June 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Final call: World Cetacean Alliance Responsible Whale Watching Guide Course
by Dylan Walker 27 Jun '17

27 Jun '17

Dear MARMAMERS, Please find our call for applicants below: *World Cetacean Alliance Responsible Whale Watching Guide Course * This year, the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is holding an intensive 5-day training programme to become a certified WCA Responsible Whale Watching Guide. *Dates:* Monday 17th – Friday 21st July 2017 *Location:* WCA Headquarters, Brighton, UK *WCA’s Responsible Whale Watching Guide Course* The course will include: * WCA Responsible Whale Watcher course and certification * Lectures and training from seasoned professionals, including: WCA CEO Dylan Walker; Ian Rowlands from WhaleFest and Gina Gow from Incredible Oceans * Workshops * Guide training * Data collection and feedback * Practical activities, including boat work * Final presentation/assessment After successful completion of the course, participants will be placed on a database of qualified guides from where WCA Partners andaffiliates will be able to select suitable candidates for internship and guiding opportunities. Any successful placement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the WCA Partner or affiliate. *Applications* * Limited places available, so early application is strongly encouraged. * Please send a full CV (maximum two pages) and a cover letter, including: previous experience, why you would like to participate in the course and, what you hope to achieve after completing the course to projects(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org * Applications will be open until 30th June, and places will be confirmed by 4th July 2017. Dylan Walker Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance * *[image: http://worldwhaleconference.org/] <http://worldwhaleconference.org/>* *T *+44 (0)1273 355011* M *+44 (0)7900 471490* S *dylan.wca *E *dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org* W *worldcetaceanalliance.org *W2 *whaleheritagesites.org *W3 *worldwhaleconference.org <http://www.worldwhaleconference.org> *A *Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK *The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 90 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. * *The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately.* *Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments. *

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new publication on the action imitation capacity in a Beluga whale
by José Francisco Zamorano Abramson 27 Jun '17

27 Jun '17

Dear all list members, We are happy to announce our recent publication: *Contextual imitation of intransitive body actions in a Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas): A “do as other does” study * Abstract Cetaceans are remarkable for exhibiting group-specific behavioral traditions or cultures in several behavioral domains (e.g., calls, behavioral tactics), and the question of whether they can be acquired socially, for example through imitative processes, remains open. Here we used a “Do as other does” paradigm to experimentally study the ability of a beluga to imitate familiar intransitive (body-oriented) actions demonstrated by a conspecific. The participant was first trained to copy three familiar behaviors on command (training phase) and then was tested for her ability to generalize the learned “Do as the other does” command to a different set of three familiar behaviors (testing phase). We found that the beluga (1) was capable of learning the copy command signal “Do what-the-other-does”; (2) exhibited high matching accuracy for trained behaviors (mean = 84% of correct performance) after making the first successful copy on command; (3) copied successfully the new set of three familiar generali- zation behaviors that were untrained to the copy command (range of first copy = 12 to 35 tri- als); and (4) deployed a high level of matching accuracy (mean = 83%) after making the first copy of an untrained behavior on command. This is the first evidence of contextual imitation of intransitive (body-oriented) movements in the beluga and adds to the reported findings on production imitation of sounds in this species and production imitation of sounds and motor actions in several cetaceans, especially dolphins and killer whales. Collectively these find- ings highlight the notion that cetaceans have a natural propensity at skillfully and proficiently matching the sounds and body movements demonstrated by conspecifics, a fitness- enhancing propensity in the context of cooperative hunting and anti-predatory defense tac- tics, and of alliance formation strategies that have been documented in these species’ A open access PDF may be obtained from PLOS ONE: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0178906#se… All the best, José -- Dr. José Fco. Zamorano Abramson. Investigador del Centro de Estudios Avanzados Universidad de Playa Ancha Calle Traslaviña 450, Viña del Mar, Chile http://www.upla.cl/estudiosavanzados/es/investigadores/jose-francisco-zamor… ORCID Id: <http://www.upla.cl/estudiosavanzados/es/investigadores/jose-francisco-zamor…> orcid.org/0000-0001-7106-6419 RESEARCHE Id: B-3990-2012 Departamento de Psicobiología Facultad de Psicología Universidad Complutense de Madrid Campus de Somosaguas 28223 Madrid, Spain

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New Publication: The transition to independence: Sex differences in social and behavioural development of wild bottlenose dolphins
by Ewa Krzyszczyk 26 Jun '17

