Biodiversity Survey
Biodiversity Status Survey of Haliday & Lothian Wildlife Sanctuaries
A three month biodiversity status survey was conducted in Haliday Wildlife sanctuary during 2014. This was a first time holistic documentation of the biodiversity of the island. We completed the work and submitted the report to the concerned DFO of the Forest Department, Government of West Bengal.
In the same year, another six month biodiversity status survey was conducted in Lothian Wildlife sanctuary, also a first time holistic documentation of the biodiversity of the island. The results found were compiled in form of a report and was submitted to the Forest department.
Survey of Fishing Practices
Nature Mates had conducted survey involving face to face interaction with the Fishermen of Sundarban to figure out various fishing practices. The aim of this survey was to document the details of nets used for fishing, seasonality of various fishes, variable fishing practices during day and night and other minute aspects important for this vibrant industry.
Creek Survey
As Sundarbans patrolling depends on its creeks and canals, we wanted to study the creek to understand how the remote sensing map differs with ground reality, the navigability of the creek during low-tides in the region, a survey was initiated by the Forest Department, conducted and completed by our survey team in 8 blocks of Chuklathi in 2014. The results of study put forth that there were 47 creeks navigable in low tides; it also inferred that there is a stark difference between remote sensing data and ground reality; hence a detailed work has been proposed for the same to develop a better management plan based on it.