New dolphin species sighted

 THE first confirmed sighting of humpback dolphins in Papua New Guinea took place during a field trip to investigate more about dolphin populations in the waters around southern Papua New Guinea.

Renowned James Cook University dolphin researcher Dr Isabel Beasley has just returned from a trip, where she and seven PNG counterparts spent 15 days on a live-aboard charter vessel conducting the first broad-scale assessment of marine mammal occurrence in the Kikori Delta, in south-western PNG.  

The research trip was funded by the PNG LNG Project as part of the project’s community investment programme.

 Beasley said during the trip, the survey team undertook 2,200km of survey and sighted 36 groups of dolphins. 

The Orcaella species were most numerous, with sightings of humpback dolphins and bottlenose obtained, she said. 

“The very high numbers of Orcaella sighted indicate that the Kikori Delta region is an internationally important hotspot for the species,” she said.  

“Although it remains unknown whether the species is Irrawaddy or snubfin dolphins, future genetic analysis will assist to confirm which species occurs in the Kikori Delta region.”

Beasley, from JCU’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, said the humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis and Orcaella were known to occur in small isolated populations in Indo-Pacific/Asian coastal waters but their conservation status in PNG remained unknown. 

The Orcaella from Kikori is the only known resident population in the Pacific Islands. 

“The project aims to investigate the occurrence of inshore dolphins in the Kikori Delta region using discussions with local communities, boat-based surveys, photo-identification and genetic analysis of samples obtained from stranded individuals,” Beasley said.

“We will be investigating the occurrence of other marine megafauna, such as offshore cetaceans, marine turtles and dugongs, in the region, and determine which species of Orcaella occurs in Papua New Guinea – the Irrawaddy or snubfin dolphin, or even a total new species or subspecies. 

“The project will provide intensive training for local collaborators to conduct marine mammal studies.”

Beasley said all participants gained experience in conducting marine mammal surveys and data entry. “Two University of PNG students undertook their fourth-year university research projects on cetacean survey methods and community perceptions towards marine mammals, while cetacean skeletal material discovered from previous strandings were donated to the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery by community members.”

Beasley said the results of the study would help towards an accurate assessment of the taxonomy and conservation status of marine mammals in the Kikori Delta region.

It will contribute towards developing community-based management strategies for their long-term survival.

Beasley said the project, while funded by PNG LNG, included collaboration with local PNG agencies, the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery, Department of Environment and Conservation, Institute of Biological Research and University of PNG.

The survey team consisted of Beasley, Mathew Golding, Jimmy Anamiato, Tania Areori, Monika Kolkia,  Wally Komon, Ara Kouwo and Elizah Nagombi.