Archipelagos

  • English
  • Ελληνικα
Who We Are
The TeamThe Team
Research BasesResearch Bases
Research BoatsResearch Boats
Our EquipmentOur Equipment
PartnersPartners
SupportersSupporters
Fields of Action
Marine ConservationMarine Conservation Fisheries Shipping Risks Seagrass Meadows Coralligene Conservation Littoral Ecosystems Invasive Species Jellyfish Sea Turtles
Marine MammalsMarine Mammals Dolphins and Porpoises Whales Seals
Terrestrial ConservationTerrestrial Conservation Island Fauna Forests & Flora Freshwater Ecosystems Aegean Seed Bank
Laboratory ResearchLaboratory Research Microplastics Water Analysis Soil Quality
Projects
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
Eco-Navigation
FIsh4Life
Save the Aegean
Join Us
Internships in the Aegean
Remote Internships
Interns Experiences
Field Courses
News
Aegean Islet Conservation Project in cooperation with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture
Aegean Islet Conservation Project in cooperation with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture
Microplastic Pollutants found in stranded Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Seals in the Aegean Sea
Microplastic Pollutants found in stranded Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Seals in the Aegean Sea
Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus
Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus
Tragedy in Turkey and Syria
Tragedy in Turkey and Syria
View All...
Contact us
Publications
Videos
Awareness Material
Donate
Menu

The Influence of Environmental Factors on the Spatial Distribution of Dolphin Populations in the Aegean Sea

The Influence of Environmental Factors on the Spatial Distribution of Dolphin Populations in the Aegean Sea

by Aanastasia Miliou / Friday, 04 August 2017 / Published in Intern Experience, Marine Mammal Team, Work Journal

Due to the large biodiversity of cetacean species inhabiting its waters, the Aegean Sea is considered an incredibly important marine area. Archipelagos Institute is conducting a study about the influence of environmental factors on the spatial distribution of dolphins. In particular, this study is focused on two dolphin species that are facing a dramatic population decline and are becoming conservation priorities within the Mediterranean Sea namely: the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Studying the spatial distribution of these cetaceans can provide critical habitat data which is essential for enabling further conservation pursuits.

 

Many factors are known to influence the spatial distribution of cetaceans, however, there is still a lack of information regarding the environmental determinants related to T. truncatus and D. delphis distributions. This analysis covers the time period between February and June 2017 when a total of 22 boat surveys were conducted along the south coast of Samos island and the surrounding waters, covering 1298.23 km of linear transects. A quantile analysis, as well as habitat modelling, were applied to determine whether the selected variables influence the distribution of D. delphis and T. truncatus in the study area. Eight environmental variables are included: distance from the shore, slope, depth, sea surface temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, and water visibility.

The study is using GAM software, the most accurate habitat modelling technique for D. delphis. The preliminary results of the present study have shown, for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, that D. delphis prefer areas close to the shore (<4km) with a very gentle slope (<1.3°). The modelling was also performed for T. truncatus but it did not show any reliable results.

The Archipelagos Marine Mammal Team is currently expanding this study to include different seasons and a wider habitat range in order to contribute more representative data to characterise the critical habitat. Continued evaluation is required to start developing stronger conservation strategies for these two cetacean key species.

 

Célia Fery

MSc Ecology Engineering and Biodiversity Management, University of Montpellier, France

0
0
0
0
0

What you can read next

“Blue Carbon”: Studying the Seagrass Capacity to Store Carbon
Assessing Seagrass Health
Seagrass distribution mapping

HIGHLIGHTS

  • International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    1 June 2021
    At Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation an important visit took …
  • The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    27 July 2020
    It was a great honor but also great moral support …
  • The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    30 June 2020
    Yesterday, during the President of the Republic’s visit to the …
  • Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    19 February 2020
    The Short Documentary Film presenting the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, …
  • Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    6 February 2020
    We would like to thank the International Propeller Club of …

Recent Posts

  • A special three-day research expedition to the Ikaria Trench

    A special three-day research expedition to the Ikaria Trench

    19 May 2023
    Archipelagos Marine Mammal Research team took part in a very …
  • Aegean Islet Conservation Project in cooperation with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture

    Aegean Islet Conservation Project in cooperation with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture

    17 May 2023
    A new cycle of interdisciplinary on-site research of the Aegean …
  • Microplastic Pollutants found in stranded Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Seals in the Aegean Sea

    Microplastic Pollutants found in stranded Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Seals in the Aegean Sea

    5 April 2023
    A new scientific publication by the Archipelagos Institute for Marine …
  • Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus

    Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus

    15 February 2023
    Twelve Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) have been found stranded, …
  • Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

    Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

    15 February 2023
    Our past week of silence across social media amounts to …
  • Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    23 December 2022
    Before the closing of schools for Christmas break, students from …
  • Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    20 December 2022
    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale in the waters of the North Aegean …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is committed to researching and defending the biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands.

Our action is possible only with your help!

donate
  • Contact us
  • Placements

Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation © All Rights Reserved || Web Design and Development by Red Web Design & Fekas Brothers

TOP