Dolphins have emerged as the most frequently sighted marine mammals in the southern Gulf of Kutch, with a recent scientific survey recording 64 sightings involving 193 individual dolphins between October 2023 and February 2025.
The survey was conducted by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, an autonomous organisation under the Gujarat Forest Department. The study, titled “Status Survey of Dugong and Other Marine Mammals, and Ecological Assessment of Seagrass Habitats around Narara and Adjacent Islands, Gulf of Kachchh,” covered areas around the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary.
Narara Seagrass Area Surveyed
Boat-based surveys were conducted along reef edges, tidal channels, island margins and shallow coastal waters. Researchers recorded 177 verified marine megafauna sightings involving 342 individuals. Dolphins accounted for 36.2% of all sightings, making them the dominant marine mammal group in the survey.
Narara Reef Records Highest Sightings
Narara Reef recorded the highest number of dolphin sightings, with 14 sightings involving 39 dolphins. The Dedeka-Mundeka island complex followed with 12 sightings involving 41 dolphins, while Pirotan Island recorded 11 sightings involving 32 individuals.
Dhani Island recorded nine sightings involving 28 dolphins, while eight sightings involving 26 dolphins were reported from the coastal waters of Sikka. Another 10 sightings, involving 27 dolphins, were recorded at other locations covered by the survey.
Dolphins Present Throughout the Year
Researchers also found dolphins in the region throughout the year. Sightings were recorded during winter, summer and post-monsoon seasons.
Winter accounted for the highest number of sightings at 26, followed by 21 during the post-monsoon season and 17 in summer. The year-round presence suggests that at least part of the dolphin population may be resident or semi-resident in the southern Gulf rather than merely passing through the area seasonally.
Varied Dolphin Behaviour Observed
The survey also documented a range of dolphin behaviours, including coordinated swimming, regular surfacing, movement along tidal currents and occasional feeding.
Group sizes varied from single dolphins to groups of up to 16 animals, highlighting the flexible social behaviour commonly seen among coastal dolphin species.