CONSERVATION of CETACEANS in NORTH ARABIAN SEA, ALONG the BALOCHISTAN COAST Rab Nawaz and Muhammad Moazzam WWF-Pakistan Karachi

Home , Karachi Dolphins, Kund Malir, Miani Hor

CONSERVATION OF CETACEANS IN NORTH ARABIAN SEA, ALONG THE BALOCHISTAN COAST Rab Nawaz and Muhammad Moazzam WWF-Pakistan Karachi

Australian Marine Mammal Centre (AMMC) Australian Marine Mammal Centre Australian Antarctic Division 203 Channel Highway Kingston Tasmania 7050

Final Report

Title:

CONSERVATION OF CETACEANS IN NORTH ARABIAN SEA, ALONG THE BALOCHISTAN COAST

Pakistan Chief Investigator:

Mr. Rab Nawaz, Director Sindh WWF-Pakistan 606-608, Fortune Centre Shahrah-e-Faisal PECHS Block 6 Karachi, Pakistan UAN: 92 (0) 21 111993725 Tel: 92 (0) 21 34544791 Fax: 92 (0) 21 34544790 Email: [email protected]

Pakistan Co-Chief Investigator:

Mr. Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor (Marine Fisheries) WWF-Pakistan 606-608, Fortune Centre Shahrah-e-Faisal PECHS Block 6 Karachi, Pakistan UAN: 92 (0) 21 111993725 Tel: 92 (0) 21 34544791 Fax: 92 (0) 21 34544790 Email: [email protected]

Activity Period: July 2010 to June 2013

Table of contents

S. No. Contents Page No. 1. Project progress and objectives achieved 3 2. Milestones and timeframes met 39 3. Delays affecting project 40 4. Budget 41 5. Current Balance of Account 42 6. Income and expenditure statement 43 7. Appendix-I 44 8. Appendix-II 45 9. Appendix-III 46

Project progress and objectives achieved

List of the Project Objectives:

• Identify marine cetacean species and hotspots off Balochistan coast • Collect important baseline data on the seasonal distribution, habitat use and conservation needs ofcetaceans in coastal areas of Balochistan • Estimate population abundance of species and areas • Assess the cetaceans stranding on Balochistan coast and investigate causative factors • Liaise with stakeholder communities to collaborate on knowledge and findings • Identify marine cetacean corridors/hotspot and habitat on Balochistan coast that needs conservation measures. • Increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of marine cetaceans and habitat and their conservation needs in the local population. • Capacity building of local communities, government officials and students to become involved in cetacean conservation • Develop an Action Plan for Cetacean Conservation on Balochistan coast based on the study results • Identify suitable site for declaration as marine cetacean protected area • Strengthen cooperation between stakeholders at local, regional and national level through establishment of a platform

The degree to which the Activity has achieved each of the objective

Objective-1.Identify marine cetacean species and hotspots off Balochistan coast

Cetacean Species

As a first part of the project, a protocol for identification of marine cetaceans found along the Balochistan was prepared. Beach and boat surveys were carried out along the coast for the identification of the cetacean. A total of 18 species of the cetacean were observed or reported from Balochistan coast. Initially a draft document was prepared for help in the surveys that were carried out along Balochistan which was later on compiled in form of a poster which is widely distributed amongst various stakeholders. This poster is made available to fisheries officers, NGOs, CBOs, school, colleges and universities as well as to research institutions, conservation bodies and print and electronic media. The poster is being widely appreciated as it is first of its kind dealing with any marine animal. In this poster, one species of freshwater blind dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor) found in the River Indus to make the poster wider utility. This poster is being distribution in other national institutions and bodies. The poster is made a part of the report and abridged version is attached as Appendix-I to this report.

The survey revealed that along the shallow waters of Balochistan coast, two species dominating which includes Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) which is commonly found mainly in bays, creeks, lagoons and along the shallow waters of the coast. There is resident population observed in Miani Hor, Kalmat Khor and along Jiwani mangrove area. Females with calves were observed in Minai Horn d at the mouth of Dashat River near Jiwani. Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) is another shallow water species found along the coast of Pakistan but having much less density. Because of their distribution in shallow waters, these two species are more prone to human activities in shallow coastal waters. Fishing operations and pollution are considered two major factors which affect population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and finless porpoise inhabiting shallow waters. Ship and boat (mainly fishing vessels) traffic interfere with the distribution and abundance of two species.

In the offshore waters of Balochistan three species i.e. spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) seems to be most dominating mostly forming large schools. It may be pointed out that in case of bottlenose dolphins, there are evidences that oceanic congener (Tursiops truncates) occurs in offshore waters but no distinction has been made in two species because of difficulty in their field identification. Other dolphin species encountered frequently in Balochistan waters are long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis), rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis),striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) are also found in the offshore waters but these are less abundant therefore, encountered on rare occasions.

Regarding whales, a number of species were observed and reported from Balochistan coast. The most common whale observed in the area was Arabian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) which are found in shallow coastal waters to offshore. Arabian Sea subpopulationisconsidered to be geographically, demographically and genetically isolated, with a unique year-round residency in sub-tropical waters of the Arabian Sea. It is estimated that total population of this species in Oman to be about 82 and total population in the Arabian Sea to be between 250 and 400. It was observed to be present in Balochistan waters throughout the year. Because limited scope of the project, total population occurring in Balochistan waters was not estimated, however, there presence round the year may indicate a healthy population in the area.

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is possibly the second most dominating species of whale in Balochistan. A number of sightings were made from the area and a number of strandings were also observed. Most of the species observed and sighted were observed to be smaller size and it is presumed that they belonged to the pygmy race of blue whales.

Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) a number of strandings of this whale was observed during the study. A number of stranding reported previously attributed to fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are considered to be misidentification and now these are treated as Bryde’s whales. These of smallest of the baleen whale observed along the coast of Balochistan. Although rare in occurrence, strandings of this whale was observed along Balochistan coast.

Among the toothed whale, Physeter macrocephalus (sperm whale) was reported to be strand on the coast of Balochistan on a number of occasions. One live sperm whale was beached at Ormara which was successfully released. Pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), dwarf sperm whale (Kogia simus), killer whale (Orcinus orca), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) and Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) have 7

also been reported from Balochistan but during the project period no sightings were made or strandings were reported.

Objective-2.Cetaceans Hotspot along Balochistan coast

Waters of Balochistan including both coastal and offshore are known to be rich in cetacean diversity. However, there are some hotspots where some cetacean species can be found in considerable abundance. There are some areas along Balochistan coast where some cetacean species can be observed throughout the year whereas there are areas where cetacean species congregate during a particular season (Fig. 1). Information pertaining to the hotspots along the coast from Balochistan are given as under:

Fig. 1 Cetacean Hotspots along Balochistan Coast

Miani Hor

This lagoon is located along the eastern part of Balochistan coast. It is comparatively deeper lagoon having a depth of about more than 20 m at some places. This lagoon seems to be a heaven for Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). WWF- Pakistan as part of this project, also supported another project which was implemented by a local CBO (Sonmiani Development Organization) aiming inter alia to assess the population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin in the Miani Hor lagoon (funded by Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong). The study revealed that total resident population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin in this lagoon is estimated to be between 60 and 80. Information about the population exchange with population inhabiting outside in the Sonminai Bay.

Within the Minai Hor lagoon, there are areas where Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin were observed to concentrate which includes area of Gut which is located near the entrance of lagoon (on southwestern side) whereas area near outfall of Titian River is main concentration centre. In these two places these dolphins are found in large or small 9

schools. In addition, a single or two specimens in most part of the lagoon especially along Damb and Bera villages.

Miani Hor is also home of finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) which can be seen mainly near the entrance of the lagoon.

Churna Island

Churna Island is located on the eastern part of the Balochistan coast. It was observed under the project and also previously known that the area north of this island is heaven for cetaceans including both whales and dolphins. The area was observed to teemed with spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Schools of these species can be located in this area frequently especially during post monsoon period (October through March). Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), in small schools, are also of common occurrence in the area. Individual or small groups of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), long- beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) and finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) can also be seen along the coast in the area.

The area north of Churna Island is well known for occurrence of Arabian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Individuals and pods consisting of 2 to 5 have been frequently noticed in the area. Arabian humpback whale breaching, lobtailing and flipper slapping are observed in the area on many occasion. Other whales including blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) and Physeter macrocephalus (sperm whale) are also reported from the area. Churna Island can be considered as one of the most important hotspot for cetaceans along Balochistan coast.

Astola Island

Astola Island is located about 23 km from Pasni which is uninhibited like Churna Island. Area around Astola Island is known for its rich diversity of cetaceans. Schools of spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) are commonly encountered in the area. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) are also commonly found in the area. In addition, humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), in small pods can be observed around Astola Island. Occurrence of killer whale (Orcinus orca), dwarf sperm whale (Kogia simus) and false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) are reported from the area.

Gwader-Ganz Area

This area is located south-western part of Gwader and stretched from Gwader (East bay) to Pushukan and extending to Ganz. It is known to be rich in occurrence of 10

cetacean (both dolphins and whales). Schools of spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) are commonly observed in the area. Some schools may be very large consisting of few hundredsto thousands specimens. During a survey conducted under the project in December 2012 a school of more than 5,000 spinner dolphin was observed south of Pushukan/Gwader. Small schools, pair or individuals of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) are regularly observed in comparatively shallower waters of the area between Gwader (Demi Zur) and Ganz. Because of increased fishing in the Gwader (Pedi Zur) a number of dead dolphins mainly Indo-pacific humpback dolphin, spinner dolphin and finless porpoise were observed to strand in the area.

On a number of occasions, Arabian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in single or in pair were observed/recorded from the area. In addition, blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) and Physeter macrocephalus (sperm whale) are also reported from the area.

In addition to the hotspots, cetaceans (both whales and dolphins) are frequently reported from Gaddani, Sapat, Phor, Kund Malir, Ormara (Demi and Pedi Zur), Taq, Kalmat Khor, RasShumal Bundar, Darran and Jiwani.

