Why in the News?

In an effort to conserve dolphins and their habitat, the Tamil Nadu government has issued orders to implement Project Dolphin under the Union government’s Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme.

About Project Dolphin:

• Project Dolphin is a national conservation initiative approved in 2019 during the first meeting of the Prime Minister-led National Ganga Council (NGC) and launched in 2021 to safeguard both riverine and oceanic dolphin species.
• It's part of the larger Arth Ganga program, which is a government initiative.
• It is modeled after Project Tiger, the successful conservation program that has played a significant role in the resurgence of tigers in India.
• The Project Dolphin will strengthen the marine ecology and overall health of the marine Environment and will be implemented at a cost of Rs.8.13 crore.
• The major habitats of the dolphins are found in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu).
• The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change is responsible for implementing Project Dolphin.
• The main goal is to ensure the long-term survival of these dolphins and, by extension, the overall health of the river's aquatic life.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) started a dolphin conservation program in 2016 to work towards this important mission.
• Dolphins play an important role in keeping the marine environment in balance.
• Dolphins worldwide face various natural and human-induced threats which include hunting, entanglement in fishing nets, overfishing, climate change, ship strikes, tourism activities, toxic contamination, noise pollution, oil and gas development, and habitat degradation.
• The conservation of dolphins and their aquatic habitat through the use of modern technology by engaging with fishermen and other ocean-dependent populations is proposed under the project.
• The project will focus on key activities including strengthening of protection activities through better patrolling anti-poaching activities and strengthening of the surveillance and patrolling teams with modern equipment and technology;
• Rescue and rehabilitation activities through the strengthening of veterinary services, patrolling and training, etc;
• Dolphin habitat improvement through the restoration of coastal eco-system like mangroves, corals, sea grass, etc;
• Removal of ghost nets and reduction of pollution in coastal areas;
• enhancing awareness through the celebration of “National Dolphin Day”