Marine ecosystems along India’s coasts and islands are shaped by complex ecological processes and the lives of those who depend on them. Yet, conservation is often hindered by a lack of long-term data and approaches that separate species protection from social and economic realities.
The Marine Flagships Programme focuses on keystone and charismatic species- from sea turtles to sharks and rays- that serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health. By building place-based knowledge over decades, we track how our oceans are changing and why.
Our work is rooted in Dakshin’s SeaChange philosophy: we believe that effective conservation is only possible when carried out in partnership with coastal communities, administrative bodies, and local organisations.
Our research initiatives provide the long-term evidence needed to understand ecological shifts and inform inclusive conservation policy across India's diverse seascapes.
Olive ridley turtles
While famous for their spectacular mass nesting events (arribada), olive ridley turtles are vital to India's entire coastal landscape. They move between deep offshore waters and the dynamic sandy beaches of the Odisha coast, making them key indicators of oceanic and coastal health. Since 2008, our long-term monitoring at Rushikulya has gone beyond the arribada to study offshore populations, hatchling success, and shifting shorelines. By partnering with local fishing communities and the state forest department, we work to ensure that conservation supports both these iconic turtles and the people who have lived alongside them for generations.
Leatherback turtles
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands host one of the last globally significant nesting colonies of leatherback turtles in the Indo-Pacific. These ancient giants navigate entire ocean basins, making them critical indicators of the health of the open sea. Since 2008, our work has focused on tracking their post-nesting migrations through satellite telemetry and monitoring key recovery sites after the 2004 tsunami. By partnering with the Forest Department and local island communities, we bridge data gaps across remote archipelagos to protect these travelers and the vital nesting beaches they return to.
Green turtles
In the lagoons of Lakshadweep, green turtles and seagrass meadows exist in a complex, often tense, balance. As turtle populations have grown, their intense grazing has significantly reduced seagrass cover, impacting the fish stocks that local communities depend on for their subsistence. Since 2012, our work has focused on this conservation paradox, monitoring how shifting turtle densities affect these vital underwater pastures. By using non-invasive methods like photo-identification and telemetry, we aim to understand turtle movement and habitat use to inform management decisions that protect both these marine reptiles and the livelihoods of the islanders.
Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays)
India is home to over 170 species of sharks and rays, yet these apex predators are among the most threatened marine species globally due to their slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing. As one of the world’s top elasmobranch fishing nations, these species are also deeply tied to the livelihoods and food security of thousands along our coasts. Since 2017, our work has used an interdisciplinary approach- monitoring catches and studying the impacts of microplastics, to align species survival with community needs. Our goal is to foster a sustainable fishery that protects these vital ocean predators.
Coral and reef fish
Coral reefs are the ‘rainforests of the sea’, yet they are on the front lines of climate change, and the long-term impacts on these biodiverse systems and the societies that depend on them are poorly understood. As part of the Long-Term Ecological Observatories (LTEO) programme, we monitor the health of reefs and fish communities in the Andaman Islands. By tracking how these ecosystems respond to rising temperatures and human pressures, we build the long-term data needed to mitigate decline and inform national conservation policy.
Sea snakes
Sea snakes are uniquely adapted to life in the ocean but face immense pressure as bycatch in commercial fisheries. Our research explores how these reptiles navigate human-dominated seascapes along India’s west coast and how fishing activities shift their population diversity. By studying dietary habits and habitat preferences, we have identified how different species adapt their behavior to high-intensity fishing. This data is vital for creating conservation strategies that reduce mortality while recognising the realities of the fishing industry.
Olive ridley turtles
While famous for their spectacular mass nesting events (arribada), olive ridley turtles are vital to India's entire coastal landscape. They move between deep offshore waters and the dynamic sandy beaches of the Odisha coast, making them key indicators of oceanic and coastal health. Since 2008, our long-term monitoring at Rushikulya has gone beyond the arribada to study offshore populations, hatchling success, and shifting shorelines. By partnering with local fishing communities and the state forest department, we work to ensure that conservation supports both these iconic turtles and the people who have lived alongside them for generations.
