A survey of cetaceans in New Britain, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

A recent assessment of spatial conservation priorities in mega-diverse Papua New Guinea noted a lack of marine data. We surveyed cetaceans in inshore and pelagic waters along the south coast of New Britain island. The total number of cetaceans encountered was 397, attributed to at least 6 species, with spinner dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins both the most frequently sighted and abundant species. Although diversity and abundance were lower than expected, we hope that by contributing to a national cetacean sightings database this survey will support a growing understanding of marine mammal diversity and distribution within the region.