Cetaceans
Mauritius as part of the Mascarene Islands, a recognized Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA). About 15 species of cetaceans can be found in Mauritian waters including large whales like sperm whales and humpback whales. Depending on the species and the season, cetaceans can be seen all around Mauritius.
Whales
Unlike humpback whales, which visit Mauritius from June to October to mate and give birth to offspring, Mauritius is one of the few places in the world where there is a permanent population of sperm whales not far from the shore. Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales and the species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The global sperm whale population has been growing very slowly, at around 1% per year, since the ban of whaling in 1986.
The Mauritius population numbers only a few dozen, making it even more vulnerable and in need of protection. The MMCO is conducting long-term scientific research and monitoring of our sperm whale population (To know more about MAUBYDICK Mission (active link to Research Projects).
Cetaceans are exposed to a variety of threats and stressors, mostly related to human activity. These include ship strikes; plastic, chemical and noise pollution; and pressures from tourist activity.
https://youtu.be/JG7YYDre6rg https://youtu.be/Jp7ZThE3uCw
These videos were filmed during rescue operations and scientific research with the permission of the Mauritius authorities and are presented here to raise awareness. Please remember that it is illegal to be in the water with whales in Mauritius.
