A necropsy has confirmed that an endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin died of starvation after ingesting a plastic fishing net on the Kozhikode coast, marking the second such incident recently.

  • Endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin found dead on Kozhikode beach.
  • Necropsy revealed a massive blockage of fishing nets in the stomach.
  • This is the second similar death in the region within a few months.

The coastline of Kozhikode has once again witnessed a tragic loss of marine biodiversity. The carcass of an Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea), a species listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, washed ashore on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The discovery has reignited concerns over the lethal impact of marine debris on protected species.

A detailed necropsy conducted by K.M. Manojlal, Chief Veterinary Officer at the District Veterinary Centre, Kozhikode, revealed that the dolphin had succumbed to starvation. Despite the carcass being in an advanced state of decomposition, examiners found a large, compacted mass of fishing net filling the stomach cavity. This obstruction effectively blocked the animal's digestive tract, making it impossible for the dolphin to feed.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the recurring death of these dolphins is not an isolated incident but a systemic failure in marine waste management. The prevalence of 'ghost nets'—abandoned or lost fishing gear—is turning the coastal waters of Kerala into a death trap for endangered species. This highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations on fishing gear disposal and more frequent deep-sea cleaning operations.

Marine debris, particularly plastic nets, acts as an invisible killer in our ecosystems, slowly erasing rare species from the ocean.

This is the second such incident reported in the region in recent months. In July, another dolphin weighing approximately 200 kg washed ashore. While its internal organs were largely functional, an autopsy revealed a 2-kg plastic fishing net tightly lodged in its oesophagus, leading to the same fatal outcome: starvation through obstruction.

Humpback dolphins are strictly protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Environmentalists are now calling for an urgent state-wide initiative to remove plastic debris and abandoned fishing gear from coastal waters to prevent further ecological devastation.

Did You Know?: 'Ghost nets' are fishing nets that have been lost or abandoned at sea. They can drift for decades, continuing to trap and kill marine life without any human operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What exactly are 'ghost nets'?
A: They are abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing nets that continue to fish on their own, trapping marine animals in a cycle of death.

Q2: What is the legal status of the Humpback Dolphin in India?
A: They are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, which provides them with the highest level of legal protection.