Objective-3.Collect important baseline data on the seasonal distribution, habitat use and conservation needs ofcetaceans in coastal areas of Balochistan

In Balochistan, there is no formal system of recording of any information on cetacean, therefore, Forest and Wildlife Department and Department of Fisheries, Government of Balochistan do not have any documented records with respect tocetaceans’ population, habitat use, and their seasonal variation in the area. In the absence of any baseline data, the project relied on the information provided by fishermen and local residents of the coastal areas. Although the information is subjective and based mainly on the memory, therefore, it reliability is questionable, however, the feedback collected from these informal sources was cross-checked with all the possibly availablesecondary sources and expert views. Efforts were also made to verify the collectedinformation through land based surveys of identified sites.

During the project period, a total of 250 fishermen were randomly interviewed in the region between Jiwani and Bundewari (in Lasbela District) through semi-structured interview pattern. In-depth information was alsocollected through informal discussion from knowledgeable fishermen around theidentified cetacean species and hotspots. Fishermen view on possible measures for conservation of cetaceans along the Balochistan coast.

The information gathered from the fishermen and local residents of the coastal area is synthesize as under:

Species identification:

Local knowledge about cetacean species seems to be good because fishermen and local population can identify major groups of cetaceans and have different names some of them are species specific. Local names being used by fishermen and by coastal communities are listed in Table-I.

Table-I. List of species found along Balochistan coast having distinct local names

S. No. Scientific Names English Name Local Name 1. Megaptera novaeangliae Arabian humpback Karambo/lee-arh whale 2. Balaenoptera musculus Blue whale Lee-arh 3. Balaenoptera brydei Bryde's whale Lee-arh/abra 4. Physete rmacrocephalus Sperm whale Lee-arh 5. Neophocaena phocaenoides Finless porpoise Tabi 6. Sousa chinensis Indo-Pacific Gokin humpback dolphin 7. Stenella longirostris Spinner dolphin Aydi, gokin 8. Stenella attenuata Pantropical spotted Gokin dolphin 12

9. Tursiops aduncus Indo-Pacific Gokin bottlenose dolphin 10. Delphinus capensis Long-beaked Gokin/hum common dolphin 11. Steno bredanensis Rough-toothed Gokin/hum dolphin 12. Stenella coeruleoalba Striped dolphin Gokin 13. Grampus griseus Risso’s dolphin Khaddatabi

Seasonal Distribution:

According to the local knowledge and observation, dolphin and whales are commonly found throughout the year. The dolphins are however, reported to be more common during summer months whereas whales are more common during post monsoon period.Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) are reported to found in shallow coastal waters and in near shore environment during most part of the year, however, these seems to be more common also during post monsoon periods which is attributed by fishermen and coastal communities to their easy observation during calm period whereas their detection is difficult during summer months because of rough sea conditions.

Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) are reported to have a similar distribution pattern except that this species is now becoming rare. According to the local knowledge finless porpoises are more common in bays and lagoons as compared to areas facing open sea conditions.

Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) are reported to be more common during winter months. These were observed to forming large schools during this period. Their frequent bow riding behavior was observed during post monsoon period, however, they seldom bow ride during summer months. Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) was observed in both bays and open coastline during December and April whereas rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) were rarely reported to occur in offshore waters during February to April. A few fishermen reported occurrence of Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) during March to May.

According to fishermen and residents of the coastal area, baleen whales also occur throughout the year along the Balochistan coast, however, during summer these were not seen in shallow coastal waters. Arabian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was reported to be more common during November to May with their frequent occurrence along shallow coastal waters during December and March. Blue whale 13

(Balaenoptera musculus) and Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) also reported to be more common during winter months especially during January and March.

Behaviour and Habitat Use:

Fishermen and local population are quite observant of the behavior of cetaceans found along Balochistan coast. There are some misconceptions as well like most fishermen believe them to be aberrant fish which is not edible. Similarly they believe that whale through water in the air through their blowhole. They are aware that cetaceans are air breathers and dolphins feed upon fishes. Most are well aware that whales (baleen whales) feed on school of small fishes and shrimps. Surveys carried out during the project indicate that that only a few fishermen are aware about live bearing among cetaceans. However, none of the fishermen believe that cetaceans pup feeds upon mother milk.

Fishermen are well aware of the bow riding behavior of various dolphin species. According to them Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) bow ride in coastal areas and lagoon areas but usually they avoid fishing boats whereas Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) regularly bow ride on fishing boats and large vessels. Fishermen are also aware of spinning, jumping, playing and other social behavior of dolphins.

Fishermen also familiar with whales and aware of their feeding and other social behaviours. A few cases were reported during which whales swim along the fishing boats for very long period. They also familiar with breaching, lobtailing and flipper slapping of baleen whales. The fishermen are also aware that whale are inhabitant of comparatively deeper waters and they come near to coastline only when sardinellas anchovies and other fishes congregates.

Conservationneeds:

Coastal communities and fishermen are well aware for the need of protection of cetaceans. There is general believe among themselves that the population of whales and dolphins has shrunk during the past three decades. They attribute it mainly to overfishing, use of harmful gears especially trawling in Balochistan, mortality in gillnets and also because of shrinkage in quantity of small pelagics. Fishermen generally consider cetaceans to be a scared animals and its killing is considered to be a bad omen. However, fishermen use the meat of finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) as a preferred bait for catching sharks. Usually they prefer to use stale meat of finless porpoise if one is found dead on the beach or in the fishing gears. Sporadic cases of deliberate killing of finless porpoises have also been reported but this not generally liked by other fishermen not engaged in such fishing. Meat of no other 14

cetacean is used for the purpose. This fishery of shark was confined to Ormara, Pushukan and Jiwani, hoever, it has practically died down because of decrease in population of large sharks as well as getting better return from Indian mackerel fishery. Most of the shark fishermen are now full-time engaged in catching of Indian mackerel using monofilament net.

There is believe in some coastal communities that fat/oil from dolphins is a remedy for arthritis and knee pain, therefore, there are reported from coastal towns like Minai Hor and Ormara where Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) are deliberately killed for obtaining fat. However, such instances are very rare and generally not liked by other fishermen.

The fishermen are well aware that dolphins feed upon other fishes, therefore, they avoid placing their nets in the area where schools of dolphins are observed or frequented. Another reason for avoidance of dolphins (or whales) is because of entanglements in the nets and fishing gears and depredation by dolphins. While saving the nets fishermen used to kill any cetaceans (including both whales and dolphins), if found alive. A campaign initiated under this project and as usual activity of WWF-Pakistan, major fishermen communities are now aware the importance of cetaceans and their conservation. There are a number of instances in recent past when fishermen scarified their nets in effort for releasing enmeshed cetaceans. In addition, fishermen joined hand with conservation bodies, NGOs and CBOs in their effort to successfully releasing of live beached cetaceans.

The information gathered from fishermen, however, cannot be used for quantities assessment, therefore, there is no tangible baseline that has been established for the project and information based on memory and local knowledge was considered subjective.

Objective-4.Estimate population abundance of species and areas

Shore-based fixed elevated platforms such as hilltops, cliffs, building etc at Jiwani, Daran, Gawatar Bay and Ganz were used to identify cetaceans species, estimate their group size and study their behaviour and ecology with the naked eye and/or with the aid of binoculars. A Village Conservation Committee (VCCs) is established in each of the major locality such as Jiwani, Darran, Gwadar, Surbandar, Pasni and Ormara. These VCCs are responsible for providing relevant information on a washed up cetaceans, un-usual sighting of cetaceans, cetaceans mortality etc. from their respective areas. Relative abundance of cetaceans were studied in some identified hotspots through boat transect surveys.

Based on the surveys an estimate of the population of each species in the hotspots and along Balochistan coast has been made (Table-II). However, these figures may be considered as tentative and require further studies and detailed survey of these hotspots and other areas along Balochistan coast.

Table-II. Tentative population estimates of cetaceans along Balochistan coast.

Scientific Names MianiHor Churna Astola Gwader- Balochistan Remarks Island Island Ganz area coast BALEEN WHALES Megaptera - 20 15 30 60 novaeangliae (Arabian humpback whale) Balaenoptera - 10 8 15 40 musculus (Blue whale) Balaenoptera brydei - 10 8 20 45 (Bryde’s whale) Balaenoptera - - - - - Records physalus (Fin whale) from Pakistan uncertain Balaenoptera - - - - - Records borealis (Sei whale) from Pakistan uncertain Balaenoptera - - - - - Records acutorostrata (Minke from whale) Pakistan uncertain TOOTH WHALES/DOLPHINS Physete - 10 10 8 40 rmacrocephalus (Sperm whale) Kogia sima (Dwarf - 8 8 5 30 sperm whale) Kogia - 8 8 5 30 16

breviceps(Pygmy sperm whale) Orcinus orca (Killer - - 5 5 15 whale) Pseudorca - 5 5 5 20 crassidens (False killer whale) Ziphius - ? ? ? 5 cavirostris(Cuvier’s beaked whale) Peponocephala - ? ? ? ? Records electra (Melon- from headed whale) Pakistan uncertain Globicephala - ? ? ? ? Records macrocephalus (Pilot from whale) Pakistan uncertain Neophocaena 15 20 20 30 120 phocaenoides (finless porpoise) Sousa chinensis 70 50 60 75 400 (Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin) Stenella longirostris - 5,000 8,000 20,000 50,000 (Spinner dolphin) Stenella attenuate - 500 800 1,500 3,000 (Pantropical spotted dolphin) Tursiops aduncus - 5,000 8,000 12,000 45,000 (Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin) Tursiops truncates - 2,000 5,000 10,000 25,000 (Common bottlenose dolphin) Delphinus capensis - 4,000 6,000 12,000 30,000 (Long-beaked common dolphin) Steno bredanensis - 500 500 700 3,000 (Rough-toothed dolphin) Stenella coeruleoalba - 600 700 1,000 4,500 (Striped dolphin) Grampus griseus - 20 30 20 100 (Risso’s dolphin) Others - 50 60 80 200

The information given in Table-II compiled on the basis of information collected during the boat/beach surveys, strandings and information gathered through local knowledge. There are no two opinions that coastal area of Balochistan especially some of the identified hotspots are rich in diversity of whales and dolphins, however, verification of the figures is required to be done through regular and detailed survey of the waters of 17

Balochistan. Till concrete data about cetaceans from the area is collected and made available, the data given in this final report may be used with cautions.

