PIDU Project
Activities

The PIDU project methods are designed to assist with achieving the project objectives. Methods have consisted of community workshops and discussions, boat-based surveys, photo-identification, specimen collection and scholarship program.

Community Workshops and Discussions

2013 was the first year that the PIDU project conducted boat-based surveys throughout the Kikori Delta. These surveys were conducted in collaboration with WWF-PNG, where workshops and discussions with communities were conducted in parallel with boat surveys. A large workshop was held at Verabari to inform local communities about the project and smaller meetings and discussions were held whenever possible to gain permission to survey through the delta, and provide information to communities about the dolphins.

Workshop participants at Verabari

Live-aboard vessel used for surveys during 2013 and 2015

Example of snubfin dolphins photo-identified during surveys.

Example of humpback dolphins photo-identified during surveys.

Example of snubfin dolphins photo-identified during surveys.

Example of humpback dolphins photo-identified during surveys.

Interviews

During surveys, interviews were conducted with local villagers and fishers by PNG Nationals to:
• inform local communities about the PIDU project
• investigate what dolphin species occur in the Kikori Delta region
• investigate whether dugong can be found in the Kikori Delta region
• investigate important dolphin areas
• understand threatening processes facing marine fauna
• attempt to find existing skeletal material

Interviews being conducted with villagers at fishing camps

Collection of Skeletal Material

Dolphin skeletal material and carcass recovery can provide information on what species use the region, the taxonomic status of the population and an estimate on mortality rates and causes. Many dolphin skulls were donated by Kikori community members to the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery for further study.