Kochi: It’s a common sight for the regular commuters of the Fort Kochi-Vypeen Jankar service – of Dolphins leaping out of the Kochi backwaters especially during high tide. The scientists of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has recorded the sightings of 18 Dolphins along the Kochi coast during a photo identification exercise undertaken recently, which points to a rise in the numbers of the mammals off the Kochi coast.
“We’ve recorded 18 Indian humpback dolphins off the Kochi coast and eight in Alleppey. Around 1500 dolphins are there in total along the country’s west coast. Estuaries in places like Kochi and Karwar in Karnataka are among their favourites as these regions are rich in fish species like Sardine, the favourite food of the mammals,” said Dr R Jeyabhaskaran, Scientist, CMFRI.
The mammals are often spotted in the backwaters during high tide. “They usually like to be in groups, but we’ve recorded individuals off the Kochi coast too during our study. They are found upto a 30-meter depth,” the scientist said.
Perhaps, the only people who are not very excited about their presence are the fishermen who fear the mammals would destroy their fishing nets.
“More marine fauna is now being noticed in the backwaters and lakes. This is because the salinity has risen, resulting in the same living condition as in seas. However, they are a threat to fisherman as they could tear most of the fishing nets in no time. Also they cannot be caught as they are included in the list of endangered species," said Dr B Madhusoodana Kurup, Vice Chancellor, KUFOS.
