Marine megafauna surveys in Timor Leste: identifying opportunities for potential ecotourism – Final Report (June 2009) is the study that first showed scientifically that Timor-Leste’s nearshore waters are a hotspot for whales and dolphins. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries funded it. Ministry staff carried it out with researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Northern Territory Government (NRETAS), as a recognised project of the Arafura Timor Seas Experts Forum. Much of today’s whale and dolphin watching industry traces back to it.
Key findings
- Method: Monthly light-plane aerial surveys within two nautical miles of the coast from April to November 2008, plus four days of boat surveys off Dili in November. Government staff were trained in aerial survey techniques and GIS analysis, and a survey manual was prepared.
- Dolphins and small whales were seen in all coastal waters throughout the survey period, with most sightings on the north coast, mainly west of Baucau.
- Large whales were frequent along the north coast and were mostly blue whales. A sperm whale was seen on the south-east coast and a Bryde’s (or possibly sei) whale mother and calf in the north-east.
- Species: 13 cetacean species were identified, including blue, sperm, short-finned pilot, false killer, pygmy killer, melon-headed and Cuvier’s beaked whales, and Risso’s, Fraser’s, spotted, rough-toothed and spinner dolphins. Three small whale sharks (under 5 m) were also recorded.
- Peak in November: Cetacean diversity and abundance peaked in November, with pods of several hundred animals off both coasts. Large turtles also increased nearshore, especially in the Nino Konis Santana Marine Park region.
- Conclusion: The exceptional diversity and abundance of cetaceans offers a significant opportunity for whale and dolphin watching ecotourism, particularly along the north coast.
- Priorities: Combine aerial surveys with boat and acoustic studies, and use satellite tagging or genetics to map migration routes. Study oceanography in the Ombai-Wetar Strait, record traditional ecological knowledge, and build capacity for community-based whale and dolphin watching.
Document details
- Publisher: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Government of Timor-Leste
- Authors: Dethmers K., Chatto R., Meekan M., Amaral A., de Cunha C., de Carvalho N., Edyvane K.
- Partners: Australian Institute of Marine Science; Northern Territory Government (NRETAS)
- Date: June 2009
- Language: English, with a Tetum summary
- Pages: 40
- Download: PDF (timorleste.tl)