Project Dolphin Gets Focus as Tamil Nadu Rolls Out Conservation Initiative

Project Dolphin

The Tamil Nadu government recently issued an order to implement ‘Project Dolphin’ in the state, with the aim of strengthening the marine ecology and habitat. The project will be implemented under the central government’s Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat programme. Here is an analysis of Project Dolphin, by the UCN Team, to highlight the key concepts and insights.

The key activities planned under Project Dolphin in Tamil Nadu include estimating dolphin populations, enhancing protection and surveillance, improving habitat through restoration of coastal ecosystems, and generating awareness.

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is home to several dolphin species like bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. The implementation of Project Dolphin by the Tamil Nadu government has brought this significant conservation initiative into focus.

The project aligns with India’s commitments towards protecting marine biodiversity and is expected to aid in improving the population status of dolphins along the Tamil Nadu coast.

What is Project Dolphin?

• Launched by PM in 2020, on lines of Project Tiger
• Aims to strengthen conservation efforts for both river and marine dolphins

Project Dolphin is a conservation initiative that was announced by the Prime Minister in 2020. It aims to strengthen the protection and conservation of both river and marine dolphins in India. The project has been launched on the lines of the successful Project Tiger initiative. Project Dolphin seeks to employ modern technologies to enhance dolphin population estimation and protection.

It also aims to improve the habitats of dolphins through activities like restoration of coastal ecosystems. Engaging with local fishing communities is another key focus area. Simply put, Project Dolphin aims to arrest the decline in dolphin populations and ensure the improved management of dolphin habitats across the country.

Why was it launched?

• Rapid decline in dolphin populations
• Threats like hunting, pollution, habitat loss etc

Project Dolphin was conceptualized and launched in light of the rapid decline observed in the populations of dolphins in India over the past few decades. Both river dolphins like the Ganges river dolphin and marine species like Irrawaddy dolphin have witnessed major reductions in their distribution range and abundance. These aquatic mammals face multiple anthropogenic threats such as hunting, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, habitat degradation due to activities like dam construction, pollution, underwater noise, etc.

To address these threats holistically and strengthen conservation efforts for the survival of dolphin species, the government of India announced Project Dolphin in 2020. The project aims to employ modern techniques and community participation to ensure effective conservation of dolphins.

Key species targeted

Project Dolphin aims to strengthen the conservation of some key dolphin species found in India. These include:

• Ganges river dolphin: This freshwater dolphin is primarily found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of India, Bangladesh and Nepal. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Indus river dolphin: This freshwater dolphin subspecies is found in the Indus River in Pakistan and part of Beas River in India. It is also Endangered as per IUCN.
• Irrawaddy dolphin: This marine dolphin is found in coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal. Chilika lagoon in Odisha houses the largest population of this Vulnerable species.
• Other marine dolphins: Projects Dolphin also aims to cover other marine dolphins found along India’s coastline.

Therefore, the project aims for improved conservation outcomes for both river and marine dolphin species found in India, many of which are threatened and need focused protection efforts.

Conservation Status and Threats

IUCN status

• Ganges river dolphin – Endangered
• Indus river dolphin – Endangered
• Irrawaddy dolphin – Vulnerable

Threats

Some of the major threats faced by dolphins in India include:

• Habitat degradation – Construction of dams, barrages and increased pollution severely impacts river dolphins by fragmenting their habitat.
• Entanglement in fishing nets – Dolphins get accidentally caught in fishing nets and killed in large numbers. This bycatch threatens their populations.
• Underwater noise pollution – Noise from vessels and marine traffic interferes with dolphin communication and ability to navigate, forage and avoid danger.
• Climate change impacts – Sea level rise, increasing water temperatures, prey depletion etc. due to climate change also adversely affect dolphin habitats.

The survival of dolphins like Ganges river dolphin, Irrawaddy dolphin, Indus dolphin etc. is threatened by these multiple anthropogenic pressures. Project Dolphin aims to mitigate these threats through various conservation actions.

Implementation of Project Dolphin

Activities

Some of the key activities being undertaken under Project Dolphin include:

• Estimating dolphin populations – Carrying out surveys to assess dolphin numbers and distribution.
• Habitat restoration – Restoration of habitats like mangroves, coral reefs etc.
• Addressing pollution – Measures to reduce contamination of river and marine environments.
• Livelihood support for fisher folks – Providing alternate livelihood options to reduce fishing pressures.
• Celebrating National Dolphin Day – Generating awareness through celebrating dolphin day.

Progress made

Some of the progress made under Project Dolphin so far:

• Dolphin sanctuaries identified – Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar already exists, new sanctuaries to be set up.
• Awareness campaigns conducted – Activities organized to sensitize people regarding dolphin conservation.
• Rescue and rehabilitation of dolphins – Stranded and entangled dolphins being rescued and released back.

While it is still in early stages, Project Dolphin has helped initiate focused conservation actions targeted at protecting India’s river and marine dolphins. However, more needs to be done to ensure the long-term survival of these threatened aquatic mammals.

Significance of Project Dolphin

• Dolphins are keystone species, indicate river health – As top predators, dolphins help maintain fish stocks and aquatic ecosystem balance. Their presence signals healthy river systems.
• Aligns with India’s focus on marine conservation – Project Dolphin complements India’s emphasis on blue economy and marine biodiversity while implementing Sagarmala, Samudrayan initiatives.
• Helps meet international commitments on conservation – India is a signatory to agreements like CMS, CITES. Project Dolphin aids in meeting obligations under such conventions.

Final Thoughts

In the UCN team’s honest assessment, there are some ways in which Project Dolphin can be strengthened:

• Habitat protection is key – Safeguarding critical dolphin habitats like sanctuaries, reserve forests through legislation and enforcement.
• Involve local communities – Engaging fisher folks, residents near dolphin habitats for conservation initiatives.
• Address threats holistically – Comprehensive mitigation of threats like pollution, underwater noise, climate change etc.
• International collaborations – Partnerships with conservation bodies, academic institutes across borders to augment conservation efforts.

Sustained action on multiple fronts is vital to ensure the success of Project Dolphin in saving India’s threatened dolphin species.