As 2025 came to a close, Dakshin Foundation marked key moments for the fisheries sector—World Fisheries Day and the first-ever International Fisher Women’s Day—through conversations, films and reflections rooted in coastal communities. We now share a set of films that spotlight fisherwomen’s leadership, grassroots stewardship and the changing seascapes of the Palk Bay, alongside a deeper look at the region’s blue crab fishery.
By Sanjana| “I thought I knew a lot about menstrual cups and cloth pads. But in 2024, when I began working in the Andamans, my Dakshin colleagues shared with me a few things I never knew…Here, I talk about my journey towards beginning to encourage more women to make the switch.”
Dr. Naveen Namboothri and Kumar Sahayaraju from our Sustainable Fisheries Programme represented Dakshin Foundation at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France. Their participation brought grounded, field-based perspectives from India’s coasts into global conversations shaping the future of ocean governance.
For the past 16 years, Dakshin’s Marine Flagships programme, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and state forest departments, has been tracking India’s sea turtles. The programme’s newly launched report, titled ‘Monitoring sea turtles in India 2008 – 2024’, brings together years of research, offering insights into sea turtle population trends and the challenges these species face.
A couple of days after Ajith passed away, a message on the WhatsApp group for his memorial enquired about his cat. But Malli would be fine because she inhabited many homes. Much like his beloved cat, Ajith had many institutional homes, and each one thought he belonged to them. As did each of the hundreds on the WA group and innumerable others. Ajith had a special place in everyone’s life.
By Namrata Lunia and Anu Priya Babu| To share what we have learnt through our journey, Machi Man—the virtual mascot of Khane Ke Liye Bachao —brings you 9 key learnings from our on-ground work that hold the potential to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for India’s fisheries and coasts.
If you have little time but loads of curiosity about our SeaChange journey, jump aboard and dive into any of these highlights! Each of these actions is one giant leap towards fostering healthier oceans and supporting coastal communities.
By Ria Philip| “Picture a Sunday evening just before sunset in the fishing village of New Podampeta. A large rectangular stretch of the beach is carefully marked with bright-coloured cones. A big group of youngsters are running across the sand, throwing and chasing a strange object in the air that has everyone mesmerised…”
By Pavitra Vasudevan| “I was taught how to fish and also how to drink, and now I do the same with my son.” Krishna recalls the time he learnt to fish from his father and about the unspoken codes of growing up, dependent only on the sea for sustenance. How do we break the cycle of despair?
By Yashi Soni and Spandanaa Gosu| The July retreat week at Dakshin Foundation was nothing short of a rejuvenating and insightful experience, bringing together the diverse and passionate team that drives the organisation’s mission. This year marked a significant change as the retreat, traditionally a single or two-day event, was transformed into a week-long journey of learning, connection, and fun. As teammates gathered under one roof, some meeting in person for the first time after months of working remotely, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air.