Sustaining marine mammals for the future of the oceans. When you support MareCet, you support the first and only Malaysian non-profit organization that is dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals locally, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, dugong, Bryde’s whales, and more.
MareCet improves our understanding of marine mammals to conserve the marine environment. They strive to protect marine mammals and their fragile habitats by providing a platform for local conservation leadership talent, working with stakeholders to optimize conservation outcomes for all involved, and promoting ocean stewardship within society at large in Malaysia.
Protect Dolphins & Dugongs
With WCN’s 100% model, your entire gift supports the conservationists working to protect dolphins and dugongs in the wild.
Dolphins & Dugongs:
MareCet
Choose an amount to donate:
2,305
Individuals Education
Through MareCet’s Sea, Science and Schools Marine Education Programs. These programs are targeted at national primary and secondary school students in Peninsular Malaysia.
224
Acoustic Pingers
Deployed on driftnets through MareCet’s Bycatch Mitigation Program.
1,225
Women Empowered
Through MareCet’s education and community programs to support the next generation of Malaysian conservationists.
Solutions in Action
Thriving Nature & Wildlife
Reducing Conflict
Dolphins rely on sounds using whistles, squeaks and echolocation to navigate, communicate and forage. The MareCet team suspects human activities, such as boat traffic increase underwater noise to levels that may be harmful to dolphins. To reduce this noise pollution and conflict between humans and wildlife, MareCet uses their research as evidence to establish Important Marine Mammal Areas to encourage reductions in boat speed or traffic.
Thriving People
Empowering Women
Dr. Louisa Ponnampalam founded MareCet, not only to pursue the conservation of marine mammals, but also to support the next generation of Malaysian conservationists, especially women, encouraging their team of brilliant women to become leaders in their field. MareCet also supports the livelihoods of Malaysian women through artisan craft projects, to promote cultural traditions native to Malaysia that may be at risk of dying out.
Supporting Conservationists
Acoustic Pingers for Fisherman
MareCet’s bycatch mitigation program uses banana acoustic pingers on the driftnets of fishermen. Many fishers reported a reduction in dolphin bycatch as well as fish depredation from their nets. With 33 fisher participants in the program (some of whom are new recruits this year), they have distributed 224 pingers to them, and are expecting more new recruits to the program in the coming year.
Quote“Marine conservation is essential. We have to remember that on our blue planet, the ocean and sea support life. Everyone can be an everyday ocean hero.”
Dr. Louisa Ponnamapalam, Executive Director MareCet
