Instances of finless black porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides caught in Mandapam region along the Palk Bay coast in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The flnless black porpoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides G. Cuvier is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific ranging from Cape of Good Hope to Japan and China and often known to ascend the estuaries of larger rivers. In India, this species is fairly common along the coasts of Bombay, Madras and Trivandrum. Since, porpoises are considered as endangered marine mammals, strict regulations have been imposed by the Government authorities for their conservation and management. Incidental catch of porpoises reported in the west coast is more than in the east coast of India as may be seen from the published information. It appears that propoise, Neophocaena phocaenoides frequents the coastal waters and gets captured on many occasions. More recently, incidental catch of porpoises are on the increase in Mandapam region.