Dr. Sayali Nerurkar
I'm
About
Dr. Sayali has devoted her career to uncovering the mysteries of the world’s oceans. After earning her PhD in Marine Biology from University of Mumbai, she embarked on global research expeditions to map marine biodiversity, classify mollusca species, and study the effects of environmental change on fragile ecosystems.
Her work spans the western and central Indo-Pacific Marine Realm. Over the past decade and a half, she has collaborated with leading marine research institutions, contributed to environmental policy development, and mentored the next generation of scientists.
Beyond research, Dr. Sayali is a passionate advocate for team-driven science. She believes that solving marine challenges requires global cooperation, interdisciplinary expertise, and respect for local knowledge. Her collaborations with leading institutions and policy bodies reflect this commitment. Whether mentoring young scientists or working with coastal communities, Dr. Sayali brings together science, strategy, and empathy to protect our oceans for generations to come.
Research & Discoveries
New Species Described
New Records To India
- Nassarius fuscus (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1848)
- Nassarius tadjalli Moolenbeek, 2007
- Nassarius persicus (Martens, 1874)
- Nassarius punctatus (A. Adams, 1852)
- Nassarius subsimilis E. A. Smith, 1906
- Nassarius mucronatus (A. Adams, 1851)
- Nassarius helleri (Mari, 1929)
- Titiscania limacina (Bergh, 1890)
- Clavactinia gallensis (Thornely, 1904)
- Tenguella ceylonica (Dall, 1923)
New Records To Malaysia
Publications
- First record of Titiscania limacina Bergh, 1890 (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from India (Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, 2016)
- Status and Prospects of the Systematics of Family Nassariidae in India (World Conference of Malacology, 2016)
- First Record of Hydroid Clavactinia gallensis Thornely, 1904 (Hydrozoa: Anthoathecata: Hydractiniidae) from West Coast of India with a note on its Association with Nassarius stolatus (Gmelin, 1791) (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda: Nassariidae) (Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, 2018)
- Current status of taxonomic knowlwdge on family Nassariidae Iredale, 1916 (1835) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Buccinoidea) from India (Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, 2020)
- First record of Nassarius fuscus (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1848) from the west coast of India, with the description of its sister species Nassarius arewarensis n. sp. (Buccinoidea: Nassariidae) (Journal of Molluscan Studies, 2020)
- Population structure of brachyuran crab Dotilla myctiroides (H. Milne Edwards, 1852) (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India (Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, 2021)
- New records and distribution extension of Nassarius persicus (Martens, 1874) and N. tadjallii Moolenbeek, 2007 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nassariidae) to India (Journal of the Threatened Taxa, 2021)
- Description of Nassarius deepakaptei (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nassariidae), a new species from west coast of India (Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, 2021)
- Name correction of a recently described species of Nassarius Duméril, 1805 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nassariidae) from the West Coast of India (Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, 2021)
- The possible pathway of water-borne species invasion in Bangladesh: Where danger overthrows beauty (Conference: 1st Postgraduate Seminar on Agriculture and Forestry: Enhancing Knowledge through Research (PSAF 2021) At: Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu Sarawak Campus, Sarawak, Malaysia, 2021)
- First record of Yellowish-brown crab Charybdis (Charybdis) lucifera (Fabricius, 1798) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) from Malaysian waters after 127 years, with morphological and ecological notes (Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 2022)
- First record of saucer scallop Ylistrum balloti (Bernardi, 1861) from equatorial South China Sea (Arxius de Miscel·lània Zoològica, 2023)
- Taxonomic records of Tenguella granulata (Duclos, 1832) and Tenguella ceylonica (Dall, 1923) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Muricidae) from Alibag, Raigad, Maharashtra on the west coast of India. (CIBTech Journal of Zoology, 2024)
- Distribution extension to India of Nassarius punctatus (A. Adams, 1852) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nassariidae) (Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India, 2024)
- Taxonomy in crisis: Addressing the shortage of taxonomists in a biodiversity hotspot era (Journal of Aquatic Research and Sustainability, 2024)
- Rediscovery of holotype and validation of Nassarius subsimilis E. A. Smith, 1906 along with review of Nassa ranida A. Adams, 1852 and Nassa eucomista Melvill & Sykes, 1897 (Gastropoda: Buccinoidea: Nassariidae)(Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, In press)
- New record of the Rare Mud Whelk Nassarius helleri (Giner Mari, 1929) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nassariidae) from east coast of India: A 96 Years Gap and Range Extension from Sri Lanka to Odisha (National academy of science letter, In press)
Bio
Dr. Sayali Nerurkar
Dr. Sayali is a marine biologist and global explorer whose research spans deep-sea trenches, coral ecosystems, and climate-impacted habitats. She champions collaborative science to protect ocean biodiversity worldwide.
- say.nerurkar@gmail.com
Education
Ph. D. (Zoology)
2024
University of Mumbai, India
Title of Ph.D. thesis: “Study on the taxonomy and zoogeography of family Nassariidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda, Buccinoidea) of India”
Master of Science in Zoology
2010
University of Mumbai, India
Dissertation entitled “Imidacloprid induced toxicity to the estuarine clam, Meretrix meretrix (Linnaeus)”
Professional Experience
Vice President – Ethics Compliance
2023 - Present
Genesis Publishing Consortium Limited (GPCL)
Senior Research Associate (Marine)
2023 - Present
Ecological Society, Pune, Maharashtra
- Advancing Scientific Research & Biodiversity Documentation
- Planning and executing field surveys and educational initiatives aligns with the objective of delivering impactful, on-ground conservation programs that integrate ecological science with public awareness.
- Promoting Sustainable Coastal Tourism & Ecosystem Management
- Engaging Coastal Communities & Enhancing Socio-Economic Resilience
- Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration & Project Delivery
Project Officer (Marine)
2014 - 2021
Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Accomplished one year task of Evaluation of the Socio-Economic aspects of Mangrove Ecosystem of Ansure Creek.
- Accomplished one year Conservation Education Program at Jindal Vidya Mandir, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
- Worked on Taxonomy of Family Nassariidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Buccinoidea).
- Contibuted in organazation's goals align with Marine Conservation, Marine Molluscan Taxonomy and Marine Biodiversity.
Media and Gallery
Comming Soon...
Contact
Invest in Oceans. Invest in the Future.
Our seas hold the key to climate stability, food security, and biodiversity — yet they are under unprecedented threat. My work combines rigorous marine science with community engagement to deliver measurable, lasting impact. From pioneering research initiatives to on‑the‑ground conservation programs, every project is built for scalability, transparency, and results.
If you are a visionary funder, philanthropic leader, or impact investor looking to create meaningful change, I invite you to connect. Together, we can turn evidence into action — and action into a legacy that protects our oceans for generations to come.
Let’s Connect
I’m always eager to collaborate, share ideas, and explore opportunities that advance marine research and conservation. Whether you’re a fellow scientist, a policy maker, a student, a community leader — or a visionary funder or impact investor — I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to discuss potential projects, speaking engagements, or explore how we can turn evidence into action and action into a legacy that protects our oceans for generations to come.
Send Mail to say.nerurkar@gmail.com. Also connect at Linkedin and ResearchGate.