Exploring the Coastal Wildlife of Mumbai

Mumbai’s coastline is far more than just a place for walks. It is a vibrant, struggling home for species like the Hook-nosed Sea Snake and the File Sea Snake. Unfortunately, these reptiles often end up as bycatch in local fishing nets.

Many people fear sea snakes, leading to incidents where they are killed out of panic rather than left to return to the ocean. My goal with this documentation is to bridge the gap between fear and understanding.

• The Bycatch Reality: When fishermen pull these snakes from their nets, they are often thrown onto the sand. Because these are marine animals, they cannot survive long in the sun and heat of the beach.
• Conservation in Action: Whether I am photographing a Malacca Sea Snake or assisting with a rescue, the focus remains the same: ethical, humane treatment.
• Coexistence: We share this space with incredible biodiversity. From the Pearly Sea Anemone to the sea snakes in our waters, every creature plays a role in the health of our coast.

Understanding these animals is the first step toward better conservation. If you are interested in learning more about the wildlife that lives just beyond our shoreline or want to know what to do if you encounter an animal in distress, reach out. Let’s make our beaches safer for everyone, above and below the water.