-83Title:
White whales,
Alaskan waters
Delphinapterus
Proposal Number:
MM-SC-8
Subject Area:
Living Marine Resources
Implementing
Institute:
Duration:
Cost of project:
Organization
or
leucas, in
Alaska Department of fish and game
Total time 3 years (consultant time
2 ½ years
$315,000*
7. Objectives: (a)
Identify and estimate abundance of the stocks of white
whales in U.S. eastern Bering Sea, eastern Chukchi sea, Beaufort sea and North Pacific coast of
Alaska.
.
(b)
Determine habitat use patterns, site fidelity and interspecific relationships between
identified stocks occurring coastally in Alaska in summer.
8.Background: White whales in Alaskian waters are currently harvested by Alaskian Eskimos in
coastal villages of the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. In these areas, as well as in the north
of Gulf of Alaska, white whales are currently subjected to increased coastal development,
including fisheries (potential by-catches of whales as well as interference’s with fishing gear),
vessel traffic, and future outercontinental-shelf oil and gas development. No definitive
information on stock identify or temporal and spatial segregation, nor estimations of abundance
are available for white whales in Alaskian waters. The status of this stock(s) has never been fully
assessed, yet most stock(s) are currently being harvested or occur in areas expecting impact
from fisheries or industrial development. No acceptable management strategy can be developed
without first-order information on the size, identity and habitat use of the various groups (or
stocks) which inhabit the b or 7 )locations along the coast of Alaska.
9.Activities:(a) Collect and analyze morphological and craniometric and other data from white
whales taken by coastal Alaskan subsistence hunters, from stranding and from
whales caught incidentally in fishing nets or other operations. Some biological
data may be collected to help determine the discreteness of these groups.
(b) Mark animals with visual or telemetric tags to investigate short-term behavior,
(e.g. group interactions & local movements etc.), movements between seasons or
during migration and, if feasible, between years.
Na.84-S820
-84-
(c)
Conduct aerial surveys on the summer feeding grounds to identify usage of whales by
location (thus helping to identify the discreteness of the groups in these areas)
and to collect data toward an estimation of abundance.
10. Output: A report describing the movements and possible site-fidelity of individual groups or stocks,
their abundance, and relationship to human activities (subsistence harvest and industrial
pressures).
"
11. Use of Output: Development of a management plan for white whales in Alaskian waters. This plan
might be directly applicable to other areas of the world where similar problems exist (e.g., eastern
Canada and northern and eastern USSR).
12.Potential Donor:
U.S. government and state of Alaska
* Budget details.
Personnel
Consultant/biologist) (30 months) ...................................... $90.000
Technician (40 months) ....................................................... .80.000
Equipment supp1ies. ................................................................... 20.000
Travel and subsistence................................................................. 25.000
Aircraft hire ............................................................................ 100 .000
TOTAL $315,600
-85 –
Title:
Identification of stocks of the harbour porpoise,
Phocoena Phocoena, in the North Atlantic and
North Pacific
MM-SC-9
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization
or Institute:
Guelph University, in collaboration
with other appropriate institutions
Duration:
Total time 2 years (consultant time 1 year)
Cost of Project:
$75,000*
7.Objectives: To define populations, so that they can be separately
assessed and managed.
8.Background: The harbour porpoise is widely distributed in the coastal area of the northern
temperate and arctic waters. Little is known about the range, size and movements of the
populations. However, there is general agreement on the existence of numerous undocumented
small sub-popu1ations throughout its range. The catch is composed of large-scale directed
catches (500 to 7,600/ year) in limited geographical areas such as Western Greenland and the
Black Sea, and limited incidental catches (up to 300/year) in various parts of the range. Although
the reported incidental takes are limited, they have to be considered as under-estimates because of
the nature of the incidental catch. Thus there exists a possibility of heavy depletion of small local
harbour-porpoise populations by recently expanding coastal gillnet fisheries.
There is urgent need to identify those populations that are heavily exploited and for the
establishment of management procedures for the species.
9.Activities:
(a) Analyze morphological data and materials
preserved in various museums and institutes.
(b) Collect biological data and materials from
directed and incidental catches.
(c) Preliminary analyses of usefulness for stock
assessment through studies of morphology, bio
chemistry, cytology and parasitology.
Output: Report on identification of the populations and on necessary collection of biological
materials and other information in the future.
Na.84-5821
-86-
11.Use of Output:
future research.
Development of management program and design of
12.Potential Donors:
No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (1 year) ............................................................ $36,000
Technician (1 year) ............................................................................. 24,000
Equipment and supplies ............................................................................... 10,000
Travel and subsistence ................................................................................... 5,000
"
TOTAL $75,000
-87Status of the harbour porpoise, Phocoena
Phocoena, in the North Sea
English Channel and Baltic Sea
Title:
MM-SC -10
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization or Institute
Institute of Physiology, Odense University,
Denmark, in collaboration with Danish fishery
agency, Sea Mammal Research Unit (UK), and
Centre National d'Etudes des Mammiferes
Marins (France). Other national fishery
agencies or institutes may wish to participate
(USSR, Poland, DDR, Fed. Rep. Germany.
