Survey planned to conserve dolphins off Mangaluru coast

MANGALURU: The forest division has stressed on the need to conduct a survey, followed by an integrated study on the 40kms sea stretch from Ullal to Mulky aimed at identifying the dolphin habitat. Last year, six dead dolphins washed up on the shore.
V Karikalan, deputy conservator of forest (DCF) told TOI, “ A proposal on the need for a survey and an integrated study has been submitted to the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), as part of setting up a dolphin conservation centre. As a first step towards conservation, a survey of the sea stretch from Ullal to Mulky with the help of the Coast Guard or Indian Navy has to be conducted, followed by a detailed study and demarcation of areas for conservation,” he said.
Spreading awareness on conservation will be a crucial part of the project, Meanwhile, support from the agencies like the New Mangalore Port Trust is needed. “An integrated approach is essential and scientists from several departments including ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), College of Fisheries need to discuss in detail before implementing the project,” DCF said.
Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and sea turtle stranding have been reported across the coast of Karnataka. Of the 120 odd species of marine mammals found in the world, 30-35 cetaceans and one sirenian are found in the waters of the Indian subcontinent.
Meanwhile, out of six dead dolphins washed up on the shore last year, four carcasses and two skeletal remains were found. So far the forest department has not conducted an in-depth study exclusively on dolphins. Often it is difficult to ascertain the exact cause of death.