A Rapid Assessment of the Marine Megafauna Biodiversity Around South Bali, Indonesia

A low-cost, small-boat, rapid assessment survey was conducted on the waters off southern Peninsula of Bali. The objectives were: (1) to conduct an inventory cetacean species in study area; (2) map distribution inform design Badung MPA; (3) estimate relative abundance cetaceans and record information presence other marine megafauna; (4) train observers use distance sampling methods. adopted a “training while doing” approach build local capacity for biodiversity monitoring, collecting snapshot data assess richness distribution. accomplished its first two objectives, but due violation underlying assumptions, had mixed success with third objective. Our revealed that Bali support rich fauna, at least seven species, megafauna, avian species. Seven found our include: spinner dolphin ( Stenella longirostris ), pantropical spotted attenuata Fraser’s Lagenodephis hosei Risso’s Grampus griseus bottlenose Tursiops sp.), Bryde’s whale Balaenoptera edeni sperm Physeter macrocephalus ). Density estimates were low all whales combined, seem implausibly high dolphins; likely assumptions Future surveys should include sufficient time training generate reliable estimates. dedicated bycatch is needed understand sustainability mortality