A state-wide marine survey conducted across 4,087 sq km of Gujarat's coastal waters in 2025 has documented more than 680 dolphins, with the highest concentration recorded inside India's first Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch. State authorities have described the findings as evidence of growing success in marine biodiversity conservation.

Key Survey Findings

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the assessment recorded 498 dolphins within the 1,384 sq km stretch of the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary running from Okha to Navlakhi — the single largest concentration in the survey. An additional 168 dolphins were observed in the northern Gulf of Kutch under the Kutch circle, while 10 were counted in Bhavnagar's 494 sq km coastal belt and four in Morbi's 388 sq km area.

The coastal zones of Shivrajpur and Positra were identified as among the most reliable locations for dolphin sightings, attributed to clearer waters and relatively undisturbed marine conditions — factors that also make them significant draws for wildlife-based tourism.

Conservation Framework Behind the Numbers

Minister Modhwadia credited the results to sustained conservation work carried out under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and coordinated efforts by the state's Forest Department. 'The figures reflect sustained conservation work carried out under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and coordinated efforts by the Forest Department to protect marine ecosystems and strengthen habitats for aquatic species,' he said.

He noted that conservation measures over the past 12 years have included habitat protection, mangrove restoration, and stricter enforcement of laws against illegal fishing in ecologically sensitive zones. Fishing communities from Kutch to Bhavnagar were also acknowledged for supporting conservation efforts and avoiding harm to dolphins during fishing activities.

Species Profile and Ecological Role

Two primary dolphin species inhabit Gujarat's waters: the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. The humpback dolphin — more commonly encountered in the Arabian Sea — is distinguished by its prominent dorsal hump and elongated fin, and typically measures between 2.5 and 3.2 metres, weighing between 150 and 250 kilograms. Their diet consists mainly of fish, prawns, and crabs, which accounts for their frequent presence near river mouths and shallow coastal zones.

Officials emphasised that dolphins function as apex marine mammals and serve as reliable indicators of overall marine ecosystem health. 'Hunting or injuring dolphins is a non-bailable offence under wildlife protection laws, as the species is listed among vulnerable marine animals requiring strict safeguards,' Minister Modhwadia said.

Broader Significance for Marine Biodiversity

The survey results add to Gujarat's growing profile as a destination for eco-tourism and marine wildlife observation. Notably, India declared the Ganges dolphin its national aquatic animal in 2009, underscoring the country's long-standing policy emphasis on aquatic species protection. The increasing visibility of dolphins along the Kutch-Bhavnagar coastline is being read by authorities as an encouraging indicator of ecological stability in the region.

With protected zones now yielding measurable population data, the next phase of conservation work is expected to focus on expanding monitoring coverage and reinforcing eco-tourism infrastructure along Gujarat's marine corridor.