The Australian Marine Mammal Centre recently approved and is funding a proposal by the Fiji Fisheries Department, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and WWF South Pacific Programme for a three year survey for establishing a long term data set for monitoring trends in humpback migration through Fiji waters.
In 2003 in an attempt to safeguard these remarkable creatures, Fiji declared its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) a whale sanctuary. “Key stakeholders have been working to finalise Fiji’s whale sanctuary management plan, and this project proves timely in the provision of data to inform this initiative,” said WWF’s Marine Species Coordinator, Penina Solomona.
According to Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society’s (WDCS) Dr Cara Miller, “the intended goal of the project is to document the migration patterns of Endangered Oceania humpback whales through Fijian waters.
Establishing a consistent and long-term dataset on movement patterns is an important component to understanding the recovery, trend and status of this species within national waters.”
“In addition, the continuation of these surveys led by the Fiji Fisheries Department in collaboration with WDCS and WWF also represents an important opportunity to strengthen and build in-country capacity to undertake cetacean research,” Dr Miller said.
According to Aisake Batibasaga of the Fiji’s Department of Fisheries, “Continuation of systematic and consistent land-based surveys will provide a valuable index of humpback whale migration through Fijian waters.”
“Furthermore, this project will aid in understanding the long-lasting impact that Southern Hemisphere whaling has imparted on this population,” he said.
The Fiji Fisheries Department is currently responsible for collating data on whales and dolphin sightings and stranding and is calling on all members of the public to contact Saras Sharma-Gounder, the officer solely responsible.
“Previous surveys in the 1950’s recorded a maximum of 258 humpbacks a week and recent surveys carried out in the last few years have shown only 22 humpbacks in 3 weeks and thus to understand rate of recovery of humpbacks after the whaling in the 1980’s it is essential to record the diversity in Fiji waters,” said Ms Sharma.
“The sightings database also keeps a record of all the cetacean species sighted in Fiji.
According to Dr Miller, the project desires to be relatively low-cost and easy to replicate to ensure sustainability over the long term.
“During the project fluke images and song recordings will be collected and diversity will be recorded.
As a result, the project will be able to document important breeding grounds of humpback whales and also assist in unraveling the pattern of population structure of Fijian humpback whales in the context of the Oceania subpopulation.”
In addition, all cetacean species sighted during these surveys will be documented to increase understanding of cetacean biodiversity in Fijian waters.
These upcoming humpback surveys represent an important step forward for understanding the recovery of humpback whales to whaling activities, connection of this subpopulation to Oceania, cetacean diversity, capacity building, and education and awareness.
Dr Miller added that the aim is also for Fiji’s Fisheries Department to build the capacity to continue to undertake these cetacean surveys as well as establishing the capacity for the Fiji Government to be a well-informed participant and leader in regional cetacean conservation.
The awareness created with the project will inevitably lead to many positive effects that will bring about agreeable outcomes for the boating and diving community, environmental managers, tourism and the general public.
First to receive the findings will be the other organizations that have invested in environmental conservation followed by the students at USP.
“In doing so, the organizations involved hope to create an atmosphere of awareness amongst the youth in the community so that they may develop a zeal and enthusiasm for continuing research and conservation for ever-so-magnificent humpback whale population.
Eventually, through this process, all those involved hope to see threat reduction, habitat protection, public awareness, information exchange, sustainable and responsible cetacean-based tourism and international cooperation.”
Commencing in late August the survey will take place on the islands of Makogai and Levuka.
The humpback whale is an endangered species that must be protected and cared for otherwise it will inevitably face extinction.