González et al. (2014) documented temporal and spatial common dolphin distribution (Delphinus delphis) off São Miguel, Azores from 2009 to 2011 occurring in distinct peaks throughout spring atop the insulation barrier restricting epi and mesophotic waters to the thermocline at ~ 700 m.

Objectives

Data on sightings of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) off São Miguel, Azores, from 2009–2011 on whale–watching tours was used to determine the temporal distribution.
Identifying 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 study found that common dolphins were most frequently sighted between 15.5°C and 17°C SST, and 77.4% of sightings occurred in waters less than 700 meters deep.
The dolphins were observed year-round, with a peak in sightings during the spring months.
The results suggest a possible niche competition with Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), which were more frequently sighted in the summer when common dolphin sightings decreased.

Supported UN Global Goals

In this sense, González et al. (2014) contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by assessing the temporal and spatial occurrence of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the Azores. It helps us to better understand dolphin habitat preferences and supports cetacean marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable cetacean management across the region in the context of sea surface temperature and depth.