(Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research)
PALK BAY CENTER
Save Dugongs
About us
Established in 2007, OMCAR is dedicated to the conservation of coastal ecosystems and enhancing the well-being of communities along Palk Bay.
Mission: Foster conservation and sustainable livelihoods in Palk Bay.
Vision: Drive participatory conservation and sustainable livelihoods by collaborating with local fishing communities and the government to preserve coastal ecosystems and promote sustainable fisheries in Palk Bay.
IUCN Recognises India’s First Dugong Conservation Reserve IUCN World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi, October, 2025
* The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) formally recognised India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 9–15 October 2025. The motion titled “Recognising India’s First Dugong Conservation Reserve” was officially adopted by the Congress.
* The motion recognises the establishment of the Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, highlighting the region’s importance as a critical habitat for dugongs and the need to conserve its seagrass ecosystems.
* The adoption of the motion marks a significant milestone for dugong conservation in India, bringing international recognition to efforts to protect dugongs, their seagrass habitats, and the coastal communities that depend on these ecosystems.
Strengthening Conservation: State Level Workshop on Coastal Ecosystems, Sea Turtle, and Dugong Conservation Techniques
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department and OMCAR Foundation organized a five-day workshop to build conservation capacity.
The workshop was conducted for frontline forest staff from coastal divisions across Tamil Nadu.
It featured expert-led sessions and hands-on field activities focused on mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef restoration, along with sea turtle and dugong conservation.
The initiative aimed to strengthen on-ground skills and promote community-inclusive marine conservation efforts.
What We Do
At OMCAR Foundation, we work to protect coastal and marine ecosystems by connecting people, science, and conservation action. Our work focuses on three key areas:
Ashley Jones
We build awareness among students, coastal communities, and the public about marine biodiversity, environmental issues, and the importance of protecting our natural ecosystems.
Don Francis
We conduct field research to better understand marine and coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation challenges. Our research provides scientific knowledge that supports practical and long-term conservation solutions.
Alexa Young
We turn awareness into action through community participation, habitat protection, restoration activities, clean-up initiatives, and other field-based conservation efforts.
Our Conservation Focus
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WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES
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