MARINE MAMMALS

Following the development of the Dolphin Watching activity on the west coast of the island (estimated to generate around 120 million rupees or 3,000,000 Euros annually), the MMCS put forward a long term plan to protect the coastal marine resources.

Project History

In the 90’s we launched a “Marine Mammals” unit, which focused on the identification, protection and preservation of cetaceans. Its first success was in 1990 when it set up the legislation banning the use of drift-nets in the Mauritian waters. Furthermore, in 1991, thanks to the financial help obtained from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other sponsors, the MMCS published a poster and an identification booklet on cetaceans living in the Indian Ocean. Again with the financial support of the UNEP, the MMCS carried out an awareness campaign for the general public in both Mauritius and Reunion Island, the aim being the protection and preservation of dolphins and whales.

In Mauritius, this campaign focused on the continuation of the marine mammal identification study in the region; using existing data from identification cards and the writing of a final report making an overall assessment of this study. An awareness program for the general public was conducted through the press, conferences and a drawing contest. The whole project was placed under the responsibility of Mrs Jacqueline Sauzier, for both Mauritius and Reunion Island.

Despite these awareness activities, marine mammals were not well known in Mauritius since few studies had been done in this region of the Indian Ocean. However, the few observations recorded by the MMCS since 1994 on local marine mammals, have shown the great richness of the local marine biodiversity. In 1999, Delphine Legay, undertaking her doctorate on the behaviour of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in Tamarin Bay, started an awareness programme on cetaceans. In order to assist with the funding of her research, she started the Dolphin Watching activity by taking tourists out to observe the dolphins. She managed these activities herself with the concern of not disturbing the animals. Since her death in 2001, the Dolphin Watching activity increased significantly in the western region due to a growing interest in these marine mammals, creating an easy income opportunity.

Unfortunately, nautical activities developed in a very disruptive way, due to the lack of knowledge on the marine environment. The main activities on the west coast were: deep sea/big game fishing, dolphin and whale excursions combined with snorkelling and diving activities on the reefs. The disruption of the Dolphin Watching activity was clearly visible. Everyday dozens of boats chased the dolphins without any respect or consideration for their well-being. Simultaneously, the reefs were being damaged by boat anchors as these excursions became more frequent.

In 2003, the Ocean Alliance organisation, whose main mission is the conservation of cetaceans and their marine environment through research and education, came to Mauritius as part of an expedition for a study on sperm whales in Mauritian waters (biopsy, photo-identification, and acoustic studies). As part of the education programme of this project, they organised animated activities in schools in collaboration with the MMCS. They provided information on the biology and ecology of cetaceans living in the Indian Ocean which also showed that sperm whales living in the coastal waters of Mauritius are as harassed as the dolphins in Tamarin Bay. These scientists actively encouraged a sustainable management project of the marine mammal population of Mauritius.

The increased awareness among the Mauritians and the political threats to the Mauritian marine environment created a favourable opportunity to establish a two year project in June 2006, titled the “Sustainable Management of the Dolphin Watching activities through awareness programmes and education”. This project was funded by the UNDP through its Global Environmental Fund Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP).

Despite one year of the awareness campaigns led by MMCS and other NGOs, various aspects of this activity worsened:

In May 2007, the MMCS was financially supported by the TOTAL Enterprise Foundation for Biodiversity and the sea. It supports projects linked to the preservation of species and marine and coastal ecosystems. Through this foundation, the project’s continuity was guaranteed up until 2010, with a large part of the funding dedicated to scientific research on dolphins and coral reefs on the west coast of the island. The project was named “Sustainable Management of Marine Resources, Cetaceans-Reefs in Mauritius”.

Expertise was requested from Dr. Vic Cockcroft (Centre for Dolphins Studies, South Africa), specialist in dolphin ecology and the Dolphin Watching activity, who conducted a site visit. Considering the stage that the activity had reached, he advised that only a regulation accompanied by a drastic control of the activity would improve the conditions to observe dolphins.

The MMCS, at its level, was encouraging the Government to take the necessary measures to regulate the activity. The results of this monitoring were submitted to the Tourism Authority in 2007 in order to inform them of the urgency of the situation and the necessity to create proper regulations for the industry.

Throughout this project, the scientific research allowed us to obtain information that would contribute to a better knowledge of the local marine environment. We could define the status of the coral reefs of the region as well as obtain data on the dolphin populations of the west coast.

Finally, the results obtained from the project have made the Dolphin Watching activity more sustainable, being referenced in the creation of a better management plan of the activity.

The ultimate goal was the development of a law regulating the Dolphin Watching activity, which was achieved in March 2013, when such a law was finally implemented.

Monitoring of the animals and the activities continues and the general public continues to be educated about the marine ecosystem and increasingly contributes to its protection.

Research

The scientific research carried out by the MMCS was conducted on two types of dolphins present on the west coast of Mauritius, the spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and the larger Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). The aim of this study was to allow the sustainable management of the dolphin watching industry and increase our knowledge on the dolphins living on the west coast. This study was divided into three main focus areas:

The population study allowed us to calculate the number of individuals for each species; the birth and death rates and peak reproduction periods in order to determine whether the population is increasing or decreasing, the frequency at which each individual is present on our coasts etc. These data were collected through a genetic study (via skin samples) as well as by the creation of a photo identification catalogue (photographing the dorsal fin for individual recognition from various visible marks and scars).

The ecology study allowed us to determine the most visited zones and for which activity they are used (eg. one bay for resting, another one for playing). The study also allowed us to find the link between environmental conditions of these zones (depth, clarity and temperature) and their use by the dolphins.

