The aims of the GVI and WMA marine research programmes is to create an extensive and comprehensive long-term cetacean monitoring project around Kisite-Mpunguti MPA and Malindi/Watamu MPA, respectively, utilising daily vessel-based surveys to identify which species are present, population sizes, residency rates (how many are present year round and how many are migratory visitors) and habitat utilisation. With this baseline information we can begin to monitor the populations over time and assess the anthropogenic impacts (influence of human activities) to inform long-term management decisions. Collecting data on the interactions of tour boats with dolphins will assist KWS to understand and manage tourism and its potential impacts on local populations with the aim of understanding which species are encountered, where and how often, as well as how this may change seasonally.





Since 2006, GVI and WMA  have recorded more than 1300 sightings from four different species (Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, spinner dolphin and humpback whale).

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This data has given us a greater understanding of their distribution and movement, as well as making it possible to estimate local population size of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins which are the most common coastal dolphin. The populations were estimated through the creation of photo-identification catalogues and the application of capture-recapture models, giving a number between 60 to 80 individuals in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area and 70 to 90 in the Malindi-Watamu Marine National Reserve. We also compared the photo-identification catalogues from both areas and found that at least three individuals have been moving between the north and south coast, travelling a minimum distance of 140 km.





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