Kochi, Aug. 12 -- Scientists at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have found a tenfold increase in whale strandings along the southwest coast of India over the past decade, underscoring the urgent need for region-specific conservation strategies in the face of climate change.
Covering data from 2004 to 2023, the study revealed a sharp spike in whale strandings - from just 0.3% per year during 2003-2013 to 3% per year during 2014-2023 - linked to a range of issues including changes in ocean ecosystems and human activities.
Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa emerged as key hotspots, together accounting for most of the reported strandings. High vessel traffic, intensive fishing, environmental changes, and shallow coastal s...