On the conservation and management of marine mammals of India

Abstract

Increasing attention is being paid the world over for affording protection to, and conservation of marine mammals. They are the most vulnerable group of sea animals, excepting the sea turtles. Public awareness needs to be created to remove the prejudices towards marine mammals. There is need for their protectior in modem times through regulations, up-dating existing legislations, collection of scientific data, establishment of sanctuaries, extending of financial and other support and inter-governmental and regional cooperation. The status of the dugong in the seas around India is cited as a case in particular for conservation and management through appropriate regulatory measures, intensified scientific study, establishment of sanctuaries in situ and regional cooperation