Researchers to study rare dolphin-fisher kinship in Ashtamudi Lake – The Hindu

Report on Collaborative Research into Human-Dolphin Cooperation and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

A unique instance of inter-species cooperation between artisanal fishers and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in Ashtamudi Lake, India, is the subject of a new international research initiative. This traditional practice involves dolphins driving schools of fish towards the shore, signaling fishers to cast their nets in a mutually beneficial act of collaborative foraging. This report outlines the scope, methodology, and significant contributions of this research to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2.0 Project Overview and Objectives

The study, titled The Ecology and Evolution of Cultural and Cooperative Behaviour among Dolphins and Humans, is a long-term project scheduled to continue until 2028. It represents a significant global partnership, directly supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Primary Objective: To investigate the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that drive the cooperative behaviour between wild dolphins and traditional fishers.
• Comparative Analysis: The project will conduct a groundbreaking comparative analysis of similar human-dolphin cooperation observed on other continents, including sites in Brazil and Myanmar, to understand how these complex behaviours evolve in different contexts.
• Coordinating Body: The project is globally coordinated by Oregon State University and supported by the National Geographic Society.
• Collaborating Institutions:
  • University of Kerala (India)
  • Oregon State University (U.S.A.)
  • Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (Brazil)
  • Australian National University (Australia)
  • Dakshin Foundation (Bengaluru, India)

3.0 Methodology and Ethical Considerations

The research methodology is designed to be strictly non-invasive, ensuring the protection of wildlife and the local environment, a core tenet of SDG 14 (Life Below Water). No animals will be captured, handled, or disturbed.

1. Data Collection: Detailed photo and video documentation will be used to record interactions.
2. Behavioural Analysis: Meticulous behavioural observations of both dolphins and fishers will be conducted.
3. Community Engagement: Semi-structured interviews will be held with local artisanal fishers to document their invaluable local ecological knowledge, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

4.0 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The project is intrinsically linked to multiple SDGs, providing a framework for sustainable development through scientific research and community engagement.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The study’s primary focus is on understanding a marine ecosystem interaction. By promoting non-invasive research and aiming to establish a framework for sustainable fishing practices, it directly supports the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of marine biodiversity.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The research validates and supports a traditional, sustainable fishing practice that secures the livelihoods of artisanal fishers. Understanding this cooperation is vital for its preservation, ensuring continued economic stability for the local community.
• SDG 1: No Poverty: By reinforcing a sustainable livelihood, the project contributes to poverty alleviation among traditional fishing communities that depend on the lake’s resources.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: A significant project component is capacity building. Overseas experts will provide fieldwork training to Indian PhD and postgraduate students in advanced scientific methods, enhancing the quality of scientific education and research in the region.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The project is a model of international scientific collaboration, bringing together researchers and institutions from India, the U.S.A., Brazil, and Australia to address a global phenomenon.

5.0 Expected Outcomes and Long-Term Impact

The research is expected to yield valuable insights and establish a foundation for long-term conservation and sustainable management, reinforcing several SDG targets.

• Scientific Advancement: The findings will illuminate the evolution of inter-species cooperation, animal culture, and the critical importance of local ecological knowledge.
• Sustainable Practices: The project aims to establish a framework for the long-term monitoring of dolphin-fishery interactions in India.
• Policy and Conservation Support: The research will directly support the development of sustainable fishing practices that preserve marine biodiversity while ensuring the economic well-being of local communities, creating a replicable model for achieving SDG 14 and SDG 8 in tandem.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the collaborative research of dolphin-fisher cooperation in Ashtamudi Lake addresses and connects to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 14: Life Below Water: This is the most prominent SDG, as the article’s core subject is the interaction between marine life (dolphins) and human activity (artisanal fishing). The research aims to understand this interaction to support “sustainable fishing practices that preserve marine biodiversity.”
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article explicitly details a partnership to achieve the research goals. It describes an “international collaborative research project” involving the University of Kerala (India), Oregon State University (U.S.A.), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (Brazil), Australian National University (Australia), and Dakshin Foundation (India), with support from the National Geographic Society.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: The project has a strong educational and capacity-building component. The article states that “overseas experts will conduct fieldwork training for Indian PhD and postgraduate students in advanced scientific methods,” directly contributing to higher education and specialized skills development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts…” The research project’s aim to “establish a framework for long-term monitoring of dolphin-fishery interactions” and support “sustainable fishing practices” directly contributes to the sustainable management and protection of the Ashtamudi Lake ecosystem.
   • Target 14.a: “Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology…” The entire project, titled The Ecology and Evolution of Cultural and Cooperative Behaviour among Dolphins and Humans, is designed to increase scientific knowledge. The capacity-building element, where experts train students, directly addresses the goal of developing research capacity.
   • Target 14.b: “Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.” The study focuses on “artisanal fishers” and a traditional, cooperative fishing method that helps them secure a “great” catch. Understanding and preserving this interaction supports the livelihood and access to resources for these small-scale fishers.

2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.6: “Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation…” The project is a clear example of this target, being an “international collaborative research project” that brings together researchers from multiple continents (Asia, North America, South America, Australia) to share knowledge and conduct comparative analysis.
   • Target 17.9: “Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries…” The article highlights that a “significant component of this project is capacity building,” with overseas experts providing fieldwork training to Indian students, which is a direct form of targeted capacity-building.

3. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development…” The training of PhD and postgraduate students in “advanced scientific methods for studying dolphin behaviour and ecological cooperation” equips them with specialized skills to contribute to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

1. Indicators for SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

   • Establishment of a long-term monitoring framework: The article explicitly mentions the project’s aim to “establish a framework for long-term monitoring of dolphin-fishery interactions in India.” The creation and implementation of this framework is a direct indicator of progress towards Target 14.2.
   • Data from non-invasive research methods: Progress towards Target 14.a can be measured by the volume and quality of data collected through the “detailed photo and video documentation, meticulous behavioural observations, and semi-structured interviews with local artisanal fishers.”
   • Sustainability of catch for artisanal fishers: The article notes the current catch is “mostly great.” A potential indicator for Target 14.b would be the sustained or improved catch rates and economic well-being of the fishers involved in this cooperative practice.

2. Indicators for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

   • Number and diversity of collaborating institutions: The existence of the partnership between universities and foundations across four continents (India, U.S.A., Brazil, Australia) serves as a primary indicator for Target 17.6.
   • Implementation of training programs: The article states that “overseas experts will conduct fieldwork training for Indian PhD and postgraduate students.” The number of training sessions conducted and the number of students trained are clear indicators for Target 17.9.

3. Indicators for SDG 4 (Quality Education)

   • Number of students trained: The number of “Indian PhD and postgraduate students” who receive training in “advanced scientific methods” is a direct, measurable indicator of progress towards building specialized skills for sustainable development (Target 4.7).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thehindu.com