Unveiling the Mysteries of Cetaceans in the South China Sea: Chinese Scientists Describe Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs)

The world’s ocean ecosystems are facing mounting threats—climate change, marine pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction due to human activities, to name a few. These pressures are particularly dangerous for marine mammals like cetaceans, whose survival hinges on healthy habitats and stable populations. Yet, in regions like the South China Sea, where biodiversity is exceptionally high, little research has been done to understand the needs and habitats of cetaceans. This lack of data has left a gap in our knowledge and made it challenging to establish targeted conservation strategies. Recognizing this, Chinese scientists have now set out to fill these gaps and contribute essential data to inform future policy and management, aiming to protect these vulnerable species and support the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

In a landmark study published on October 8, 2024, in Biological Conservation, Dr. Li Songhai and his team from the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences presented an unprecedented assessment of cetacean diversity and key habitats in the South China Sea. This study not only highlights the critical offshore habitats of these deep-diving species but also underscores the urgent need for greater understanding and protection measures for cetaceans in this biodiversity hotspot.

Despite its rich marine biodiversity, the South China Sea has long suffered from a lack of cetacean research, particularly regarding offshore species. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Li's team conducted six systematic boat surveys from 2019 to 2023, focusing on the waters around the Xisha and Zhongsha Islands to document cetacean distribution. These extensive surveys yielded 211 cetacean sightings, including 187 single-species encounters and 24 mixed-species encounters. Through these observations, the team identified 17 odontocete (toothed whale) species, all classified as offshore and deep-diving cetaceans. Among these, the pantropical spotted dolphin, short-finned pilot whale, and Fraser’s dolphin were highlighted as key species due to their high frequency and relative abundance in the area.

Cetaceans in the South China Sea. Image courtesy of the Marine Mammal Research Team, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

This study is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time Chinese scientists have described Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) within their national waters. IMMAs are recognized areas crucial for the conservation of marine mammal populations, with 280 such areas identified globally as of 2024. This pioneering identification of IMMAs in the South China Sea could lay the foundation for better conservation planning, helping to establish new marine protected areas and ensuring that policies account for cetacean habitats and ecosystem needs.

Through years of dedicated field research, Dr. Li and his team are contributing vital information to close critical knowledge gaps, support cetacean conservation, and advance marine biodiversity protection in the South China Sea. Their findings provide a roadmap for policymakers and environmental agencies to develop more effective management strategies, ensuring that the unique marine biodiversity of this region is safeguarded for generations to come.

This an outstanding study, grounded in solid evidence and field data. Over 30 years ago, marine scientist Prof John MK Wong have conducted field research, examined museum specimens, and reviewed historical records to identify at least 19 cetacean species in the South China Sea. Now, Prof. Li Songhai’s team has further confirmed the region's rich marine mammal biodiversity with this new research.

At the recently concluded 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP16), the 2024 State of the Planet Report was released, offering a sobering assessment of progress on Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Framework. Currently, 17.6% of terrestrial and inland water areas and 8.4% of marine and coastal areas fall within documented protected zones. To achieve the 30x30 goal, global protected coverage must significantly expand over the next six years—an additional 12.4% for land and 21.6% for marine areas. I also look forward to seeing further progress specifically in marine biodiversity protection zones.

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Note1: This is only the author's personal opinion. Comment and discuss are welcome.

2.The author is deputy secretary-general of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation and a member of the IUCN Intersessional Council Working Group on the development of a new 20-year Strategic Vision for the Union. 
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Author: Linda Wong
Editor: Richard
Date: 2024-11-5

REFERENCES:
1. Liu M, Lin W, Lin M, et al. Species diversity and critical habitats of offshore and deep-diving cetaceans in the South China Sea[J]. Biological Conservation, 2024, 299: 110808.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110808

2.王芊佳(编译). 揭开南海鲸类之谜！中国科学家首次描述重要海洋哺乳动物区域. 海洋与湿地. 2024-11-05.
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/XNU1yCEy7_zT94fdV6IQTQ

3.Wang, H. (2024, October 28). Rethinking biodiversity beyond 30x30. China Daily. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202410/28/WS671ed1d5a310f1265a1c9e06.html

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