Objective-5.Assess the cetaceans stranding on Balochistan coast and investigate causative factors

In order to enumerate the cetacean starndings, a series of survey trips was conducted in almost all the accessible beaches along the coast of Balochistan. In most cases, these surveys were conducted using standard beach survey techniques. On these surveys although n necropsies were conducted on the dead stranded animals but all animals found dead were photographed, sexed (if possible) and measured. In some cases tissue samples (mainly skin, muscle and blubber) were collected for DNA and toxicological studies in the future. The samples were preserved in 90% ethanol whereas dry tissues (including bone fragments and teeth) were stored in Ziploc plastic bags as voucher specimen. A list of the specimens examined during the Project period is given in Table-III. A few photographs of the dead cetaceans are also given (Fig. 2-

Table-III. Details of the stranded cetaceans examined along Balochistan coast during the Project Period (2010-2013)

Species Date Body Location Possible Area recorded length Cause of (feet) Death Sperm Whale 24-06-2011 34.8’ N- 25' 01. 548 Unknown Darran E- 061' 47.484 beach Jiwani Finless porpoise 15/10/2011 4.3’ N: 25.07.52.31 Caught in gill West E: 62.19.09.53 net Gwadar Finless porpoise 15/10/2011 4.2’ N: 25.08.01.78 Caught in gill West E: 62.19.10.21 net Gwadar Finless porpoise 15/10/2011 2.2’ N: 25.07.1761 Caught in gill West baby E: 62.19.03.06 net Gwadar Bottle Nose 15/10/2011 6.5’ N: 25.08.04.41 Caught in gill Pasni Dolphin E: 62.19.10.31 net Humpback 15/10/2011 5.2’ N: 25.09.58.83 Unknown West dolphin E: 62.18.40.16 Gwadar Humpback 20/10/2011 6.7’ N: 25.06.34.14 Caught in gill GUNZ dolphin E: 61.54.51.50 net Common dolphin 20/10/2011 5.4’ N: 25.06.27.24 body was GUNZ E: 61.54.15.65 decomposed Bottlenose 22/05/2012 8.6’ N: 25.15.007 Red tide West bay dolphin E:064.35.506 Ormara Bottlenose 22/05/2012 7.3’ N: 25.15.604 Red tide West bay dolphin E: 064.34.631 Ormara Bottlenose 22/05/2012 13.2’ N: 25.14.308 Red tide West bay dolphin E: 064.36.312 Ormara Bottlenose 31/12/2012 4.5’ N’ 25˚06.56. Caught in gill Jiwani dolphin E’ 061˚45.868 net Finless porpoise 13/12/2012 4.7’ N: 25.12.370 Unknown East Bay, E: 064.38.313 Ormara

Fig. 2. Bottlenose dolphin found dead at Jiwani on 31-12-2012

Fig. 3. Finless porpoise found dead at Ormara (East Bay) on 13-12-2012 (left) and Indo- Pacific humpback dolphin found dead at Jiwani on 12-06-2012

Fig. 4. Dead bottlenose at Jiwani examined in May, 2012

Fig.5 A beached Risso’s Dolphin at Ganz

Fig. 6. A beached Bryde’s Whale at Gwader (West Bay)

Fig. 7. Skeltel remains of cetaceans collected from the beaches/beached specimens

Fig. 8 Baleen and skull of cetaceans collected fromm the beachess/beached specimens

Fig. 7 Sample being collected from beached specimens 23

In addition to dead cetaceans, a few occasions live cetaceans were observed to beached, mainly on sandy beaches. Information about these strandings were recorded and all out efforts were made to get whale or dolphin rescued and released. It is heartening that none of the rescued cetacean was returned. Except in one case prior to project execution (in 2009) a school of Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) got beached at Gaddani (Eastern Balochistan). With the help of local resident and fishermen, this school was successfully rescued. Prior to execution of the Project, the cetacean which got entrapped on the beaches were left there to die, however, awareness campaign launched by WWF-Pakistan fishermen and resident of coastal area now pool their meager resources and get the cetacean rescued. Table-IV lists reports of live cetacean entrapped on beaches and successfully rescued.

Table-IV. Reports of Live Cetaceans rescued from Balochistan coast

Species Location Numbers Status Remarks Sperm whale Pasni 1 Successfully rescued Arabian Ormara 1 Successfully Pakistan Navy humpback rescued assistance whale sought Sperm whale Ganz 1 Successfully rescued Humpback Ganz 1 Successfully Fishermen whale rescued scarified their nets Long-beaked Gwader 1 Successfully common rescued dolphin

In some of the recent instances, fishermen have struggled for about 6 to 8 hours to rescue the Arabian humpback whale rescued at Ganz on 5 December, 2012. This poor animal was got entrapped in a bottom set gillnet for sting rays and other demersal fishes at a depth of about 24 m. During the struggle the whale got entangled in the net and could not get herself released. Fishermen had left no option to dislodge the net from the bottom and dragged it to nearest beach at Ganz.

Once on the sandy shore, fishermen started cutting the net to release the Arabian humpback whale. During this process, the water was sprayed on the body of the whale to keep its skin moist and also ensure that its blowhole remains out of water and no one should put water in it. By the time the net was loosen enough for the whale to escape, it was already low tide. The fishermen remained with the whales till late in the night 24 when tide became high enough when this Arabian humpback whale made its way to deep sea bringing a sigh of relief for fishermen.

Description of this event of successful release of a whale in fishermen is indicative of the efforts of fishermen as well as effectiveness of the awareness programme launched under this project.

Fig. 8 Sperm whale being rescued at Pasni

Fig. 9 Arabian humpback whale rescued in December, 2012 at ganz 25

Fig. 10 Long-beak common dolphin being rescued at Gwader

Fig. 11 Long-beak common dolphin being rescued at Gwader

Fig. 12 Long-beak common dolphin being rescued at Gwader

It is not easy to determine the cause of mortality or beaching of cetaceans, however, all efforts were made to determine the reason that led to the event. The study revealed that coastal species such as Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, finless porpoises, bottlenose dolphins are most vulnerable for beaching because of their interaction with coastal fisheries, pollution or because of disorientation. In most cases the mortality of cetaceans can be attributed to their negative fisheries interactions especially enmeshment in fishing gears. The data collected during the study revealed that there are 22 % cases in which mortality was resulted because of entrapment in the fishing nets. Other causes identified included ship strikes (2%) and live strandings (2%), however, cause of death could not be determined for remaining 74% dead cetaceans.

Objective-6.Liaise with stakeholder communities to collaborate on knowledge and findings

Close liaison was maintained with all major stakeholders including Government agencies such as Balochistan Forests and Wildlife Department, the Balochistan Fisheries Department and the local governmental departments. In the surveys for the dolphins and whales support of the government agencies especially Fisheries Department is highly appreciate especially for making their patrolling and other vessels for such surveys. Coastal communities including fishermen played an important role in the execution of this project. Most of the surveys were conducted with participation of the representatives of the government departments and the NGOs. The local NGO at Sonmiani was actively involved in beach surveys and holding an awareness raising workshop for the local fishermen. Fishermen, in particular have shared their traditional knowledge about whales and dolphins, their abundance, behaviours and interaction of fisheries. Exhaustive sessions were held with leading fishermen in coastal villages (Fig.XXX) to seek relevant information on cetaceans occurring the area.

Fig. 13. Discussions held with fishermen of Kund Malir 28

Fig. 14. Meeting with local elites discussing about cetaceans of Balochistan

Some of the local community organizations have been motivated to initiate conservation programme on their own levels. These organizations especially Sonmiani Development Organization, Village Conservation Committee Kund Malir and Coastal Association for Research and Development have specially contributed to the project by making the information about cetaceans especially about their strandings in some remote areas.

The project has provided a forum for close working relationship between various stakeholders. In order to rescue stranded cetaceans, almost all government and non- government organizations and individuals have actively participated and made these rescue operation successful. There is now a strong linkage between these stakeholders through liaison activities initiated under the project. 29

Objective-7. Identify marine cetacean corridors/hottspot and habitat on Balochistan coast that needs conservation measures.

Although dolphins and whales are found all along thhe Balochistan coast, however, there are four areas along this about 800 miles stretch which can be referred to as hotspots for cetaceans. These areas have either permanently residing populations of a particular species or may have regular visitor species or locating in the migrating routes. Species specific hotspot may be considered as Miani Hor lagoon which has a permanent resident population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. In Kalmat Khor lagoon, there is also a smaller resident population of same species. Along the open coastline, there are many areas that can be referred as cetaceans hotspots, however, Churna Island, Astola Island and area between Gwader (East Bay) and Ganz can be regarded as main areas where both whales and dolphins in comparatively large numbers can be encountered. A major population of the spinner dolphin is found between Pasni and Ganz. In this area school of this dolphins can be regular spotted. Some of these schools are considered to have a few thousands of spinner dolphins. In December 2012, a school comprising of about 5,000 spinner dolphins were observed and filmed at Gwader-Ganz area.

Fig. 15. A large dolphin school located off Balochistan (Photo courtesy Rupert Ormond)

The hotspots identified are not located near large cities and are not exposed to any serious pollution threats, however, because of the confined lagoon like nature of Miani Hor with a small fishing town of Damb make this hotspot vulnnerable. Similarly Churna Island is located on the southern part of the Sonmiani Bay which has a major shimp 30

breaking industry based at Gaddani. The pollution generating from this area may pose a threat to the marine biota including cetaceans. Gwader-Ganz hotspot is located in the vincinty of developing town of Gwader. A newly established port and growing city in Gwader may become a source of pollution and habitat loss at this hotspot.

Balochistan coast is located in the proximity of the world largest oil trade route. Tankers from Persian Gulf carrying crude and refined oil pass through Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea which is adjacent to Balochistan coast making the area vulnerable to oil pollution. Although there is no recod of a major oil spill along Balochistan coast, however, possibility of occurrence of such a event cannot be overruled.

