Mumbai: Killer Whale or Orca, the largest dolphin species, known for their strong predatory behavior, was spotted in Ratnagiri waters recently, surprising the marine enthusiasts.
According to local fishermen, this dolphin species has been seen in the shallow Ratnagiri waters for the first time.
Experts stated that it is a very rare occurrence and more studies should be carried out about its sighting and migratory behaviour in Maharashtra waters.
Swapnil Tandel, a marine researcher who is conducting a fishermen interaction study along with Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Ratna-giri and Sindhudurg waters stated that three Killer Whales, one male, one female and one calf were seen in slightly shallow water within 200 meters of the coast on Monday evening.
“While interacting with fishermen I got to know that mechanised fishers have reported that they have seen them travelling in pod in deep waters beyond 80-100 meters depth. It is unusual to find them near the coast like this time,” said Swapnil Tandel.
“This could be the second time that the Orca has been reported in Maharashtra. Last year, it was spotted in Sindhudurg waters near Devgarh,” said Pradip Digankar, vice-president of NGO Nisarg Yatri, which works towards marine conservation.
