The Jamnagar Forest Department conducted a survey in the wee hours of Thursday following a tip-off by residents of Ajar Island, located some 40 km from Salaya town in Khambhalia district and came across the carcass of six green-sea turtles and one dolphin from Ajar and Dwarka shores.

"The carcass of a dolphin and six sea turtles, three each from Ajar and Dwarka shores, were found during an overnight search," said District Forest Officer B Sata.

The department, which is yet to survey the other islands —Bhedar, Kharachusa, Mithachusa, Maanmat and Bet — has expressed the possibility of finding more dead aquatic life. There are a total of 42 islands, and two are inhabited. According to the department, if villagers are to be believed, at least 10 dolphins and several turtles have been killed.

The Lalji Devji Company from Porbandar has acquired the rights to excavate the remains of vessels that had drowned near Ajar Island. Tonnes of scrap have already been removed.

Preliminary investigation by the forest department has revealed that the company has carried out blasts on a number of occasions, which has damaged aquatic life in the Marine National Park.