Observations of cetaceans off southern Sri Lanka, April 2007-2013

Abstract

Cetaceans were observed off the South coast of Sri Lanka in the month of April, every year over a seven-year period, 2007-13. During 48 days at sea a total of 290 cetacean sightings were recorded. Blue whales were abundant, accounting for 61% (n = 177) of all sightings. This concentration of blue whales was predicted and discovered based on a migration hypothesis and there was evidence of the expected net westward movement in April. Nevertheless, most blue whales seen were not obviously on passage and many appeared to be feeding. Mothers with calves and likely reproductive behaviour (breaching and rushing) were also observed. There were five sightings of Bryde's-type whales (B. brydei/edeni); four were identified as B. brydei, one was identified as B. edeni. Sperm whales were sighted 16 times within a narrow band centred just outside the 1,000m isobath. Modal group size was 10-12; based on size most individuals appeared to be mature females or immatures. Spinner dolphin (n = 35 sightings) was the most abundant species, accounting for 67% of all cetaceans seen by number of individuals. They were frequently associated with tuna and seabirds. Risso's dolphin was only seen once, despite being reported as common around Sri Lanka in the early 1980s. They were taken in large numbers by local fisheries, which may have reduced local abundance. Other species recorded were: dwarf sperm whale (n = 3 sightings); short-finned pilot whale (n = 3); common bottlenose dolphin (n = 9); Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (n = 3); pantropical spotted dolphin (n = 4); and striped dolphin (n = 4). Since the discovery of blue whales off southern Sri Lanka, commercial whale watching centred on the fishing port of Mirissa has developed rapidly, bringing new revenue to the region but also the potential for disturbance to the whales.