Embedded Files
Ocean of Awareness Podcast Series
In June 2024, Azad created the Ocean of Awareness Podcast series on Spotify, which delved into the local fishing communities of Mumbai especially the aboriginal Kolis and explored the intricacies of their daily lives, aspirations and challenges. The podcast also discussed cutting-edge innovations propelling sustainable fishing practices, underscoring the pivotal role these advancements play in bolstering conservation efforts.
Episodes included:
Fishing 101: A look into Mumbai’s Coastal Economy
Who are the Kolis?: Climate Change and Aboriginal Loss
Saving Seas, Solving Sustainability: The Importance of Fishing
Corals and Causes: Fishing and Coral Reef Loss
Mitigating Fish Markets: Economic & Ecological Challenges
Institutional Fishing Sustainability Index (IFSI)
In November 2024, the initiative developed the Institutional Fishing Sustainability Index (IFSI) to better understand the organizational landscape shaping fishing practices in Mumbai’s coastal regions. Through outreach to eight organizations working within the fisheries sector, the initiative assessed practices related to bycatch, overfishing, and biodiversity protection. The findings were published on the initiative’s website, with participating organizations rated on a four-star scale to promote transparency, accountability, and informed engagement around sustainable fisheries.
Teach a Person to Fish Toolkit Pamphlets
To deepen community engagement, the initiative developed the Teach a Person to Fish Toolkit, focusing on key principles of the Marine Stewardship Council’s Blue Label Certification, including mesh size regulations, seasonal fishing practices, and safe disposal of fishing waste. To ensure accessibility, the pamphlets were produced in English, Hindi, and Marathi and designed for practical, on-ground use within fishing communities.
Azad - The School of Conservation Research Paper - SENT.pdfThe School of Conservation Research Paper
In July 2025, the initiative consolidated its fieldwork and primary research into an open-access research paper examining sustainable fishing practices within Indian coastal communities. The paper explored the intersection of livelihoods, aspiration, and technological innovation, highlighting how access to sustainable tools can shape occupational futures while advancing coastal conservation goals. The draft was shared publicly to contribute to broader discourse on fisheries sustainability and community-led conservation models.
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