Jakarta (VNA) - A survey conducted by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Konservasi Indonesia, and OceanX has found that 93% of whale and dolphin habitats in waters west of Sumatra lie outside designated conservation areas.
Conducted between May and July 2024, the OceanX Indonesia Mission covered a survey distance of 15,043 kilometers and recorded 77 sightings of 10 cetacean species. These included the first aerial confirmations of killer whales (Orcinus orca) and pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) in western Indonesia.
The findings of the expedition have recently been published in Frontiers in Marine Science. By integrating historical data, the total number of documented cetacean species in the region has now reached 23, representing 68 percent of all known cetacean species in Indonesian waters.
High-density hotspots—dominated by spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba)—were identified mainly outside existing conservation areas.
The study found that 93% of these hotspots are located beyond current or proposed marine protected areas.
Researchers identified this as evidence of a mismatch between the existing network of protected areas and the actual distribution of key cetacean habitats, particularly in offshore waters. Spatial modeling also revealed significant overlap between cetacean habitats and intensive fishing activities, as well as maritime traffic.
This overlap increases the risk to several species, including killer whales, Omura’s whales (Balaenoptera omurai), and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), which are classified as endangered.
Iqbal Herwata, Focal Species Conservation Senior Manager at Konservasi Indonesia and lead author of the study, said that this survey fills a critical data gap that has long constrained cetacean management in Indonesia’s high seas. The scale and quality of the data enable truly evidence-based conservation planning.
The results also support the implementation of the national Blue Halo S initiative, which aims to strengthen fisheries governance, protect critical marine habitats, and promote a sustainable blue economy in waters west of Sumatra./.
