Report of the Second Workshop on The Biology and Conservation of ...

Indonesia’s Cetacean Migration Corridors: Management Implications <strong>of</strong> Long-Term Visual and Acoustic Cetacean Surveys in Komodo National Park andAlor, Indonesia.Kahn, Benjamin 1 ; Pet, Jos 2 ; James-Kahn, Yvonne 3(1) Director, APEX Environmental, Indonesia Cetacean Program, PO Box 59 Clifton Beach - Cairns, 4879Qld, Australia; e-mail: bkahn@attglobal.net(2) Deputy Director, Coastal and Marine Program Indonesia, The Nature Conservancy, Coastal and MarineConservation Center, Jl. Pengembak 2, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia; e-mail: jpet@attglobal.net(3) ICP Program Manager, APEX Environmental, PO Box 59 Clifton Beach - Cairns4879 Qld, AustraliaIn <strong>the</strong> May 1999 – April 2001 survey periods a total <strong>of</strong> 18 cetacean species were identifiedduring 207 survey hours over 71 field days during five intermonsoon field seasons. The surveyscovered an estimated 4706 nautical miles. The species encountered were predominantly oceanicodontocetes, but also included a several balaenopterid species. An estimated total <strong>of</strong> 7082individual cetaceans were sighted during 299 encounters. Acoustic contact with cetaceans wasrecorded during 38.1% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 217 listening stations. Temporal and spatial patterns are apparenton <strong>the</strong> species level. Major species-specific results include relative abundance indices, sitepreferences and calving rates. A regionally distinct baleen whale, <strong>the</strong> pygmy Bryde’s whaleBalaenoptera edeni, was positively identified with genetic pr<strong>of</strong>iling techniques. The Alor surveyswere initiated in 2001. Preliminary results indicate this region is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> prime cetacean habitatsin Indonesia. Critical habitats, including regional migration corridors, have been identified.Major environmental impacts observed include reef bombing (acoustic habitat degradation) ando<strong>the</strong>r fisheries interactions. Cetacean watching potential has increased due to <strong>the</strong> survey results.However, this may not be an appropriate tourism activity without strict controls and enforcementin place first.Significant extensions to KNP’s legislative boundaries have been designed to include preferredhabitats <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Park’s cetaceans. These extensions are incorporated in <strong>the</strong> 25-year managementplan and will increase <strong>the</strong> protective status <strong>of</strong> cetaceans in KNP. The long-term surveys havealso shown that cetaceans should be an important component <strong>of</strong> resource management plans,conservation measures and alternative livelihood options for Marine Protected Areas in easternIndonesia.An Indonesian Whale Sanctuary will be crucial, as for migratory whales and dolphins <strong>the</strong>degrading forces on <strong>the</strong>ir ecology <strong>of</strong>ten occur outside <strong>the</strong> current areas <strong>of</strong> protection. Such asanctuary would complement <strong>the</strong> Indian Ocean Sanctuary and protect <strong>the</strong> tropical Indo-Pacificcetacean migration corridors.144 CMS Technical Series Publication Nº 9 - 2005