Dear all,

We are pleased to announce following two publications on Black Sea cetaceans in Bulgarian waters:

Popov D, Meshkova G, Hristova P, Gradev G, Rusev D, Panayotova M, Dimitrov H (2020). Pingers as cetacean bycatch mitigation measure in Bulgarian turbot fishery. Acta Zoologica Bulgarica, Suppl. 15. Available at: http://www.acta-zoologica-bulgarica.eu/Suppl_15_42.pdf

Abstract:

Bycatch (incidental catch) of small cetaceans is a major problem in a number of gillnet fisheries around the World and Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is one of the most heavily affected species. Pingers (acoustic deterrent devices) are recommended as mitigation measure to decrease bycatch rate. First large-scale use of pingers (Future Oceans 10 kHz and 70 kHz models) was made during standard turbot fishing operations in Bulgarian waters of Black Sea in 2019 during spring and summer – respectively before and after turbot fishing ban (15 April – 15 June). Four vessels have been involved with part of the nets being without pingers – control and other parts fitted with pingers – active. A total of 105 cetaceans (Phocoena phocoena relicta – 104 and Tursiops truncatus ponticus – 1) were recorded as bycatch in both control and active nets in spring and summer. Bycatch rates in active and control nets have not shown significant difference in both seasons. Significant increase in bycatch was registered in both active and control nets from spring to summer: 3.25 to 38.76 and 1.55 to 58.58 ind.km^-2.day^-1 respectively.

Key words – Phocoena phocoena relicta, cetacean bycatch, pingers, turbot fishery, Black Sea

Popov D, Meshkova G, Hristova P, Miteva A, Ilieva T,Dimitrov H (2020). Pilot Line-transect Surveys of Cetaceans in a Bulgarian Marine Protected Area: BG0001007 Strandzha Site of Community Importance. Acta zoologica Bulgarica, Suppl. 15. Available at: http://www.acta-zoologica-bulgarica.eu/Suppl_15_43.pdf

Abstract:

Three cetacean species inhabit the Black Sea: Black Sea Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta), Black Sea Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus) and Black Sea Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus). The paper presents the first effort for estimation of cetacean distribution, density and abundance in marine area of BG0001007 Strandzha SCI. Two line transect distance sampling surveys were made in April and May 2016 using a motor sailing yacht as platform. In May all three Black Sea cetacean species have been observed, while in April only Harbour porpoise and Bottlenose dolphin have been detected. In both surveys most abundant was found to be the Black Sea Harbour porpoise allowing estimation of density (0.871 ind.km^-2 in April and 0.369 in May) and abundance (April – 328, CV=33.8% and May – 139, CV=50%). Abundance and density of dolphins were: 275 (106-714, CV=41.8%) and 0.73 in April and 40 (9-171, CV=56.09%) and 0.107 in May for Bottlenose dolphin; 24 (5-108, CV=58.72%) and 0.063 in May for Common dolphin. Encounter rates (sightings per kilometer of effort) during the surveys were as follows: Harbour porpoise - 0.25 in April and 0.14 in May; Bottlenose dolphin – 0.1 in April and 0.02 in May; Common dolphin – 0.02 in May.

Best regards,

D. Popov et al.

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