Stranding and by-catch of cetaceans in the Northeastern Atlantic during 1996

Abstract

In this study we have analysed the stranding and by-catch records of cetaceans during 1996. The area of investigation is located in the Northeastern Atlantic. The results of data provide information concerning the seasonal and spatial distribution and relative frequency of the catches in the different areas. A total of 549 specimens was reported. Of these, 84% were found stranded and only the 16% resulted from by-catches from fishing boats or being stranded with injury by the nets. The common dolphin is the species most frequently involved in nets (72.4%). Young common dolphins were mainly caught and shows a similar frequency of females and males. Other cetaceans caught include Tursiops tnmcatus (5 .7%), while the others like Stenella coeruleoalba, Stenella frontalis, Grampus griseus, Kogia breviceps and Phocoena phocoena have only been caught sporadically. The location ofby-catches in the different sectors reflect human fishing activities.