef biodiversity.

04/05/2026

Are you passionate about Marine Conservation?

We have an exciting opportunity for you; join our team as a Project Officer based in Goa! In this role, you'll work closely with our in-house veterinarian to treat stranded marine megafauna, collect and analyse data on marine animal strandings, work with the team to write scientific reports and publications, assist in education and outreach workshops, and gain hands-on experience working with marine wildlife.

We're looking for someone who is comfortable working with animals, has strong data analysis and communication skills, is fluent in English and Hindi, and preferably has 2+ years of work experience.

If this sounds like you, send your CV & cover letter to the email in the post above!

01/05/2026

Meet 'Pancake', a juvenile Green Sea Turtle that kickstarted this year's stranding season at our Goa base. It was found entangled in a fishing net; the fisherman promptly reported the stranding to us.

Upon bringing it back to our treatment centre, it responded well to the treatment administered by our veterinary team. On the second day, it passed fragments of fishing net in its f***l matter, post which, it started thriving and showed great signs of recovery. On the 3rd day, Pancake was released back to the sea.

The season's first live stranding being rehabilitated successfully fills our team with hope and motivates us to work hard and take the busy stranding season head on!

Photo/video credits (Slide 1 & 2): .diksha
(Slide 3):

29/04/2026

One beach. One community. One powerful effort

Our team was glad to be part of a large-scale beach cleanup at Kodi Beach, organized by Beary’s School. What made this effort truly special was the collective spirit, students, local communities, Coastal Security Police, Forest Department, school authorities, and NGOs, all working side by side for a cleaner coast.

Beach cleanups are more than just removing waste, they’re about building awareness, responsibility, and a shared commitment to protect our marine ecosystems.

Every piece of waste removed is one less threat to marine life. Every participant is a step closer to a more conscious community.

Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep our beaches alive.

We are ever grateful to , the Beary's school and all the stakeholders who joined in for such a nobel cause.

28/04/2026

Meet the Sand Lizardfish (Synodus dermatogenys) - a well-camouflaged ambush predator commonly found resting on sandy reef bottoms.

It has an elongated body with a flattened underside, allowing it to sit low on the sand. Its light brown colour, marked with darker bands and spots, helps it blend easily with the surroundings. Often partially buried, only its eyes and snout remain visible as it scans for prey.

Equipped with sharp, needle-like teeth, the sand lizardfish feeds on small fish and crustaceans, striking quickly from below. It is also known to show biofluorescence, emitting a green glow under blue or UV light.

This species is a regular presence around our Re(ef) Generate structures, usually seen on nearby sandy patches.

27/04/2026

We’ve reached the end of the Ocean Arts Sunday Outreach Program for the 2025–2026 season. In our final session this week, we hosted a special event where the children showcased everything they learned through our weekly journey, “Time Travel Through the Ocean.”

It was wonderful to see parents and the Chidiyatapu community come together, making the event both meaningful and memorable.

A sincere thank you to and for their continued support throughout OAS 2025–26, helping us make this possible.

Address

Bungalow 14 C, Boran Road, Off Hill Road, Bandra West
Mumbai
400050

Telephone

+919531997261

Website

http://www.reefwatchindia.org/

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