Setting the Foundation for Basic Education and Enhanced Learning, Health, and Livelihoods of Scheduled Irular Tribal Families in Parangipettai Block of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu
Coastal and Marine Systems
Home > Our Work > Programme Areas > Coastal and Marine Systems
Coastal and Marine Systems
Started in 1990, the Coastal Resources and Fisheries Programme is one of MSSRF’s flagship initiatives, set up to integrate ecological security with livelihood security for our coastal communities. The programme promotes sustainable management of coastal and marine resources by restoring ecosystems and supporting local livelihoods through science-driven, community-centred approaches.
Over 60% of the world’s population lives within 60 km of the coast. India, with over 7,500 km of coastline, faces major challenges like habitat loss, marine debris, climate change, and rising sea levels. Coastal communities, often marginalized and resource-poor, depend heavily on fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. The programme addresses these challenges through an ecosystem-based coastal management approach that ensures ecological and economic resilience.
Our Strategy
MSSRF’s twin strategy focuses on:
Ecosystem Restoration: Conserving mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses, and other critical coastal habitats.
Securing Coastal Livelihoods: Strengthening fisheries, promoting seawater farming, biosaline agriculture, and empowering communities.
Key Focus Areas
Conservation and Restoration of Coastal Ecosystems
Sustainable Marine and Coastal Fisheries
Seawater Farming Innovations
Biosaline Agriculture
1. Conservation and Restoration of Coastal Ecosystems
We work with communities to conserve and restore mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and coastal forests. Techniques like Joint Mangrove Management empower locals to become custodians of their environment.
2. Sustainable Marine and Coastal Fisheries
Through the Fish for All Research and Training Centre, we train coastal communities in sustainable fishing, safe fish handling, and value addition. We also tackle marine debris and promote climate-resilient fisheries.
3. Seawater Farming Innovations
We pioneered Integrated Mangrove Fishery Farming Systems (IMFFS) and Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, combining aquaculture with mangrove restoration for biodiversity and income generation.
4. Biosaline Agriculture
In saline-prone areas, we support farmers with traditional rice varieties, halophytic plants, and integrated farming models combining paddy, fish, and duck farming to ensure sustainable agriculture even in harsh conditions.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Coastal Knowledge Networks Village Knowledge Centres and digital apps like Fisher Friend Mobile Application (FFMA) and Fisherwomen Connect deliver real-time weather, ocean forecasts, market info, and training directly to coastal families.
GIS and Remote Sensing We use satellite mapping and drones to monitor mangroves, assess coastal vulnerability, and support blue carbon research. Collaborations with ISRO’s Space Applications Centre enhance coastal conservation planning.
Gender and Institution Building Gender equality and community leadership are at the core. We strengthen self-help groups, fisheries co-management committees, and promote women's leadership in fisheries and coastal enterprises.
Major Achievements
- 3,500+ hectares of mangrove forests restored across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Kerala.
- Mangrove Atlases developed for key coastal states using satellite imagery.
- Patented genes for salinity tolerance transferred from mangroves to rice.
- Fish for All Centre established to promote sustainable fisheries and fish processing.
- 1.22 lakh fishers connected via FFMA for real-time weather and market updates, improving safety and incomes.
- 30,000+ kg of marine debris removed through community-driven ghost gear recovery.
- HACCP-certified fish processing units empower fisherwomen, boosting incomes by ₹3,000–₹5,000 monthly.
- WomenConnect Challenge trained 6,000 fisherwomen in digital skills, marketing, and post-harvest fisheries.
Current Initiatives
- Mangrove and shelterbelt plantations in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
- Integrated aquaculture and blue carbon solutions in the Palk Bay region.
- Community-led ghost gear recovery in Gulf of Mannar.
- ICT innovations to bridge the gender digital divide in fisheries.
- Strengthening education, health, and livelihoods of tribal fishing communities.
- Promoting Fish Farmer Producer Organizations in coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Building a Resilient Coastal Future
The Coastal Resources and Fisheries Programme stands as a pioneering model for integrating ecological restoration with livelihood enhancement. Over the past 35 years, MSSRF’s work has helped shape national and global coastal conservation and community resilience strategies — setting a benchmark for sustainable coastal development.
Together, we’re protecting our coasts and empowering communities for a sustainable future.
