Impact of Fishing Activities to the Distribution of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) and Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in Similajau-Kuala Nyalau Coastline, Sarawak

Muhamad Alif Fahmi, Mahamad Fuad (2022) Impact of Fishing Activities to the Distribution of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) and Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in Similajau-Kuala Nyalau Coastline, Sarawak. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) and Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) are the common marine mammal that can be found in Sarawak. Under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, Irrawaddy dolphins are listed as Endangered while Indo-Pacific finless porpoises are Vulnerable. Similajau-Kuala Nyalau coastline of Sarawak is a traditional fishing spot for the local people. The presence of fishing activities in this area can pose a huge threat to both species as bycatch is known to be a global risk for marine mammals. This study analysed the data of boat surveys that were conducted between 2008 and 2013 off the coast of Similajau-Kuala Nyalau coastline. The aim of this study was to study the distribution of Irrawaddy dolphins and Indo-Pacific finless porpoises and to quantify the type of fishing activities done in Similajau-Kuala Nyalau coastline. A comparison of the distribution of both species in relation to hotspot and non-hotspot fishing areas were done. Thirty-seven sightings of Irrawaddy dolphin and 38 sightings of Indo-Pacific finless porpoise were recorded. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the distribution of both species in three segmented area, Similajau-Tanjung Similajau (STS), Tanjung Similajau-Kuala Nyalau (TSKN) and Kuala Nyalau-Tanjung Payung (KNTP). The distribution of Indo-Pacific finless porpoises in these three areas are evenly distributed while there are a significant difference for distribution of Irrawaddy dolphins in these three areas. Fishing vessels and equipment recorded include fiberglass boats, trawlers, gillnets and driftnet. The data presented here can be a baseline data to compare the data preoperative and postoperative of the industrial area in Tanjung Similajau as the port started operating in 2017. Several mitigation measures are suggested such as stricter rules and regulations should be implementation. In addition, local authorities should conduct constant patrols to search for illegal fishing gear

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