Dr. Prachi Hatkar is a marine conservationist working at the intersection of science, policy, and community engagement to protect India’s coastal and marine biodiversity. She currently serves as a Senior Project Officer at DES Pune University and was previously associated with the Wildlife Institute of India, contributing to the national CAMPA-funded dugong recovery programme.
Her research expertise includes dugong habitat assessment, sea turtle and sea snake ecology, and seagrass conservation, with a strong focus on community-led conservation. She also contributes to conservation governance and emerging marine technologies, including underwater drone initiatives and research on underwater noise impacts on marine mammals.
A passionate science communicator, Dr. Hatkar actively promotes marine conservation through education, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. With 21+ research publications and 24 technical reports, she has contributed significantly to evidence-based marine conservation and policymaking in India.
She is the first Indian woman to receive an international grant from the Women Divers Hall of Fame and has been recognized with prestigious honors including the Bharat Gaurav Puraskar and Dhaval Smruti Wildlife Savior Award.

                Her Key Achievements

1. Senior Project Officer, DES Pune University

2. Formerly associated with Wildlife Institute of India (Dugong Recovery Programme)

3. Member, IMO GloNoise Research Committee

4. Advisory Committee Member, Diu–Daman Forest Department

5. 21+ research publications and 24 technical reports

6. Recipient of international grant from Women Divers Hall of Fame

7. Awarded Bharat Gaurav Puraskar

8. Recipient of Dhaval Smruti Wildlife Savior Award