ACTIVE INITIATIVES
Cetaceans
Cetaceans are among the most iconic and ecologically important marine species in Seychelles, playing a vital role in both ecosystem health and the nation's thriving eco-tourism sector. Despite full protection under the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary since 1979, there is still limited knowledge about how these animals use local habitats - particularly whether certain groups are resident, seasonal visitors, or transient. Filling this data gap is critical to ensuring that marine activities are ecologically responsible and that high-use areas are properly protected.
The Project
MCSS, supported by SeyCCAT's BGF9, is implementing a community-based cetacean monitoring programme to generate the baseline data needed to support long-term conservation management. The project aims to document which species are present in Seychelles waters, where they are most frequently observed, and whether populations are resident or migratory. This information is essential for informing future conservation planning and management efforts.
Citizen Science
A key component of this research is a citizen science initiative that invites members of the public to contribute photographs of whale and dolphin sightings. Fishers, boat operators, tour guides, divers, snorkellers, and coastal residents are particularly well placed to observe cetaceans and can play an important role in building this national dataset.
If you encounter whales or dolphins, we encourage you to share your photographs along with the date and location via WhatsApp or email. Every verified sighting helps researchers better understand how cetaceans use Seychelles waters across seasons and regions.
For a closer look at this work, you can explore additional information and related materials in the Resources section.
“Cetaceans are key components of marine ecosystems, and safeguarding them requires sound science, continuous monitoring efforts, and a strong foundation of public awareness and engagement.”
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