The behavioural study focused on the impact of dolphin watching boats, if any. This included whether boats and swimmers affected presence, number or behaviour of the animals. These data were collected through observation of the dolphins before, during and after the presence of boats, for instance did the duration of the apnea (dive duration) increase/decrease depending on the number of boats and swimmers, did the animals change speed, etc.?

Legal Aspects

Dolphin watching is an industry that hundreds of families rely on for their livelihood. However, the lack of rules and regulations is jeopardising the sustainability of this type of income.

In June 2006, the Tourism Authority came forward with guidelines for the Dolphin Watching industry.

In August and September 2006, the MMCS submitted two reports to the Tourism Authority:

These reports describe the problems that are linked to the Dolphin Watching industry in Mauritius and the consequences that these problems could generate in the short and long term.

Further to the submission of these reports, the Tourism Authority offered its support to the MMCS for the establishment of a Steering Committee named “Dolphin Watching”. The aim of this Steering Committee was to regularly bring together the different participants of the Dolphin Watching industry (Government representatives, NGOs, Tour Operator representatives) in order to discuss the decisions to be taken for the proper regulation of the activity.

Being aware of the rapid increase of the industry, the authorities decided in March 2008 to move forward by setting up a veritable regulation. This process has taken much longer than expected, finally being implemented in March 2013.

Throughout this period, while conducting the research, MMCS has continued to run awareness campaigns and training workshops for dolphin watching operators, hotel staff, schools, tourists and the general public.

Awareness

The advantage of this project is that dolphins and whales have a very positive image in the minds of people. Similarly, eco-tourism and awareness programmes for the protection of the environment are at the forefront of many people’s minds nowadays.

Assuming that a better understanding of the environment and an awareness of its fragility leads to improved behaviours, the overall goal is to raise awareness of the marine environment for all Mauritians and tourists.

Various communication tools have been used to reach the largest audience possible:

Radio and television

Numerous interviews have been broadcast via radio and both national and international television, for example:

“Images sous-marines” by Marjorie Lenette. Theme: Dolphins and the Dolphin Watching activity in Mauritius. September 2006. (This documentary has been used by the Tourism Authority for training the skippers.)

France 24 (French cable TV) – A documentary on the Dolphin Watching activity in Mauritius.

Waterproof information card

Tour operators show this information card to their clients who come to observe the dolphins. Written in English and French, it is very user friendly and describes the attitude to be adopted when encountering the cetaceans (the codes of conduct). It has been created in collaboration with skippers in order to meet their needs.

Information panels

Four information panels on dolphins and the Dolphin Watching activity have been placed at strategic points on the west coast of Mauritius: one on Tamarin public beach, two in Black River (at the Carangue and at the entry of Morne Anglers Club) and on at Le Morne public beach. These panels, written in English and French, aim at informing the tourists as well as the Mauritian population. Their main function is to offer basic knowledge on the dolphins that are seen off our Mauritian coast as well as providing information on rules and regulations to be observed when approaching dolphins. These information panels also recall the basic rules on how to respect the Mauritian Marine Environment.

Posters

After meetings and discussions with the hotels of the west coast, posters based on the information panels were created and distributed to hotel boat houses, day care centres, and other common areas.

Film

Broadcasting of a 6 minutes film on the awareness of the Marine environment (Partner: Independant-Production). Distributed to hotels and partners, this film invites tourists to respect the marine environment and adopt a responsible attitude during their sea trips.

Brochure for the general public

Produced in two languages (English, French), the brochure provides information on the two dolphin species they are likely to encounter. It also reiterates the rules and regulations to be followed whilst observing dolphins and the basic rules for the conservation of the marine environment.

Educational booklet for children on marine mammals, “Dolphins and Whales”

This booklet was distributed in government schools during educational sessions. Produced in two languages (English, French), its main aim is to educate the children on these cetaceans as well as offering games and playful activities. This booklet is intended for children aged between 8 to 12 years and was developed in collaboration with Vivazi editions.

For these sessions, the MMCS collaborated with another Mauritian NGO with experience in this field: the APPE, l’Association pour la Promotion à la Protection de l’Environnement, represented by Mr. Faizal Jeeroburkhan.

“A guide to the Whales and Dolphins of Mauritius”

An easy-to-use and fully illustrated guide to enable users to identify marine mammals seen around the Mascarene islands. It was produced in 2011 in two languages (English, French) with the results from the dolphin project. A component of this project was for the book to be used during educational sessions in government schools on the west coast as well as during training sessions for operators and skippers. Sponsored by HSBC, CIEL Group and Canal+.

Education and Training

Much emphasis is placed on the awareness of children in the western region. Studies have shown that educating the younger generation significantly contributes to increased respect and appreciation of the marine environment. Education focuses on:

Providing children with a basic knowledge in marine biology/ecology to help them better understand the need to preserve their environment.

-Showing them daily actions they can perform to help contribute to environmental preservation.
-Inspiring the children to future studies in biology and science in general.
-Publicising the existence of organisations for the preservation of the environment, marine or otherwise.
–Creation and preparation of educational material to be used during training sessions in schools (as described above).

For the application of the rules and regulations described in the code of conduct and in parallel to the installation of the permanent mooring buoys, it was necessary to train the skippers and operators.

Volunteers from the MMCS and the Reef Conservation Mauritius team have trained fishermen, skippers as well as hotel boat house staff and those who offer the Dolphin and Whale Watching activity. The emphasis has been placed on the protection of marine mammals; the application of the code of conduct and the vulnerability of reef ecosystems as well as the utilisation of permanent mooring buoys.

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