False killer whale, mom and calf.

The waters around the Babuyan Islands, Philippines are a significant part of the winter breeding grounds of the Asian stock of humpback whales in the western North Pacific. Probably the least studied breeding area in the western North Pacific, its significance has been underestimated. Increasing pressure on the Babuyan Islands ecosystem highlights the necessity to adapt a more ecosystem approach and build on previously established research and conservation initiatives. This project is moving towards an ecosystem-based approach to management and conservation of the Babuyan Islands with the humpback whale as a flagship species. The research outcomes of this project provide significant information on the identity and characteristics of humpback whales in Asia and contribute to a better understanding of the entire western North Pacific population. The long-term data sets will allow for an ecosystem-wide understanding of the changes occurring in the Babuyan Islands.

Our main activity is the boat-based cetacean survey which is our platform for conducting the photo-identification studies, biopsy sampling and song recordings. Technical and logistical support will be provided to strengthen the locally-managed Marine Protected and Humpback Whale Conservation Area (MPHWCA) through assistance in the community validation of the MPHWCA plan. We will also implement an integrated educational outreach program in all the schools in Camiguin, Calayan and four coastal municipalities on the mainland.