Article 17 web tool

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: Para la estimación del rango se ha efectuado un polígono mínimo convexo (MCP) con las localizaciones encontradas en cada demarcación marina, ya que ha resultado ser el medio más fidedigno de representación, al compararlo con diversos modelos (GAM, Kernel, etc.). Para ello se ha empleado el MCP al 95% mediante la herramienta Home Range Tools para ArcGIS 10.1. ||
->Population: Estima poblacional realizada en el proyecto SCANS-III.
Para determinar el área de ocupación se consideran las cuadrículas que intersecan con el rango y aquellas cuadrículas 10x10 donde hay registros de presencia pero no están incluidas.
Por cuestiones metodológicas no se considera comparable con la estima poblacional efectuada en el sexenio anterior, de entre 10.000 y 50.000 ejemplares. ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: N/A ||
->Population: N/A ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: The natural range of Bottlenose dolphins in Irish waters, and marine waters covered by the Directive, is a small component of the species’ wider North Atlantic range (Hammond et al., 2012; Wells & Scott, 2009; DEHLG, 2009; Hammond et al., 2017; Rogan et al., 2018a), while ongoing evidence from repeated high quality surveys (Berrow et al., 2018; Rogan et al., 2018a) continues to confirm the species’ occurrence in Irish waters in all seasons.
The range map provided consists of the species’ recorded and likely predominant natural range based on comparatively recent data (2001-2018) and expert judgement, and is partly derived from 2.3. It consists of a block of contiguous 50km x 50km grid cells distributed in Irish marine waters including the Irish Sea and coastal areas, and now includes the relevant assessment area under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Prior to 1999-2000, survey effort targeting cetacean species in Irish offshore waters was comparatively limited in coverage, both spatially and temporally. Since 1999-2000 a number of dedicated multi-annual surveillance programmes for cetaceans have operated in Irish waters, with visual and acoustic surveys extending to the limits of Ireland’s EEZ and beyond. With regard to this species it is considered that the years 2007-2018 represent an appropriate period for the evaluation of short-term trends since all survey efforts intensified further during this period.
Sighting records from ongoing dedicated surveillance effort in Irish waters (e.g., Berrow et al., 2010; Baines et al., 2013; Wall et al., 2013; Cronin & Barton, 2014; Rogan et al., 2015; Craig et al., 2016; Kavanagh et al. 2017; O’Sullivan & Manning, 2017; Berrow et al., 2018; Rogan et al., 2018a; Rogan et al., 2018b) provide no evidence of a decline in distribution/range in the recent past. Therefore the short-term trend for Range is considered to be stable.
The long-term trend over the period 1994-2018 is considered to be uncertain for this species due to limited data availability prior to 1999-2000, as outlined above.
The range value derived from the map referred to above is considered to be a revised baseline for this species. This surface area calculation is slightly greater than that reported in 2013.
Since there is no evidence of a decline in range since the Directive came into force the current range is set as the FRR.
There is an assumption that the current range in Irish waters is large enough (a) to encompass all of the ecological variation required by this species during its occurrences therein and (b) to contribute to the long-term survival of the species. ||
->Population: Evidence from multi-annual surveillance programmes (e.g., Ó Cadhla et al., 2004; Berrow et al., 2010; Wall et al., 2013; Kavanagh et al., 2017; Berrow et al., 2018; Rogan et al., 2018a) demonstrate that Bottlenose dolphins occur widely in Irish waters and do so throughout the year. This is generally the case throughout continental shelf and slope habitats and also in adjacent waters over 2,000m in depth, though the species’ presence is much less pronounced in the western Irish Sea.
Recent and comprehensive data for the entire region of western Europe have been lacking until recently, particularly with regard to sufficient temporal (i.e., beyond one or more summer months or one year) and spatial coverage (i.e., spanning continental shelf, slope and deeper abyssal waters, all of which may represent Bottlenose dolphin habitat).
Within the North-East Atlantic, based on aerial survey effort approximately 19,200 Bottlenose dolphins were estimated to occur in the summer of 2016 in waters off western Europe but excluding Ireland (Hammond et al., 2017). A further 8,496 Bottlenose dolphins were estimated from ship-based survey data collected further offshore during the same period (Hammond et al., 2017).
Bottlenose dolphin data from Ireland’s ObSERVE Programme (see Berrow et al., 2018 and Rogan et al., 2018a) have not yet been integrated into a European-wide assessment of population size for the species, although this should now be feasible given simultaneous aerial survey efforts in the summer of 2016 (Hammond et al., 2017; Rogan et al., 2018a).
In a new departure for data acquisition in Irish offshore and inshore waters, the aerial surveys carried out under this programme were successful in enabling abundance estimates to be derived from data acquired in the summer and winter months. However due to difficulties distinguishing visual records of this species from other small- to medium-sized dolphins, particularly Atlantic white-sided dolphins and White-beaked dolphins, for this assessment it was necessary to use only those estimates derived from confirmed sightings of the species (i.e., Rogan et al., 2018a).