In order to cope with any future threat to the marine environment along Balochistan coast especially in the cetacean hotspot areas, there is a need to develop a contingency plan involving both federal, provincial and local government. Coastal areas upto a distance of 12 n. miles from the coastline and internal waters including coastal lagoons falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial governments whereas area beyond 12 n. miles is with the purview of federal government. Provincial Government agencies like Balochistan Environmnetal Protection Agency (BEPA) is responsbile for the development of the contingency plan for the coastal area of Balochistan whereas other line Ministries/Departments like balochistan Fisheries Department, Balochistan Coastal Development Authority, balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department and Gwader Port Authority may be taken on board for such a contingency plan. Federal agencies like Maritime Security Agency, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Coast Guard and Ministry of Port of Shipping are also required to be included in such as plan because of the resouces available with these agnecies in dealing with pollution related issues.

Objective-8. Increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of marine cetaceans and habitat and their conservation needs in the local population.

In order create awareness about cetaceans among coastal communities, a number of activities were arranged at local levels. The main intention was to make communities including fishermen aware of the importance of cetaceans in marine ecosystem, their interaction to fisheries and other economic activities, disparage the misconception about cetaceans and for seeking their help in conservation of these important marine animals. For the creation of awareness, assistance was sought from Government agencies Balochistan Fisheries Department, Balochistan Coastal Development Authority and Balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department. Support was also obtained from other conservation organizations including IUCN and CBOs such as Coastal Association of Research and Development (CARD), Sonmiani Development Organization, Village Conservation Committee Kund Malir and Gwader Education and Welfare Society (GEWS).

Fig. 16. Awareness lecture on cetacean conservation being delivered at primary school in Kund Malir

The awareness programmes were conducted in community centres, schools and meeting places in coastal village and town. The programmes included presentations and activities on importance of marine cetaceans in marine ecosystem, formation of 32 cetacean volunteer group in fishermen for sighting/rescuing of live and washed up cetaceans as well as taking community supported actions against deliberate violators of any conservation activity. Detail about threats from fishing activities and conservation initiatives taken by WWF Pakistan are also made available to participants of the awareness sessions. In addition a “marine cetaceans education corner” was developed in the Jiwani Information and Conservation Center of WWF-Pakistan under this project.

Fig, 17. Awareness session under in Gaddani for fishermen of Sonmiani area

Fig: 18. Displays on marine cetaceans added to JICC of WWF Pakistan 33

In order to widen the scope, fishermen were access through popular radio programmes. Local religious leaders (Imams) were involved in conveying messages of conservation of marine animals especially cetacean. In addition, messages are frequently conveyed through wireless messages to fishermen operating in offshore waters. Some larger fishing boats have wireless system onboard. Some of these fishermen reported presence of whale and dolphins in their fishing areas.

Fig. 18. Awareness session held in Gwader on 16 December, 2012

Fig. 19 Awareness message conveyed through wireless to other fishing boats in Gwader 34

Fig. 20 Awareness message conveyed throughh wireless to other fishing boats in Gwader

Objective-9.Capacity building of local communities, government officials and students to become involved in cetacean conservation

Coastal especially fishermen are involved through this project for conservation of cetaceans. Although broader part of the awareness programme all stake holders including fishermen, teachers, student, government official have been made aware of the need for conservation of the cetaceans for which they have been provided with necessary information about whales and dolphins. Since most of the fishermen are illiterate, therefore, they have been provided information through displays and other pictorial material.

Fig.21 Capacity building of local communities of Balochistan.

Fig. 22. Capacity building of students and teacher at Kund Malir 36

Government officials of Fisheries Department, Forest and Wildlife departments have specifically provided basis training for conservation of cetaceans especially information required for rescue and release of live cetaceans. A programme for training of students and teacher was also conducted and students from primary and secondary schools and teachers from local educational institutions were also provide training for conservation of cetaceans. It is worth mentioning that because of the efforts of the project all live whales or dolphins that were stranded were successfully released. These rescue operations generally involve all major stake holders.

Objective-10. Develop an Action Plan for Cetacean Conservation on Balochistan coast based on the study results

WWF-Pakistan has already working for development of an action plan for cetacean conservation plan for Pakistan. In this context, a draft action plan was developed by the project consultant Prof. Mauvis Gore, University of Millport. The results of the project provided an impetus for finalization of this plan. Considering that both provincial and federal government will be involved in the development and implementation of the action plan, therefore, it was considered necessary that the action plan for cetaceans may not be restrictive to Balochistan and it may including province of Sindh as well so that it may have wider coverage and acceptability.

Fig. 23 Workshop to discuss Action plan for conservation of cetaceans held in Karachi.

The draft Plan of Action was discussed with relevant Government Departments informally and a workshop of major stakeholders was arranged in Karachi on 22 may, 2013. The project, WWF-Pakistan, National Centre for Maritime Policy and Research, Bahria University (NCMPR) and Pakistan Whales and Dolphin Society have sponsored holding of this workshop. Draft Action plan for conservation of Cetaceans and agenda of the workshop are annexed with this report. 38

Fig. 24 Inaugural session of the workshop to discuss Action plan for conservation of cetaceans held in Karachi

The workshop fully endorsed the draft action plan and recommended to include the protection of Indus blind dolphin in the list of protected species and urges to approach provincial governments of Sindh and Punjab to develop a separate plan for conservation of this rare freshwater dolphin. The workshop also stressed the need for early declaration of Marine Protected Areas at Miani Hor and Astola island at the earliest. It was also transpired that protection of cetacean may be provided under Wildlife Acts of Balochistan and Sindh including penalization of the violators. 39

Fig. 25 Technical session of the workshop to discuss Action plan for conservation of cetaceans held in Karachi.

Objective-11. Identify suitable site for declaration as marine cetacean protected area

It is ironic that despite Pakistan being a signatory of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) which requires the maritime nations to declare its 10 % marine environment as marine Protected areas (MPAs), there is no formal MPA in Pakistan. A small portion of Hingol National Park has coastline in Kund Malir Area but there seems to be no conservation programme for marine life in the area. Based on the information collected during the project, it seem appropriate that some areas of concentration of cetaceans may be considered for declaring them as Marine Protected Area.

Fig. 26 Map of Miani Hor being a hotspot of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin may deserve to be a MPA

Considering that all four hotspots are equally important from conservation point of view but declaring all of these seems to not possible at this stage. WWF-Pakistan has, therefore, proposed to the Government declaring Miani Hor as first MPA in Pakistan. One of the prime reason for selection of this site as priority is the presence of a localized population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. WWF-Pakistan is developing necessary information including developing a biodiversity profile of the Miani Hor so that it may be declared as a Marine Protected Area. 41

Fig. 27. Map of Astola Island being a hotspot of many dolphins and whales may deserve to be a MPA

WWF-Pakistan has also proposed previously to declare Astola Island as MPA but because of the procedural issues and lack of biodiversity profile of the area, the matter could not be finalized. The information gathered through this project has provided further strength in developing a case of declaration of Astola Island as MPA. Similarly other hotspots may also be considered for MPA, after gathering further information about marine biota.

Objective-12.Strengthen cooperation between stakeholders at local, regional and national level through establishment of a platform

The project has enabled a close cooperation between various stakeholders. Since findings of the project were regularly shared with the stakeholders and all concerned with conservation and protection of marine animals, therefore, it has helped in development of close cooperation between them. Fishermen groups and community based organizations are now working harmoniously with concerned Government agencies in their conservation efforts.

Since all the concern provincial Fisheries Department, Balochistan Coastal Development Authority and Forest and Wildlife Department as well as local government have been involved in the execution of the project as well as their staff have been trained in rescue of whales and dolphins which resulted in further strengthening of the cooperation between these stakeholders.

WWF-Pakistan being a national conservation NGO has shared information with concerned federal departments including Ministry of Environment (dealing with issues related to CITES), Marine Fisheries Department, National institute of Oceanography, Port authorities and other department as well as academia. The active participation in the national workshop on Action Plan for Protection of Cetacean held in May, 2013 is a proof to improved cooperation between, local, regional and national level organizations.

2. Milestones and timeframes met

Identification of the Milestones and timeframes (and any performance indicators) met during the period to which the Report relate

Achieved: a. Agreement Signing: October 2010 b. Advertisement and staff hiring: Nov-Dec 2010 c. Office furnishing: January 2011 d. Survey work January-2011-December 2012 f. National Workshop May 2013 g. Closure of the project May 2013 44

3. Delays affecting project

A statement as to whether the timeframes for the Activity are being met and an explanation of any delays that have occurred, including the reasons for those delays and the action the Organisation proposes to take to address the delay and the expected effects (if any) the delay will have on the Activity (including subsequent Milestones and the overall completion of the Activity)

There was no bottleneck was encountered which affected project execution.

4. Budget

A statement as to whether the Activity is proceeding within Budget, and if it is not, an explanation of why the Budget is not being met and the action the Organisation proposes to take to address this)

Budget will be submitted after audit. 46

5. Current Balance of Account A statement of the balance of the Organisations account

Current Balance of Account will be submitted after audit.

6. Income and expenditure statement An income and expenditure statement for the Funds to date (and as compared with the Budget)

Income and expenditure statement will be submitted after audit.

