Logo Pleamar

Aquaculture and dolphins: collaboration in the creation of scientific bases for management in the Natura 2000 Network

Pleamar program

Description

This project has consisted of the quantification and characterization of the use made by the different groups of bottlenose dolphins of aquaculture farms in the towns of San Pedro del Pinatar, Águilas and Almería.

Based on the study generated, ANSE has been able to give continuity to the results obtained in previous projects developed since 2000 in this area, whose overall objective has been to advance in the knowledge of the structure of the different groups of bottlenose in the study area as well as the real impact that feeding in the environment of the aquaculture estates may have on their diet.

See the project

Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

Finalizado

Execution date:

2014


The project has consisted of the quantification and characterization of the use made by the different groups of bottlenose dolphins of aquaculture farms in the towns of San Pedro del Pinatar, Águilas and Almería.

The actions carried out within the framework of the project have been:

  • Three campaigns aboard two ANSE boats that consisted of identifying the largest number of bottlenose dolphins. Some data show 42 sightings counting 630 individuals in 47 days of navigation.
  • Use of fixed omnidirectional hydrophones placed in the cages and observers in the same facilities.
  • Isotopic analysis of samples obtained from in situ biopsies for the study of the influence on the diet of bottlenose dolphins of the food resources captured in the environment of the farms.
  • Preparation of photoidentification catalogues of dorsal fins for the study of the social structure of the different groups of dolphins, in which this information has served to complement the size of the populations and their comparison with the results obtained in previous projects

At the same time, training and participation actions have been launched for volunteers, who have been able to do sighting practices on board to complete theoretical training in sighting campaigns.

Finally, thanks to the information obtained, specific management measures are being developed for the areas of the Natura 2000 Network (SCI Marine Environment of the Region of Murcia) adjacent to the aquaculture farms included in the project.

programa
linea de actuación

Aquaculture and dolphins: collaboration in the creation of scientific bases for management in the Natura 2000 Network