On the drift net-entangled dolphins landed at Sakthikulangara

This report details the landings of the common dolphins entangled during the drift gill net operations off Quilon. The landing data on the dolphins were collected during the routine observations on fish landings at Sakthikulangara during the period 1982 - '87. The study reveals that maximum entanglements were recorded during the June - October period. Maximum incidence of dolphins was noted during 1982 - '85 period in terms of observed weight. During the entire period, the observed weight of the dolphins recorded exceeded 2 tonnes and an approximate number of 145 dolphins were encountered. Smaller dolphins which weigh approximately below 15 - 20 kg are preferred for consumption due to its tender meat, whereas the meat of bigger and older specimens is mainly used as baits in the hooks and line fishery for sharks