The Coastal Conservation Foundation (CCF) is a marine conservation organisation committed to conserving and protecting the coastal and marine environments. Our goal is to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of coastal and marine ecosystems and the diverse range of species that inhabit them. We employ a multi-faceted approach that includes research, outreach, education and citizen science.
Our research projects focus on understanding ecosystems and the impact of human activities on these environments. Our goal is to help protect these habitats and their biodiversity by providing information needed to develop effective conservation strategies.
As part of our goal to protect and conserve these ecosystems, we engage with people in ways that demonstrate their value. Our outreach and educational programmes for students, community groups, and the general public are designed to increase their understanding of these ecosystem’s importance and the need to conserve them.
Citizen science is another critical aspect of CCF’s work. We involve local communities in collecting and analysing data to monitor the health of coastal habitats. This helps build a deeper appreciation of these important ecosystems and engages people in conservation efforts, and contributes scientific research on marine life across India.
Shaunak Modi is a conservationist and wildlife enthusiast who co-founded the Coastal Conservation Foundation (CCF). His interests lie in citizen science and identifying research-based solutions for wildlife conservation.
At CCF, Shaunak manages the Marine Life of Mumbai and Marine Life of Goa projects, and serves as the principal investigator of the Coastal Cetaceans of the MMR project.
Prior to his work at CCF, Shaunak founded his own company, Naturenama, in the wilderness travel industry.
Intimately familiar with the shores of South Mumbai, he has been documenting the biodiversity and threats to these shores for several years now. His long-term aim of bringing these little-known details to the notice of Mumbai's citizens and decision-makers is what drives the Marine Life of Mumbai initiative.