By Our Correspondent in Bhubaneswar, February 15, 2015 :

Odisha forest and environment department on Sunday launched a dolphin census in the coastal eco-systems and shorelines of the state.

Dubbed as the first of its kind in the state, the census is being conducted at places, including the Chilika lagoon where there is a sizeable concentration of dolphins.

Encouraged by the presence of several species of the aquatic mammal, the state government had decided to take up enumeration at multiple sites, two coastal eco-systems—Chilika and Bhitarkanika – and off the Balasore, Berhampur, Bhadrak and Puri coasts.

According to forest officials, the enumeration of the dolphins has begun at various places, including six forest divisions such as Balasore, Berhampur, Bhadrak, Puri, Chilika and Rajnagar and the area of census operation would spread from Udaipur in Balasore district to Pati Sonepur in Ganjam.

Twelve species of dolphins were sighted off the Odisha coast of which at least six species – Irrawaddy, Finless Porpoise, Bottle Nose, Hump Back, Spinner and Gangetic species – have been recorded in Bhitarkanika and Rajnagar areas.

“The census will try to locate the pockets of their habitats in the coastal zones as well. Besides, it will aid in conservation strategies for the aquatic species,” the official added.

Officials of the coastal divisional forest officers (DFOs), wildlife officials and other staff were imparted training on species identification, sighting and recording on Saturday to facilitate the census.

Nine teams consisting of 40 wildlife experts and the forest department officials have been constituted for the headcount at the Bhitarkanika marine sanctuary. This apart, three five-member teams have been formed to carry out the census along 150-km Puri coast.

Besides, two trawlers and two boats will be pressed into service for this purpose.

The census teams have been armed with binoculars, global positioning system (GPS) equipment and data recording sheets apart from other essentials.

The census is being conducted under the direct supervision of the Chief Wildlife Warden in active participation of the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and its forest division.

According to 2014 census, Chilika Lake has a dolphin population of 158.