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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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