26 Jun '17

Dear MARMAM community: My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication through Animal Behaviour. *Krzyszczyk, Ewa*, Patterson, Eric, Stanton, Margaret, & Mann, Janet. The transition to independence: Sex differences in social and behavioural development of wild bottlenose dolphins. Animal Behaviour 129: 43-59. *Abstract* Sex differences in adult behaviour are well documented, but less is known about the ontogeny of these differences. In mammals, the transition to independence, from infancy to the juvenile period, is when these sex differences are likely to become prominent. Here, we examined sex differences in behavioural development among calf and juvenile bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) from two years pre-weaning to two years post-weaning and whether these differences were consistent, or not, with three non-mutually exclusive hypotheses regarding the function of the juvenile period: the social skills, protection/safety, and energy allocation hypothesis. All hypotheses received some support, but strikingly so for females. First, sex differences in the nature and quality of juvenile social bonds appear to foreshadow adult association patterns. Juveniles had a greater proportion of same-sex associates than calves. Second, although neither sex increased their number of associates from infancy to juvenility, a pattern that might mitigate predation risk, avoidance between juveniles and adult males suggests that both sexes reduce the likelihood of conspecific aggression. This pattern was more marked for juvenile females. Third, females, but not males, increased foraging rates from late infancy to the early juvenile period, even surpassing typical adult female foraging rates. This is likely related to the future energetic demands of maternal investment and skill development required for specialized foraging tactics, which are female biased in this population. This study provides a first step towards understanding the transition into independence for cetaceans, insight into how sex differences develop and a glimpse into the function of the juvenile period. The article is available for free for until July 27th at https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1VAfTmjLihxt If you would like a pdf or have any questions, or just want to geek out about juveniles with me! please email myself at (ewakrzyszczyk(a)gmail.com) Please also see my website ( http://ewakrzyszczyk.weebly.com) for a popular science type article regarding this new publication. Thank you, -- Ewa Krzyszczyk, PhD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Georgetown University Website: http://ewakrzyszczyk.weebly.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewakrzyszczyk/ Academia.edu: https://georgetown.academia.edu/EwaKrzyszczyk

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Internships and summer research opportunities in Marine Mammals Science in Spain
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 26 Jun '17

26 Jun '17

Internships and summer research opportunities in Marine Mammals Science in Spain. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, is a marine science centre dedicated to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through education and research. The project is based in the North-western coast of Spain (Galicia), an important hotspot for cetaceans, and offers the participants the chance to work during many steps of the field research and data analysis. No fewer than 22 cetacean species have been recorded in Galician waters over the years. Some, such as bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, short-beaked common dolphins, and mike whales have been recorded quite frequently by the BDRI since 2014. Program Description: The BDRI internship program is an exciting opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in a career in marine science to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammals and marine birds research. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in ecology and sociobiology with a focus on cetaceans ethology, habitat use, and communication. As an intern, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. Interns will be trained to participate with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based and land-based surveys, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc), and strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications:The internship is open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in field research make the most qualified individuals. This post brings the opportunity to be trained by the BDRI' researchers in data collection and processing. A strong interest in marine biology and conservation, self-motivation, and the desire to spend long hours in the field and office are required. The field schedule is variable and involves working at night (as part of our new research project about noctural/acoustic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins) and during the day. Laboratory work days typically last six hours and field days typically exceed seven hours and occur approximately several times per week. Weekends are generally off. Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between 1st July through to end November 2017. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is an internships/tuition fee including the accommodation in an apartment, supervision, training, use of equipment, and other expenses derived of your participation (access to wifi, field trips, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled. Please download the internships general information at:<www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf> Interested candidates should submit an application with the following: - A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 page only); - A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only); - BDRI's application form, you can download from <www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc> Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to: severine(a)thebdri.com For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. Best regards, and see you on site! Bruno Díaz López Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRIAvenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spainwww.thebdri.com0034 605 52 1441 This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

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Special Issue Published: delimiting subspecies using primarily genetic data
by Karen Martien - NOAA Federal 26 Jun '17

