Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation Mauritius

10/06/2026

🤓🤓🤓 New Publication!

We are pleased to share that our latest research paper has been published in the Journal for Nature Conservation:

Barteneva-Vitry, S., Vitry, H. & Shaw, J. (2026). Identifying critical habitats of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) in Mauritian waters using a multi-source approach: implications for conservation management.

🐬🐬🐬 Melon-headed whales are among the cetacean species most frequently associated with mass strandings worldwide. Following the 2020 mass stranding in the east of Mauritius following Wakashio oil spill event, this study sought to better understand the species’ distribution, habitat use, and conservation needs in Mauritian waters.

Combining field observations, photo-identification, and local ecological knowledge, our findings suggest that the eastern waters of Mauritius may represent a critical habitat for melon-headed whales, potentially supporting resident groups that repeatedly use this area. The study also highlights the broader ecological importance of the region, where several other cetacean species were recorded.

Based on these findings, we propose recommendations to reduce anthropogenic pressures and support the integration of important marine mammal habitats into marine spatial planning, with the aim of helping prevent future stranding events.

The full text of article is available here:
https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1nCV15liTFZPJl

🐬 We hope this work contributes to a better understanding and protection of one of the least-studied cetacean species occurring in Mauritian waters.

09/06/2026

MMCO is proud to see our Coservation Director, Svetlana Barteneva-Vitry, featured in the latest edition of the UNDP-Mauritius and Seychelles Gendered Voices Newsletter, celebrating women advancing marine ecosystem protection across Small Island Developing States.

This recognition reflects not only an individual journey but also the collective work of the Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation Mauritius team, our collaborators, supporters, and partners who contribute every day to the conservation of marine megafauna in Mauritian waters.

We are particularly grateful to UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles and the GEF SGP Mauritius for their continued support of several MMCO initiatives over the years. From conservation awareness campaigns to education and research projects, this support has helped us expand our impact and bring marine conservation messages to a wider audience.

Protecting our ocean requires collaboration, and we are thankful to all those who continue to work alongside us towards a more sustainable future for Mauritius' marine ecosystems.

Read the full publication here:
https://go.undp.org/qvq

09/06/2026

🤩🤩🤩 We are excited to share the event invitation by Pole of Research Tropical Island Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝟭𝟭 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
The Pole of Research TIBEC has the pleasure to invite you to a talk by Svetlana Barteneva-Vitry, PhD candidate from University of Mauritius, Mauritius, on “𝗖𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘂𝘀: 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀”.

🐋 Mauritius is home to a remarkable diversity of cetacean species, making its surrounding waters an important area for marine mammal research and conservation in the Western Indian Ocean. In this talk, Svetlana Barteneva Vitry will explore the diversity of whales and dolphins found around Mauritius, highlight key research findings, and discuss the conservation challenges facing these species in an increasingly changing marine environment.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
1️⃣ An overview of the cetacean species occurring in Mauritian waters and their ecological significance.
2️⃣ Insights into ongoing research and monitoring efforts aimed at improving our understanding of cetacean populations and behaviour.
3️⃣ A discussion of the major threats affecting whales and dolphins, including human activities, habitat disturbance, and emerging conservation challenges.
4️⃣ Perspectives on conservation priorities and opportunities for protecting cetaceans and their habitats in Mauritius and the wider region.

This event is the fifth talk in the series we launched earlier in January, aimed at sharing how research can inform practice in conservation and will be particularly relevant for conservation practitioners, researchers, students, and anyone interested in island ecology and biodiversity restoration.

📄 See details in the leaflet for more information on the webinar.

Please register to save your spot here: https://lnkd.in/dxjcFKZ5

📅 Join us and be part of the conversation.

Хэштег

08/06/2026

🌊💙 Today, on World Oceans Day, Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation Mauritius had the pleasure of contributing to an awareness session hosted by Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels at Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa and Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.

🐳🐬🐢🦈The session brought together boat house teams and sustainability staff to explore the incredible marine life of Mauritius — from whales and dolphins to sea turtles and sharks — and to discuss best practices for responsible and sustainable marine wildlife watchig.

🙏 We are deeply grateful to Beachcomber for the invitation and for their commitment to marine conservation and environmental awareness within the hospitality sector. Engagement like this plays an important role in bridging tourism and conservation, and in building a shared culture of respect for our ocean.

