Dolphin Census Kicks Off in Asia's Largest Brackish Lagoon: A Conservation Effort

The annual dolphin census commenced in Odisha's Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. Over 100 experts and forest staff are engaged in this exercise, utilizing drones and other tech to ensure accurate counts. Boat services are paused to minimize disturbances, and results are eagerly anticipated.

The eagerly anticipated annual dolphin census has officially commenced in the vast Chilika Lake in Odisha, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. This three-day exercise sees the collaboration of over 100 experts, retired forest officers, wildlife activists, and forest staff, all with one shared mission: to accurately document the dolphin populations swimming within these waters.

Under the coordination of the Chilika Wildlife Division and supported by the Chilika Development Authority (CDA), 18 specialized teams have been strategically deployed across the 1,165-square-kilometer expanse. Their survey, starting bright and early at 6 AM under favorable weather conditions, is bolstered by a range of technological aids, such as drones, GPS units, and depth measurement instruments, ensuring precision in tracking the dolphins using the line-transect method.

For the duration of the survey, boat services on the lake are suspended to minimize disturbances. This move comes after the 2025 census results indicated a population of 174 dolphins, sparking considerable interest in how current numbers compare. With training completed and sectors defined, all eyes are on the results of this crucial conservation effort.

(With inputs from agencies.)