What a dolphin’s death in Kerala reveals about India’s marine plastic pollution
Necropsy of an endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin that washed ashore on Kozhikode beach recently reveals fatal plastic fishing net ingestion, highlighting growing threats from marine pollution and ‘ghost nets’. CMFRI data show marine mammal strandings remain high, with coastal dolphins among the species most vulnerable
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Context
The recent deaths of an Indian Ocean humpback dolphin and an Indo-Pacific finless porpoise on a Kerala beach have highlighted the severe impact of marine plastic pollution. The dolphin's necropsy revealed a 2 kg plastic fishing net lodged in its oesophagus, leading to starvation, while the porpoise likely suffocated due to entanglement. Data from the (CMFRI) shows a high number of marine mammal strandings along the Indian coast, with Goa recording the highest, driven primarily by anthropogenic activities like plastic pollution and ghost nets.
UPSC Perspectives
Environmental
This incident vividly illustrates the threat of marine plastic pollution, particularly ghost nets (abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear). These synthetic nets are durable and persist in the ocean, causing indiscriminate entanglement of marine life. This is a crucial concept for UPSC Mains (GS-3), as it directly impacts marine biodiversity. The status of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Endangered) and the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Vulnerable) makes them significant for Prelims. The (CMFRI) data provides concrete evidence of the rising trend in marine mammal strandings, linking them to anthropogenic activities rather than natural causes. Plastic ingestion leads to digestive blockages and starvation, highlighting the complex ecological consequences of improper waste management.
Geographical
The geographical distribution of these strandings is notable for UPSC Prelims and Mains. The article highlights that coastal species like the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin are particularly vulnerable because they inhabit shallow waters (less than 20 meters deep) near the shore. This brings them into direct conflict with human activities along the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The data shows Goa having the highest number of strandings, followed by Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. This indicates that human-induced pressures, such as intensive fishing and coastal pollution, are concentrated in these specific coastal zones. Understanding the habitat preferences of these species (shallow coastal waters) is essential for mapping their vulnerability to coastal development and fishing activities.
Governance
The issue underscores the need for robust environmental governance and location-specific conservation measures. The lack of comprehensive data on marine mammal strandings, as admitted by Kerala Forest Department officials, points to a gap in monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Effective conservation requires science-based policies, such as mandatory post-mortems and public dissemination of findings, to guide civil society and state interventions. The conflict between fishers (who report dolphins tearing nets) and conservation efforts highlights the need for policies that protect marine life while supporting local livelihoods. This ties into broader initiatives like the campaign and international efforts to negotiate a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution under the (UNEA).