On days like today, we are reminded that the ocean is not only something we admire, but something we all share responsibility to protect.

Happy World Oceans Day 🌊

05/06/2026

💙💙💙On World Environment Day, we celebrate the extraordinary wildlife that shares Mauritius and oceans with us.

🐳🐋🐢Every encounter with a whale, shark, or sea turtle is a reminder that Mauritius is home to a remarkable natural heritage—one that cannot be taken for granted. These species have survived for millions of years, yet today they face growing pressures from human activities, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change.

🙏💙🐳Conservation is often described as protecting nature, but perhaps it is also about learning how to coexist. The choices we make every day—on land and at sea—shape the future of the ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and people.

Happy World Environment Day!

02/06/2026

🤩Rare rencontre au sud‑ouest de Maurice !

Une observation exceptionnelle: des delphinidés électra (Peponocephala electra) ont été aperçus au sud‑ouest de Maurice – une zone où leur présence est considérée comme très inhabituelle.

Un grand merci à Adrien Joseph d’avoir partagé cette rencontre et de nous rappeler que nos océans réservent encore bien des surprises… et qu’il est plus essentiel que jamais de les protéger.

📌 Découvrez l’article ci‑joint.

08/05/2026

MMCO participated in the recent pre-budget consultation conducted by Ministry of Finance, bringing together NGOs and environmental associations to discuss priorities for the future of Mauritius.

🐳🐬 During the consultation, MMCO highlighted the exceptional ecological and economic value of Mauritius’ whales and dolphins inhabiting Mauritian waters, as well as the rare resident s***m whale population.

‼ ‼ At the same time, we raised concerns regarding the increasing pressure faced by marine ecosystems and the very limited enforcement capacity currently available at sea. Protecting marine biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility — it is also essential for the long-term sustainability of Mauritius’ blue economy, tourism sector and international reputation.

⚠ MMCO therefore proposed the allocation of dedicated budgetary support for the establishment of a specialised marine enforcement unit to strengthen compliance and enforcement at sea, particularly regarding whale and dolphin watching regulations and broader marine conservation measures.

Mauritius possesses an extraordinary natural heritage. Ensuring its protection requires concrete action, long-term commitment, and effective enforcement.



Photos: Government Information Service (GIS) Mauritius

07/05/2026

🐳🐋🐬🐢 Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation Mauritius was pleased to participate in the Ocean Week 2026 Expo held at the Caudan Arts Centre organised by Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, where we had the opportunity to present our marine conservation awareness materials developed to support the protection of whales, dolphins, sharks and sea turtles in Mauritius.

The event provided a valuable platform to engage with the public and partners, and to highlight the importance of education and awareness in marine conservation.
We were also honoured to share our educational Betty book series with Dr. the Hon. Arvin Boolell and Hon. Gilles Fabrice David.

💙💙💙 Through storytelling and accessible educational tools, these books aim to inspire younger generations to better understand and protect marine life in Mauritius.

🙏🙏🙏MMCO would like to express its sincere gratitude to GEF SGP Mauritius, UNDP-Mauritius and MOL Charitable Trust for supporting our conservation and awareness projects.

07/05/2026

🌊🌊🌊As part of Ocean Week 2026, the President of MMCO, Hughes Vitry, participated in the High-Level Panel discussion on “Marine Renewable Energy as the Next Sector.”

The discussion highlighted the importance of renewable energy development for Mauritius, while also emphasizing the need to ensure that such projects are planned responsibly and with full consideration of marine biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.

During the panel, Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation Mauritius raised concerns regarding the potential impacts of offshore wind energy development on ecologically sensitive marine areas, particularly around the Northern Islands Plateau — internationally recognised as Important Marine Mammals Area, Important Sharks and Rays Area, as well as Important Seabird Area.
🐋🐳🐬🦈🐢

‼‼ Potential risks such as underwater noise pollution, vibration, habitat disturbance, and bird collisions must be carefully assessed before development takes place.

Mauritius has an opportunity to advance towards a sustainable blue future, but this transition must be guided by science, precaution, and long-term vision. Site selection for future marine renewable energy projects should therefore be undertaken with exceptional care and based on robust environmental assessments.