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands,
Belgium. Spain, Portugal, Ireland)
Duration:
Total time 2 years
(consultant time 1-1/2 years)
Cost of Project:
$103,000*
7.Objectives:
(a)
(b)
Determine if population(s) of harbour porpoise
have dec1ined .
If decline(s) have occurred, carry out research
(or design research) to identify cause(s) and
possible solutions.
8.Background: Recent data presented to the IWC Scientific Committee on size and composition
of previously undocumented by-catches in several fisheries and historical data on migration,
stranding and directed catches indicate that significant population decline(s) may have occurred
in the Baltic Sea, North Sea and English Channel. The causes may be overfishing, by-catches in
Synthetic-fibre nets pollution disease or some combination of these. The decline(s) may be
continuing. Urgent action is needed to assess the status of the populations and to explore possible
solutions. Because of the high degree of economic development of the region and its political
complexity, a multi-national effort is called for.
9.
Activities:
(a)
{b)
(c)
Na.84-5822
Vessel-based census surveys to estimate current
abundance in a selected sub-area.
Expansion of salvage networks to estimate
frequency of stranding and to recover all
stranded porpoise for study.
Historica1 research to extract adrlitiona1 catch
-88and effort data useful for assessment of trends.
(d) Increased sapling of fisheries to improve
estimates of by-catch and recover animals for study.
(e)
Continuation of research on levels and effects of
contaminants and occurrence of other disease.
(f)
Integration of data from (a), (b), (c), and (d)
into assessment of status of stock(s).
10.Output:
(a)
(b)
11.Use of Output:
Technical reports on by catches, effects of
contaminants and disease, and on status of stock(s).
Advice to national governments and international
bodies, e.g., the EEC, on needed research and actions
towards solution of problems.
Basis for research planning and formulation of
management policy by governments and international bodies.
12.Potential Donors:
Swedish government and European Economic
Community.
*8udget detail s
Personnel
Consultants/biologists (3 for 6 months) ..................................................... S54,000
Technicians (3 for 6 months) ....................................................................... 36,000
Travel and subsistence…………………………………………………….3,000
Equipment and supplies…………………………………………………….3,000
Analysis of samples…………………………………………………………2,000
Pub1ication…………………………………………………………………5,000
TOTAL $103,000
-89 –
Title:
Status of the harbour porpoise, Phocoena
phocoena, off Greenland
MM-SC -11
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization or Institute:
Gronlands Fiskeriundersogelser (Copenhagen)
Duration:
Total time 2 years (consultant time 1 year)
Cost of Project:
$58,000*
7.Objectives: Determine the status of the population of porpoises
that is exploited in a directed fishery along the west coast of Greenland.
8.Background: Annual takes in recent years have been up to 2,500. There is scientific
disagreement about the-status of the stock. Some specialists believe that the long history of stable
catches is evidence that the population has not declined, but because harbour porpoise is a coastal
species, the catch must be considered substantial for such a restricted area. The IWC Scientific
Committee have agreed that the data necessary for a stock assessment (abundance, fishing effort,
catch composition and vital rates) are not available, and that research should be undertaken to
collect data that will eventually allow assessment.
9.Activities:(a) Collect comprehensive catch and effort data.
(b) Collect data, age and reproductive condition of a representative sample of animal
s in the catch.
(c) Develop plan for ship-based census surveys.
10.Output: (a) Catch and effort data.
(b)
(c)
Report on vital rates.
Plan for census surveys.
11.Use of Output:
Basis for research planning and possible manage by Denmark/Greenland
government.
12.Potential Donors:
Na.84-5823
Danish government.
-90-
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (1 year). ............................................... $36,000
Technician (1 yea r) .......................................................................... 12,000
Travel and subsistence
(Denmark/Greenland fieldwork)…………………………..6,000
Equipment and supplies…………………………………………3,000
Miscellaneous…………………………………………………….1,000
TOTAL $58,000
-91-
Distribution and status of the cochito,
Phocoena Sinus, in the Gulf of Mexico
Title:
MM-SC-12
Proposed Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
or Institute:
Departmento de Biologia, Universidad
Nacional Autonama de Mexico and Inst.
Invest. Pesqueria, La Paz, Mexico
Duration:
Total time 2 years (consultant time 1 year)
Cost of Project:
$55,000*
Implementing Organization
"
7.Objectives: (a)
(b)
(c)
To make a qualitative assessment of the distribu
tion and abundance of the cochito.
To survey net fisheries in order to identify those
that are the major causes of man-induced mortality
throughout the range.
To identify areas where conservation programs
could best be applied.