The most robust and reliable of these four seasonal estimates (i.e., that with the lowest CV = 0.21; summer 2016) has been presented in 6.2 via minimum and maximum 95% Confidence Limits.
It should be noted that higher estimates and lower CVs were obtained from extensive aerial survey data gathered in winter 2016 (Rogan et al., 2018a); however the latter figures are somewhat unusual in the context of what is known about the species’ abundance and distribution in the North-East Atlantic (e.g., Hammond et al., 2012) and the record figures could be influenced by significant breaks in survey effort across the full 2016-2017 winter period.
The Favourable Reference Population has been set as approximately equal to the current population to account for improved knowledge. Although the short-term trends are uncertain this value is considered to represent the minimum necessary to ensure the long-term survival of the species. ||
->HabInfo: Use of the range descriptor and range surface area calculation as proxies for habitat and habitat area are judged appropriate for this wide-ranging pelagic and oceanic species. The species’ natural range and thus habitat in Irish waters is a small component of its wider North Atlantic range (Wells & Scott, 2009; DEHLG, 2009; Hammond et al., 2012; Wall et al., 2013; Hammond et al., 2017; Rogan et al., 2018a).
The quality of habitat for Bottlenose dolphin was determined by consideration of the relevant direct and indirect pressures thought to be acting on the species and/or its functional group, and its habitat within its natural environment. These pressures were evaluated in development of the Conservation Plan for Cetaceans in Irish waters (DEHLG, 2009) and informed by more recent scientific surveillance (e.g., Baines et al., 2013; Cronin & Barton, 2014; Rogan et al., 2015; Craig et al., 2016; Hammond et al., 2017; Kavanagh et al., 2017; O’Sullivan & Manning, 2017; Berrow et al., 2018; O’Donnell et al., 2018; Rogan et al., 2018a; Rogan et al., 2018b), using available data concerning, inter alia, habitat use, population size, distribution and ecology, and threats to the species’ protection (e.g., via natural/biological sources, human sectoral activities, management gaps, etc.).
Bottlenose dolphins may be subject to a number of local and/or regional environmental pressures throughout their range in Irish waters (DEHLG, 2009). However, based on current spatial and temporal data none are considered to be of sufficient impact on the species to be causing a significant deterioration in overall habitat quality in Ireland from a status that is sufficient for long-term survival.
Long-term trends in habitat for Bottlenose dolphin remain uncertain due to insufficient accurate data for this species prior to 1999-2000. However, with improved surveillance and numerous ongoing records of Bottlenose dolphins in the last 18 years, the short-term trend indicates the continued existence of sufficient quality habitat for the species. ||
->Future: Visual records of Bottlenose dolphin in Irish waters indicate a wide and quite regular occurrence of the species in waters overlying the continental shelf and slope, and also deeper oceanic basins, off the south, west and north of Ireland in particular.
Since many significant (i.e., high level) anthropogenic impacts that may affect this wide-ranging species’ distribution are more localised in space and time within this extensive and diverse marine area, the Future prospects for the Range and Habitat for the species are considered to be Good.
A number of pressures that could act upon this species have been identified. The effect of these pressures may operate on a temporary and/or regional scale and some are likely to continue to act as pressures into the future, thereby constituting a potential threat.
While the impacts on individuals or populations of Bottlenose dolphin in Irish waters are not well understood, partly due to continuing uncertainty regarding its population trends and ecology within Ireland’s marine area, ongoing threats as listed or identified into the future via surveillance will be managed appropriately in Ireland. Therefore the Future prospects for the Population are considered to be Good. ||
->Conclusion: Contemporary sightings of Bottlenose dolphins indicate a wide occurrence of this species throughout Irish coastal and offshore waters, from those overlying the continental shelf and continental slope to deeper ocean basins (e.g., Rockall Trough, Porcupine Seabight). Hence the Range and Habitat for the species are considered to be Favourable.
While robust and long-term data on Bottlenose dolphin population size and trends in Irish waters as a whole are not available, knowledge of the species’ seasonal distribution and summer abundance in western European waters has improved significantly since the Directive came into force.
There has also recently been some improvement in population abundance data from a large part of the Irish EEZ, yielding new estimates and associated 95% Confidence Limits based on dedicated cetacean surveillance since 2013.
While there is some uncertainty in the trajectory of North-East Atlantic populations of Bottlenose dolphin, given the available estimates for a large part of Irish waters and the species’ wide occurrence throughout the year, the Population parameter is considered to be Favourable.
