LAAMU’S
DOLPHINS
Two species of dolphin are commonly encountered in Laamu:
Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris)
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Spinner dolphins are the most commonly sighted owing to their predictable daily migrations. Each morning they travel into the Atoll to rest during the day and then travel back out of the Atoll to feed at night. The movements of the larger bottlenose dolphins are more transient in response to the availability of their larger prey. Occasionally other dolphin and whale species like Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) and shortfin pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are also sighted.
STUDYING
LAAMU’S DOLPHINS
Since 2016, the MUI team has been collecting data on the locations and timings of these encounters. Photo identification using dorsal fin scars to identify individuals is unfortunately logistically difficult and so the team makes estimates of pods sizes and compositions of calves and adults to piece together a picture of the movements, behaviour and population of these dolphins. This information can help identify areas important for the conservation of whales and dolphins in Laamu; information which can feed into the planning of a locally managed marine protected area.