26 Jun '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of a special issue of Marine Mammal Science that defines subspecies and then focuses on using molecular genetic data to delimit cetacean subspecies. The editors introduce marine mammal subspecies in the age of genetics. The papers in the special issue then discuss: 1) the need to advance taxonomy for cetaceans, appropriate definitions for *populations, subspecies and species* and the rationale for relying largely on genetic data; 2) review recent studies that have used genetic data to delimit cetacean subspecies and species; 3) review analytical methods used for such studies; 4) evaluate the performance of different commonly-used metrics for subspecies delimitation; 5) present a new application of the Random Forests method to subspecies delimitation; and 6) provide guidelines and quantitative criteria for use in future studies of cetacean subspecies. The guidelines and criteria are not intended to be applied rigidly but should promote consistent taxonomic arguments. The authors hope the set will evolve with the oversight of the Society for Marine Mammalogy taxonomy committee. A list of the papers that appear in the special issue is below. All of the papers are available online at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.2017.33.is sue-S1/issuetoc Cheers, Karen Martien, on behalf of all co-authors Papers in special issue: Schwartz, M.K. and D.J. Boness. Marine mammal subspecies in the age of genetics: introductory remarks from the Associate Editor and Editor-in-Chief of *Marine Mammal Science*. Taylor, B.L., W.F. Perrin, R.R. Reeves, P.E. Rosel, J.Y. Wang, F. Cipriano, C.S. Baker, and R.L. Brownell, Jr. Why we should develop guidelines and quantitative standards for using genetic data to delimit subspecies for data-poor organisms like cetaceans. Martien, K.K., M.S. Leslie, B.L. Taylor, P.A. Morin, F.I. Archer, B.L. Hancock-Hanser, P.E. Rosel, N.L. Volymer, A. Viricel, and F. Cipriano. Analytical approaches to subspecies delimitation with genetic data. Rosel, P.E., B.L. Taylor, B.L. Hancock-Hanser, P.A. Morin, F.I. Archer, A.R. Lang, S.L. Mesnick, V.L. Pease, W.F. Perrin, K.M. Robertson, M.S. Leslie, A. Berta, F. Cipriano, K.M. Parsons, A. Viricel, N.L. Vollmer, and K.K. Martien. A review of molecular genetic markers and analytical approaches that have been used for delimiting marine mammal subspecies and species. Rosel, P.E., B.L. Hancock-Hanser, F.I. Archer, K.M. Robertson, K.K. Martien, M.S. Leslie, A. Berta, F. Cipriano, A. Viricel, K.A. Viaud-Martinez, and B.L. Taylor. Examining metrics and magnitudes of molecular genetic differentiation used to delimit cetacean subspecies based on mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. Archer, F.I., K.K. Martien, and B.L. Taylor. Diagnosability of mtDNA with Random Forests: using sequence data to delimit subspecies. Taylor, B.L., F.I. Archer, K.K. Martien, P.E. Rosel, B.L. Hancock-Hanser, A.R. Lang, M.S. Leslie, S.L. Mesnick, P.A. Morin, V.L. Pease, W.F. Perrin, K.M. Robertson, K.M. Parsons, A. Viricel, N.L. Vollmer, F. Cipriano, R.R. Reeves, M. Krützen, and C.S. Baker. Guidelines and quantitative standards to improve consistency in cetacean subspecies and species delimitation relying on molecular genetic data. -- Karen K. Martien, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Phone: 858-546-7058 Fax: 858-546-7003 Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics

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Fin and blue whales in the Porcupine Seabight, offshore Ireland
by Mick Baines 26 Jun '17

26 Jun '17

Dear list members, We are happy to announce the publication of our paper: *An autumn aggregation of fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and blue whales (B. musculus) in the Porcupine Seabight, southwest of Ireland* Mick Baines, Maren Reichelt & Donal Griffin. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, Volume 141, July 2017, Pages 168–177 *Abstract* During a 16 week geophysical survey over the Porcupine Seabight (PSB) southwest of Ireland in July to October 2013, marine mammal observers logged 9382 km of effort. Balaenopterid whales comprised some 60% of a total of 373 cetacean sighting events (s), with a cumulative count (n) of 392 whales. Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) were especially abundant (s=111, n=209) and the number of blue whales (B. musculus) seen (s=12, n=16) exceeded the total previously reported from Irish waters, but 43% of balaenopterid sightings (s=98, n=172) were not identified to species level. Data for all balaenopterid whales were pooled and generalised additive models applied to identify environmental variables that predicted whale density and to estimate abundance and the spatial distribution of density. Depth range and chlorophyll-a concentration were significant predictors of whale presence, and depth and sea floor rugosity were significant predictors of group size. There appeared to be an influx of whales in September and October and the predicted abundance peaked in October with an estimate of 138 (95% CI 121–151) whales. Analysis of the direction of movement of whales showed no significant bias in any one direction. Feeding behaviour was observed in both whale species and circumstantial evidence suggested that they were aggregating to exploit seasonally abundant northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica). Chasing behaviour observed among fin whales was interpreted as evidence that this aggregation also provided opportunities for social interaction related to their reproductive cycle. The PSB may provide a link between the high latitude summer feeding habitats of krill-feeding whales and a chain of highly productive habitats in the Eastern Boundary Upwelling Ecosystems and we suggest that whales may migrate southwards in autumn along this eastern route to the northwest African upwelling zones, where productivity peaks in winter. Copies are available from the publisher at: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1VG0F3Ruf11r6y Alternatively, contact mickbaines(a)gmail.com for a pdf file. -- Mick Baines www.wildscope.com

