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Sighting of cetaceans off Kochi: A spatial and temporal analysis

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Title Sighting of cetaceans off Kochi: A spatial and temporal analysis
Not Available
 
Creator Rithin Joseph
Meera, K. M.
Leela Edwin
 
Subject Arabian Sea
Distance from shore
India
Seasonality
Sightings
Water depth
 
Description Not Available
The distribution of marine mammals in the Indian seas is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to use visual
sighting survey to examine the distribution of cetacean species off Kochi, south-west coast of India. The relation between
cetacean distribution and physiographic variables (depth and distance from the shore), oceanographic variables [sea surface
temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS)] are also discussed. A total of 577 pods of dolphins were sighted from 625
fishing operations off Kochi coast during October 2018 to September 2019. In the encounters with 577 pods of dolphins,
a total of 2599 individuals, represented by four species viz, Sousa chinensis (Indo-pacifc humpback dolphin), Stenella
longirostris (spinner dolphin), Tursiops aduncus (Indo-Pacifc bottlenose dolphin) and Delphinus capensis (long beaked
common dolphin) were recorded. A total area of 20,456.011 km2 was covered in this survey and the distribution of cetaceans
was plotted in grid and Shannon-Weiner diversity index was calculated. There was no significant difference in seasonal
distribution of species in the study area, however sightings were less in the monsoon season compared to other seasons.
Dolphins were observed in water depths ranging from 7 to 127 m, with majority of the sightings occurring in less than 50 m
and between 3 and 65 km from the nearest shore. All the species were recorded at mean SST of 28°C and mean SSS of 34 ppt.
The study shows the need for further research covering other locations along the Indian coast.
Not Available
 
Date 2022-03-22T06:23:22Z
2022-03-22T06:23:22Z
2021-10
 
Type Research Paper
 
Identifier Rithin Joseph, Meera, K. M. and Leela Edwin (2021) Sighting of cetaceans off Kochi: A spatial and temporal analysis. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 68 (4): 30-39.
0970-6011
http://krishi.icar.gov.in/jspui/handle/123456789/70482
 
Language English
 
Relation Not Available;
 
Publisher Indian Council of Agricultural Research