Dr. VD Deshmukh, scientist-in-charge, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) asserted that the bites had been caused by stingrays, but weren’t as serious due ot the difference in the size of the fish.

“The bites suffered by people on Wednesday were by stingrays. The injuries were less serious than last time because the stingrays were smaller this time. Last time the people were bitten by stingrays measuring 20 to 30 cms in diameter, while this time the stingrays were around 10cms in diameter. The species were the same, only the size varied,” said Dr. Deshmukh.

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The CMFRI had conducted a beach survey as well as a water survey using boats to check for the presence of stingray and jellyfish in the waters on Wednesday from 7.30am to 12 in the noon and submitted a report to the BMC.

“We did a survey of the entire stretch from Malabar Hill to Cuffe Parade for stingrays and jellyfish. We covered immersions sites like Versova Juhu, Dadar and Girgaum Chowpatty. In our boat survey conducted along with Central Institute of Fisheries Education, we found twelve stingrays in our nets. So we estimated that there would be around 6000 to 7000 stingrays in the entire stretch and that was a huge number. So we immediately informed the BMC officials about it. Fortunately, we did not find any jellyfish. Jellyfish is a bigger concern as they are more dangerous than stingrays. Jellyfish are neuro toxic and can have harmful effects on people when bitten by them,” Dr. Deshmukh.
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