We thank the organisers of Ocean Week 2026 for creating an important platform for dialogue on the future of our ocean and blue economy.

28/04/2026

🔥 Get regional news on progress toward sustainable whale and dolphin watching 🐬🐋🐳

[ 𝙀𝙉𝙂𝙇𝙄𝙎𝙃 𝘽𝙀𝙇𝙊𝙒 ]

📰🇫🇷 𝗟𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗱𝘂 𝗿𝗲́𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘂 𝗱𝗲́𝗱𝗶𝗲́ 𝗮̀ 𝗹’𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗲́𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗲́𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗹’𝗼𝗰𝗲́𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 !

Dans le cadre de l’animation du réseau d’observation responsable des cétacés de l’Indian Ocean Rim Association - IORA, le CEDTM publie la dernière newsletter regroupant des articles de différents acteurs venant de Madagascar, Mayotte, Maurice et de La Réunion 🌏

👉 𝗔𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 (en anglais 🇬🇧) :
- Opportunités de financement de l’IORA (IORA)
- Les actions réalisées sur l’observation responsable des cétacés à Maurice (Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation Mauritius)
- La deuxième édition de la Fèt Balèn à La Réunion en 2026 (Globice Réunion)
- Un nouveau responsable à l’Alliance mondiale des cétacés (World Cetacean Alliance - WCA)
- Une étude sur les réponses comportementales du grand dauphin de l’Indo-Pacifique face à l’activité d'observation à La Réunion (CEDTM - Association)
- L'observation responsable des cétacés à Nosy Be, Madagascar (MADA Megafauna)
- Mise à jour du guide international de l’observation responsable des cétacés ( Whaling Commission - IWC)
- L'équilibre entre la conservation des mammifères marins et du tourisme à Mayotte (Ceta'Maore)
- L’observation des baleines et des dauphins à Sainte-Marie, Madagascar (Cétamada)

Découvrez la sans attendre ici ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/IORA-SWWN-Newsletter-2026-vf

🙏 Merci à l’ensemble des contributeurs pour leurs partages inspirants ! Ces retours d’expérience permettent ainsi de renforcer la coopération régionale autour d’un tourisme marin durable et respectueux des cétacés.

𝘜𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘲𝘶𝘪 𝘳𝘦́𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘹 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘴 𝘥𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘵 𝘊𝘙𝘖𝘞𝘕, 𝘲𝘶𝘪 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘹 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘭’𝘰𝘤𝘦́𝘢𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯, 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦́ 𝘱𝘢𝘳 𝘭’𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦́𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘢 𝘙𝘦́𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘦́𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘦 𝘐𝘕𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘙𝘌𝘎 𝘝𝘐 𝘰𝘤𝘦́𝘢𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘭’𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦́ 𝘥𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘢 𝘙𝘦́𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘦́𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.

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📰🇬🇧 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲!

As part of the "sustainable whale and dolphin watching tourism network" from the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the CEDTM publishes its latest newsletter with contributions from various stakeholders in Madagascar, Mayotte, Mauritius and Reunion Island 🌏

👉 𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮:
- IORA’s funding opportunities (IORA)
- Efforts for responsible whale watching in Mauritius (Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation Mauritius)
- A second edition of the whale festival Fèt Balèn in Reunion Island in 2026 (Globice Réunion)
- World Cetacean Alliance appoints new CEO (World Cetacean Alliance - WCA)
- Assessment of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin’s behavioural responses to dolphin watching in Reunion Island (CEDTM - Association)
- For a sustainable whale and dolphin watching in Nosy Be, Madagascar (MADA Megafauna)
- The IWC Whale Watching Handbook is undergoing an update and new material is welcome (International Whaling Commission - IWC)
- Balancing marine mammals conservation and marine tourism in Mayotte (Ceta'Maore)
- Whale and dolphin watching in Sainte Marie, Madagascar (Cétamada)

Discover it now here ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/IORA-SWWN-Newsletter-2026-vf

🙏 Thank you to all contributors for their inspiring contributions! This feedback helps to strengthen regional cooperation around sustainable marine tourism that respects cetaceans.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘙𝘖𝘞𝘕 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦́𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘕𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘙𝘌𝘎 𝘝𝘐 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮, 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦́𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯.