India aims to unleash its Dolphin tourism prospects

Dolphin watching ferry tourism might bring a huge annual revenue for the coasts of Sindhudurg, in Maharashtra, India. A colony of 569 dolphins has been recently discovered by the marine biologists in Sindhudurg. Dolphin tourism is the major source of revenue for local fishermen and hoteliers, so the discovery might prove to be highly beneficial for the area.

The latest count was conducted by a team of the United Nations Development Programme, the Government of India and Global Environment Facility: Indian Ocean Humpback dolphin (sousa plumbea), Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (neophocaena phocaenoides), blue whales and rare Bryde’s whales were discovered in these waters. The coastline is considered to be a hot spot of Humpback dolphins.

Following the latest findings, Santosh Kakade, owner of Sanjana Travels local agency, declared:
“Dolphin tourism had started around seven-eight years ago, but in the last two years, it has seen a huge growth. This update will attract more tourists into Sindhudurg.

“Businesses of local fishermen and hotels will also benefit from it. A lot of people are still not aware about Sindhudurg as a dolphin-watching destination. I hope the authorities will promote tourism in the district.”

For now, marine biologists are trying to raise awareness about the importance of dolphin tourism in the area, as well on the species conservation among local fishermen.