About Us

The Community Marine Biodiversity Online Register (CMBOR) is an initiative of Friends of Marine Life (FML) dedicated to documenting and preserving the rich marine biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge of coastal communities. CMBOR serves as a bridge between indigenous wisdom, citizen science, and scientific research, bringing valuable knowledge about marine ecosystems into the public domain.

Our Story

For generations, coastal fishing communities have developed an intimate understanding of the sea, its habitats, and its biodiversity. This knowledge, passed down through lived experience, represents an invaluable resource for marine conservation. Yet much of this knowledge remains undocumented and inaccessible to researchers, policymakers, and the wider public.

Recognizing this gap, Friends of Marine Life began underwater studies and biodiversity documentation efforts in 2012. Through years of collaboration with fishing communities, divers, researchers, and citizen scientists, FML has documented numerous underwater habitats and marine species along the coast of Kerala, creating a foundation for the Community Marine Biodiversity Online Register.

Our Mission

Our mission is to document, preserve, and share knowledge about marine biodiversity and nearshore ecosystems while ensuring that the voices and experiences of indigenous coastal communities are recognized and valued.

We believe that effective marine conservation requires the integration of:

·         Traditional ecological knowledge

·         Scientific research and verification

·         Citizen science participation

·         Community-led conservation efforts

·         Public awareness and ocean literacy

By bringing these elements together, we aim to support informed decision-making and encourage the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

Why CMBOR Matters 

Protecting Coastal Community Knowledge

Traditional fishing communities possess generations of knowledge about seabed ecosystems, marine species, and ecological changes. CMBOR helps preserve this knowledge before it is lost.

Documenting Marine Biodiversity

The register provides a platform for recording marine species, habitats, and ecological observations, contributing to biodiversity documentation and conservation.

Supporting Research and Conservation

By combining community observations with scientific information from academic and research institutions, CMBOR creates a valuable resource for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers.

Filling Documentation Gaps

Marine and intertidal ecosystems remain underrepresented in many biodiversity records. CMBOR works to strengthen marine biodiversity mapping and conservation efforts.

About Friends of Marine Life (FML)

Friends of Marine Life (FML) is a registered indigenous fishing community organization based in Kerala, India. The organization conducts underwater ecological studies, biodiversity documentation, underwater clean-up initiatives, ocean literacy programs, and coastal heritage documentation.

FML has a dedicated team of trained SCUBA divers capable of conducting underwater exploration and research activities. Through its work, the organization has successfully connected coastal community knowledge with scientific understanding, helping reveal the ecological significance of nearshore marine habitats.

FML is also recognized with special accreditation by the United Nations in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14 — conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Our Vision

We envision a future where marine conservation is built on collaboration between coastal communities, scientists, policymakers, and citizens. Through CMBOR, we aim to create a living repository of marine biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge that inspires research, conservation action, and sustainable stewardship of our oceans.

Together, we can protect the knowledge, biodiversity, and ecosystems that sustain life along our coasts and beneath our seas.