Gujarat's Dolphin Population Surges by 200% in Two Years

Overview

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin population along Gujarat's coast has experienced a remarkable 200% increase over the past two years. The number of these dolphins rose from 221 in 2022 to 678 in 2024, highlighting the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts.

Key Findings

Population Distribution

The recent census conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department revealed significant concentrations of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in various coastal regions:

• Over 170 dolphins were observed off the coast stretching from Sir Creek to Kandla.
• Two dolphins were spotted near Navlakhi Port.
• Ten dolphins were found in the Gulf of Khambhat.

Habitat and Behavior

Fishermen have reported that these dolphins often ride the bow waves of their boats near Padala Creek along the India-Pakistan border, indicating the dolphins' adaptability and interaction with human activities.

Conservation Initiatives

Awareness Campaigns

The Gujarat Forest Department is launching educational programs across a 3,500 sq km surveyed area to inform local communities about the importance of dolphin conservation.

Monitoring Taskforce

A proposal has been made to establish a taskforce comprising members from the Coast Guard, local police, and forest officials. This team will monitor dolphin habitats and ensure their safety.

Tourism Development

An MoU was signed during the Vibrant Gujarat summit to promote dolphin tourism in the state. Locations such as Okha and Mithapur have been identified for this initiative, leveraging the area's existing tourist attractions like the Dwarka temple and Shivrajpur beach.
The tourism activities will be coordinated with the Coast Guard to prevent disturbances to the dolphin population and protect their habitat.

Conservation Significance

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphins are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to threats such as habitat loss, water pollution, coastal development, overfishing, and increased marine traffic.
The observed population increase along Gujarat's coast is a positive indicator of successful conservation strategies.

Sources

• Times of India: "Wave a hello! Gujarat's dolphin count jumps 200% in two years"
• Down To Earth: “Indian Ocean humpback dolphin count doubles in Gujarat”
• Indian Express: “Gujarat dolphin population grows twofold: Forest department census”
• India Today: “Massive surge in dolphin numbers along Gujarat coast”