CMPA Technical Report Series No. 13 Enhancing the effectiveness of conservation potential of marine mammals in Indian seas

The project was initiated during 2015 and different technical activities were carried out to meet the objectives. Analysis of the records on stranding of marine mammals during the 216 year period from 1800 to 2016 indicated that 25 species consisting of 5 baleen whales, 4 toothed whales, 14 dolphins and one each of finless porpoise and sea cow were reported as stranded along the Indian coast. The number of stranding records was only 21nos, (0.2 per year or one stranding in every 5 year) during the period 1800 to 1889 while it increased to 243 (2.4 nos per year) in the succeeding century and during the 16 years since 2000, 115 (7.2 per year) stranding have been reported. This alarmingly high rate is a matter of concern and has to be prevented or reduced at the earliest. Among the five groups highest stranding was among dolphins (39%) followed by baleen whales (23%), sea cow (22%), toothed whales (11%) and finless porpoise (5%). The stranding of baleen whales was recorded in all the maritime states along west coast except Goa, while along east coast (except Tamil Nadu), the stranding records were low. Stranding oftoothed whales was highest, along Tamil Nadu (51%) coast followed by Lakshadweep Islands (16%). Tamil Nadu recorded highest (53%) stranding of porpoises followed by Kerala and Karnataka (16% each). No stranding of Porpoises was observed along Goa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and in the Island territories. Dugong stranding was observed only from states which have sea grass habitats; Tamil Nadu (79%), Gujarat (14%) and A&N islands (7%).The most common species which was stranded was the dugong (66 nos; 22%) along Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and A&N Islands. Since this species has restricted distribution, it is important to identify the reasons for stranding and reduce such incidences. Stranding of Fin whale, Killer whale, False Killer whale, long-beaked common dolphin, Irrawaddy dolphin, Melon-headed whale were not observed during this century. It was observed that gill nets are responsible for 98.8% of the mortalities and occasional reports of incidental catch / entanglement in trawl, purse seine, shore seine and long line has also been recorded since 1970s. From 1976 to 2013, about 766 entanglements / incidental catch of dolphins in fishing gears has been reported from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Highest fishing related mortality were reported from Kerala (526 nos.) followed by Tamil Nadu (231 nos.). 6 | P a g e A total of 45 porpoises have been found to be caught by fishing nets along Karnataka (34nos), Kerala (9nos; from gill nets) and one each from Gujarat (dol net) and Tamil Nadu (gill net) According to the survey conducted among fishermen dolphin population has increased and this has negatively affected their fishing activities. Damage to gear and financial loss to mend this is a problem cited by gill netters of South India. A database on marine mammals was developed and programming for an interactive web site was initiated. However, this could not be completed. Since officials of Forest department are responsible for reporting and handling marine mammals which are listed as endangered, officials from different maritime states were identified to form a network. Communication was also sent to all the officials regarding this. In addition to this, staff from CMFRI, NGOs, village groups, ZSI, CARI and Department of Fisheries were also included in the list. The network of 99 members is yet to be activated. The proposed national workshop could not be conducted. Awareness material on the methods for rescue operations were conducted at Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala Recommendations for conservation and protection of cetaceans have been listed