PNG Final Report 26 Aug 12
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Informing the conservation status of the Australian snubfin dolphin by assessing its distribution and abundance in adjacent waters Final Report Submitted to the Australian Marine Mammal Centre 16 December 2011 • Title – Informing the conservation status of the Australian snubfin dolphin by assessing its distribution and abundance in adjacent waters • Chief Investigators – Dr. Isabel Beasley (JCU), Mr. Vagi Rei (DEC), Olo Gebia (WWF) • Organisation – James Cook University • Collaborating Institutes – Department of Environment and Conservation, PNG, and WWF – Melanesia Program Activity Period – 11 July – 16 December 2011 1 Activity Summary A clear summary of approximately 500 words outlining the work undertaken and any significant findings Background Very little is currently known of the marine mammals inhabiting the coastal waters of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Fifteen cetacean species and the dugong have been confirmed to occur in the waters of PNG, and at least a further six species remain unconfirmed (Miller 2007). The majority of marine mammal surveys and anecdotal observations from PNG are from deep-water coral regions in eastern PNG waters (Visser 2002, Visser and Bonoccorso 2003, Munday 1994), with only one cetacean study known from the southwestern Kikori region (Bonaccorso et al. 2000), which reported Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis and Orcaella sp. There is virtually no current information on the conservation status of these species in PNG waters, including what species of Orcaella occurs in PNG. Project Objectives The aim of this project is to ‘investigate the conservation status of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and Orcaella sp. In Papua New Guinea – potentially depleted populations of unknown taxonomic status.’ The specific objectives of this project are: Objective 1. Conduct informal discussions with local fishers and villagers in the Kikori Delta and Daru regions of PNG to investigate historical and current day distribution of marine mammals; local perceptions on potential threats to marine mammals; and attempt to locate Orcaella skeletal material or carcasses Objective 2. Undertake reconnaissance boat surveys for marine mammals in the Kikori Delta region of PNG; and investigate the feasibility of conducting line-transect surveys and biopsy sampling. This project was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Conservation PNG and WWF-Melanesia Program. Major Results Field surveys were undertaken in PNG from 19 July to 10 August 2011 in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Conservation and WWF- Melanesia program. Thirty-three informal interview surveys were undertaken in Daru and the Kikori Delta region, followed by five days of reconnaissance boat surveys in the Kikori Delta region. Informal interviews confirmed that long- and short-nosed dolphins are frequently sighted in both Daru and Kikori Delta waters. Local people in these regions reportedly do not hunt dolphins, and have no specific folklores or beliefs about 2 dolphins. Two cetacean skeletal remains were recovered during Kikori surveys, one possible bottlenose/humpback dolphin skull (juvenile) and a possible risso’s dolphin lower mandible. The weather conditions were unfavourable for vessel surveys in both Daru and Kikori, with consistently high winds, rough seas and heavy rain. Although surveys were not possible around Daru, some surveys were possible around the Kikori region within the delta. During boat surveys in the Kikori Delta, one group of six Orcaella were sighted feeding near the Era River. Although close views were not possible as a result of the dolphins elusive surfacing and distance from the survey boat, preliminary indications are that Orcaella in the Kikori region are most similar to Australian snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni), rather than their close relative the Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris). This initial conclusion is based the following external features observed on the dolphins sighted: 1. subtle three-tone colouration pattern (compared to the 2. head and back showing a smooth rounded back, rather than any indication of a dorsal groove Further at-sea observations, examination of skeletal material and genetic analysis will be required to confirm which species of Orcaella occurs in PNG. Based on the results from this reconnaissance survey, a three-year research program, consisting of boat surveys, a series of community workshops and training of relevant PNG nationals to conduct marine mammal research is planned to begin in January 2012. 