Explore Project
Leatherback turtles
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands host one of the last globally significant nesting colonies of leatherback turtles in the Indo-Pacific. These ancient giants navigate entire ocean basins, making them critical indicators of the health of the open sea. Since 2008, our work has focused on tracking their post-nesting migrations through satellite telemetry and monitoring key recovery sites after the 2004 tsunami. By partnering with the Forest Department and local island communities, we bridge data gaps across remote archipelagos to protect these travelers and the vital nesting beaches they return to.
Explore Project
Green turtles
In the lagoons of Lakshadweep, green turtles and seagrass meadows exist in a complex, often tense, balance. As turtle populations have grown, their intense grazing has significantly reduced seagrass cover, impacting the fish stocks that local communities depend on for their subsistence. Since 2012, our work has focused on this conservation paradox, monitoring how shifting turtle densities affect these vital underwater pastures. By using non-invasive methods like photo-identification and telemetry, we aim to understand turtle movement and habitat use to inform management decisions that protect both these marine reptiles and the livelihoods of the islanders.
Explore Project
Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays)
India is home to over 170 species of sharks and rays, yet these apex predators are among the most threatened marine species globally due to their slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing. As one of the world’s top elasmobranch fishing nations, these species are also deeply tied to the livelihoods and food security of thousands along our coasts. Since 2017, our work has used an interdisciplinary approach- monitoring catches and studying the impacts of microplastics, to align species survival with community needs. Our goal is to foster a sustainable fishery that protects these vital ocean predators.
Explore Project
Coral and reef fish
Coral reefs are the ‘rainforests of the sea’, yet they are on the front lines of climate change, and the long-term impacts on these biodiverse systems and the societies that depend on them are poorly understood. As part of the Long-Term Ecological Observatories (LTEO) programme, we monitor the health of reefs and fish communities in the Andaman Islands. By tracking how these ecosystems respond to rising temperatures and human pressures, we build the long-term data needed to mitigate decline and inform national conservation policy.
Explore Project
Sea snakes
Sea snakes are uniquely adapted to life in the ocean but face immense pressure as bycatch in commercial fisheries. Our research explores how these reptiles navigate human-dominated seascapes along India’s west coast and how fishing activities shift their population diversity. By studying dietary habits and habitat preferences, we have identified how different species adapt their behavior to high-intensity fishing. This data is vital for creating conservation strategies that reduce mortality while recognising the realities of the fishing industry.
Explore Project
ReefLog
An underwater citizen science programme for monitoring India’s marine ecosystems
Turn your next dive into a data-gathering mission. ReefLog is an underwater monitoring initiative designed for the watersports community. By using our standardised survey slates, divers can actively record key reef species, helping researchers track long-term ecological changes in the Andaman Islands.
Green turtle photo identification study
Help us track individual turtles through non-invasive "facial fingerprinting." The Green Turtle Photo Identification Study invites underwater citizen scientists to contribute to sea turtle research through photographs, which will be used to build a unique database to track the movements and health of individual turtles in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
Sea turtles of india data portal
The Sea Turtles of India Data Portal is a dedicated platform for the Indian sea turtle community to securely store and manage monitoring data. This shared data helps researchers and policymakers understand long-term population trends and make informed decisions for marine conservation in India.
ReefLog
An underwater citizen science programme for monitoring India’s marine ecosystems
Turn your next dive into a data-gathering mission. ReefLog is an underwater monitoring initiative designed for the watersports community. By using our standardised survey slates, divers can actively record key reef species, helping researchers track long-term ecological changes in the Andaman Islands.
Explore ReefLog
Green turtle photo identification study
Help us track individual turtles through non-invasive "facial fingerprinting." The Green Turtle Photo Identification Study invites underwater citizen scientists to contribute to sea turtle research through photographs, which will be used to build a unique database to track the movements and health of individual turtles in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
Explore Study
Sea turtles of india data portal
The Sea Turtles of India Data Portal is a dedicated platform for the Indian sea turtle community to securely store and manage monitoring data. This shared data helps researchers and policymakers understand long-term population trends and make informed decisions for marine conservation in India.
