Dolphin populations increases in Chilika

a recent study reported a fractional increase in the population of Irrawaddy dolphins in Orissa's Chilika lake. The dolphin population in Chilika in Khurda district had gone up from 131 last year to 135 this year, said a February 2007 report by the Chilika Development Authority (cda), a government body. In spite of this, the government as well as environmentalists are worried about frequent reports of dolphin casualties in the lagoon due to the increasing biotic pressure on the lake.

As many as 25 dolphins died during the last three years, enough to set alarm bells ringing since the total population of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world is believed to be less than 1,000. Fishing nets and propellers of mechanised tourist and fishing boats are the main cause of dolphin casualties in the lake. Gillnets and the zero mesh nets floating in the outer channel of the lake have been taking a heavy toll on the mammal population. "Being fish eaters, dolphins are attracted to the nets floating in the water. Very often they get trapped and choke while trying to escape. Some also die after being hit by propellers of mechanised boats," said Sudarshan Panda, chief executive officer, cda.

cda has long been working on a sustained campaign to save dolphins in the lake. A year ago, it issued guidelines for dolphin viewing. cda plans to update them this year with the help of the Wildlife Institute of India. About nine months ago, they designed propeller guards for mechanised boats operating in Chilika and have also supplied it to boat operators.

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