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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)
Sea bloom: Flowerpot corals, with their soft, fleshy polyps are often mistaken for soft corals, but are in fact hard corals with stony skeletons
Secrets beneath: The Grande Island archipelago off the coast of Goa is home to rare coral reefs
Serial killer: Lionfish is found in Indo-Pacific waters. This species has proven to be highly invasive. They are not picky with their diet, and can feed on a variety of fish
Life-size: Black-margined Elysia is a genus of shell-less sea slugs that retains the chloroplast from ingested green algae for photosynthesis
Living on the edge: Coral plates called Turbinaria are some of the most prominent coral colonies in these coastal areas
Big bite: The family Scorpaenidae includes some of the world’s most venomous fish. The venom is delivered through fin spines
Food chain: Sea urchins act as grazers on the reef, feeding on algae and, in turn, become prey for a number of carnivores
In disguise: Stingrays found in Indian waters are endangered due to local fishing
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