A number of pressures have been identified. While the effect of these pressures may act on a temporary and/or regional scale and some are likely to continue to act as pressures into the future, none is considered to be of sufficient magnitude to be causing an adverse impact on populations of Bottlenose dolphin in Irish waters. Ongoing threats as listed or identified into the future via surveillance will be managed appropriately. Hence the Future prospects for the species are considered to be Favourable.
Based on the assessments for the Range, Population, Habitat and Future prospects parameters, the overall conclusion is that the Conservation Status of Bottlenose dolphin in Ireland remains Favourable. This overall result is the same as the previous two Article 17 assessments. ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: considering the very large mobility of the species, range refers to the largest poligon occupied by all sightings ||
->Population: Annual aerial census were performed between 2010 and 2015 (LIFE+ MarPro) until the ±50 nm limit from the coast, leading to a multi-year mean estimate of 2306 individuals. The best estimate for the 2011 offshore survey (LIFE+ MarPro) was also considered in this case, to account for a more offshore area, as well as the Sado individuals (the same method was used in the previous report, allowing for comparison with the estimate presented in the 2013 report). With respect to population trend, a minimum value of 736 individuals was obtained in 2010 and a maximum value of 5615 was obtained in 2013. In the 2016 SCANS III aerial census, Block AB (includes Galician waters) comprised 735 individuals, indicating even lower abundances for portuguese waters than in 2010. Considering the higher annual estimates inbetween 2010 and 2016, further annual values would be needed to determine population trend for this species. ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: Range estimated for the current period matches the range given in the 2013 reporting round (excluding analytical differences). This range is considered sufficient and includes all significant ecological variations to ensure survival of the species. Areas within the range are utilised to a lesser or greater extent. ||
->Population: The estimate of population size (6.2) is given as a point estimate (6.2d) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (6.2b&c). There is considerable overlap between the confidence intervals of the 2013 estimate and the current estimate, indicating that there is no significant difference between the two values. However, there are too few data points at the UK scale to confidently conclude this. ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: These results are based on the current conservation status for each parameter combined with the future trend for each parameter. The future trend is an estimate of how the parameter is likely to progress into the future, using the current trend as a baseline and considering the balance between threats and measures to assess how these are likely to affect that trend over the next two reporting cycles (12 years). For bottlenose dolphin, the future trend of Range is assessed as Overall Stable. As the current conservation status for Range is Favourable for this species, the future prospects are considered Good.
The future trend and consequently the future prospects for the Population and Habitat parameters are assessed as Unknown; this is due to there being insufficient data to establish current trends for these parameters.
||
->Conclusion: Conclusion on Range reached because: (i) the short-term trend direction in Range surface area is stable and (ii) the current Range surface area is approximately equal to the Favourable Reference Range.
Conclusion on Population reached because: (i) the FRP is unknown; and (ii) the short-term trend direction in Population size is unknown.
Conclusion on Habitat for the species reached because: (i) the area of habitat is sufficiently large but (ii) the habitat quality is unknown for the long-term survival of the species; and (iii) the short-term trend in area and quality of habitat is unknown.
Conclusion on Future prospects reached because: (i) the Future prospects for Range are good; but (ii) the Future prospects for Population are unknown; and (iii) the Future prospects for Habitat for the species are unknown.
Overall assessment of Conservation Status is Unknown because two or more of the conclusions are Unknown.
Overall trend in Conservation Status is based on the combination of the short-term trends for Range - stable, Population - unknown, and Habitat for the species - unknown.
||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: N/A ||
->Population: N/A ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: N/A ||
->Population: Evaluation of marine mammals population- conform Birkun A. Jr, Northridge S. P., Willsteed E. A., James F. A., Kilgour C., Lander M., Fitzgerald G. D., 2014. Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission, Brussels, 347p ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: Para la estimación del rango se ha efectuado un polígono mínimo convexo (MCP) con las localizaciones encontradas en cada demarcación marina, ya que ha resultado ser el medio más fidedigno de representación, al compararlo con diversos modelos (GAM, Kernel, etc.). Para ello se ha empleado el MCP al 95% mediante la herramienta Home Range Tools para ArcGIS 10.1. ||
->Population: Estima poblacional en abse a los ejemplares mínimos detectados en el proyecto Mistic Seas II.
Por cuestiones metodológicas no se considera comparable con la estima poblacional efectuada en el sexenio anterior. ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: Photo-identification showed connectivity between archipelagos within MMAC (Molina et al. 2018).

