MareCet is a grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals in Malaysia. Established in 2012, MareCet’s core focus includes increasing scientific knowledge through research, conservation outreach and education, policy advocacy, and capacity building for marine mammal expertise in Malaysia.
Malaysia has cetacean populations which are resident as well as transient. These include several species of dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Our cetacean research program includes population assessments, behavioural studies, genetics, and human-wildlife interactions which are both species and location-specific. In addition, Malaysia also has dugong (sea cow) populations.
MareCet runs several projects in Peninsular Malaysia. Although not located within specific Marine Parks, the project areas overlap with two: Pulau Payar Marine Park, and part of Johor Marine Park. Learn more about our work with marine mammals in Malaysia below.
Dugong in Johor Marine Park
MareCet’s Dugong Research and Conservation Project focuses on the dugong population in the Sibu-Tinggi Archipelago within Johor Marine Park. It is the last stronghold for a small but thriving dugong population. This dugong habitat coincides with one of the most extensive contiguous subtidal seagrass meadows known in Malaysia.
Image credits: MareCet
MareCet helped draft the Dugong Sanctuary Management plan and delineated boundaries for the proposed Johor Dugong Sanctuary. The sanctuary is currently pending approval from the Federal Government of Malaysia. In 2019, supported by scientific evidence as provided by MareCet, the IUCN designated the area as the Mersing Archipelago Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA).
Our short docu-film below captures the rich local ecological knowledge of dugongs in the Sibu-Tinggi Archipelago, and the sea stories as held in the mind spheres of the local islanders.
Dolphins in Malaysian Marine Parks
Dolphins are present in Malaysia's peninsular Marine Parks. Explore the map below to learn more about species and likely presence.
MareCet's flagship Langkawi Dolphin Research Project studies Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Irrawaddy dolphins, and Indo-Pacific finless porpoises around the waters surrounding the Langkawi archipelago and adjacent Kedah and Perlis mainland, which includes Pulau Payar Marine Park. These waters may be one of the most prominent places within Southeast Asia to view the elusive finless porpoise and also large groups of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. In 2019, based on data we contributed from our research, the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force recognised the waters around Langkawi and its adjacent mainland as part of the Satun-Langkawi Archipelago Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA).
MareCet's work through the related Matang Dolphin Research Project similarly led to the recognition of the waters around Matang and its adjacent coasts as part of the Matang Mangroves and Coastal Waters Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA).
Whales in Malaysian waters
You don't normally think of whales when you think about marine mammals in Malaysia. However, there are whales in Malaysian waters!
We receive many third party reports of whales sighted around Pulau Payar and Langkawi. Our own team have had several sightings of Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) during our dolphin surveys.
MareCet WHALE Project is the first research project in Malaysia that is dedicated to large whales. Using previous information given to us, in addition to our direct observations, we found that the waters surrounding Pulau Payar and further offshore are an important feeding ground for the whales. We even recorded the whales using a technique called bubble-net feeding, a technique that is usually synonymous with humpback whales!
As data is currently lacking, our hope is for our research to help identify the whales’ ecological and conservation needs so that we can provide conservation recommendations to the authorities.
See marine mammals with MareCet and support conservation
While marine mammals are present in Malaysia, there are no predictable congregations that make for reliable encounters. So most marine mammal sightings in Malaysia by tourists are mainly opportunistic. If you are lucky enough to encounter marine mammals in the wild, please keep a distance and do not chase or otherwise harass them.
However, you can also volunteer with us, or join one of our excursions. Not only are these options specifically dedicated to marine mammals, you will also learn about conservation and what a responsible marine mammal tour should be like.
Help marine mammals conservation
At MareCet, we believe that everyone can make a difference. We always welcome enthusiastic individuals who are eager to contribute.
Whether you’re interested in helping with boat-based surveys, booth events, or supporting our conservation efforts behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in our team!
Go on a marine mammals safari with MareCet
Join our marine biologists and watch for marine mammals and other wildlife. Our tours also include a little bit of local culture and community.
Keen to visit the Sibu-Tinggi Archipelago? Let us bring you closer to Malaysia’s marine wonders — safely, responsibly, and meaningfully.
MareCet brings you there safely to experience the beauty and rich biodiversity of the archipelago through our Pulau Sibu Marine Explorer programme. Go island-hopping and explore the stunning marine landscapes. Snorkel and encounter the incredible marine life that call this Marine Park home, while also getting acquainted with local kampung life on Sibu Island.
Our other excursions bring you to the northern west coast of the Malaysian peninsula to watch for dolphins. This tour does not go into a Marine Park. Instead, we take you to biodiversity hotspots like Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, known to be one of the best-managed mangrove forests in the world, plus a visit to a local community to experience culture and natural landscapes.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful island getaway with family or friends, or a meaningful opportunity to learn about marine conservation, our excursions promise unforgettable experiences for everyone.
Dugong Safari
A Day with Dolphins
Where are marine mammals found in Malaysia's Marine Parks?
Yes, you have a chance of spotting some marine mammals in Malaysia's Marine Parks!
Dolphins are the most common, as they are generally present along much of Malaysia's coastline. Whales are also occasionally spotted. Cetaceans typically travel large distances, whether they are resident in an area, or just migrating through. So they probably tend to hang around a whole coastline, or several islands, rather than inside a Marine Park.
On the other hand, dugong populations tend to stay close to their seagrass feeding area. There are two known dugong populations in Malaysia: one in Johor Marine Park, and the other in Sabah's Tun Mustapha Park.
Explore the marine mammal map layers in the megafauna map below to find your favourite animals.
Click on the icons on the map for more information. Open more map layers by clicking the drawer icon next to the map title.
Contact us here if you want to suggest corrections or additions to the map. Thank you for contributing!
