Mangalore: The Karnataka Forest Department has proposed to conduct a dolphin conservation program on the shores of the coastal city of Mangalore.

The Mangalore Division of the Forest Department has submitted a five-year dolphin conservation proposal with emphasis on areas survey and boundary. No dolphins have been spotted in the area in recent times, but several dolphin corpses have come ashore. It is in this backdrop that the Forest Department is taking the lead in conservation.

Last year, at least six Indian humpback dolphins werehed up near the shore of Suratkal. I mean, it looks like there are marine species here. They must be protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

K Karikalan, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mangalore Division, said that the presence of dolphins on the Mangalore coast could not be judged solely on the basis of carcasses. Therefore, a survey involving experts from Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Fisheries College, Indian Coast Guard and others to probe the presence of dolphins on the beach in Mangalore is proposed. He said the survey was intended to be conducted between Mulki and Ulla beach, which cost Rs 1 crore.