Azores:
5.1 Considering that marine mammals are migratory and highly mobile species, range surface area is assumed as the maritime waters under Azores and Madeira jurisdiction (including internal and territorial waters and the Portuguese sub-areas of the Exclusive Economic Zone).

5.10 Favourable reference range is unknown according to expert opinion. Marine mammals are highly migratory and their ecological range and distribution are very wide, at the ocean basin scale and, therefore, much greater than the biogeographical region. ||
->Population: dados calculados no projecto Mistic Seas II - programa costeiro (baseado em modelação para uma área restrita que não corresponde ao total MMAC)
As estimativas populacionais de Tursiops truncatus foram elaboradas com base em amostragem dirigida obtidas através do programa costeiro do projeto MISTIC SEAS II. Correspondem à soma das estimativas populacionais dos 2 arquipélagos para uma área de 3.200 km2 para o Arquipélago dos Açores e de 2.300 km2 para o arquipélago da Madeira (5.500km2 de um total MMAC PT = 1.450.200km2= 0.38% do total do range MMAC PT). Por esta razão as estimativas MMAC PT foram consideradas como correspondendo a um valor mínimo (reportado como best single value) conforme indicam as guidelines do Art. 17, para casos em que a área amostrada corresponde a uma subestimativa considerável da área total da região biogeográfica.
Azores: Model-based Abundance = 640 25%CV Area=???? Km2 ||
->HabInfo: A espécie ocorre nos Açores durante todo o ano, sendo uma das espécies mais abundantes, e há evidências da existência de animais residentes.
Na Madeira a espécie pode ser observada durante todo o ano, tendo sido confirmada a existência de uma população associada ao arquipélago.
Dados genéticos sugerem que os indivíduos da espécie que ocorrem nos arquipélagos da Madeira e dos Açores pertencem à mesma população.

7.1 Sufficiency of area and quality of occupied habitat unknown according to the guidelines (habitat area is stable but the quality is unknown - Table 4: Assessing trend direction of habitat for the species) ||
->Future: As diferenças de metodologia aplicada nos dois ultimos periodos de reporte não permitem ainda inferir sobre o estado futuro da população desta espécie

Açores: Baseado na opinião dos peritos não há dados suficientes para se poder avaliar a espécie, pelo que se reportou unknown em todos os campos de avaliação. ||
->Conclusion: Açores: Baseado na opinião dos peritos ainda não há dados suficientes para se poder avaliar o estado de conservação atual da espécie, pelo que se reportou unknown em todos os campos de avaliação. ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: Açores:
Campo 2. Os mapas de distribuição foram elaborados com base em registos de ocorrências do Programa de Observação das Pescas dos Açores (POPA) e que são de observação de cariz oportunista e não amostragens dirigidas. No entanto, cobrem uma área de cerca de 20% do range total do Mar dos Açores (200.000km2 de 984.900km2), uma área muito mais abrangente que as áreas de estudo do projeto MISTIC SEAS II (<3% da área total do range MMAC PT).

Campo 6. As estimativas populacionais de Tursiops truncatus foram elaboradas com base em amostragem dirigida obtidas através do programa costeiro do projeto MISTIC SEAS II. Correspondem à soma das estimativas populacionais dos 2 arquipélagos para uma área de 3.200 km2 para o Arquipélago dos Açores e de 2.300 km2 para o arquipélago da Madeira (5.500km2 de um total MMAC PT = 1.450.200km2= 0.38% do total do range MMAC PT). Por esta razão as estimativas MMAC PT foram consideradas como correspondendo a um valor mínimo (reportado como best single value) conforme indicam as guidelines do Art. 17, para casos em que a área amostrada corresponde a uma subestimativa considerável da área total da região biogeográfica.

13.3 Azores: For the distribution map the data were collected under the Azorean Fisheries Observer Program (POPA; www.popaobserver.org) and consisted of dedicated visual transects, which were performed following a fixed protocol by fishery observers on-board pole-and-line tuna vessels.