APPENDIX-I

Poster of whale and dolphins of Pakistan

Appendix-II

Agenda of the national Workshop on Action Plan for Cetacean

WWF‐PAKISTAN/NCMPR‐BAHRIA UNIVVERSITY AND PWDS "NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGY FOR CETACEAN CONSERVATION IN PAKISTAN" 22nd May, 2013 Bahria University Auditorium, Karachi PROGRAMME

REGISTERATION 1. Registration WWF‐Pakistan 09:30‐10:00 INAUGURAL SESSION 1 Recitation from Holy Quran Bahriaa University 10:00‐10:05 2. Introduction to the workshop Muhammad Moazzam Khan 10:05‐10:15 WWF‐Pakistan 3. WWF‐Pakistan and cetacean conservation Rab Nawaz, WWF‐Pakistan 10:15‐10:25 4. Policy for marine resource conservation Vice Admiral (R.) Asaf Humayun, HI(M)‐ 10:25‐10:35 NCMPR 5. Speech of the Chief Guest (if any) 10:35‐10:45 6. Tea Break 10:45‐11:20 TECHNICAL SESSION‐I 1 Status of cetacean research in Pakistan Dr. Pirrzada Jamal Sidddiqui, CEMB 11:20‐11:40 2. Biodiversity and cetacean conservation in Pakistan Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, WWFF‐Pakistan 11:40‐12:00 3. Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin and ecotourism in Miani Masteer Abdul Rasheed, SDO 12:00‐12:20 Hor, Balochistan 4. Fisheries and cetacean interaction Muhammad Moazzam Khan 12:20‐12:40 Legislation for conservation of cetaceans in Pakistan‐ Hussian Bux Bhagat, 12:40‐12:50 Sindh Sindh WWildlife Department 5. Legislation for conservation of cetaceans in Pakistan‐ Mr. Taj Muhammad, Chief Conservator 12:50‐13:00 Balochistan of Forests, Balochistan 6. Implication of CITES on Cetaceans Mr. Umeed Khalid 13:00‐13:10 7. Lunch and Prayer Break 13:10‐14:00 TECHNICAL SESSION‐III 1 An assessment of whale strandings along Pakistan coast Shoaib Kiyani, IMS 14:00‐14:20 2. Dolphin standings along Balochistan coast‐An evaluation Abdul Rahim, WWFF‐Pakistan, Gwadar 14:20‐14:40 3 Cetacean remains: a tool for biodiversity evaluation Pervaiz Iqbal, CEMB 14:40‐15:00 4. IOTC and cetacean conservation Shauukat Hussain, MFD 15:00‐15:20 5. Conservation strategy for Indus blind dolphin Uzma Khan, WWF‐Pakistan 15:20‐15:40 6. Cetacean conservation strategy for Pakistan Rab Nawaz, WWF‐Pakistan 15:40‐16:00 7. Skype presentation/discussion Dr. MMauvis Gore 16:00‐16:10 9 An introduction to Pakistan Whale and Dolphin Society Muhammad Moazzam Khan, WWF‐ 16:10‐16:20 Pakiistan 8. Concluding remarks Vice Admiral (R.) Asaf Humayun, 16:20‐16:30 HI(M) NCMPR 10. Vote of Thanks Cdr. Muhammad Bashir, NCMPR 16:30‐16:40 11. Tea 16:40

APPENDIX-III

Draft Action Plan Prepared by Dr. Mauvis Gore, Millport University. DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP)

Spinner dolphins with the Cetacean Conservation Pakistan team off Ormara, Balochistan (Pakistan) (Photo: M Gore)

DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN

Prepared by Dr. Mauvis A Gore Marine Conservation International 5/6 Lang Rigg South Queensferry EH30 9WN UK [email protected]

Page 1 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page 1 Contents 2 1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND 3 1.1 Global Context 4 1.2 Regional Context 5 1.3 Objectives – What is the MCAPP intended to achieve? 7 1.4 Priorities 8 2. ISSUES AND ACTIONS 8 2.1 Fisheries Interactions 9 2.2 Habitat Degradation from Coastal and Watershed Development 12 2.3 Pollution and Marine Cetacean Health 13 2.4 Protected Areas and Other Management Regimes for Population Recovery 16 2.5 Research 17 2.6 Marine Cetacean Watching in the Wild and Associated Activities 19 2.7 Marine Cetacean Strandings 21 2.9 Acoustic Disturbance/Underwater Noise 23 2.10 Vessel Strikes 25

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1. INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

1 The marine cetaceans of Pakistan have ecological, economic, and aesthetic value to Pakistan and conserving the species will depend on Pakistan’s capacity to establish and implement priorities, standards and strategies for marine cetacean conservation and education. This Action Plan is aimed at assisting Pakistan in their efforts to develop marine cetacean conservation policies and practices. From recent work carried out by programmes including the Darwin Initiative Project “Cetacean Conservation Pakistan”, one porpoise, five dolphin and five whale species have been confirmed in the territorial waters of Pakistan.

2. Marine cetaceans are not clearly protected under current legislation in Pakistan, nor are they listed as internationally threatened species, or as Species of National Concern in the Biodiversity Action Plan Pakistan (1999). Although they are listed in the IUCN in the Red Data Book, only a passing reference is made to these species in the 3rd National Report (1994) on implementation of the CBD in Pakistan

3. There is still much that is not known of cetacean biology, behaviour, range and habitats in the Indian Ocean, but with the current knowledge generated through initiatives, an Action Plan can be prepared and updated as necessary as more information becomes available.

4. It is now standard practice to develop Action Plans for the conservation of threatened species. There have been several good examples of Action Plans produced for key areas, such as the New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Action Plan for 2005-2010 (Suisted & Neale, 2004), UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans for Maritime Species and Habitats (October 1999, Tranche 2, Vol. V, p31), and the UNEP Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Mammals (MMAP) in the wider Caribbean Region (2008). In addition, the current proposal, the Marine Cetacean Action Plan for Pakistan (MCAPP), benefits from and develops the work of a number of these. The MCAPP will:

Identify priorities for conservation management on species and related issues, Recommend and prioritise conservation actions to remedy deleterious causative factors,

Page 3 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP)

Identify and prioritise scientific needs, and

Identify areas of conflict between marine cetaceans and human populations and suggest actions to minimise these conflicts.

5. Protection measures, co-ordinated scientific research, and public awareness and education can assist in the conservation of marine cetacean populations. Effective and durable protection in the Indian Ocean off Pakistan requires co-operation with existing programmes and plans, as outlined below. The MCAPP outlines objectives, priority actions, and structures, and these components must be implemented together to succeed.

1.1 GLOBAL CONTEXT

6. Several species of marine cetaceans found in the marine environment of Pakistan are listed in Annex 1 to Article 64 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982). Under Article 65 of UNCLOS, international organisations are to “co- operate with a view to the conservation of marine cetaceans and in the case of cetaceans shall in particular work through the appropriate international organizations for their conservation, management and study.” Article 194(5) states that “measures must be taken to protect and preserve rare or fragile ecosystems as well as the habitat of depleted, threatened or endangered species”. Article 244(2) encourages States to “actively promote the flow of scientific data and information and the transfer of knowledge resulting from marine scientific research.”

7. The UNEP Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Management, and Utilization of Marine Mammals (1984) calls for governments to implement programmes to maintain and conserve marine cetaceans and their associated marine biodiversity.

8. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES, 1973, in force 1976) lists all of the baleen whales and the sperm whale in Appendix I as species in danger of extinction that are or may be threatened by trade, and these whale species are found in the waters off Pakistan. Most other small cetaceans that occur in Pakistan's waters are in Appendix II, as species that may become threatened with extinction unless trade is regulated.

Page 4 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP)

9. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS,

1979, also known as the Bonn Convention, in force in 1987) lists all great whales except for the Bryde’s whale on Appendix I as “endangered” and most small cetaceans on Appendix II, which means that their conservation would benefit significantly from international cooperation. The CMS provides a mechanism for the development of legally binding regional agreements on marine cetaceans. CMS also specifically addresses by-catch of marine cetaceans in South and South East Asia (Convention on CMS Rec. 7.2 Impl. of Res. 6.2 By-catch), and requests information particularly for cetaceans in South and South East Asia (CMS COP Res. 6.2 By-catch).

10. The Schedule of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the body created to implement the ICRW (1946), treats the baleen whales and the sperm whale as protected species. Some members do not recognize the IWC’s competence over small cetaceans. However, the IWC Scientific Committee’s Subcommittee on Small Cetaceans reviews the status of populations and strategies for addressing specific conservation problems facing them.

11. The large, commercially important baleen whales, the sperm whale, and some species and populations of small cetaceans are included in the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Animals (where “Threatened” includes Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable species). Humpback and sperm whales are listed as Vulnerable whereas the Bryde’s whale is considered as Data Deficient, meaning that insufficient information exists to assess its risk of extinction (owing in part to taxonomic difficulties, for example there are at least two species of Bryde’s whales).

12. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD/Rio Convention, (1992) is based on the need for global commitment to sustainable development. Marine cetaceans are not specifically listed, but the CBD identifies the sustainable use of marine and coastal living resources as one of its thematic areas of action. This agreement encourages regional and/or international cooperation in conserving and managing species and habitats, monitoring populations, and fostering public awareness.

1.2 REGIONAL CONTEXT

13. Earlier and recent surveys by different groups, including the Cetacean Conservation

Pakistan Project, have provided some data on species, range and habitat of marine

Page 5 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP) cetaceans along the coast of Pakistan. There is evidence now that some marine cetacean populations off Pakistan’s coast could be endangered. With this knowledge, an Action Plan can be prepared and updated as necessary as more information becomes available.

14. It is not clear if cetaceans are covered by The Balochistan Wild Life Protection Act

1974 (Balochistan Act No. XIX of 1974) as they are not listed explicitly. Similarly, it is not clear if cetaceans are covered under the term “game” (The Balochistan Gazette No. 64, 1974). Marine cetaceans are not listed in The Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972 (with Amendments up to June 01, 2001, printed 2003) (The Gazette of Pakistan, Extra., Dec 6, 1997). It is also not clear in The Gazette of Pakistan (Extra., June 30, 1998) if marine cetaceans have been declared as fish for the purposes of the act, which states under Act No. XXXV of 1997 Paragraph 2d that “fish means all aquatic animals of inland, marine and brackish water origin…”. This Act regulates quality and promotes export of fish and fishery products from Pakistan (The Gazette of Pakistan, Extra., June 30, 1998, Part II Statutory Notifications S.R.O. 739 (I)/98 under section 18 (I) of the Pakistan Fish Inspection and Quality Control Act, 1997). However, Paragraph 5 Export Restriction Point c) states that dolphins, porpoises and whales are totally forbidden for export and domestic consumption (Environmental Law in Pakistan Part 1 Federal: governing natural resources & processes & institutions affecting them, 2005).

15. 6.1.9.4 Pakistan Tourist Guides Act 1976 requires tourist guides to have a licence and a professional code of conduct. Further, 6.1.9.5 Travel Agencies Act 1976 covers transport, lodging and conducting guided tours, but does not provide for ecotourism or protection of natural resources from industry.

16. Current status of Marine Cetaceans in Pakistan’s waters

The following table provides the current status of cetacean species reliably found to occur in Pakistan’s marine habitat. All cetaceans listed below are included in CITES Appendix I, prohibiting their commercial trade.

