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Thousands of dolphins and whales have been sighted in the deep waters off East Timor, with scientists hoping the migratory corridor will jumpstart tourism in the tiny country.
The Australian Institute of Marine Science has conducted the country's first major boat-based survey of cetaceans in a joint project with the East Timor Government.
"The dolphins and small whales were literally jumping out of the water all around us, it was hard to know which animal to photograph," said researcher Jose Monteiro.
Scientists identified about 10 species of cetaceans, including blue whales, beaked whales, short-finned pilot whales, melon-headed whales and six species of dolphins.
In one day alone, more than 1000 individuals in eight separate pods were spotted over a 50km stretch of coast.
"This is among the highest level of cetacean abundance recorded," said Professor Karen Edyvane."We were amazed to see such an abundance, diversity and density."
Edyvane said the findings confirmed that the deep oceanic waters off East Timor - along the Wetar and Ombai straits - were a major migratory route for marine wildlife.
Celestino Barreto de Cunha, director of fisheries management within East Timor's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, said the marine hotspot could hold the key to the developing nation's tourism industry. "The Government recognises the enormous potential for marine ecotourism along its coast and will proceed very carefully in the development of this industry."
- AAP