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: The species range was poorly known before 2007. The species' distribution was calculated from the surveys contacted 2016-2017. Range was calculated using scientific literature and expert opinion. ||
->Population: The species population size was poorly known before 2007. A two year survey on cetacean population abundance and distribution was made in 2016-2017. Tursiops population was found only to be coastal. ||
->HabInfo: The species habitat area and quality was poorly known before 2007. A two year survey on cetacean population abundance and distribution was made in 2016-2017. Tursiops population was found only to be coastal. ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: Population size (fields 6.2 or 6.4) is more than 25 % below Favourable Reference Population (field 6.15). The decrease in population is 50 %, compared to the Favorable Reference Population. ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: Para la estimación del rango se ha efectuado un polígono mínimo convexo (MCP) con las localizaciones encontradas en cada demarcación marina, ya que ha resultado ser el medio más fidedigno de representación, al compararlo con diversos modelos (GAM, Kernel, etc.). Para ello se ha empleado el MCP al 95% mediante la herramienta Home Range Tools para ArcGIS 10.1.
Se considera favorable por comparación con el rango reportado en el periodo anterior (105776 km2) ||
->Population: Estima poblacional a partir de los datos del ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative (2018). Se considera estable al compararlo con los datos del periodo anterior (10.000 a 50.000 ejemplares). ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: N/A ||
->Population: N/A ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: N/A ||
->Population: N/A ||
->HabInfo: The surface area of the habitat is estimated at 11774 km2 (equal to range) and its quality is moderate. The method for the assessment of the habitat quality is based on the hihg fishing pressure in the habitat of the species. ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: The species inhabits all the waters of the continental shelf from the shore up to depths of 250 m. Occasionally it can be found also in deep waters. There are no abundance estimations for any other population except those inhabiting the Amvrakikos Gulf and the internal Ionian Sea, where 148 and about 40 individuals have been recorded, respectively (comprehensive inventory). The range and the habitat of the species are covered very partially by the only two truly marine Natura 2000 sites: the internal Ionian Sea and the Northern Sporades. It has to be noted that in both these Natura 2000 sites not a single conservation measure has been taken specifically for common bottlenose dolphins and cetaceans in general.
Tursiops truncatus distribution and range does not include SAC GR2210003 because according to recent field data and relative research it is not present there; thus GR2210003 SDF will be corrected.

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: N/A ||
->Population: Total corrected: 10,556 (CV 23.9%;Cis 6,615-16,847) - estimation 2010. for the whole Adriatic
North Adriatic: 6,557 (20,3%; 4412-9805) ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: N/A ||
->Population: Data on population size refers to line transect distance sampling in different areas: West Sardinia, Pelagos Sanctuary, Central and Southern Thyrrhenian Sea and Ionia Sea (2010-2014) (Panigada et al., 2017), Adriatic Sea (2010) (Lauriano et al., 2014), Sicily Strait (2016) (Donovan, 2016). ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: The LIFE+ MIGRATE project was the first large scale research programme of its kind for the species in Maltese waters and it addressed some of these knowledge gaps, confirming the regular presence of this species with the involvement of several stakeholders (Mifsud et al., 2017). However, defined or particular areas of use by this species were not identified, and it seems that most dolphins only migrate through Maltese waters. The project findings are baseline in nature, however in view of the migratory nature of the species and the fact that it has been recorded throughout all the Maltese waters, its range is being reported as extending throughout the Maltese waters. ||
->Population: Sightings of Tursiops truncatus occur regularly within Maltese waters throughout the year and over the past six years. In the LIFE+ MIGRATE project, the species showed a relatively high group size with a mean of 15 animals which is only surpassed in the Mediterranean by Alboran. However the survey data analysis showed a low relative abundance of around 3 individuals per 100 km. Although the population size in Maltese waters was estimated to range between 79 to 224 individuals, taking into consideration the analysis of the photo identification and considering the high survey effort performed, the lower population size estimate (i.e. 79 individuals) is considered to be more realistic. ||
->HabInfo: Observations of Tursiops truncatus are based on sightings data. From the LIFE+ MIGRATE project, it was observed that this species occupies the habitat of its prey, namely pelagic fish. Additionally it was also noted that, being an opportunistic species, particular aggregation of individuals near the coast is directly related with their interaction with the fish farms that are present in the area. Noting that Malta has multiple, large-scale aquaculture operators, areas close to sites were fish are reared in the marine environment, are known to have high observation rates of this species. ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: Change of state border ||
->Population: N/A ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report  

Scientific name used in original MS report if different than recommended: "Tursiops truncatus"
Information provided in the field 2.8.2: Reported additionnal information: ||
->Range: N/A ||
->Population: N/A ||
->HabInfo: N/A ||
->Future: N/A ||
->Conclusion: N/A ||
->JustificationThreshold: N/A ||
->Other: N/A

Open Original Report