Al Abbar, F. et al (2019): Distribution and residency patterns of short-beaked common dolphins around São Miguel Island

Fadia Al Abbar and Laura González García studied short-beaked common dolphins around São Miguel Island, identifying residency patterns and supporting marine conservation through photo-identification.

Objectives

Gather data on sightings of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) off São Miguel, Azores, from 2009–2011 on whale–watching tours are used to determine the temporal distribution.
Identify significant patterns of depth and sea surface temperature preferences of common dolphins in Azorean waters, to evaluate their depth and sea surface temperature preferences.
Explore the potential of niche competition between common dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) specifically with regard to feeding competition.

Impact

The findings indicate varied patterns among the dolphins: while some have only temporary stays, some come back after moving out, while others might live there permanently.
Most sightings were obtained near harbor but did not show contagious spatial distribution pattern.
Possible limitations are also underrepresented by means of survey; they include small samples, and also weather conditions that influence the formation of residents’ patterns; hence, further analysis should be done to verify those patterns.
Group size average of the observed groups for the whole year was about 150 animals.

Supported UN Global Goals

Fadia Al Abbar and Laura González García’s work, carried out in collaboration with Futurismo and Picos de Aventura, looks at residency and distribution patterns for short beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) around São Miguel Island, Azores. The two-year study uses whale-watching vessels as an opportunistic research platform and demonstrates the use of highly identifiable individuals to match seasonality in residency. By providing information towards the global goal of marine conservation (Goal 14), these findings help to increase knowledge of marine biodiversity, facilitate sustainable ecotourism activities, and promote and educational initiatives concerning the protection of marine ecosystems that aim to contribute in the work of a joint effort.