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Cetacean habitat directory for MPAs and sanctuaries
Marine region number |
12 |
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MPA number |
I |
MPA Name (English) |
Saya de Malha Banks MPA |
MPA Name (Local) |
Saya de Malha Banks MPA |
Current Status |
Proposed |
Country |
INTERNATIONAL |
Location |
• High seas, W Indian Ocean, including small portion of Mauritius and Seychelles EEZs |
Size |
• 33,400 sq mi (86,500 sq km) |
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Cetacean name (common) |
• humpback whale, blue whale
• edge of and off the bank: sperm whale |
Cetacean name (scientific) |
• Megaptera novaeangliae, Balaenoptera musculus
• edge of and off the bank: Physeter macrocephalus |
Other species |
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Rationale |
• Rationale for protection is that these are the largest submerged banks in the world containing a unique seagrass biotope.
• Part of WDCS’s 12 for 2012 and Beyond Initiative, this area has also been recommended as a High Seas Gem (MCBI and IUCN) in 2008 and a high seas case study for CBD (2009–2010). Cetacean surveys are needed in this area to delineate habitat. |
Management plan |
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Management plan web link |
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