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Sealcentre Pieterburen Vet Internship 2017
by Ana Rubio García | Zeehondencentrum 26 Jun '17

26 Jun '17

Dear Colleagues, We are opening a new vet intern position! VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP – SEALCENTRE PIETERBUREN The Sealcentre Pieterburen, the Netherlands, has an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Intern to work in our Veterinary and Seal Care Departments. This position is scheduled to start in October 2017 and lasts one year and previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. The Sealcentre’s Veterinary Department includes two veterinarians and two veterinary interns. We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic candidate who will join our team and will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, maintenance of daily nutritional and medical records, sampling for various research projects, and data entry. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. The intern is required to find its own transportation to Pieterburen and we provide housing (gas, electricity, water and internet included), meals and health insurance. This position is unpaid. The intern should expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of shifts including weekdays, nights, weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills (a fluent English level is required). Due to Visa requirements we are currently only able to accept applicants with a European passport. The deadline for applications is July 31st 2017. Interested applicants should submit a copy of the CV, an intention letter and two recommendation letters. Note that the application materials should be in English. Applications and questions should be submitted to vet(a)zeehondencentrum.nl indicating in the subject VETERINARY INTERN 2017. For more information about the Sealcentre Pieterburen visit www.zeehondencentrum.nl Kind regards, *Ana Rubio García* *Head of the Veterinary & Research Department* Mobile phone: +31 (0)6 12 981154 Email: ana.rubiogarcia(a)zeehondencentrum.nl Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. Healthy sea, happy seal. Hoofdstraat 94a 9968 AG Pieterburen T +31 (0)595 526 526 E: info(a)zeehondencentrum.nl I: www.zeehondencentrum.nl [image: cid:image004.jpg@01D1D2D4.6A844C90] P Please consider the environment. Think before printing.

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Nearshore abundance & distribution of marine mammals in New Jersey waters
by Amy Whitt 24 Jun '17

24 Jun '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce a recent publication on marine mammals off New Jersey. *Whitt, A.D., J.A. Powell, A.G. Richardson, and J.R. Bosyk. 2015. * *Abundance and distribution of marine mammals in nearshore * *waters off New Jersey, USA**. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 15:45–59.* Abstract: Marine mammal abundance and distribution in New Jersey’s nearshore waters are not well known due to limited dedicated studies. The first year-round systematic surveys were conducted to determine the spatial/temporal distribution and estimate the abundance of marine mammals in this region prior to wind power development. Eight marine mammal species were observed: North Atlantic right whale (*Eubalaena glacialis*), humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*), fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*), bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops **truncatus*), common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*), harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*) and harbour seal (*Phoca vitulina*). Results indicate clear seasonal patterns in distribution and abundance. The fin whale, humpback whale and bottlenose dolphin were sighted during all seasons. The abundance of large whales in the study area was relatively low while the abundance of dolphin and porpoise species was high and largely seasonal. The bottlenose dolphin was the most abundant species; however, abundance was high only during spring and summer. Common dolphins and harbour porpoises were common in the study area during winter and spring. These baseline data will be used to assess potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of offshore wind power facilities in this region. The paper is available online* https://tinyurl.com/y7da6wn4 <https://tinyurl.com/y7da6wn4>* Or via email request to *amy(a)azuraco.com <amy(a)azuraco.com>* Cheers, Amy -- *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* CEO, Senior Scientist Azura Consulting LLC WOSB | EDWOSB *c* 870-919-2636 *o* 972-905-1416 www.azuraco.com <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/amy-whitt/6/4b/25a/> <https://twitter.com/AzuraConsulting>

