Observations of cetaceans in the Maldives, 1990-2002

Cetaceans observed in Maldivian waters were recorded during the period August 1990 to June 2002, from both vessels-of-opportunity and dedicated cetacean-watching cruises. A total of 1,829 cetacean sightings 535 days at sea (equivalent 261 standardised days). There 83 multispecies sightings, plus a further 58 without associated effort data 129 strandings by author others, making 2,108 records. In all, 20 different species positively identified sightings. Spinner dolphins most abundant seen, accounting for 35% 53% numbers. This showed clear diurnal pattern behaviour, with many schools entering atolls early morning, leaving late afternoon. regularly occurred pantropical spotted yellowfin tuna. Bryde’s whales also tuna appeared be common El Niño Southern Oscillation events. Blue only November April. Dwarf sperm especially difficult locate rough weather but relatively common, up one sixth all flat-calm conditions. Melon-headed particularly south Maldives, rare centre north. Other humpback whale, rough-toothed dolphin, Risso’s bottlenose striped Fraser’s pygmy killer false short-finned pilot Blainville’s beaked Longman’s whale Cuvier’s whale.