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Species IUCN Status CMS Appendix Remarks 2013* Bryde’s whale DD II Strand in Pakistan Balaenoptera edeni/brydei Fin whale EN I & II Strand in Pakistan Balaenoptera physalus Arabian Sea humpback EN I Strand in Pakistan whale Megaptera novaeangliae Sperm whale VU I Strand in Pakistan Physeter macrocephalus Cuvier’s beaked whale LC Strand in Pakistan Ziphius cavirostris Risso’s dolphin LC Grampus griseus Killer whale DD II Orcinus orca Indo-Pacific humpback NT II Strand in Pakistan dolphin Sousa chinensis Spinner dolphin DD/LC II Strand in Pakistan Stenella longirostris Bottlenose dolphin DD/LC Strand in Pakistan Tursiops aduncus/ truncatus Finless porpoise VU II Strand in Pakistan Neophocaena phocaenoides

Key: DD = Data Deficient; EN = Endangered; VU = Vulnerable; LC = Least Concerned; NT=Near Threatened

1.3 OBJECTIVES

17. The objectives are: a. Protecting and conserving marine cetacean species, populations and habitats in

Pakistan's waters by

• Improving understanding of the biology of all marine cetaceans, especially those that are affected by human activities,

• Maintaining, and where appropriate seeking to restore, the distribution, abundance and diversity of marine cetaceans, • Protecting habitats that are significant to marine cetaceans,

• Seeking to ensure that there are self-sustaining populations of all marine cetaceans throughout their natural range, and • Supporting government departments to bring about legislation for the protection of marine cetaceans in Pakistan waters.

Page 7 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP) b. Managing human interactions with and use of marine cetaceans by

• Identifying and assessing all significant threats to marine cetaceans in general and as specific species and populations, • Addressing and mitigating human-related threats to marine cetaceans and ensuring the viability of their populations and habitats, • Managing stranded marine cetaceans through public education and reporting schemes

(for example, with Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society), and

• Addressing risks and uncertainty when making decisions related to conserving marine cetaceans through public education and reporting schemes, and ensure that a precautionary approach is taken.

1.4 PRIORITIES

18. The following general priorities and timelines are recommended, where

A. immediate means within two years,

B. intermediate means three to five years, and

C. long term means six to ten years:

Monitoring, researching, and data collecting and disseminating with regard to biology, behaviour, range and habitats of marine cetaceans (immediate).

Prohibiting deliberate taking by fisheries (immediate).

Eliminating incidental catches in fishing gear (intermediate).

Preventing over-exploitation of fishery resources (intermediate).

Protecting feeding, breeding and calving grounds (long term).

Preventing and eliminating pollution (long term).

2. ISSUES AND ACTIONS 19. Threats to marine cetaceans and marine ecosystems persist and new threats are emerging. Most marine cetaceans face multiple threats and conservation measures need to be developed to address these. The MCAPP should be considered as a dynamic and evolving process.

The issues addressed in the present document are arranged in their approximate order of priority for conservation action based on the:

Page 8 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP) a. range and conservation status of the species that they affect and the level of impact they are thought to have, b. numbers of animals affected, c. need for active protection and management, d. need for knowledge and research, e. potential for protection and threat mitigation, and f. abundance and distribution of marine cetacean populations.

2.1 FISHERIES INTERACTIONS

20. The interaction between fisheries and marine cetaceans may result in:

• Mortality or serious injury due to, for example, capture in nets or being hooked on lines,

• Deliberate mortality or serious injuries in hunts that target marine cetaceans, and

• Ecological effects from adverse events resulting in competition for food, displacement, or damage to habitat.

21. The population-level significance of marine cetacean mortality or injury due to incidental or accidental capture in gear intended to take other species (a type of capture called by-catch) does occur in Pakistan's waters. Also, in some locations in Pakistan's waters, marine cetaceans are captured specifically as bait for artisanal fishing. An improved understanding of the magnitude and impact of by-catch is needed for fisheries in Pakistan's waters to prevent overfishing. Questions need to be addressed in relation to: Offshore habitats:

• Are particular species or demographic groups (for example, females with calves) within species particularly vulnerable? • How can the magnitude of marine cetacean by-catch in fisheries be estimated?

• What is the nature, distribution and magnitude of fishing effort in relation to the distribution of marine cetaceans in the region?

• What types of gear, modifications or alternative fishing techniques can reduce by-catch while still allowing economically feasible fishing? Inshore habitats:

• Which species and how many marine cetaceans are used as bait?

• What alternatives are there to using cetaceans as bait? • What is the impact of this type of use on marine cetacean populations in Pakistan's waters?

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• Where is this done?

• How are the marine cetaceans caught?

• What are the non-lethal alternatives for the use of marine cetaceans?

Key Objectives for FISHERIES INTERACTIONS

Improve Understanding: To conduct and support scientific research on the magnitude and impacts of fishery interactions with marine cetaceans. Marine Cetacean Population Assessment: To monitor and assess the impact of fisheries-related mortality on marine cetacean populations in Pakistan's waters.

Priority Actions

2.1.1. a) Improve information on the type and quantities of marine cetaceans taken in fisheries by: i. Using onboard observer programmes whenever feasible, and ii. Taking advantage of and working in cooperation with existing initiatives, particularly working with coastal fishing communities. b) Such programmes would encourage reporting of data by: i. Fishers both commercial and recreational, ii. Onboard observers, as well as iii. Key stakeholders. c) These programmes would target training in: i. Species identification, ii. Collecting of relevant natural history data, iii. Reporting incidental catches or damage to animals which are later released but have a low chance of survival. d) Gain information on better practices and gather relevant data through technical collaboration with academic, non-governmental, and international organizations such as Karachi University, Lasbela University, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the International Whaling Commission. e) Evaluate the impact, as revealed by the data on this activity in Pakistan's marine environment, on: i. the marine cetaceans and their habitat, ii. the fishers and other dependent on income from fishing, and iii. other stakeholders identified in this project

Page 10 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP) f) Disseminate results in technical and scientific fora

Relationships and Community

2.1.2 Conduct interviews in the community to evaluate how many marine cetaceans are used in the region, and evaluate the impact. 2.1.3 Strengthen working relationships between Fisheries Authorities and stakeholders to address fishing-related mortality of marine cetaceans. Of special interest are: i. Managers and decision-makers, in particular from Fisheries Authorities, to be involved and integrated, as well as ii. Stakeholders such as the fishers, NGOs and members of academia. 2.1.4 Evaluate and present non-lethal use of marine cetaceans to encourage alternative economies for those communities which intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly, exert pressure on marine cetaceans.

FISHERIES INTERACTIONS Major outputs expected 1) Strengthen a comprehensive database of marine cetaceans in the region by compiling and quantifying the: a. magnitude of marine cetacean takes (direct and by-catch) by both commercial and recreational gear, and b. distribution of fishing effort by gear type in relation to cetacean by-catch

2) Disseminate information to appropriate technical and scientific fora, on: i. fisheries interaction issues, ii. the most problematic interactions, and iii. those causing serious injury and mortality.

3) Strengthen observer programmes in Pakistan's waters.

4) Identify ways to reduce fishing related marine cetacean mortality in cooperation with

Fisheries Authorities and major stakeholders.

5) Establish and strengthen incentive programmes which will allow artisanal fishers to report accidents with marine cetaceans while fishing. Main Partners Marine Fisheries Department, Cetacean Conservation Pakistan, Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society, WWF-Pakistan, IUCN-Pakistan, and commercial and artisanal fishers in collaboration with Global Conventions, Fishing Authorities, UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, International Whaling Commission.

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2.2 HABITAT DEGRADATION FROM COASTAL AND WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT

22. Some marine cetaceans occupy a relatively well-defined habitat year-round or have a narrow feeding niche that restricts them to a particular kind of habitat (for example, humpback dolphins need access to creeks). 23. Marine cetacean habitat is degraded and lost in a variety of ways. The potential range of effects is immense and coastal species are particularly vulnerable, with most species suffer from multiple stressors (cumulative or synergistic effects). The effects of human activities on coastal habitat are inadequately understood or monitored.

Key Objectives for HABITAT DEGRADATION FROM COASTAL AND WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT Improve Understanding. To increase knowledge of the distribution, habitat use and habitat requirements of marine cetaceans in Pakistan's waters. Assess Impact. To characterize the links between human activities and the loss or degradation of marine cetacean habitat, and then to assess what types and amounts of such habitat have been lost, are in the process of being lost, and can be expected to be lost given current trends in human activities. Mitigate and Avoid Negative Impacts. To maintain and strengthen existing efforts, and to stimulate new initiatives at the regional, national and/or local level to (a) manage human activities in ways that will stop further habitat degradation and loss, (b) restore and rehabilitate habitat that has been damaged or lost through past human activities, and c) train the local communities in order to enhance their awareness of the ecological and tourism importance of the marine cetaceans.

Priority Actions

Science

2.2.1 a) Obtain a thorough and rigorous description of interaction areas where the potential exists for human activities to affect marine cetacean habitat in Pakistan's waters, including indirect and down-stream effects. b) Seek technical cooperation from governments and partners to map and adequately characterize such areas and impacts. 2.2.2 Improve understanding of marine cetacean habitat issues, manage data, and analyse and illustrate spatial relationships between scientific, social, economic and other parameters, using such tools as a Geographic Information Systems.

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Planning and Strategy

2.2.3 Include marine cetacean habitat requirements in the national Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) framework and in other relevant regional initiatives or projects on coastal and marine ecosystems in Pakistan's waters as appropriate (for example, the Pakistan Wetlands Programme, Indus for All Programme).

HABITAT DEGRADATION FROM COASTAL AND WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT Major outputs expected 1) Increase knowledge on the distribution, habitat use, and habitat requirements of marine cetaceans in the region, 2) Identify key priority areas where the impacts of human activities should be minimized or where habitat restoration is feasible. 3) Develop effective partnerships with local stakeholders, leading to agreements on activities to pursue in coordination and cooperation with relevant organizations and projects in Pakistan's waters. Main Partners

Marine Fisheries Department, Zoological Survey Department, Sindh Wildlife Department, Balochistan Forestry & Wildlife Department, Pakistan Wetlands Programme, Cetacean Conservation Pakistan, Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society, WWF-Pakistan, IUCN-Pakistan

2.3 POLLUTION AND MARINE CETACEAN HEALTH

24. Near shore environments are particularly vulnerable to a wide range of pollutants including persistent organochlorines (such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), heavy metals, litter, oils (petroleum hydrocarbons), and nutrients from a variety of marine and land-based sources, including port, industrial, and agricultural activities. Some of those pollutants concentrate in the food web. Although evidence for links between chemical pollutants and the health of exposed marine cetaceans remains largely circumstantial, there is a growing concern that exposure to contaminants can increase susceptibility to disease and affect reproductive performance in marine cetaceans. 25. In Pakistan's waters, agricultural and commercial waste and runoff have led to local concerns regarding coastal/estuarine/riverine pollutants such as pesticides, nutrients, and herbicides, as well as organic contaminants from domestic and industrial waste.