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New paper on satellite telemetry data for fin whales
by simo.pani＠inwind.it 23 Jun '17

23 Jun '17

Dear colleagues, the following paper is now available online: Panigada et al. 2017. Satellite tagging of Mediterranean fin whales: working towards the identification of critical habitats and the focussing of mitigation measures. Scientific Reports. Abstract Mediterranean fin whales comprise a genetically distinct population, listed as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN Red List. Collisions with vessels are believed to represent the main cause of human-induced mortality. The identification of critical habitats (including migration routes) incorporating satellite telemetry data is therefore crucial to develop focussed conservation efforts. Between 2012 and 2015 thirteen fin whales were equipped with satellite transmitters, 8 in the Pelagos Sanctuary (although two ceased within two days) and 5 in the Strait of Sicily, to evaluate movements and habitat use. A hierarchical switching state-space model was used to identify transiting and area-restricted search (ARS) behaviours, believed to indicate foraging activities. All whales undertook mid- to long-distance migrations, crossing some of the world’s busiest maritime routes. Areas where the animals predominantly engaged in ARS behaviour were identified in both study areas. The telemetry data were compared with results from ecosystem niche modelling, and showed that 80% of tagged whale positions was near (<7 km) the closest suitable habitat. The results contribute to the view that precautionary management should include establishment of a coordinated and dynamic basin-wide management scheme; if appropriate, this may include the establishment of protected areas by specific regional Conventions. You can download a pdf copy at the following link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-03560-9 or send an email to: panigada69(a)gmail.com Best regards, Simone PanigadaPresident, Tethys Research Institute

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New paper on aerial surveys in the Mediterranean Sea
by simo.pani＠inwind.it 23 Jun '17

23 Jun '17

Dear colleagues, the following paper is available for download. All the best, Simone PanigadaPresident, Tethys Research Institute Article title: ESTIMATING CETACEAN DENSITY AND ABUNDANCE IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA THROUGH AERIAL SURVEYS: IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT Article reference: DSRII4239 Journal title: Deep-Sea Research Part II Corresponding author: Dr Simone Panigada First author: Dr Simone Panigada Final version published online: 22-Jun-2017 DOI information: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2017.04.018 AbstractSystematic, effective monitoring of animal population parameters underpins successful conservation strategy and wildlife management, but it is often neglected in many regions, including much of the Mediterranean Sea. Nonetheless, a series of systematic multispecies aerial surveys was carried out in the seas around Italy to gather important baseline information on cetacean occurrence, distribution and abundance. The monitored areas included the Pelagos Sanctuary, the Tyrrhenian Sea, portions of the Seas of Corsica and Sardinia, the Ionian Seas as well as the Gulf of Taranto. Overall, approximately 48,000 km were flown in either spring, summer and winter between 2009–2014, covering an area of 444,621 km2. The most commonly observed species were the striped dolphin and the fin whale, with 975 and 83 recorded sightings, respectively. Other sighted cetacean species were the common bottlenose dolphin, the Risso's dolphin, the sperm whale, the pilot whale and the Cuvier's beaked whale. Uncorrected model- and design-based estimates of density and abundance for striped dolphins and fin whales were produced, resulting in a best estimate (model-based) of around 95,000 striped dolphins (CV=11.6%; 95% CI=92,900–120,300) occurring in the Pelagos Sanctuary, Central Tyrrhenian and Western Seas of Corsica and Sardinia combined area in summer 2010. Estimates were also obtained for each individual study region and year. An initial attempt to estimate perception bias for striped dolphins is also provided. The preferred summer 2010 uncorrected best estimate (design-based) for the same areas for fin whales was around 665 (CV=33.1%; 95% CI=350–1260). Estimates are also provided for the individual study regions and years. The results represent baseline data to develop efficient, long-term, systematic monitoring programmes, essential to evaluate trends, as required by a number of national and international frameworks, and stress the need to ensure that surveys are undertaken regularly and at a sufficient spatial scale. The management implications of the results are discussed also in light of a possible decline of fin whales abundance over the period from the mid-1990s to the present. Further work to understand changes in distribution and to allow for improved spatial models is emphasized. https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1VG0F3Ruf11rIg

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