“It is imperative to understand that a rich marine life survives along the coast, and one doesn’t need to go as far as Andaman or Lakshadweep,” said Patade, who teaches kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boating and dragon-boat racing for a water sports company. “I discovered a new world that needs to be conserved,” he said.

He said that earlier, he pursued his interest in documenting marine life as a hobby, alongside his job. “I decided to let go of my mundane daily schedule to follow my passion. I took up the responsibility of caring for the ocean as it cares for us,” he said.

Patade uses his waterproof camera and chooses low tides to explore the coasts. He has studied marine life found off the coasts of Cuffe Parade, GirgaumChowpatty, Walkeshwar and Napean Sea Road and documented two rare species – the orange sea fan (gorgonian fan) and the pipe fish that belongs to the sea horse family.

“I scan fishermen’s nets to observe unique species that they may have caught unknowingly and try to trace the species using the information given by the fishermen,” he said.

AnandPendharkar, a wildlife biologist, said the research conducted by Patade is comprehensive and carries great value. “Hardly anyone has documented species along the coast with such detail,” said Pendharkar.

“From reporting environmental violations to carrying out regular beach clean-ups, he has been involved in protecting the city’s beaches and aquatic life.”