Gentle giants
Measuring 40 feet (almost the length of a BEST bus), Whale Sharks are the largest fish found on Earth. Unfortunately for them, with great size, comes great risk. Off the coast of Gujarat, Kerala and Lakshadweep, these sharks frequently get entangled in fishing nets.

Contrary to popular opinion, these sharks are docile, and feed on organic matter and smaller organisms. The Pan India Whale Shark Conservation Project that started in Gujarat in 2004 has reached Goa this year. The story of how local fishermen sacrifice their tools, and sometimes the day’s earnings, to save these gentle giants is a story in itself.

Log on to: wti.org.in

Made in Mumbai
If the term reef brings to mind sights of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, you’ve been living under a reef, er... we mean rock. While the coastline of Mumbai is home to reef-building coral species, it was only in 2024 that the city received its first, and India’s second-ever artificial reef. Kuddle Life Foundation set up 210 artificial reefs off the Worli Koliwada. As the reef matures, it becomes home to small fish that seek food and shelter. This draws in large-sized fish species, leading to a thriving marine ecosystem.

Log on to: kuddlelife.org

Dugong deeper
We’re not making this up — there exists an endangered species of ‘sea cows’ in southern India, and they have an even more endearing scientific name: Dugong dugon. They are herbivorous and graze on seagrass shallow waters. The Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research (OMCAR) works on research and restoration of Dugong habitats in Tamil Nadu. 

A recent survey in the Palk Bay revealed more than 200 dugongs. Good news if you’re keen to know more about these sea cows: An International Dugong Conservation Centre in Thanjavur is in the works as you read this.

Log on to: omcar.org/dugongs