Kuching, Wednesday, 3 September 2008 - Sarawak Aluminium Company (SALCO) contributed RM10,000 towards a three day survey of dolphins and porpoises in coastal waters between Tanjung Kidurong (in Bintulu) and Kuala Nyalau, north of the proposed Similajau Industrial Park.

The survey was conducted from June 11-13 as an adjunct to the Sarawak Dolphin Project, which aims to collect important baseline data about the seasonal distribution, habitat use, and conservation needs of dolphins in Sarawak, principally in Miri and Kuching. SALCO will use the data in its Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) for the building of its proposed aluminium smelter.

“SALCO is enthusiastic about the chance to play an active role this type of research. It allows us to do our part to protect the Similajau region’s indigenous dolphins and porpoises,” said Matt Liddy, Director, Business Development, Rio Tinto Alcan. “By including data about their habitat and activities in the SALCO DEIA, we can make more informed decisions about conservation strategies and future developments in and around the Similajau Industrial Park.”

The Sarawak Dolphin Project is funded by Shell Malaysia and conducted by Sarawak Forestry Corporation and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). The survey yielded fourteen separate sightings of groups and individual dolphins and porpoises, including Irrawaddy dolphins (seven sightings), finless porpoises (six sightings) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (one sighting).

“Although the survey was designed primarily to provide baseline data for the SALCO DEIA, it was conducted in line with the main objectives of the Sarawak Dolphin Project as well, and the information gained contributes to the Project,” said Dr. Gianna Minton, Sarawak Dolphin Project leader for UNIMAS.

The Sarawak Dolphin Project intends to use the data collected to develop effective conservation and management plans, provide training and field experience for local Malaysian scientists, and offer opportunities for volunteers to become involved in dolphin conservation.

SALCO will also be supporting a second cetacean survey at Similajau, scheduled for late September 2008.

About the Sarawak Dolphin Project

In addition to its research initiatives, the Sarawak Dolphin Project raises awareness of marine mammals and their conservation needs through scientific and popular press and community workshops.

Sarawak Shell Berhad provides funding and logistic support, while the Sarawak Forestry Corporation provides staffing, expertise, permits and permissions, and liaises with the Sarawak State Government to implement conservation plans. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) administers the project and provides academic expertise and graduate trainee researchers. Volunteers, including those from Shell and the Malaysian Nature Society, assist with research and participate to learn about dolphin conservation.