Posted On:
05 NOV 2026 6:00PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram
Kochi: The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has documented 161 marine mammal stranding cases along the Indian coast during 2024–25, with Goa accounting for the highest number of cases (113), followed by Kerala (13) and Maharashtra (11).
The institute developed Geographic Information System (GIS)-based maps to understand stranding patterns and strengthen conservation efforts. The study was presented at the international symposium on fisheries and remote sensing at CMFRI.
The study, led by Senior Scientist Dr. Ratheesh Kumar Raveendran, documented that humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) accounting for the highest number of stranding (82) along the Indian coast, followed by Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) with 44. The data were compiled through CMFRI's marine mammal stranding network, which operates through staff at its regional centres along the Indian coastline. The records were further supplemented with validated secondary data collected by trained volunteers and information from open-access databases, including the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Network of India (MMRCNI).
The research highlighted the importance of combining field investigations, DNA-based species identification and spatial analysis to improve scientific understanding of marine mammal strandings along the Indian coast.
In another major initiative, CMFRI developed an interactive marine mammal stranding information platform using GIS technology. The platform integrates around 1,300 geographical data points covering 32 marine mammal species, providing information on stranding locations, species identity, incident records and possible causes of death. Its interactive mapping interface enables users to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of stranding incidents along the Indian coast.
“The information can help researchers, policymakers and conservation agencies identify priority areas, investigate possible threats and strengthen coordinated responses to marine mammal strandings through efficient stranding report networks”, said Dr Ratheesh Kumar Raveendran.
The three-day international symposium is being jointly organised by Trevor Platt Science Foundation, Department of Chemical Oceanography of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), CMFRI and Marine Biological Association of India.
Union Secretary of Minstry of Earth Science Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala will inaugurate the valedictory of the symposium on Friday.
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