Sharp Rise in Whale Strandings Along Kerala and Karnataka Coasts: CMFRI Study Warns of Ecological Threat

Kollam: A study by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reveals that the number of whale stranding has increased tenfold within a decade. While the annual rate was just 0.3% between 2004 and 2013, it rose to 3% during 2013–2023 — the highest rate recorded in the past 30 years. There has been a significant increase in the number of whales washing ashore dead along the coasts of Kerala and Karnataka. A survey conducted in 2023 recorded the carcasses of nine whales washed ashore, primarily during the post-monsoon months of August to November.

The study was conducted under the National Research Project on Marine Mammals of India, led by Senior Scientist R. Ratheesh Kumar Ravindran. The research report has been published in the journal Regional Studies in Marine Science. The findings indicate that increased shipping traffic, the growing number of fishing vessels, environmental factors, and shallow coastal waters are contributing to whale mortality. The study also points to marine noise pollution, ship collisions, and the destruction of natural habitats as additional threats to whale survival.

Most of the stranded whales belong to the Bryde's whale species. These whales often get stranded in shallow coastal areas while following prey species like sardines, mackerel, and anchovies, which are more abundant along India’s western coast during the monsoon season. Whales also tend to wash ashore after losing their sense of direction in turbulent seas. The study highlights that rising sea surface temperatures are disrupting marine ecosystems, which in turn is driving whales towards coastal waters.

The report emphasises the urgent need for area-specific conservation strategies to prevent the potentially catastrophic extinction of whale species. Real-time alert systems and whale conservation networks are essential. Training for fishermen and officials, along with strengthening citizen science for data collection, is also crucial, the study concludes.