Another Dolphin washed ashore Vasai coast

The incident of dead Dolphins being washed ashore on the Mumbai coastline has left the conservationists fuming and raised concerns over the safety of marine life.

On Tuesday, a dead Dolphin was found dead in Gorai and was later sent for forensic analysis. Wednesday too saw a dead dolphin washed on the shores of Vasai's Bhuigaon beach. This just adds to the number of unexplained beaching of dead dolphins and whales on the western coastline. In January, carcass of a 35-feet long Bryde's Whale was spotted at Juhu Beach, while another was rescued from shallow waters of Dapoli beach in Ratnagiri district in February.

A resident from Vasai's Bhuigaon village, Rohit Tandel, was the first to spot the dolphin's carcass covered in oil. "The carcass was covered in tar and was smelling of petrol. The moment I realised it was a dolphin, I wasted no time in informing the local authorities and villagers," said Tandel.

He added: "Earlier as well we have seen dead dolphins and turtles washed ashore. We spotted them late and by that time stray dogs had done their job."

Pawan Sharma, founder of Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), said: "It is sad that mammals are being washed ashore. It's also important for the fishermen to take utmost care as their nets also harm them."

He added: "The government should ensure that the marine traffic is under control and should monitor the incoming and outgoing vessels. The oil spills also affect the marine life. It can harm the ecosystem leading to spread of poison in the sea water."