Dolphins emerged as the most frequently recorded marine mammals in the southern Gulf of Kachchh, with scientists from the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation logging 64 sightings involving 193 individuals between October 2023 and February 2025. The findings, released ahead of National Wildlife Day on 4 September, offer the most detailed baseline yet of dolphin distribution in one of India's ecologically significant marine zones.

Survey Scope and Key Numbers

The boat-based survey covered areas in and around the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary — described in the report as India's first marine protected area — as well as waters around Narara and adjacent islands. Across all species, researchers recorded 177 verified marine megafauna sightings involving 342 individuals. Dolphins accounted for 36.2 per cent of all sightings, making them the dominant marine mammal group in the assessment. The survey was part of a broader study on dugongs, other marine mammals, and seagrass habitats.

Where Dolphins Were Sighted

Narara Reef recorded the highest number of dolphin sightings at 14, involving 39 individuals. The Dedeka-Mundeka island complex followed with 12 sightings involving 41 dolphins, while Pirotan Island logged 11 sightings involving 32 individuals. Dhani Island accounted for nine sightings involving 28 dolphins, and the coastal waters of Sikka recorded eight sightings involving 26 individuals. A further 10 sightings involving 27 dolphins were documented at other surveyed locations.

According to Vinod Rao, Principal Secretary of the Forests and Environment Department, the survey provides a detailed picture of where dolphins are actively using the Gulf. GEER Foundation director B.P. Pati noted that dolphins were particularly associated with reef margins, island edges, tidal channels, and open waters.

Why the Gulf Sustains Dolphins Year-Round

The study attributes the Gulf's dolphin-friendly conditions to its strong tidal currents, which promote nutrient mixing and concentrate schooling fish — creating reliable feeding grounds. The Dedeka-Mundeka island complex appeared especially critical as a movement corridor, with researchers frequently observing dolphins travelling along deeper reef margins and tidal channels between the islands.

Dolphins were recorded across all three seasons covered by the survey. Winter produced the highest count at 26 sightings, followed by 21 during the post-monsoon period and 17 during summer. Pati said the consistent year-round presence 'suggests that at least a portion of the dolphin population may be resident or semi-resident in the southern Gulf rather than simply passing through during a particular season.'

Group sizes ranged from solitary individuals to aggregations of up to 16 dolphins. Observed behaviours included coordinated group swimming, directional movement along tidal currents, regular surfacing, and occasional feeding. Of the 177 total marine megafauna records, 31 dolphin sightings occurred in tidal channels and open waters, compared with 22 around reef platforms and 11 in seagrass meadows.

Species Confirmed and Gaps Noted

Researchers confirmed the presence of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) — one of the qualifying species for the Gulf's designation as an important marine mammal area. However, the report notes that species-level identification was not possible for every sighting. The study recommends further systematic surveys and species-level verification to improve understanding of dolphin diversity and distribution in the Gulf.

Amitkumar Nayak, Deputy Director of the GEER Foundation, called for continued monitoring of fishing and vessel activity alongside species-specific identification to assess population trends and protect productive coastal habitats.

Government Response and Conservation Outlook

Gujarat Forests and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the findings reinforce the state's commitment to protecting marine biodiversity under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Jaipal Singh described the southern Gulf as 'a dynamic marine habitat where reefs, seagrass meadows and tidal channels work together to sustain diverse marine life,' adding that tidal channels and open coastal waters appear especially critical for dolphins. Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali congratulated the GEER Foundation team and the Forest Department for their conservation efforts.

The study establishes an important ecological baseline and is expected to inform future conservation planning for the Gulf of Kachchh, where seagrass habitats also support dugongs and a wider array of marine fauna.