The Society for Marine Research and Conservation (SMRC)

The Society for Marine Research and Conservation (SMRC) conducts the Migratory Shore Birds Monitoring Programme, focusing on the conservation of these remarkable migratory species. These birds traverse immense distances, up to 10,000 km in non-stop flights, facing threats due to rapid economic growth and population expansion in east and south-east Asia. The organisation recognises the significance of shorebirds as sensitive indicators of environmental change, alerting them to issues caused by climate change and declining habitat quality. The programme's goals encompass safeguarding and improving shorebird habitats throughout India, pinpointing vital shorebird locations, devising monitoring strategies, and fostering educational initiatives for heightened awareness and protection.

The Society for Marine Research and Conservation (SMRC) is actively addressing the concerning issue of the substantial presence of juvenile fishes in India's marine fishery. With reports showcasing varied proportions of juveniles in marine landings (ranging from 23% to 94% of total bycatch), coupled with limited awareness among stakeholders regarding the implications of juvenile fishing, the situation becomes increasingly critical. In response, SMRC has initiated a comprehensive study aiming to grasp the extent of growth over fishery and its impact on both the marine ecosystem and the fishing industry. Additionally, the organisation is conducting extensive outreach campaigns to raise awareness among stakeholders about the detrimental effects of juvenile fishing. It is proposing conservative measures to safeguard juvenile fishes from all forms of fishing and hunting activities, emphasizing the importance of preserving these young marine species.

The Society for Marine Research and Conservation (SMRC) is dedicated to documenting and promoting the traditional knowledge of Indian fishermen, which has been accumulated over centuries through direct interaction with the environment and passed down through generations. This rich indigenous ecological knowledge encompasses various aspects of fishery, including understanding environmental changes such as currents, wind patterns, rain, and weather, along with insights into conservation strategies like Kerala’s sea coast. The organisation's ongoing efforts involve cataloguing this valuable local information and traditional practices, emphasizing their significance in modern resource management and conservation efforts. SMRC aims to underscore the importance of this indigenous wisdom in collaboration with stakeholders for more effective conservation practices and sustainable resource management.

The Society for Marine Research and Conservation (SMRC) has launched the "Know Our Marine Endangered Species" programme, aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of India's diverse marine flora and fauna. Numerous marine species within Indian waters are listed on the IUCN Red List and included in the Indian Wildlife Protection Act's Schedule I. Through this initiative, SMRC introduces these marine species along with their conservation status. Notably, many individuals, particularly fishermen actively involved in fishing, lack awareness regarding the existence of marine protected species and their crucial role in maintaining the marine ecosystem. The programme seeks to bridge this knowledge gap and emphasize the significance of these species within the marine environment.

The Society for Marine Research and Conservation (SMRC) is dedicated to the Andaman Project, focusing on the Andaman Nicobar Islands in the Southern Bay of Bengal. With 572 islands, 38 inhabited, it holds a vast 0.6 million sq km exclusive economic zone (EEZ), about 28% of India's EEZ. Historically isolated during the Pleistocene, this region nurtured numerous fish species, now endemic to the Andaman Sea. Varied coastal habitats like coral reefs, beaches, mudflats, and mangroves host diverse marine life. Globally, these islands play a significant role in discussing and conserving chondrichthyans (sharks, rays) due to their conservation status. Despite a reported 64 chondrichthyan species among 1434 fishes in 2013, research remains limited. SMRC aims to explore and conserve Andaman's diverse marine life, sustaining local fishermen's livelihoods. Ongoing research revealed shark and ray species like Rhincodon typus, Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, and Cephaloscyllium silasi in these waters.