Dr. Aaron Lobo, Head – Marine Programme and Dr. Anant Pande, Senior Scientist, Marine Programme, participated in a meeting on 18th Feb 2025 organised by the Mangrove Cell, Maharashtra to discuss the way forward towards 'Development of a Centre of Excellence for Conservation of Marine Biodiversity in Maharashtra'. Dr. Lobo provided an overview of the Marine Programme’s activities along the Indian coastline on reducing the incidental impacts of fisheries on Endangered, Threatened, and Protected species using a participatory approach​. Dr. Pande presented consolidated recommendations for the proposed Centre of Excellence pertaining to research and development, capacity building and training, community engagement, and policy support. The meeting was attended by over 20 experts from various governmental and non-governmental organisations.
