Chilika has 22% of India’s sea grass space, says survey

The Chilika Development Authority (CDA) right here on Friday stated scientists and authorities officers sighted 156 endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.

Chilika, which boasts of highest single lagoonal inhabitants of the aquatic mammal on this planet, was surveyed by 20 groups comprising 100 personnel.

“The annual survey was conducted by ‘Transact Survey Method’ followed worldwide for population of aquatic mammals. Each survey team was equipped with binoculars, GPS, range finder and data recording sheets. This year, there was total sighting of 156 dolphins,” stated Susanta Nanda, Chief Executive, CDA.

Mr. Nanda stated the mammals’ motion was made simpler with the elimination of fishing enclosures, and one important inhabitants was now noticed within the southern sector of the lake. Last yr, the dolphin inhabitants in Chilika was counted at 150. Irrawaddy dolphins are protected underneath the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

A complete of 12,42,000 birds of 105 water hen species, and 26,405 birds of 76 wetland dependent species, had been counted from the complete lagoon on January 5. “Friday’s survey validated this data and a population of 1 million plus is estimated. This year, more birds are found in the central and southern sectors of Chilika. A sudden increase in the population of diving ducks that prefer open water was noticed during the current season,” he identified.

During the wildlife monitoring of Chilika on Friday, 5 species of sea grasses had been reported.

“Sea grass species such as Holodule uninervis, Holodule pinifolia, Halophila ovalis, Halophila ovata and Halophila beccarii were recorded during the survey. This occurs over an area of 155 sq. km., an increase from 152 sq. km. of last year. These ecosystem engineers have brought cheer against the declining trends throughout the world, and now Chilika has 22% of India’s sea grass area,” stated the CDA.