Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Cruz MJ, Menezes G, Machete M, Silva MA Predicting Interactions between Common Dolphins and the Pole-and-Line Tuna Fishery in the Azores. PLoS ONE 11(11): e0164107. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0164107 A PDF version of the paper is available online at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0164107 or via email request to: m.joao83@gmail.com ABSTRACT Common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) are responsible for the large majority of interactions with the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores but the underlying drivers remain poorly understood. In this study we investigate the influence of various environmental and fisheries- related factors in promoting the interaction of common dolphins with this fishery and estimate the resultant catch losses. We analysed 15 years of fishery and cetacean interaction data (1998-2012) collected by observers placed aboard tuna fishing vessels. Dolphins interacted in less than 3% of the fishing events observed during the study period. The probability of dolphin interaction varied significantly between years with no evident trend over time. Generalized additive modeling results suggest that fishing duration, sea surface temperature and prey abundance in the region were the most important factors explaining common dolphin interaction. Dolphin interaction had no impact on the catches of albacore, skipjack and yellowfin tuna but resulted in significantly lower catches of bigeye tuna, with a predicted median annual loss of 13.5% in the number of fish captured. However, impact on bigeye catches varied considerably both by year and fishing area. Our work shows that rates of common dolphin interaction with the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores are low and showed no signs of increase over the study period. Although overall economic impact was low, the interaction may lead to significant losses in some years. These findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and for further research into the consequences and economic viability of potential mitigation measures. Kind regards, Maria João -- Maria João Cruz PhD student Department of Oceanography and Fisheries (DOP) MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences IMAR - Centre of the Institute of Marine Research University of the Azores 9901-862 Horta, Portugal Email: m.joao83@gmail.com Phone: (+351) 292 200 400 Fax: (+351) 292 200 411