|
There are currently two potential projects within the region that could help to build a regional cetacean network: “The Marine Protected Areas Network Project, funded by
COI/FFEM/WWF/CI 2006-09” and “The Sustainable Coastal Zone Management Project 2006-2011”.
|
|
|
Bottle-nosed
dolphin at Mayotte. Photo Megaptera |
During the first meeting of the COI/FFEM/WWF/CI project in July 2006, whose goal is the creation of a Marine Protected Areas (MPA) network in the IOC countries, some recommendations were made to enhance the actions that protect whales within the Sanctuary. Since the creation of the Sanctuary, there has been only limited action with respect to research, monitoring, conservation and the development of a sustainable ecotourism (whale watching), within the countries of the Indian Ocean Whaling Sanctuary and most of this has been through the initiative of civil society and private operators.
|
|
| Humpback
whale fluke diving off Mayotte. Photo Megaptera |
To re-enforce this Sanctuary, there is an urgent need to create a network between IOC, the governments and administrations of the IOC countries as well as with the stakeholders of civil society in the region.
Within the member countries there are several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are already involved with monitoring cetaceans as well as a number of international NGOs. There is also established and expanding eco-tourism on both whales and dolphins within the countries; as such there is good scope for the rapid development of a functional regional network utilising these skilled and knowledgeable partners.
The suggestions are not to replace existing local and national monitoring programmes but rather to reinforce them by standardising methodologies and sharing data and resources, thereby building capacity within each entity. This would enable a regional analysis of what is known on cetaceans in the area and highlight the gaps in knowledge with respect to distribution, species diversity, migration routes and critical areas. This in turn would allow for better coordination of research programmes to provide the information needed for the strategic management of cetaceans and the strengthening of the Indian Ocean Whaling Sanctuary.
|