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Marine cetaceans are considered “sentinel species” because they may provide early warnings of changes or threats to environmental and/or human health. Their long life- spans and mammalian (that is, human-like) general physiology contribute to their utility in this regard. Appropriate monitoring programs can: a) create baselines against which to assess and mitigate future changes, b) highlight locations in which health of marine cetaceans, coastal ecosystems and people may be compromised, c) in that regard, it will be vital to integrate analyses of contaminant levels and formal health risk assessments to deliver careful communication to communities to ensure that risks are properly recognized and mitigated. 26. Exposure to toxic substances and harmful chemicals, such as oil, can have acute or chronic effects when animals ingest contaminated prey, or if these items come into contact with their skin. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS, the chemicals associated with oil pollution) have not been assessed in marine cetaceans in Pakistan. 27. Health of marine cetaceans depends on a variety of factors besides contaminant exposure, some of which may be trans-boundary in nature. 28. Given the expense of studies on health/contaminants, these should best be initiated after careful cost-effective planning and solid experimental design. Every effort should be made to create and support existing, necessary, and minimum capacities so that these studies can be performed successfully and sustainably.

Key Objectives for POLLUTION AND MARINE CETACEAN HEALTH

Impact Assessment. To implement a multidisciplinary approach that includes improved diagnostic tools and capacity for assessing health while linking health indicators to stress factors and discerning between natural and human-caused health-impairment and mortality. Mitigation and Avoidance of Effects. To stimulate ongoing and initiate new actions at the national and/or local levels to use coastal zones and related ecosystems in ecologically neutral or positive ways, and protect habitat that is significant to marine cetaceans in Pakistan's waters.

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Priority Actions

2.3.1 Review available information on contamination to identify key locations where a) contaminants are found, including biotoxins and other factors which could affect marine cetacean health, and b) the degree of overlap among these areas and the occurrence of critical marine cetacean habitats (as per 2.2.2). 2.3.2 Design and seek funding to implement studies in Pakistan's waters, primarily in identified key sites, to assess and monitor a) environmental (including prey) contaminant levels, b) marine cetacean contaminant levels, and c) clinical diagnostic markers of exposure or effects.

Such studies should involve tissue from stranded marine cetaceans and where appropriate, possibly non-lethal biopsies of wild animals. Studies should also involve internationally standardized protocols for sample collection and analysis following those approved by appropriately credited laboratories of appropriate agencies. 2.3.3 Establish and provide minimum training for a watchdog, monitoring, rescue, and rehabilitation network, including veterinarians and biologists among others, who will take care of emergencies concerning marine cetaceans affected by contamination (for example, when oil spills occur). 2.3.4 Strengthening watchdog capacity with a view to reducing contamination in marine ecosystems.

POLLUTION AND MARINE CETACEAN HEALTH Major outputs expected 1) Identify and gain consensus on key sites where marine cetacean health could be affected and where further efforts should be focused. 2) Report on a) the main sources of pollution (identifying products that affect marine cetaceans), b) the main effect on the health of the marine cetaceans (sickness or death), and c) steps to be taken to alleviate the effects.

Main Partners

Marine Fisheries Department, Zoological Survey Department, Sindh Wildlife

Department, Balochistan Forestry & Wildlife Department, Pakistan Wetlands

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Programme, Cetacean Conservation Pakistan, Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society,

WWF-Pakistan, IUCN-Pakistan

2.4 PROTECTED AREAS AND OTHER MANAGEMENT REGIMES FOR POPULATION RECOVERY 29. The designation of specially protected areas such as a marine protected area is a tool increasingly used to pursue conservation goals. Protected areas that regulate or even exclude certain types of human activity can be economically costly in the short term, but can also provide substantial immediate and long term economic benefits, ranging from fishery enhancement to recreational and educational opportunities for the public. Moreover, protected areas can be used as control sites for scientific research and comparative analyses. Management of discrete areas is one way to achieve some of the MCAPP objectives.

Key Objectives for PROTECTED AREAS AND OTHER MANAGEMENT REGIMES FOR POPULATION RECOVERY Improve understanding. To improve knowledge on the value of protected areas and special management zones designed for the benefit of marine cetacean conservation. Impact minimization. To stimulate on-going and initiate new actions at the local, regional, and national level to protect (or otherwise appropriately manage) areas that are important to marine cetaceans.

Priority Actions

Management

2.4.1 By mutual agreement among the Contracting Parties involved a) design, and b) declare Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other management regimes, that maintain ecological connections with i) user and stakeholder involvement and participation, and

ii) trans-boundary protection with such countries as Iran, Oman, India.

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PROTECTED AREAS AND OTHER MANAGEMENT REGIMES FOR POPULATION RECOVERY Major outputs expected

1) Recommend measures to increase the number and value of Marine Protected Areas

(MPAs) to marine cetacean conservation for good management of these areas.

2) Increase collaboration and synergies in support of MPAs management.

Main Partners

2.5 RESEARCH

30. Research (including surveys, monitoring, and information management) should form an integral part of any conservation or recovery plan for a species or population. In Pakistan's waters, research efforts by the Cetacean Conservation Pakistan have made headway into identifying basic conservation units (such as management stocks), assessing status, and characterising and quantifying effects of human activities on them. Emphasis should now be placed on: • Monitoring through direct observation and the use of non-lethal methods.

• Further socioeconomic research to ascertain how local communities can benefit from the conservation process and be encouraged to protect marine cetaceans and their habitat. 31. All non-lethal but “invasive” research should meet with internationally accepted standards.

32. The results of all scientific research should be encouraged to be made available and disseminated through relevant scientific and public forums in Pakistan and internationally. Although it is important to be able to justify conservation recommendations with empirical scientific data, in some cases this is not possible even though the threat clearly exists. Given funding, logistical and other constraints, it may take many years to collect and analyse sufficient data for full assessment of a particular threat factor. In such cases, a precautionary approach should be adopted.

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33. Data collection protocols should be standardized to provide meaningful comparisons of current with future research results.

Key Objectives for RESEARCH

• Foster science that contributes to management and conservation. • Ensure that the results of scientific studies are made available to a variety of stakeholders, including the public in general, with an emphasis on local communities.

Priority Actions

2.5.1 Ensure stakeholders have access to existing knowledge of marine cetaceans in the region (including biology, genetic, ecology, abundance, distribution, seasonal movements, population dynamics and habitat). 2.5.2 Recommend a) further research and b) monitoring to supplement baseline population data and catch statistics (both deliberate and incidental), through a marine cetacean group of scientists and experts. 2.5.3 Recommend standard methods.

RESEARCH

Major outputs expected

2) Provide standardised protocols for monitoring and investigating methodologies for marine cetaceans in Pakistan waters. 4) Relevant data, protocols and information on on-going or planned non-lethal marine cetacean research in the region are collected and disseminated through Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society, WWF-Pakistan and Pakistan Wetlands Programme websites.

Main Partners Marine Fisheries Department, Zoological Survey Department, Sindh Wildlife Department, Balochistan Forestry & Wildlife Department, Pakistan Wetlands Programme, Cetacean Conservation Pakistan, Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society, WWF-Pakistan, IUCN-Pakistan, relevant universities

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2.6 MARINE CETACEAN WATCHING IN THE WILD AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES

34. Over the past few decades, marine cetacean (whale, dolphin and porpoise) watching in the wild has been promoted as non-consumptive use that promises monetary rewards to people and benefits to local communities and governments without requiring that the animals be killed or removed from their natural environment. The effects of tourism are important to consider, within the overall context of human-induced threats to marine cetaceans, to ensure that marine cetacean watching is conducted in a manner that is respectful of the animals, local human communities, tourists and the environment. In addition, marine cetacean watching can provide an important platform to conduct research and provide a mechanism to share data across Pakistan. Intensive, persistent and unregulated vessel traffic that focuses on animals while they are resting, feeding, nursing their young, or socializing can disrupt those activities and possibly cause long- term problems for populations. It is important for the tourism industry and government agencies to develop and adopt guidelines, codes of conduct, and/or regulations to preclude or minimize such impacts. Potential negative effects on cetaceans include: • Destruction/pollution of habitat from coastal development,

• Noise pollution from increased vessel traffic,

• Increased risk of vessel strikes,

• Disruption of cetacean behaviour, and

• Changes in cetacean population abundance and distribution.

Key Objectives for MARINE CETACEAN WATCHING IN THE WILD AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES Improve understanding. To educate tourists and tourism stakeholders on marine cetacean a) natural history, b) conservation, and c) best practices for marine cetacean viewing.

Impact assessment. Assess the potential impacts of tourism activities on marine cetaceans and monitor such activities, providing a basis for ongoing adaptive management. Impact mitigation. Mitigate the impacts of marine cetacean watching tourism through guidelines, codes of conduct, or where necessary, regulation. Insights from detailed studies in other areas should be used to inform management measures in Pakistan's

Page 19 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP) waters. That is, action should be taken on the precautionary assumption that responses by marine cetaceans to disturbance will be similar across taxa and across regions.

Priority Actions

Planning and Strategy

2.6.1 Develop Best Practices for Marine Cetacean Watching

2.6.2 Convene workshops on “Best Practices for Marine Cetacean Watching in the Wild and Associated Activities”. Relationships and Community

2.6.2 Improve opportunities for local communities to benefit economically from marine cetacean-based tourism. This may require public outreach and education programmes as well as programmatic interventions by government agencies and non-governmental bodies. 2.6.3. Encourage tourism operators to develop partnerships with scientists and scientific organizations, thus ensuring that data are collected and made available in a prescribed manner for scientific research. 2.6.4 Request that all parties contribute to a regional assessment of marine cetacean watching activities, perhaps by providing information on the number/location of whale/dolphin watching operations, species involved, guidelines or regulations in place, economic value, associated scientific studies, and educational materials (to be initiated at the Workshops). 2.6.5 Adopt mechanisms based on scientific investigation as appropriate to manage marine cetacean tourism, in collaboration with the authorities, local community and tourist operators.

