Sperm whale study in Mauritius waters
Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation (MMCO) has recently completed the first population assessment of the sperm whale population off Mauritius. The study was based on an integrated photo-identification catalogue combining data for 17 years collected in Mauritian waters by MMCO, Mauritius (2008–2024), Megaptera, France (2008–2012) and Globice, Réunion (2008–2013). The assessment identified several demographic patterns that raise concerns for the future viability of this small resident population, including elevated mortality and an unstable age structure.
These findings have contributed to ongoing discussions with Mauritian authorities regarding the management of whale-watching activities and broader conservation measures. Building on this work, MMCO has developed a series of recommendations for improving both management and enforcement, including proposals for sustainable financing mechanisms to support effective protection at sea. Monitoring continues, with new photo-identification data collected throughout 2025 and 2026 now being incorporated into the long-term dataset.
Contributors : Svetlana Barteneva-Vitry
