The St. Maarten Nature Foundation concluded its Marine Mammal Census project which lasted from February until May 2011. The goal of this project was to conduct a wide scale census of all Marine Mammals found in St. Maarten territorial waters, including within the Man of War Shoal Marine Park. "Many on St. Maarten might not be aware that there is a relatively significant Marine Mammal population in the waters surrounding St. Maarten, including numerous species of whales and dolphins," commented Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Marine Park Manager. Several questions were answered as a result of this study, including most numerous species, migration routes and dates and the feasibility of regulated wild whale and dolphin watching trips. The study relied heavily on sighting forms developed by the Nature Foundation and distributed to Dive Centers, Yacht Charter Companies and Marinas. "We would really like to thank all those who provided valuable data to us, and it is through their efforts that we were able to compile such a comprehensive list of sightings.
The most abundant Maine Mammal species was the Humpback Whale, with the total number recorded at 33 individuals, including calves. The second most abundant species was the Bottle Nose Dolphin, with total of 19 individuals; the third most abundant species was the Long Snouted Spinner Dolphin with nine individuals recorded within the territorial waters of St. Maarten
The Man of War Shoal Marine Park had a considerable number of recordings of both whale and dolphin species which adds considerably to the biological value of the Park. Acoustic recordings of Male Humpback Whales singing were also taken at various points in the waters surrounding St. Maarten, and the public is urged to listen to the local whale songs on www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfpsnuUNXDW.
Click here to view Marine Mammals Report