MARINE CETACEAN WATCHING IN THE WILD AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES Major outputs expected 1) Report on workshops on “Best Practices for Marine Cetacean Watching in the Wild and Associated Activities”

2) Develop and conduct training workshops for tourism operators.

3) Formulate a regional code of conduct for observing marine cetaceans.

4) Engage tourism operators with scientists.

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5) Document and, if judged necessary, regulate marine cetacean watching activities to ensure that such tourism is sustainable and environmentally, as well as economically, beneficial. Main Partners Marine Fisheries Department, Zoological Survey Department, Sindh Wildlife Department, Balochistan Forestry & Wildlife Department, Pakistan Wetlands Programme, Cetacean Conservation Pakistan, Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society, WWF-Pakistan, relevant tourism industry stakeholders, local coastal zone and relevant authorities, Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers.

2.7 MARINE CETACEAN STRANDINGS

35. Marine cetacean strandings provide scientists opportunities to obtain certain basic information, data and samples, as well as to identify, and to some extent monitor, adverse human interactions with marine cetaceans. Tissue samples obtained from stranded animals can be used for a variety of scientific purposes including monitoring levels of anthropogenic contaminants (pollution) in marine systems. 36. Unusual mortality events, as well as the monitoring of chronic causes of mortality and morbidity, can provide insight into ocean health if there is timely on-the-ground response, and relevant data are collected and analyzed. In Pakistan's waters, there is a need for wider capacity building in this area, including standardized protocols, training in methods of sample collection, archiving of samples, and establishment of an on-line database for findings. 37. Because many marine cetaceans move across national boundaries, cooperation among countries in the region is essential for realising the full value of strandings data and samples. Response efforts provide the individuals involved with experience in dealing with distressed animals, and can generate significant public interest and involvement. Importantly, strandings can alert researchers and the general public to environmental problems that affect more than just the marine cetaceans that have come ashore. 38. Data from strandings can contribute to the identification and assessment of various threats to marine cetaceans such as pollution, disease, fisheries interactions, acoustic disturbance, and vessel strikes. Stranding data have provided important information on distribution and demography of species, including areas in which they had not previously been reported.

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Key Objectives for MARINE CETACEAN STRANDINGS

• Improve Understanding. a) To learn more about the causes of strandings in Pakistan's waters, b) Improve systems for responding to stranding events, and c) Educate stakeholders on the scientific importance of reporting and investigating strandings. • Impact Assessment. Compile and analyze data and samples from strandings and apply the results to assessments and mitigation of impacts of human activities.

Priority Actions

Resourcing and capacity

2.7.1 Compile a database to help ensure that a) information is exchanged, and b) the capacity to respond to strandings is present throughout the region.

The database should include both specialists such as veterinarians, researchers, biologists, and marine policy experts in Pakistan's waters, and interested non-specialists, the latter including local fishermen and local marine cetacean watching operators who are in a position to observe, report, and assist in response to strandings. 2.7.2 Build capacity to include a) standardised protocols, b) training in methods of sample collection, c) archiving of samples, and d) establishment of an on-line database for findings.

2.7.3 Build capacity to address strandings through workshops with training provided by

Cetacean Conservation Pakistan and Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society as follows: a) general necropsy training and on-the-beach protocols, b) human interactions, c) zoonoses, and d) contaminants training. 2.7.4 Develop a laminated guide to marine cetaceans of Pakistan's waters that includes two taxonomic keys based on: a) external appearance and b) features of the teeth, skull and skeleton. The guide will serve as a tool for front-line responders and fisheries data

Page 22 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP) collectors, as well as for future stranding training workshops and it will contribute to the development of effective local, national and regional stranding response systems. 2.7.5 Create appropriate archives of samples for diverse studies such as contaminants, pathology, parasitology, comparative anatomy, and genetics.

MARINE CETACEAN STRANDINGS Major outputs expected 1) Reports of the Workshops

2) A cadre of responders trained in all aspects of marine cetacean strandings and other skills to transmit knowledge to others with the incentive and ability to develop local, national, and regional response networks in Pakistan's waters. Main Partners Cetacean Conservation and Pakistan Whale & Dolphin Society in collaboration with veterinarians, epidemiologists, and analytical chemists of Pakistan waters, Government fisheries organizations, WWF-Pakistan, IUCN-Pakistan, Pakistan Wetlands Programme

2.8 ACOUSTIC DISTURBANCE/UNDERWATER NOISE

39. Noise degrades habitat and can affect the health, behaviour, and distribution of marine cetaceans. A variety of human activities introduce very high levels of sound into the marine environment, including commercial shipping and transportation, oil and gas development, military operations, dredging and coastal construction, scientific research (for example, seismic research), fishing and recreation. Noise impacts can be related to the amplitude, duration, and frequency of the sounds as well as to the behavioural and social context of the animals at the time of exposure. Disturbance by noise can interrupt biologically significant activities (such as feeding, nursing, breeding, resting), impair communication (that is, by masking), and drive animals away from critical habitat (examples include feeding grounds in creeks, migration routes). Under certain circumstances, it has been suggested that anthropogenic noise can cause injury and even death of marine cetaceans (as in seismic surveys). 40. The mechanisms by which anthropogenic sounds affect marine cetaceans and their prey are not fully understood. Major scientific advances have been made in recent years as a result of detailed necropsies of stranded animals and carefully designed experiments involving free-ranging and captive marine cetaceans. However, the emphasis of research and management has tended to be on the acute effects of certain

Page 23 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP) types of sounds on a few deep-water species. Relatively little attention has been awarded to species living in coastal, inshore, or freshwater environments where they are chronically exposed to anthropogenic sounds from multiple sources. Key Objectives for ACOUSTIC DISTURBANCE/UNDERWATER NOISE Improve Awareness. a) To develop education programmes to make more people aware of the nature and seriousness of the threats posed by various types of underwater noise, b) to identify sources which exert major acoustic pressure on marine cetaceans, and c) to classify the types of noise through the source (such as motor boats, jetskis, ships, seismic surveys, military manoeuvres). Impact Assessment: To initiate and continue to support research programmes that examine the chronic effects of ocean noise on marine cetaceans. All such research must be (a) tightly focused, (b) rigorously designed, (c) address questions of clear relevance to conservation, and (d) be consistent with internationally recognized standards with regard to animal welfare. Impact Minimization. To support ongoing and new actions at the regional, national, and local levels aimed at explicitly integrating limits on underwater noise into management and regulatory regimes.

Priority Actions

2.8.1 Guidelines that address the problem of underwater noise and its effects on a) marine cetaceans and b) their prey.

Such guidelines should reflect and be consistent with emerging global criteria.

2.8.2 Encourage initiation of and support for research programmes that examine the chronic effects of noise on marine cetaceans. 2.8.3 Develop education programmes to increase public awareness about anthropogenic noise and its impacts on marine cetaceans.

ACOUSTIC DISTURBANCES/UNDERWATER NOISE Major outputs expected 1) High-quality, relevant research on the a) sources and b) effects

Page 24 of 26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE CETACEANS OF PAKISTAN (MCAPP) of underwater noise on marine cetaceans is conducted, and c) the results used to inform management and refine regulatory actions aimed at protecting marine cetacean populations. 2) Guidelines to reduce underwater noise and its deleterious effects on marine cetaceans in the region. Main Partners

Cetacean Conservation Pakistan in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, Pakistan Wetlands Programme, IUCN-Pakistan, industries (for example, shipping, transport, fishing, recreation, oil and gas development, coastal construction), militaries, and scientists engaged in research that produces underwater noise.

2.9 VESSEL STRIKES

41. Another anthropogenic threat comes from vessel strikes, which can cause death and injury to marine cetaceans. The extent of this problem in Pakistan's waters is poorly known, but vessel strikes on whales have been observed and reported. Factors affecting the incidence and severity of vessel strikes include: the density of marine cetaceans and vessels in the area, the ability of marine cetaceans to detect vessels and of vessel operators to detect marine cetaceans, and the ability of marine cetaceans or vessel operators to manoeuvre to avoid collisions. Outreach and education efforts will raise awareness of this threat and contribute to efforts aimed at assessing the magnitude of the problem.

Key Objectives for VESSEL STRIKES

Improve understanding. To identify high risk areas for vessel strikes.

Impact assessment. To assess the magnitude of vessel strikes in Pakistan waters, particularly for endangered large whales in the context of population status and other sources of mortality. Impact minimization. To stimulate on-going and initiate new actions at the local, regional, national and level to reduce the frequency and severity of vessel strikes.

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Priority Actions

Management

2.9.1 Solicit reports of vessel strikes to determine rates and distribution of strikes (including military vessels, container ships, ferries) through collaboration with marine cetacean viewing vessels, regulatory agencies, coast guard or military bodies, marine cetacean scientists, and other sources of information, such as observers on board. 2.9.2 Collate information on vessel activity (vessel types, routes, speed and volumes) and marine cetacean distribution. Analyse that information to identify high-risk areas for vessel strike, and identify priorities for implementation. 2.9.3 Develop an outreach programme to educate stakeholders and the boating public on the risk of injury and death to marine cetaceans by ship strikes. 2.9.4 Investigate and implement ways to mitigate impacts of ship collision with marine cetaceans.

VESSEL STRIKES

Major outputs expected

1) Report on marine cetaceans and vessel strikes (also address acoustic disturbances and underwater noise as in Section 2.8) with identification of priorities for follow-up and implementation at the regional and national levels. 2) Information on vessel activity, initial identification of high-risk areas, and assessment of protection measures required to manage effects of vessel traffic on marine cetaceans in Pakistan's waters. Main Partners Cetacean Conservation Pakistan in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, the Navy, Coastal Authority, industries and stakeholders: including the shipping, cruise, recreational/tourism and transportation industries.

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