2. The Outcomes/Objectives List of the Project Objectives Objective 1. Conduct informal discussions with local fishers and villagers in the Kikori Delta and Daru regions of PNG to investigate historical and current day distribution of Orcaella and associated marine mammals; local perceptions on potential threats to marine mammals; and attempt to locate Orcaella skeletal material or carcasses Objective 2. Undertake reconnaissance boat surveys for Orcaella (and associated marine mammals) in the Kikori Delta region of PNG; and investigate the feasibility of conducting line-transect surveys and biopsy sampling. The degree to which the Activity has achieved each of the objectives Objective 1. Informal discussions with local fishers and villagers were undertaken successfully in both Daru (n=4) and Kikori (n=29). Two marine mammal skeletal items were located (probable bottlenose/humpback dolphin and risso’s dolphin), with great potential for future collaborations with villagers to collect skeletal material once it is found. Objective 2. Reconnaissance boat surveys were hindered by unfavourable weather 3 conditions, which resulted in boat surveys not being conducted in Daru, and surveys being limited to riverine/inshore areas in Kikori. Despite this set-back, it was useful to get an idea of the region and boat availability, observe Orcaella, and be able to assess how future surveys would be designed. 3. Appropriateness The appropriateness of the approaches used in the development and implementation of the Activity Objective 1. Informal interviews were appropriate for these initial reconnaissance surveys, since IB and MG were new to the area, and a workshop had not yet been conducted to inform villagers of the objectives and project activities. WWF had arranged for a local boat driver and crew from the Kikori/Goari region, which significantly assisted with informal interviews since the boat driver already knew the majority of villagers in this area. Objective 2. Undertake reconnaissance boat surveys for Orcaella (and associated marine mammals) in the Kikori Delta region of PNG; and investigate the feasibility of conducting line-transect surveys and biopsy sampling. The reconnaissance surveys were appropriate for these surveys, since neither IB or MG had previously been to the area, and were not familiar with the style of boat to be used, geography of the area, or apparent distribution of dolphins in the delta. Surveys were hindered by unfavourable weather, which prevented appropriate surveys in calm sea conditions. However, the reconnaissance survey has provided adequate information on the region and logistics to design dedicated surveys to be conducted in January 2012. Boat survey time in Kikori was reduced because of the long transit time from Port Moresby to Kikori. The Kikori Airport was closed for repairs, and so rather than a one-hour flight from Port Moresby, it took three days to get to Kikori via Moro. Additional time for travel delays and flight cancellations will be built into future survey schedules and planning. 4. Effectiveness The degree to which the Activity has effectively met its stated objectives Objective 1. Both informal interviews and identification of skeletal material effectively met the stated objectives. It was however disappointing not to locate more skeletal material, particularly an Orcaella skull. Initial discussions with villagers from both Daru and Kikori indicated that local people are eager to assist with the carcass recovery program to learn more about marine mammals in their region. Objective 2. As a result of poor weather conditions, the boat surveys did not met the stated objectives of observing humpback and bottlenose dolphins and dugong. However, Orcaella were sighted, which was the primary species of interest for these 4 reconnaissance surveys. Interview reports indicate that dolphins are commonly sighted around the Kikori Delta region, so this area will be a focus for future surveys. 5. Communication How results will be communicated to management The results will be communicated through the following: -- submission of final project report to Department of Environment and Conservation, WWF-Melanesia Program and the National Research Institute of Papua New Guinea -- submission of final project report to OilSearch, who assisted with survey logistics -- submission of final project report to Exxon PNG, to inform management of the importance of dolphins in the region when planning to place the LNG pipeline along the Omati River section of the Kikori Delta -- development of an educational brochure/leaflet on marine mammals in the Kikori Delta for distribution to village heads and villagers at local workshops (January 2012) -- submission of a manuscript entitled ‘marine mammals of Papua New Guinea’ to a peer-reviewed journal -- submission of an article in a popular magazine regarding ‘marine mammals of PNG’ 6. Financial Account of the Activity To be provided by James Cook University 5 Project Approvals