The small state of Goa is endowed with a dazzling wealth of marine biodiversity. These acquatic species are found everywhere from the open waters off Goa’s coast, to the reefs of Grande Island off the mainland. They inhabit coastal mangroves, and are even found all along Goa’s popular beaches. This biological treasure forms the backbone of fisheries — a traditional occupation and way of life in this region. It also supports the marine tourism industry, which significantly contributes to the state’s economy and the local population’s livelihood.
Besides human-induced climate change, these marine ecosystems are today under threat at the local level through unregulated fishing and tourism activities, and unplanned coastal development.
To make matters worse, the region’s marine biodiversity has not been adequately studied to inform good management practices.
The available knowledge is currently restricted to the fishing communities and scientists. For any conservation effort to succeed, it is important to arm every citizen — be it a student or enthusiast, scientist or hobbyist, local resident or visitor — with this knowledge of the region’s biodiversity . This, in turn, will spur citizens to closely explore natural spaces, document what they see, and help bring information about the local biodiversity and its conservation into the public domain.
(Excerpted from Corals and Crabs: Marine life in the reefs of Goa; jointly published by WWF-India and Forest Department of Goa)