Regular dolphin sightings in Chennai catches public's attention

CHENNAI: Though dolphin sighting is not a rare occurrence according to marine conservationists, a pod spotted by public at Injambakkam beach on Thursday morning has caught the attention of both the public and netizens.

The video of the same went viral on social media.

Speaking to DT Next, Supraja Dharini, a marine conservationist pointed out that spotting a dolphin is not as unusual as it may look like. “Since 2004 we have been regularly recording the sightings of Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin in our coast. They come very close to shore following sardines.”

“These Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins can be spotted 50 -100 meters from the shore – either in large or small pods. They are either feeding or socialising swimming in the waters,” added Supraja.

Furthermore, conservationist say that dolphins can be seen at least three days a week these days and in months between January and March, these dolphins can be spotted every day. “And, through a resident population study we will be able to identify if the dolphins are resident here or have migrated from other oceans,” noted Supraja.

Meanwhile Karna, a fisherman at Thazhanguda in Cuddalore district said that during deep sea fishing, they can spot the dolphins regularly.

“They are a very friendly creatures and often times come near the boat out of curiosity. If caught in the net, we quickly release it and ensure no harm to it. However, these are also incidences of them dying getting caught in the fishing net or hit by the boat.”