Protect our ocean, Sustain our Future : A Coastal Awareness Initiative.

The project aims to raise awareness among coastal stakeholders about the detrimental effects of plastic and thermocol pollution, ghost net pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices on marine biodiversity. Coastlines are severely threatened by anthropogenic activities, with plastic and thermocol waste creating hazardous environments for marine life and overexploitation from unsustainable fishing pushing many species toward extinction. Objectives include raising awareness among shop owners about eco-friendly alternatives, involving students in educational programs to inspire environmental stewardship, and helping fishermen understand sustainable fishing practices. Challenges faced include overcoming language barriers, a lack of access to eco-friendly alternatives, resistance to changing traditional fishing practices, and balancing economic needs with environmental conservation. Ultimately, the project seeks to increase awareness, reduce plastic pollution, and engage students in efforts to improve coastal biodiversity.

Our team employed a five-fingered strategy, starting with the fishermen of Gopalpur coast as our primary stakeholders. We have tried to make a good communication with them, collected data on the fish species they harvested, and gathered information on the types of nets they used, including their manufacturing and cost details. Despite initial language and communication barriers, we overcame these challenges with the help of a team member and local students. To maintain consistent communication, we conducted weekly surveys, during which we educated the fishermen on the harmful impacts of overexploitation, particularly concerning the Olive Ridley turtle. We discussed the dangers of ghost nets to marine life and explained how small-mesh nets harm young fish and eggs, threatening future fish populations. We encouraged fishermen to use target-specific nets with larger mesh sizes to reduce this impact. Notably, many of them made their own nets, so we provided specific recommendations on keeping the mesh size species-appropriate. Our team also initiated beach clean-up programs in collaboration with the NAC Gopalpur staff and Executive Officer, organizing five large-scale clean-ups. To further raise awareness, we performed street plays, or “Nukkad Natak,” highlighting the dangers of plastic and ghost net pollution. Additionally, we surveyed beachside shop owners to understand their waste management practices and recommended the use of eco-friendly products like paper and leaf plates instead of plastic and thermocol. We distributed pamphlets, handbooks, and posters promoting responsible waste disposal. A significant part of our intervention involved raising awareness among students. We organized seminars at local schools, using interactive sessions and videos to educate them on the hazards facing marine biodiversity. Our project received support from social workers, faculty from the Department of Marine Sciences, the NSS team at Berhampur University, and local authorities. We also extended our outreach through online platforms like Instagram and YouTube to amplify our message.

TEAM MEMBERS:

• Prabeen Kumar Swain
• K. Anjili
• Amit Maharana
• Mama Swain