Matang: The Matang coastal waters here are among the key habitats for three small cetacean species facing extinction risks, with more than 1,000 animals recorded in the area. The three species are the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Irrawaddy dolphin, and Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, which inhabit about 1,200 square kilometres of waters stretching from Kuala Gula to Kuala Trong.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MareCet Research Organisation scientific officer Dr. Vivian Kuit said field studies conducted since 2013 found that the area serves as a breeding ground for the three species. She noted that abundant food sources, including fish, squid, and prawns, support the survival and breeding of the cetaceans in waters surrounded by much of the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve.
Dr. Kuit highlighted that the three species have different sexual maturity periods, but their similar diet of fish, prawns, and squid is among the factors enabling them to survive and breed in these waters. Accidental entanglement in fishing nets was identified as one of the main threats to the survival of the three species, as trapped cetaceans could drown when unable to reach the surface to breathe.
To address this issue, MareCet has been conducting a four-year mitigation project using acoustic pingers attached to fishing nets to keep the animals away. These devices emit loud, high-frequency sounds to discourage the marine mammals from approaching the nets.
The three species also differ in appearance and behavior. The humpback dolphin is noted for having a longer snout, while the Irrawaddy dolphin and finless porpoise have rounder heads. Furthermore, the humpback dolphin tends to move across wider areas and is less wary of boats and humans, whereas the Irrawaddy dolphin and finless porpoise are more likely to avoid boat noise and human activity.
Meanwhile, Perak Fisheries director Mohd Ghazali A. Manap emphasized the presence of the cetaceans in the waters as a natural asset with potential to be developed as a sustainable ecotourism product. He cautioned that development must be carried out in a controlled manner, taking into account habitat conservation and the survival of these species.
Mohd Ghazali also stated that the three species are protected under the Fisheries Regulations (Control of Endangered Species) 1999. Individuals who catch, possess, eat, or sell protected species may face a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment of up to two years. He urged members of the public who encounter any of the species, including carcasses, to immediately notify the Perak Fisheries Department for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death. The findings would help the department formulate appropriate measures to protect the cetacean population.