Credit: ReefWatch Marine Conservation
ReefWatch Marine Conservation is a science-led marine restoration organization based in India, working since 1993 to protect and restore coastal and ocean ecosystems. Through their flagship Re(ef)Generate program in the Andaman Islands, they use innovative technology to actively restore coral reefs, achieving high coral growth rates and supporting over 100 marine species. The organization also leads a Marine Megafauna Stranding Response Network across Goa and Karnataka, rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles and cetaceans while generating critical ocean health data. Complementing this, ReefWatch’s Ghost Net Retrieval and buy-back programs prevent plastic pollution by partnering with fishing communities and promoting circular economy solutions.
Beneath the sun-drenched waters of the Indian Ocean lies a world of breathtaking beauty and profound ecological significance. Established in 1993, ReefWatch Marine Conservation stands as a dedicated guardian of this submerged realm, pioneering a holistic model of marine stewardship that intertwines cutting-edge science with deep-rooted community collaboration. Today, the Global Rewilding Alliance is proud to announce ReefWatch Marine Conservation as an Alliance Partner, celebrating their visionary work in healing India’s marine ecosystems.
Meet the blooming jewel of the reef: the Carnation Coral (Dendronephthya sp.). Credit: @luminousdeep
Science as the Compass
Since 2020, ReefWatch has been at the forefront of active ecological restoration of coral reefs, demonstrating that human ingenuity can be a powerful force for nature recovery. Their flagship initiative, Re(ef)Generate, is a testament to this.
In the azure waters of the Andaman Islands, ReefWatch is adapting mineral accretion technology to actively restore coral reefs. Facing a changing climate, their team engineered resilient, semi-spherical structures capable of withstanding turbulent seas, securing them with custom-made, 300-kilogram anchors. This living laboratory now hosts 111 recorded species and boasts a remarkable coral growth rate of 8.39 cm per year, demonstrating tangible progress in rebuilding these vital underwater ecosystems.
Secured with 300-kilogram anchors, these resilient structures are capable of withstanding turbulent seas. They act as a living laboratory – 111 recorded species & a remarkable coral growth rate of 8.39 cm per year.Credit: ReefWatch Marine Conservation
Marine Megafauna: From Stranding to Release Back to the Wild
Along the coastlines of Goa and Karnataka, ReefWatch’s Marine Megafauna Stranding Response Network is a critical lifeline, attending to or rehabilitating 494 stranded animals, from Sea Turtles to Cetaceans, this past year. Each intervention, whether a successful release or a post-mortem examination, provides invaluable data on the health of our oceans, revealing stories of plastic ingestion and fishing gear entanglement that inform broader protection strategies.
Watch ReefWatch’s ‘The Coastal Guardians’ short-film in association with the Jnana Foundation here.
Simultaneously, their Ghost Net Retrieval project tackles the source of such threats head-on. By creating a buy-back program for damaged fishing nets (aka ghost nets), they have incentivised local fishers to become allies, preventing almost 20 tonnes of harmful plastic from entering the marine environment. This circular economy approach is further inspired by initiatives like their Ghost Net Innovation Challenge, which empowers young designers and engineers to transform this waste into valuable products, from quilted padding to construction materials.
ReefWatch’s Marine Megafauna Stranding Response Network is a critical lifeline, attending to or rehabilitating 494 stranded animals, from Sea Turtles to Cetaceans, this past year. Credit: ReefWatch Marine Conservation
Communities as Custodians of the Coast
True to their ethos, ReefWatch recognises that lasting change flows from empowering those who live alongside the ocean. They have cultivated profound partnerships with fishing communities, forest departments, and lifeguards, creating a united front for marine stewardship.
In 2024-25 alone, their education programs have ignited a passion for the ocean in nearly 3,000 young minds, while their nest protection initiatives have safely guided hundreds of tiny turtle hatchlings on their first journey to the sea through citizen volunteers.
ReefWatch Marine Conservation exemplifies how a dedicated team can create waves of positive change, seamlessly blending scientific innovation with heartfelt community engagement. Together, they are nurturing a culture of reverence and responsibility for our planet’s blue heart.
Learn more about their impactful journey at ReefWatch Marine Conservation.
The masked booby is a striking white bird with bold black markings and a bright yellow bill. As expert divers, these birds play a vital role in balancing marine ecosystems and are unforgettable ambassadors for ocean health. Credit: Arjun Trikanad
Classrooms to coastlines. From children painting reef life to fishers sharing their stories, Reef Watch knows that stewardship begins when people of all ages and backgrounds connect with the ocean. Credit: ReefWatch