INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPINNER DOLPHIN

Dolphins are mammals that are adapted to a marine environment. As is the case with all mammals, they breathe oxygen from the air and their offspring are raised on milk from their mother. Their normal diet is small fish and squid. They rest on average for 4 hours per day, during the other period they socialize, that is they breed, play, travel and take care of the infants...

For these active and sociable animals, communication is very important. It can be behavioural or sound-based, via hissing noises, clicks and clinks.

Spinner Dolphins

These small dolphins (2.2 m long and 75 kg) congregate in pods of as many as 75 to 100 individuals. They move offshore around dusk looking for prey (small fishes and squid), hunting throughout the night before coming back near shore early in the morning to rest and socialize. They can then be seen performing their specialty, which consists in spectacular spinning leaps.

Bottlenose Dolphins

Average length for this species can be 3.50 m with a maximum weight of 300 kg at maturity. Living near the shores in groups normally of only a few individuals, they often approach boats to play.

Tamarin and Black River bays are resting, breeding and socializing areas for dolphins. In order to avoid disturbing the mammals during these activities, it is crucial to respect the Dolphin Watching Guidelines which are:

• The approach and departure from the site must be parallel to the group of dolphins, at a reduced and constant speed.

• During the observation period, the engine must have the clutch disengaged.

• The dolphin observation activities must cease at least one hour before dusk.

IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN TO

• To approach the dolphins within a distance of less than 50 metres.

• To cut off the dolphins' path, to arrive facing or directly behind the group.

• To make noises with the intention of attracting the dolphins.

• To engage into any action that would encourage bow riding.

• To throw food, objects or products at the dolphins.

HOW YOUR ACTIONS CAN HELP THIS SPECIES SURVIVE

• Actions - Assist MMCS by recording sightings of dolphins you see (form attached), if you or your friends go to see the dolphins ensure your skipper is aware of and obeys the Dolphin Watching Guidelines, collect any plastic bags/rubbish you see on the ocean.

• Volunteering / give your time.

• Be aware and inform others around you.

• Donate funds.

THE ORGANISATION

The Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS)

The MMCS is a non-profit making organization dedicated to the conservation of the marine environment in Mauritius, existing since 1979.

It aims at:

• Promoting an awareness and appreciation of marine life;

• Promoting the need for marine conservation in Mauritius;

• Promoting the creation of marine parks;

• Encouraging Mauritians and visitors to respect laws on the marine environment and the protection of underwater sites of archaeological interest and value for Mauritius;

• Encouraging the Mauritian Government to enforce existing laws controlling illegal exploitation of marine resources and marine pollution.

ACTIONS / LATEST ACTIONS / FORTHCOMING ACTIONS

• Artificial reefs (1980 to 2004 - ongoing)

16 boat wrecks installed to date Install and survey artificial reefs around Mauritius.

• Diodon MMCS magazine

(Ongoing) 2 publications a year since 1995. Publish articles on conservation and marine issues.

• Talks

An average of min. 3 public conferences / talks a year (1998 to present. Ongoing), to raise awareness of marine environmental issues in schools, local communities and political leadership.

• Marine Parks (since inception, ongoing)

Raise awareness and encouraging discussion and policy dialogue on the implementation of marine parks in Mauritius

• Whales and Dolphins (1993)

Conduct surveys on the occurrence and status of whales and dolphins in Mauritius

• Coral reef monitoring (1997 - 2003)

Survey of coral health at one station at Anse la Raie for Maureefnet

• MMCS web page Web site created 1999 - updated ongoing)

Explain the work of MMCS and disseminate marine conservation information

• Game : Les 7 familles du bord de mer (1998)

Educate children on marine environmental issues

• Sensitisation and monitoring for permanent mooring buoys (2000 - 2002)

Improve the health of corals at popular diving and snorkeling sites by supporting the installation of pilot permanent mooring buoys.

• Sensitization of operators of the W&D watching industry (2006 - ongoing)

Educate D&W operators to guidelines and basic biological knowledge in order to improve dolphin observation.

• Research project on Dolphins on the west coast (2008 - ongoing)

Scientific study on dolphins populations, ecology and behaviour to assess the effects of the Dolphin Watching activities.

• Feasibility Study for the Implementation of a Marine Protected Area on the west coast of Mauritius (2009 - ongoing)

The aim of this project is to conduct a study which can be used as reference to identify zones that need to be protected in order to guarantee a perpetual utilisation of the marine and coastal resources and preserve the biodiversity of the region.

• Education Project for the Sustainable Management of the Dolphin Watching (2010 - ongoing)

Publication of a field Guide to Cetaceans of Mauritius and an education program in local schools.

SUPPORT MMCS IN THEIR CONSERVATION ACTIONS: DONATE NOW!

Contact details for Mauritius Marine Conservation Society: Link to website: www.mmcs-ngo.org

Contact Name: Jacqueline Sauzier or Imogen Webster

Telephone: 257 7123 or 483 7781

Email: info@mmcs-ngo.org