Coastal 2.0 – ES Project Update

In 1995, WWF India asked Shri. Prakash Gole to conduct an investigation to identify biodiversity hotspots on the sea coast between Mumbai and Goa, known as the Konkan coast. This west coast is under intense pressure of industrial, agricultural and allied development like tourism. 

Shri Prakash Gole conducted a detailed survey of the coastline mapping the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna along with a study of the socio-economic conditions in this region. The report recommended five Biosphere Reserves for conservation of biodiversity and protection of the long term interests of the local people and their culture. 

Under Coastal 2.0, The Ecological Society, Pune and Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune initiated the project envisage revisiting the Konkan coast to compare the findings with the previous study and analyse the changes over the last three decades and present recommendations for Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism and Management of Natural resources in the region.

It is expected that the findings of this study will be useful for policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, and local communities in formulating effective strategies for the sustainable use of marine resources in the Konkan region.

Ms. Sayali Nerurkar (Project Manager of Coastal 2.0)  along with 3 field assistants are currently working along Konkan coast at the shores of Ade-Padale, Anjarle, Harnai, Murud and Ladghar from North of Ratnagiri district; Ambolgad, Kuveshi, Madban and Ansure Dande from South Ratnagiri district; Tambaldeg, Achara, Talashil, Sarjekot and Malvan Dandi from Sindhudurg district.

Largest Sunset shell at Dandi beach, Malvan

Yellow Ghost Crab - Ocepode brevicornis

During pre-monsoon season they found Moon Jellyfish Aurelia aurita at Ambolgad and Tambaldeg sandy shores. Three species of ghost crab observed along selected beaches viz. Ocepode brevicornis, O. ceratophthalmus and O. pallidula. Soldier crab and Sand bubbler crabs at sandy shores. Bivalves like Solen kempi and Siliqua radiata were found in abundant on sandy shores. Rocky shore fauna was also observed and seemed unique in composition.

- Parul Lakhani Ghuge

    ecological.society@gmail.com