Marine Mammal Consortium of India holds second national workshop in Navi Mumbai

The Marine Mammal Consortium of India MMCOI held its second inperson national workshop on January 9 and 10 2026 at Country Inn Navi Mumbai bringing together researchers policymakers conservationists and students to strengthen collaboration for marine mammal conservation across the countrySteering Committee leads strategy for national marine mammal conservationLed by its 13member Steering Committee the twoday workshop served as a platform for sharing scientific knowledge exploring institutional partnerships and developing coordinated strategies for the protection and management of Indiarsquos marine mammal populations77 delegates from 40 institutions take part in highlevel deliberationsThe event saw participation from 77 delegates representing 40 institutions including government research bodies state forest departments universities nongovernmental organisations independent researchers media and studentsKey government institutions in attendance included the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services Wildlife Institute of India CSIRndashIndian Institute of Toxicology Research ICARndashIndian Veterinary Research Institute National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management and the National Institute of OceanographyForest departments and leading universities join the conservation dialogueOfficials from the forest departments of five coastal regions mdash Kerala Karnataka Maharashtra Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep mdash also took part in the deliberationsAcademic participation included representatives from Pondicherry University Ashoka University Sathyabhama Institute of Science and Technology University of Kerala Saurashtra University Indian Institute of Science National Centre for Biological Sciences FLAME University University of Petroleum and Energy Studies and Annamalai UniversityWildlife and marine NGOs bring grassroots conservation perspectivesSeveral nongovernmental organisations working in marine and wildlife conservation were also present including ReefwatchIndia Coastal Conservation Foundation Foundation for Ecological Research Advocacy and Learning Wildlife Conservation Trust WforW Foundation Dakshin Foundation and East Coast Conservation TeamScientific presentations and panel discussions shape future policy directionThe workshop featured 22 oral presentations 10 poster presentations and three interactive panel discussions covering topics related to marine mammal research conservation management and policyParticipants discussed emerging scientific findings conservation challenges and the need for stronger coordination between research institutions and government agenciesSpecial tribute paid to Dr Ajith KumarA special session was held in memory of Dr Ajith Kumar former faculty member at the National Centre for Biological Sciences who was remembered as a key mentor and one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Marine Mammal Consortium of IndiaWorkshop outlines roadmap for Indiarsquos marine mammal conservationDeliberations over the two days helped outline future priorities for marine mammal research and conservation in India with an emphasis on strengthening collaboration between government bodies nongovernmental organisations and the scientific communityStrong national and international partnerships support the initiativeThe workshop was organised by the Nature Conservation Foundation in partnership with The Habitats Trust Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oregon State University the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Network of India Mangrove Foundation WWFIndia Eco Support Pvt Ltd Cholamandalam Investment amp Finance Company and Dakshin Foundation