Indonesia Oceanic Cetacean Program Indonesia Oceanic Cetacean Expeditions Research Area Description Photo Galleries Organisation Profile

Indonesia Oceanic Cetacean Program

 

Indonesian waters have an exceptionally high whale and dolphin diversity. Twenty nine different cetacean species inhabit these waters, several of which are rare and endangered. More than one third of all known whales and dolphins species worldwide can be found here. The Indonesian Oceanic Cetacean Program (IOCP) conducts research in three remote areas of Indonesia: Bunaken-Manado Tua Marine Park, Northern Sulawesi; the Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago and Komodo National Park and World Heritage Area. The program consists of an integrated research approach including four components: Visual and acoustic surveys of oceanic cetaceans in order to examine distribution and abundance patterns of all species encountered, and identify sensitive marine areas of special significance to resident and migratory cetaceans. Detailed ecological research on a highly specialised deep diving oceanic cetacean - the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). It has established a successful active participation cetacean monitoring program for the region's dive industry and other interest groups. It initiates ocean conservation activities and conducts an educational outreach program focusing on marine environmental issues.

Oceanic Cetacean Film & Photography Expeditions

	The warm, clear waters off northern Sulawesi and the islands of the Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago are an exceptionally rich marine life hot spot. Over 15 species of rare oceanic whales and dolphins, as well as dugong, sea turtles, manta rays, marlin and other pelagics are frequently encountered during the expeditions. In addition,  some of the most bio-diverse coral reefs in the world can be found here.
	The expeditions are closely linked with the Indonesia Oceanic Cetacean Program research expertise and findings. This results in an extraordinary cetacean encounter rate in one of the most scenic regions of the Indo-Pacific. It has been a successful combination to international film makers and photographers interested in producing cetacean natural history documentaries and photo essays. The expeditions aim to increase the environmental awareness of this exceptional Indonesian marine region and harness support for effective cetacean conservation measures.

Research Area Description  - 'Tanah Air Kita' Bunaken - Manado Tua marine Park - Northern Sulawesi Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago - Northern Sulawesi Komodo National Park & World Heritage Area, Nusa Tenggara

No one really knows exactly how many islands there are in Indonesia, but with over 17.000 counted, Indonesia is by far the largest and most varied archipelago on Earth and spans over 5000 equatorial kilometres between Asia and Australia. Its total coastline extends over 80.000 km - close to one third of the Earth's circumference at the equator. So it is with good reason that Indonesians think of their country as 'Tanah air kita' - Our land and water. Marine scientists consider this region, and especially the Celebes Sea, as the most bio-diverse ocean realm worldwide, at the influence of both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. For marine mammals such as cetaceans, Indonesia is unique as the only tropical region that is influenced by both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In addition, there are truly spectacular coral reefs easily accessible by boat and stunning volcanic islands with many idyllic beach anchorages.

Photo Galleries

 

These galleries include high quality photographs used in this and associated web sites.  Our copyrighted images are identified to species were possible, and part of a more extensive marine life photo and digital video library available for commercial, educational and publication purposes.  View one of the following galleries: Oceanic Cetaceans  Coral Reef Ecology  Biological Indicators of Coral Reef Health  Indonesia

Organisation Profile

APEX Environmental is an environmental organisation with extensive expertise in oceanic whale and dolphin surveys, cetacean ecology research, active participation coral reef monitoring programs and responsible nature-based tourism product development. Our educational activities focus on tropical marine conservation issues in Australasia.  The oceanic research programs aim to expand the existing knowledge of the Earth's most abundant yet least known marine ecosystem - the open ocean - and achieve alternative and minimal impact solutions for nature-based industries that are cost-effective and have long-term ecological and economical sustainability.