Gandhinagar: Every year, April 14 is celebrated as ‘National Dolphin Day’ across the country, including Gujarat. This year, more emphasis is being placed on topics that create awareness about ‘the importance of dolphins, their safety and how to further protect their habitats’. Gujarat has the longest coastline in the entire country, so it has a rich aquatic animal heritage, i.e. many rare aquatic animals, of which the most beautiful and attractive animal is ‘dolphin’.

Recently, a ‘Dolphin Census’ was conducted in Gujarat by the state forest department. As a result of special efforts for aquatic-wildlife conservation and breeding, approximately 680 dolphins have been recorded in the 4,087 sq. km. marine area of ​​Gujarat, while Gujarat has also made great strides in the field of aquatic and wildlife tourism.

The coastline from Kutch to Bhavnagar in Gujarat has been established as the ‘home’ of dolphins. The Marine National Park and Marine Century in the southern part of the Gulf of Kutch, extending from Okha to Navlakhi, is likely to have the highest number of 498 dolphins in an area of ​​1,384 sq km. While in the northern part of the Gulf of Kutch, 168 dolphins have been seen in 1,821 sq km. under the Kutch circle, 10 in 494 sq km. of Bhavnagar and 4 in 388 sq km. of Morbi. Thus, in total, approximately 680 dolphins have been recorded in a sea area of ​​4,087 sq km..

‘Dolphins are very important aquatic animals for a healthy ecosystem’. Some of the top predators of marine mammals play an important role in the food chain and also help ensure balance in the marine ecosystem. The contribution of fishermen brothers fishing in the sea from Kutch to Bhavnagar is equally important in saving these dolphins. As a result of these holistic efforts, dolphins seen on the coast of Gujarat have become a new attraction for tourists from home and abroad.

Speciality of dolphins seen in Gujarat:

The ‘Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin’ is found in the coastal waters of Gujarat. Humpback dolphins are found in large numbers in the Arabian Sea, they can be identified by their distinctive hump and elongated dorsal fin i.e. tail. Dolphins are known for their friendly and inquisitive nature. Dolphins are often seen jumping and playing in the waves, which delight tourists with their acrobatic performances. Their attractive body and mouth shape like a ‘bottle’ make them easily recognizable. Since the main food of dolphins is fish and crabs, shrimps, they are found near the beaches and estuaries.

It is worth mentioning here that the national aquatic animal of India is the ‘Ganga Dolphin’, it shows the purity of the holy Ganges River. The Government of India has declared the dolphin as the ‘National Aquatic Animal’ of India on 5 October 2009. Along with this, the dolphin is known as a ‘human-friendly aquatic animal’ and is popular for its intellectual and entertaining nature. Watching dolphins on the coast from Kutch to Bhavnagar provides immense pleasure and an exciting experience, which has become a special center of attraction for tourists from India and abroad, including Gujarat.
– Janak Desai