Abstract
This study explores the spatio-temporal distribution of marine cetaceans in Andaman waters and their correlation with environmental parameters, addressing the historical lack of regular marine mammal monitoring in Indian waters. A vessel-based visual survey conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 in the eastern Andaman waters identified 5 cetacean species from 65 sightings and 469 individuals, with spinner dolphins dominating (74.84 %). The Sighting per Unit Effort (SPUE) was 0.069 per unit time over 948 h. The survey area, divided into 8 sites, revealed varying diversity indices. Site 5 showed the highest diversity, richness, and dominance, while sites 4 and 8 exhibited the highest abundance and species evenness, respectively. Bray-Curtis dendrogram analysis indicated the highest similarity (83 %) between sites 2 and 3. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Redundancy Analysis (RDA), showed no significant variation in species distribution (p > 0.05) and positive correlations between species presence and air pressure, vessel speed, and depth. Environmental parameters were within standard ranges for the season. This preliminary assessment provides valuable baseline data on marine mammals in Andaman waters within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Regular studies of this kind will contribute to stock assessments and conservation strategies for marine mammals in the region.
Published Version
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