Pratik Parmar Krishnakant

1016-B

 Marine Life Observatory Concern Observatory as an important means for education, observation and awareness for locals, pilgrim tourists, passer-by, researchers, students and volunteers. Coral Reef Conservation Coral reefs as land builder and prevents coastal erosion. CORAL BLEACHING – climate change impact. Coral reef recovery Biodiversity Support abundant fish catch in nearby high sea. Research and Monitoring Research activity in gulf of kachcuhh and Gujarat coast. Coral reef recovery recruitment and transplantation Education and awareness to maintain ecosystem and sustainable livelihood. From having a well-designed public to private transition in this intervention, different user group get introduced to this large idea of conservation and sustainability of marine life. Aquarium as a Showcase: An aquarium is a place where various creatures that live in water are taken care of (for treatment, breeding, study etc.) in a controlled environment free from any threats, man-made or otherwise. There are millions of organisms that inhabit the waters. Apart from the need to the observatory, an aquarium will also serve as a display, for awareness and informal educational space for the researchers, tourist and the volunteers, displaying the wonders of deep as well as shallow sea water life. To mitigate historical damage, research based ecological restoration of degraded coral reefs is initiated in gulf of kachchh introduction and reintroduction of corals through transplantation is being attempted for this purpose. Site Information Gujarat a western state of India, has a long coast of about 1600km with the Arabian sea between latitude 20 degree north to 24 degree north latitudes. Gujarat has its 1600 km coastline for development of tourism & research work. It is therefore felt strongly that projects and themes that use the coastal resources of the State should be promoted and developed. Dwarka is a small city and a municipality of Devbhoomi Dwarka district in the state of Gujarat in western India. It is located on the western shore of the Okhamandal Peninsula on the right bank of the Gomti River. This site can act as a buffer between marine areas in gulf of kuchchh and locals and other passer-by and helps both nature and mankind for their betterment. Program/Requirements 1. Lighthouse Existing 2. Coral Tanks & Canal First part will be the space where aquatic life will be showcased and would be major funding source to the observatory. This may include breading for fish and other marine animals as well. This will serve as an attraction for tourists and local alike. Second part will be merged with the laboratory activities, where one might get to see rare aquatic life undergoing treatment or temporary containment. This will not only serve as a safe space for these organisms, but will also attract locals and specialists in the field again to the facility. This will function under the consideration that the priority is for the organism contained there is safe within the containment, keeping in mind that the stress of exposure to the visitors is not detrimental to it. 3. Laboratories For treatment/observation, study and breeding facility for various species of aquatic life, specialised aquariums/environment needs to be provided. Conservation and research facilities for marine biologist, zoologist, botanist volunteers or student for facilitating various field activities, academic/scientific research. 4. Training centre For skill development of locals, students and volunteers. 5. Aqua Garden This section would be dedicated to growing plant, corals and other aquatic vegetation. 6. Toilets and services. 7. Administration / Management office 8. Machine and equipment facility For water filtration, conditioning equipment, pump room, chiller room, reserve water tanks. Source GEER Foundation.