Saintignan, S., Costantino, M., Miliou, A, Moscatelli, S., Pietroluongo, G., Azzolin, M. Habitat use of Delphinus delphis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the southern waters of Samos island (Aegean Sea, Greece). 2020 IMEKO TC-19 International Workshop on Metrology for the Sea.

Abstract:

The Mediterranean short-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus delphis (Linnaeus, 1758) is classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN Red List. Living in coastal waters, D. delphis is often exposed to human activities. In the southern water of Samos Island (Aegean Sea, Greece). D. delphis population is less exposed with anthropogenic activities. For that reason, it is important to have a better understanding of the critical habitats in this area to implement effective measures of protection. The analysis of distribution and behavioural data allow to determine the presence of 2 feeding areas, 1 traveling area, and 1 socializing area. The traveling area corresponds to a zone where dolphins move among the other areas. The analysis of dolphin behaviour shows that D. delphis interacts positively to boat presence in all areas. Particularly. Having a better understanding of the environmental data in this area could allowed a better comprehension of the D. delphis behaviour.