Gandhinagar | September 3, 2026
Dolphins have emerged as the most frequently sighted marine mammals inhhbhbhhh gg Gujarat’s Gulf of Kachchh, according to a major scientific survey by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation.
The survey recorded 64 dolphin sightings involving 193 individuals, underlining the importance of the Gulf’s reefs, tidal channels and island margins as marine mammal habitat.
342 marine animals recorded
Boat-based surveys conducted between October 2023 and February 2025 covered the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary, India’s first marine protected area.
Researchers recorded 177 verified marine megafauna sightings involving 342 individuals, with dolphins accounting for 36.2% of all sightings.
Narara Reef records highest sightings
Narara Reef emerged as the leading location, with 14 sightings involving 39 dolphins.
It was followed by:
- Dedeka-Mundeka island complex: 12 sightings, 41 dolphins
- Pirotan Island: 11 sightings, 32 dolphins
- Dhani Island: 9 sightings
- Sikka coastal waters: 8 sightings
Researchers found dolphins particularly associated with reef margins, island edges, tidal channels and open waters. Strong tidal currents in the Gulf can concentrate nutrients and fish, creating favourable feeding conditions for dolphins.
Dolphins present throughout the year
One of the significant findings was that dolphins were recorded across all seasons. Researchers documented 26 sightings in winter, 21 post-monsoon and 17 during summer.
Their year-round presence could indicate that at least some dolphins are resident or semi-resident in the southern Gulf. The survey also confirmed the presence of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea), although not every sighting could be identified to species level.
A marine habitat worth protecting
Officials and researchers say the findings reinforce the importance of protecting the Gulf’s interconnected reefs, seagrass meadows and tidal channels.
The Gulf of Kachchh is already recognised as an important marine mammal area and supports Indian Ocean humpback dolphins along with other marine mammals such as dugongs and finless porpoises.
Researchers have called for continued surveys, better species identification and monitoring of fishing and vessel activity to ensure that the Gulf remains a secure habitat for Gujarat’s dolphins.
Source: The Blunt Times, based on findings from the GEER Foundation survey.
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