The charismatic marine mammals of Indian

waters which include the majestic whales, intelligent

dolphins and endearing sea cows are among the

least known of the marine living resources.

Lack of appropriate literature on identification,

nature of their habitat and restrictions on their

capture under Wild Life protection Act are some

of the constraints faced by researchers studying

these spectacular endangered animals. The recent

publication of the Central Marine Fisheries

Research Institute, “Marine Mammal species of

India” is packed with vital information on all the

26 species recorded in the Indian Seas. The Institute

has been studying marine mammals since 1947 and

particularly from 2003 to 2012 as a programme

funded by Ministry of Earth Sciences

Kripa, V

CMFRI Digital Repository

.FISHING CHIMES. Vol. 32 No. 8 /November 2012 1 -..--- = - p 8 ,  4 a, M D  > Title of the book: Marine Mammal Species of India Authors: E. Vivekanandan and R. Jeyabaskaran 4 Scientists of CMFRI y Special features: 146 illustrations, 32 Tables, 622 references - year 2012; 228 pages Hard Bound 0 Price: Rs. 750 US$50 Published by: Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi (www.cmfri.org.in) 0 ISBN: 978-8-923271-5-0 m The charismatic marine mammals of Indian waters which include the majestic whales, intelligent dolphins and endearing sea cows are among the least known of the marine living resources. Lack of appropriate literature on identification, nature of thei- habitat and restrictions on thei capture under Wild Lif protection Act are some of th constraints faced by researcher Sciences. studying these spectacula endangered animals. The recen publication of the Central Marin Fisheries Research Institute, Marine Mammal species of India" is ~ a c k e d  with vital informatio~ I on,all the 26 species recorded ii the Indian Seas. The Institute has been studying marine mammal? since 1947 and particularly frorr 2003 to 2012 as a programme funded by Ministry of EartF I stranding of ma&e mammals 0% the beaches has always attracted human attention. People throng the beaches to have a glimpse of the giants of the sea when their carcasses are washed ashore. The history of stranding of whales for the last 150 years in different parts of the Indian coast has been traced by the authors with relevant anecdotes wherever possible. One interesting report is that of the skeleton of a dwarf female sperm whale which was stranded at I Vishakhapatnam on 2gth Feb 1853 L I ~ L I  whii11 \\rc3b F;ifi~-d tllr , R r ~ l i s l i  M L I S P L I ~  by Sir Waltc.1. h The publication is packed - The descriprions on rn taxonomic status an( identification characters alon; with supportive illustrations o each of these species will definitel: aid in field identification of thes' resources. The authors hav, included separate maps indicatinb .their distribution in Indian waters and also added information on their habitat, food, exploitation and threats and the conservation status of each of these species which makes the publication an indispensible reference book for all who are interested in understanding marine living resources of our planet. The narration is in simple language, intermingling science with interesting facts and observations on their social behaviour which will mesmerise the reader. The authors have also added a glossary for scientific terminologies which will help the reader in understanding the text clearly. Apart from the descriptive text, it would have been helpful for the readers if a consolidated table comparing the main mor~hological haracters had been included. lav ish lyLwith  clear and  vivid illustrations capturing various I activities like spouting, breaching, hopping, and lob tailing of these enchanting animals in their natural habitats. These photographs are extremely fascinating and need special appreciation. The section on 'Future Directions' provide clear cut directions needed to strengthen programmes which would help to conserve and understand these highly vulnerable groups which are considered as icons of conservation movement and at the same time support more advanced research in the country. The publication will definitely be a useful guide for researchers, planners and students. The book is suggested as a "must read" and "must possess" for all those interested in marine animals especially, naturalists, mariners and those who plan to be prospective mammalogists studying these marvels of ocean life. Reviezoed by  Dr. V. Kripa, Head, Fishery Eizviroizineizt Maizagei~zelzt Division, Central Mnriize Fisheries Research Iizstift~te, Cochiiz, Iizdia. 999 

Book Review: Marine Mammal Species of India

Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences Vol. 41 (6), December 2012, pp. 599-600       BOOK REVIEW  Title of the book  Marine Mammal Species of India Authors E. Vivekanandan and R. Jeyabaskaran Scientists of CMFRI Special features 146 illustrations, 32 Tables,  622 references – year 2012; 228 pages Hard Bound Price Rs. 750  US$50 Published by  Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi www.cmfri.org.in  ISBN 978-8-923271-5-0  The charismatic marine mammals of Indian waters which include the majestic whales, intelligent dolphins and endearing sea cows are among the  least known of the marine living resources.  Lack of appropriate literature on identification, nature of their habitat and restrictions on their capture under Wild Life protection Act are some  of the constraints faced by researchers studying  these spectacular endangered animals. The recent publication of the Central Marine Fisheries  Research Institute, “Marine Mammal species of India” is packed with vital information on all the  26 species recorded in the Indian Seas. The Institute has been studying marine mammals since 1947 and particularly from 2003 to 2012 as a programme funded by Ministry of Earth Sciences. The descriptions on the taxonomic status  and identification characters along with supportive illustrations of each of these species will  definitely aid in field identification of these resources. The authors have included separate  maps indicating their distribution in Indian waters and also added information on their habitat, food, exploitation and threats and the conservation  status of each of these species which makes the publication an indispensible reference book for all who are interested in understanding marine living resources of our planet. The narration is in simple language, intermingling science with interesting facts and observations on their social behavior  which will mesmerize the reader. The authors have also added a glossary for scientific terminologies which will help the reader in understanding the  text clearly. Apart from the descriptive text, it  would have been helpful for the readers  if a consolidated table comparing the main morphological characters had been included. Stranding of marine mammals on the beaches  has always attracted human attention. People throng the beaches to have a glimpse of the giants of  the sea when their carcasses are washed ashore.  The history of stranding of whales for the last  150 years in different parts of the Indian coast  has been traced by the authors with relevant anecdotes wherever possible. One interesting  report is that of the skeleton of a dwarf female sperm whale which was stranded at Vishakhapatnam on 28th Feb 1853 and was gifted to the British Museum by Sir Walter Elliot. The publication is packed lavishly with clear  and vivid illustrations capturing various activities like spouting, breaching, spy hopping, and lob tailing of these enchanting animals in their  natural habitats. These photographs are extremely fascinating and needs special appreciation.  The section on ‘Future Directions’ provide clear  cut directions needed to strengthen programs  which would help to conserve and understand  these highly vulnerable group which are considered  BOOK REVIEW   600 as icons of conservation movement and at the  same time support more advanced research in  the country. The publication will definitely be a useful guide for researchers, planners and students. The book  is suggested as a “must read” and “must possess”  for all those are interested in marine animals especially, naturalists, mariners and those who  plan to be prospective mammalogists studying  these marvels of ocean life.  Dr. V. Kripa Head Fishery Environment Management Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochin, India 

http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/9189/1/Book_Review_FC_Marine_Mammal_.pdf

Book Review: Marine Mammal Species of India

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