<p>The rapid increase in development activities, habitat destruction, climate change and overfishing impacts coastal and marine biodiversity. Decline in species diversity and the effect on the livelihood of local community presents challenges in the overall conservation of the ecosystem. The objective of this study is to analyse the activities of the Biodiversity Boards in the coastal states of India. The survey recorded the development of marine biodiversity registers, identification of the threatened species, formation of coastal biodiversity management committees, availability of specific conservation plans and the relevance of cross sectoral coordination. A case study of the Goa Biodiversity Board and its Biodiversity Management Committees was utilised to assess the status of conservation. The state of Goa, India has a wide range of habitats and an economy mostly dependent on tourism. To assess conservation progress, the study establishes criteria based on documentation, stakeholder engagement, and policy coherence. The states show varied implementation of conservation plans and documentation of marine biodiversity. While documentation efforts are under progress, there are concerns about species representativeness, biases, inconsistency within states, and a lack of long-term monitoring. Sectoral fragmentation between tourism, fisheries and coastal development and non-integration of conservation activities across different agencies is a severe impediment. Another major challenge identified is ensuring meaningful stakeholder participation and engaging local communities in the broader conservation mandate. This effectiveness of coastal and marine biodiversity mainstreaming initiatives in India was analysed and the complexities impeding the conservation efforts were identified. The study proposes a more cohesive governance framework, emphasizing inter-agency coordination and a participatory decision-making approach tailored to the Indian context and built upon the existing governance structures.</p>