Beached amphibians raise concerns

Alarmed by the unusually large number of amphibians-especially, marine mammals-being washed ashore in the last two months, the Forest Department has written to the Versova-based Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) requesting a detailed study about the same.

At least eight amphibians, including marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and others such as turtles were reportedly washed ashore in the months of March and April on the coastline of Mumbai and nearby districts. Experts believe this frequency to be unusually high.

Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangroves), Vasudevan Nair, said, ‘’We have sent them a project proposal in writing about both short term and long term studies on amphibians, not just the marine mammals since there have been reports of even the turtles being washed ashore.’’

Nair said, the department expects the short term studies to explain the cause behind the phenomenon and give recommendations about solving the problem and also preventing it in the future. The long term studies have been sought for studying the population and behavioural patterns of all amphibians along our state’s coastline. “This is necessary because presently, we have no data with us which provides us with this information and it is crucial for the coastal biodiversity,’’ said Nair, adding, “Once it begins, the study should not take more than a month to be concluded.’’

Initially, the study was expected to be done by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). However, officials said, the institute does not have the required expertise for studying amphibians — especially marine mammals — and neither do forest department officials. Thus, the CMFRI has been approached.

However, the man heading the institute in Mumbai seems unaware about any such proposal. chief scientist of the CMFRI, Vinay Deshmukh, said.