Access Data PortalWe bridge the gap between science and society through inclusive education, collaborative partnerships, and digital platforms that empower communities and individuals to become stewards of our oceans.
Social media & websites
Marine flagships on instagram
Our Instagram page serves as a vibrant window into our ongoing research and outreach. Additionally, we share infographics, interactive quizzes, and stories from our project sites to make marine science part of your feed.
Sea turtles of india (SToI)
This website is a comprehensive online repository dedicated to the biology and conservation of sea turtles in India. It offers users access to a vast library of research papers, popular articles, and outreach materials available in several regional languages.
Sharks and rays of india
Designed as a central hub for elasmobranch knowledge, this platform provides detailed data on species diversity and landing centre surveys. It is a vital resource for researchers and enthusiasts looking to understand the role of apex predators in Indian waters.
Newsletters
Not Just Soup: shark stories, turtle tales & more...
Our digital newsletter explores the deep connections between people and the sea. We feature a curated blend of marine biology insights, indigenous recipes, community art, and stories from young researchers working on the front lines of conservation.
Indian ocean turtle newsletter (IOTN)
The IOTN provides a professional forum for exchange among scientists and conservationists across South and Southeast Asia. It features technical updates on coastal management, fisheries, and sea turtle biology.
Partnerships & capacity building
Turtle Action Group (TAG)
Conservation is more effective when we work together. TAG is a national consortium that connects NGOs and individuals across India's entire coastline. The network provides a platform for member organisations to pool resources, standardise data collection, and collaborate on large-scale conservation advocacy.
Social media & websites
Marine flagships on instagram
Our Instagram page serves as a vibrant window into our ongoing research and outreach. Additionally, we share infographics, interactive quizzes, and stories from our project sites to make marine science part of your feed.
Follow Us
Sea turtles of india (SToI)
This website is a comprehensive online repository dedicated to the biology and conservation of sea turtles in India. It offers users access to a vast library of research papers, popular articles, and outreach materials available in several regional languages.
Visit Website
Sharks and rays of india
Designed as a central hub for elasmobranch knowledge, this platform provides detailed data on species diversity and landing centre surveys. It is a vital resource for researchers and enthusiasts looking to understand the role of apex predators in Indian waters.
Visit Website
Newsletters
Not Just Soup: shark stories, turtle tales & more...
Our digital newsletter explores the deep connections between people and the sea. We feature a curated blend of marine biology insights, indigenous recipes, community art, and stories from young researchers working on the front lines of conservation.
Subscribe Download Latest Issue
Indian ocean turtle newsletter (IOTN)
The IOTN provides a professional forum for exchange among scientists and conservationists across South and Southeast Asia. It features technical updates on coastal management, fisheries, and sea turtle biology.
Visit IOTN Download Latest Issue
Partnerships & capacity building
Turtle Action Group (TAG)
Conservation is more effective when we work together. TAG is a national consortium that connects NGOs and individuals across India's entire coastline. The network provides a platform for member organisations to pool resources, standardise data collection, and collaborate on large-scale conservation advocacy.
Know More
Resources
With coral reefs at risk, new ‘Changing Planet’ explores innovative solutions
24 Oct,2023
3 min read
Get inspired by this revived W.H. Auden’s Hymn to the United Nations. "Let music for peace Be the paradigm, For peace means to change At the right time, As the World-Clock, Goes Tick and Tock.So may the story Of our human city Presently move
Read moreOne-fifth of Mekong River fish face extinction
24 Oct,2023
3 min read
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to
Read moreBiologist’s keen eye spots (another) new species in the Pacific
24 Oct,2023
3 min read
In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945
Read moreMeet the team
Aarthi Sridhar
Programme Head
Aarthi Sridhar
Programme Head
Aarthi Sridhar
Programme Head
Aarthi Sridhar
Programme Head
Aarthi Sridhar
Programme Head
Partner institutions
