Cetaceans, Seabirds and Plankton Project
Whales and Dolphins are charismatic animals that are internationally important.
They are at the top of the food web and can help us evaluate the state of ocean
health. Cetacean populations are known to be found around Mauritius yet very little
is known about them: how many there are, where do they pass, what species are
there? Some might be resident populations, others appear to be migratory. Humpback
whales are regularly seen at various sites of the coast of the island. Spinner
dolphins also regularly come into proximity with our coast and dolphin watching
in certain areas is developing fast with little control or constraints.
Just like cetaceans, seabirds are marine creatures that are at the top of the food web, and can act as indicator species of the unseen state of ocean health. Monitoring the populations and observing the feeding habits of these birds provide an indication of major shifts in the ecology of the surrounding ocean. More importantly, it may help us evaluate the state of commercial fisheries in the region.
Plankton dips will also be performed in order to assess the fish larvae they contain: whether their numbers are up to standards, how do these numbers reflect on the current fisheries, and what are the population trends.
Reef Conservation Mauritius with the support of Rogers has developed a project
to study Cetaceans, Seabirds and Plankton to collect data, sensitize and inform
all concerned parties: tourists, commercial boat operators (fishing or tourist-oriented),
the scientific community and the general public. This project will be carried
out in the North. By collecting observation data from ships of convenience (freighters,
day trip catamarans and game fishing boats) that regularly transit certain areas
thereby creating a transect, it will be possible to begin geographically and seasonally-
the process of identifying the distribution patterns of these animals.
This information can then be incorporated into more focused research areas and also form the basis for developing a viable eco-tourism activity that would allow the research to be carryout out with partial support from eco-tourism activities.
We will soon share with you our experience encountering these beautiful creatures of the sea.
GUIDELINES FOR VEWING MARINE MAMMALS
Respect a minimum distance of 50 meters for both dolphins and whales
Avoid disturbing by approaching too fast or surrounding the animals as loud noises and abrupt movements can stress the marine mammals. This can affect their ability to feed, breed, nurse, rest or socialize.
Do not feed marine mammals as this can alter their natural behavior or cause them to become sick or die.
Do not dispose your litter at sea as marine mammals mistake plastic bags and other debris for food. Swallowing these items can kill them.
Fishing lines and other plastic items can entangle and kill marine wildlife
You can find more details on these guidelines here
(brochure in pdf)
MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY THROUGH TOURISM
Flat Island seen from Gabriel IsletThe Northern Shelf Islets (Flat Island, Gabriel Islet & Gunners Quoin) are unique island and ocean ecosystems close to the mainland that are over exploited by the tourism industry and uncontrolled fishing activities. Reef Conservation Mauritius aims at working with the Ministry of Tourism and the National Parks and Conservation Service (Ministry of Agro-Industry and Fisheries) to develop and implement sustainable conservation and resource management plans for these islets and their lagoon habitats.
