“Traditional survey methods are often limited by time, costs, and challenges in monitoring elusive marine species in vast ocean spaces. However, drones offer a more efficient, non-invasive, and cost-effective solution to gather comprehensive information. This innovative approach is expected to provide crucial data on the behavioral aspects, development of scientific mitigation measures, and conservation of protected marine species,” said Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT.
The research team consists of Dr. Prajith K.K, Shri. Paras Nath Jha, Dr. Dhiju Das P. H., Dr. Rithin Joseph, Shri. Hrishikesh P. and Shri. Immanuel Shaji successfully identified a pod of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa Sp.) from off Kochi. These dolphins are listed as endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
