Challenge

At 1,596 kilometres, Gujarat has the longest coastline of any single state in the country. As with other states in India, there is very limited recording of marine megafauna stranding cases and scant baseline data. However we do know that Gujarat’s waters are rich with marine megafauna, including whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and several species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. To set up a robust marine megafauna stranding response system in Gujarat would require careful planning, community cultivation and engagement, as well as a detailed Phase 1 of reconnaissance to create a detailed proposal that included realistic locations for treatment centres, base of operations and budget.

Conservation Actions

Our objective with this project is to establish a foundation for setting up a robust marine megafauna stranding response system in Gujarat.

Reef Watch will:

• Recce the state, and speak to local fishermen and community members across the coast to understand the distribution, extent & key species that are found stranded.
• With C-SCAPES and TCSRD, collaboratively explore how best to utilise existing infrastructure and manpower in the state.
• Train a network project coordinator for Gujarat and provide in depth training to at least one veterinary doctor to respond to stranding events.
• Engage with Forest Department officers to get the permission papers in order.

Impacts

ReefWatch will design a detailed strategy that includes a clear budget, locations of treatment centres, workshops for various stakeholders and a 3 three year project plan to develop and maintain a marine megafauna stranding network.

Progress

This project will commence in August 2022.