Occurrence and Mortality of Marine Mammals along the Andhra Pradesh Coast, East Coast of India

A survey of marine mammals of the Andhra Pradesh coast of India was undertaken for a period of one year from April 2000 to May 2001. Time-constrained opportunistic marine mammal sightings were made in the near shore waters and close to important river mouth areas. Dead specimens of dolphins and porpoises stranded along the coast were documented by visiting the entire coast every month. Morphometric measures were taken from all stranded marine mammals and standard identification keys were used identification. Five species of marine mammals along the Andhra coast were recorded during the study. However, based on other records, at least 3-4 other species of marine mammals are expected to occur along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Besides deliberate killing and destruction of natural marine habitat, incidental capture related mortality was found to be amongst the major threats to marine mammals of Andhra Pradesh coast. Awareness drives combined with stringent protection and conservation measures by the marine fisheries and wildlife authorities are suggested to safeguard these important marine mammal fauna along the East coast of India.