Indian Coast Guard (ICG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 'The Habitats Trust' and 'HCL Foundation' to strengthen efforts in marine conservation on September 19, 2024, at ICG Headquarters, New Delhi. The strategic partnership aims to implement critical conservation initiatives and as part of the collaboration, the key efforts will include:

• Ghost Net Removal: Addressing the problem of discarded fishing nets, which significantly harm marine ecosystems.
• Mapping and Classifying Ghost Gear Aggregation Areas: Enhancing knowledge about regions most affected by ghost gear to prioritize clean-up efforts effectively.
• Surveys in Ecologically Sensitive Regions: Monitoring and protecting biodiversity, focusing on vulnerable marine habitats.
• Community Involvement: Engaging coastal communities in conservation activities to promote stewardship of marine ecosystems.

The MoU was signed by Deputy Director General (Operations & Coastal Security) Inspector General (IG) Anupam Rai, Director of HCL Foundation Dr Nidhi Pundhir and Head of The Habitats Trust Rushikesh Chavan. IG Anupam Rai highlighted the significance of the initiative & stated that the partnership is a pivotal step toward ensuring the health of the coastal ecosystems, which are vital to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.