A note on cetacean distribution in the Indian EEZ and contiguous seas during 2003-07

Relatively little is known about the distribution of cetaceans in Indian seas due to lack systematic surveys. For collecting data on species distribution, 35 opportunistic surveys were conducted onboard FORV Sagar Sampada between October 2003 and February 2007 EEZ contiguous seas. In 5,254 hours sighting effort, a total 473 cetacean records made with 5,865 individuals. The occurrence 10 from three families was confirmed. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin most frequently sighted species, whereas spinner dominant terms abundance. Long-beaked common dolphins, hump-backed sperm whales also recorded at frequent intervals. Cetaceans found have wide geographical High abundance richness Southeastern Arabian Sea southern Sri Lankan waters. From information collected during present study, platform opportunity has proved be useful means for survey.