Humpback Dolphins Spotted in Mumbai: Endangered Species Seen by Fishermen Around Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Usually found in the coastal areas of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, these fishes were spotted for the second time around the waters of Mumbai.
Mumbai, January 21: In what seems like a very good respite from the constant marine population claiming more lives, endangered species of the humpback dolphins were seen around the Bandra- Worli sea link. Local fishermen recalled watching the playful fishes in the waters on Sunday evening. Usually found in the coastal areas of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, these fishes were spotted for the second time around the waters of Mumbai. Another Dead Dolphin Carcass Washes Ashore Versova Beach in Mumbai, View Pic.
Last year, these dolphins were seen at the areas between Versova and Madh Jetty on Mumbai’s west coast. The dolphins seem to be frequenting the city waters often as earlier too a pod of Humpback dolphins was spotted near Sassoon Docks, the famous fishing area of the city. The Humpback Dolphin species are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Indian Humpback Dolphins are also included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) "Endangered" category. Dolphins in River Ganga: Count Increases From 22 in 2015 to 33 in 2018.
Talking about the recent spotting N Vasudevan, additional principal chief conservator of forests and marine biologist were quoted to Indian Express, "There are several reports of pods of the species between Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves towards Thane creek end." There have been reports of similar dolphin spotting at Girgaum chowpatty, Nariman Point and also the cost of Haji Ali, all the popular sea-side spots in the city. Sexually Frustrated Dolphin Named Zafar Has Caused Tourist Ban on a French Beach.
These dolphins are most commonly found in the Indian ocean stretch between Indian and South Africa. They most commonly swim in the shallow waters which put them in a risk of getting caught in the fishing nets and also come in contact with the polluted waters by the coast. But still, the frequency of dolphin carcasses washing ashore the beaches in the city are more than dolphin spotting.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 21, 2019 08:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).