Observer programmes to record marine mammal and seabird distribution and interactions with fishing operations in Southwest Atlantic waters
Authors
Pierce, G.J. (Graham John); Lens, S. (Santiago); Pena, Ú. (Úrsula); Goetz, S. (Sabine); Laporta, M. (Martín); Río-Iglesias, J.L. (José Luis) del; Portela, J. (Julio); Iglesias-Martínez, S. (Sergio)Date
2008Type
conference posterAbstract
Since 1993, fishery observers from the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (lEO) have recorded incidental sightings
and by-catches of marine mammals and seabirds from Spanish fishing boats in intemational waters of the southwest
Atlantic. The lEO recently implemented an observer pragramme on-board research vessels in the area, recording
data on marine mammal and seabird sightings. The objectives of this programme inc1ude (a) determining the
distribution of marine marnmals and seabirds, (b) modelling habitat use, and (e) monitoring interactions with fishing
operations. Data are collected on species present, numbers, behaviour, enviranmental conditions and interactions
with fishing activities.
Here we present a summary of results fram the fishery observers and a preliminary report on the results from
surveys inc1uding distribution maps. The cetacean species most frequently sighted fram commercial vessels were
Peale's dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis) and hourglass dolphin (Lageno ...