Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre The Western bank of the Thane Creek is the single largest mangrove belt in Mumbai.
The Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre (SPG MEC) is a research and conservation center and was founded in 2013 by the Godrej Group, one of India's largest industrial conglomerates, with the aim of raising public awareness about marine ecosystem conservation and promoting scientific research for the preservation of marine biodiversity.
The SPG MEC is located in the coastal area of Vikhroli, Mumbai, and covers an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. The center features laboratories, classrooms, and an aquarium, where visitors can get up close to some of the most important marine species in western India. These include rays, sharks, sea turtles, shrimp, and many others.
The center is engaged in scientific research on various aspects of marine ecology, including biodiversity, ecosystem health, sustainable fishing, and climate change. Researchers at SPG MEC regularly conduct studies on local marine species, in order to better understand their habits and interactions with the surrounding environment. Additionally, the center regularly organizes workshops, seminars, and conferences on marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource management.
In addition to research and education activities, the SPG MEC is also dedicated to conserving the marine environment through the implementation of sustainable practices, such as waste management and plastic reduction. Furthermore, the center has initiated a ray adoption program, an initiative to raise awareness about the conservation of these threatened species.
The mangrove flora of Pirojshanagar is well diversified. There are 16 species of mangroves and mangrove associates.
The faunal composition in the area is also equally diverse. Apart from 206 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 13 species of crabs, 7 species of prawns and 20 species of fish have been identified so far in the area. Mammals like jackals and mongoose also were sited many a times This wetland acts as an important stopover for over hundred species of migratory birds including magnificent flamingos, gulls, terns, avocets & curlews.
