Whales and Dolphins in Sri Lankan Waters
The seas of Sri Lanka are abundant in Marine
mammals – Whales and Dolphins, and claim a rich
diversity of species including 28 species of Whales
Dolphins and one species of Dugong.
After the ending of the war there have been a
major growth in Marine Tourism activities that
have lead to recognition of Sri Lankan waters as a
Global Hot spot for Whale Watching activities.
The un-planned development of the Whale
watching tourism has caused adverse impacts on
marine mammal populations and possible risks to
both the Marine mammals and the tourist.
Team members of ORCA / Natcog have been
involved in the study of Marine Mammals in Sri
Lanka for 2 decades and have been campaigning
for conservation and sensible management of the
species and environments and in reducing impacts
from fishing.
Bryde’s Whale at Kalpitiya
Indo-pacific Hump-backed Dolphin in the Kalpitiya lagoon
Rough-tooth Dolphins at Kalpitiya
Fraser’s Dolphins at Kalpitiya
Sustainable Marine Mammal Tourism initiative at Kalpitiya
Post to the Ending of the 3 decade war and opening up of coastal marine
areas, Marine tourism was fast becoming popular in Sri Lanka. The key areas
of Marine Mammal tourism was centered around Mirissa in the Southern coast
and Kalpitiya peninsula in the North West coast.
As the emerging industry was showing negative impacts on marine mammals
in the South coast ORCA became involved in the process from the begining at
Kalpitiya as the Whale watching activities were fast developing there in order
to ensure the establishment of a more sustainable and benign industry. ORCA
has been actively involved and pivotal in shaping and supporting the local
community based tour boat operators in the kalpitiya region in raising
awareness, providing training, developing facilities and promoting sustainable
practices whale and Dolphin watching activities.
ORCA carried out a survey program which monitored both the bio-diversity,
behaviour and ecology of the Marine mammals in the area and also the
behaviour of the tour boat operators at sea. The program provided guidance,
Training and facility development support for local tour boat operators to
provide better facilities and safety for the guests as well as promoting
responsible and less intrusive practices in encounters with Marine Mammals.
This program was carried out under a project funded by SLNF/MFF/IUCN
Spermwhale at
Kalpitiya
Marine Mammal Surveys and campaign against Dolphin Fishery
Marine Mammal Surveys and campaign
against Dolphin Fishery
During 1990’s the then thriving Dolphin fishery was
estimated to kill up to 5000 small marine mammals
per year and was becoming a serious concern for
the survival of Marine mammals in Sri Lankan
waters. At the time a move was underway to
remove the protected status of Marine Mammals in
Sri Lanka to promote the Dolphin fishery by NARA
fisheries scientists.
Natcog/ORCA was involved in monitoring direct and
by catch Dolphin mortality in the South coast and
was among the key NGO’s who actively campaigned
and prevented the attempts at legalizing the Killing
of Dolphins for meat.
