CMFRI records 161 marine mammal strandings along Indian coasts in 2024–25

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) recorded 161 marine mammal strandings along Indian coasts in 2024–25. Goa had the highest number, with 113 records, while Kerala had 13. Dolphins accounted for 82 of the recorded cases.

A CMFRI-led study used data collected by regional centres and trained volunteers, alongside databases including the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Network of India. CMFRI also developed a GIS-based interactive platform with about 1,300 geographic data points covering 32 marine mammal species. The data include stranding locations, species, incident times and causes of death.

Notable Points

• CMFRI’s GIS work in fisheries: CMFRI has used GIS to map marine fish landing centres. Its database records the types and seasonality of fishing activity and the extent of fishing operations linked to each centre.