Monitoring winter and summer abundance of cetaceans in the Pelagos Sanctuary (northwestern Mediterranean Sea) through aerial surveys.

摘要: Systematic long-term monitoring of abundance is essential to inform conservation measures and evaluate their effectiveness. To instigate such work in the Pelagos Sanctuary Mediterranean, two aerial surveys were conducted winter summer 2009. A total 467 (131 winter, 336 summer) sightings 7 species was made. Sample sizes sufficient estimate fin whales (148; 95% CI = 87–254) striped dolphins (19,462; 12 939–29 273) (38 488; 27 447–53 968). Numbers animals within are significantly higher summer, when human activities thus potential population level impacts highest. Comparisons with data from past shipboard suggest an appreciable decrease area increase dolphins. Aerial proved be more efficient than ship surveys, allowing robust estimates, smaller CIs CVs. These results provide baseline for this marine protected continued regular will allow effectiveness MPA terms cetacean evaluated future management measures. The collected may also crucial assessing whether strikes, one main causes death affecting Mediterranean population.