8.Background: This small phocoenid related to the harbour porpoise
is restricted to the upper Gulf of California, Mexico. It has been taken incidental to
various fisheries over the last 30 or 40 years. During the early 1970's annual catches may
have been in the tens to possibly low hundreds of porpoises in the main fishing areas for
totoaba (Sciaenidae) in the Upper Gulf of California. The commercial totoaba fishery was suspended in
1975. However, other fisheries that catch these porpoise exist throughout the range of this porpoise, and the
totoaba fishery could start up again. A series of recommendations for research on this species were made at
the FAO meeting in 1976 at Bergen, Norway, but little action has resulted other than two short-term
surveys. Only four sightings were made and none of these were confirmed. In fact, the cochito is known
from only 26 specimens.
9.Activities:
"
Na.84-5824
a) Visit the potential habitat of the cochito and
liaise with government officials, international
and local conservation organizations and local
people in order to select areas to be surveyed,
determine the optimum season for the survey, and
make logistical arrangements (1 month).
-92 -
(b)
Conduct a boat survey of selected areas with the
collaboration of local counterparts, obtain
information from local people by interview (4
months) , and undertake a survey of fisheries in
the upper Gulf of California to see if the
porpoise is still being taken incidentally (4
months) .
(c)
Produce a report detailing results and suggesting
management programs (3 months).
10. Output: A status report for the cochito in the areas surveyed,
plus suggestions for management and additional research require
11. Use of Output: Potential basis for cochito management and research.
12. Potential Donors: No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (1 year) .......................................... $36,000
Travel and subsistence ............................................................ 9,000
Equipment and supplies .......................................................... 5,000
Boat hire.................................................................................. 5,000
TOTAL $55,000
"
-93Title:
Distribution and status of the Burmeister's
porpoise, Phocoena spinipinnis, in Peru and
Chi1e
MM-SC-13
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization
or Institute:
Duration:
Unknown
Cost of Project:
$61,000*
Total time two years (consultant time 1 year)
7.Objectives(a) To make a qualitative assessment of the distribution and abundance of
the Burmeister's porpoise in selected regions.
(b) To collection biological samples from porpoise
taken in the fisheries and estimate the annual
catch levels.
(C) To train loca1 personne1 in survey and conservation techniques.
8.Background:
The Bunneister's porpoise is an abundant coastal
small cetacean in the coastal waters of Peru and Chile, but there is little information about its status or
biology.. Large by-catches are taken each year in Peru and Chile in various net fisheries. Exact catch
statistics are not available, but estimates of around 2,000 porpoise per year have been made for
this species in Peru during the late 1960's and early 1970's. No catch statistics or
estimates are for Chile. There is concern about this species because it is found only in
coastal waters and because relatively large by-catches have been reported. The two
factors could cause heavy depletion of the population(s) in the near future.
9.Activities: (a)Visit the potential fishing areas in Peru and
Chile where this porpoise is caught and liaise
with government officials, international and
conservation organizations and local people
in order to select areas to be surveyed, determine the optimum season for
the surveys, and make logistical arrangements (2 months)
(b) Conduct a boat survey of selected areas with the
help of local personnel and obtain information
from local people by interview (4 months).
Na.84-5825
-94(c)
Sample porpoise taken in fisheries to collect
biological data and catch statistics with
the help of local personnel (4 months).
(d)
Produce a report detailing results and management suggestions (2 months).
10. Output: A report on the distribution, abundance and exploitation of Burme1ster's porpoise in the
areas surveyed, plus suggestions for possible management and additional research.
11. Use of Output: Potential basis for future management and research in Peru and Chile.
12. Potential Donors:
No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (1 year) ................................................. $36,000
Travel and subsistence. ........................................................... 10,000
Equipment and supplies (including vehicle)…………………………….. 10,000
Boat hire. ................................................................................... 5,000
TOTAL $61,000
-95-
Title:
Distribution of the finless porpoise,
Neophocaena phocaenoides, and the
occurrence of by-catches in Asian fisheries
MM-SC-14
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization or Institute:
National Science Museum, Tokyo, Japan
Duration:
Total time 2 years
(consultant time 3 months)
Cost of Project:
7. Objectives:
$ 20,500*
(a) To determine geographical distribution of the
species.
(b) To survey local fisheries in which by-catches may
may exist.
(c) To estimate the impact of the fisheries
on finless porpoise stocks.
8.Background: The finless porpoise is found in the coastal waters of Asia from Pakistan to Japan,
but little is known about the distribution of the species in tropical Asia. The species is known to
be taken incidentally by several fisheries in China and Japan. Because of the coastal or riverine
nature of the habitat and because large portions of the range are rarely visited by cetacean
bio1ogists, there is concern about the possible occurrence of unreported by-catches that may
threaten undescribed local stocks.
9.Activities: Two trips (in different seasons) by a biologist to collect required information in .the
target area. It will not be necessary to visit Japan, because its reporting system for by-catches is
being improved.
10.Output: Report on distribution and annual catch of finless porpoise.
11.Use of Output:
Porpoise Development of a management program for finless porpoise.
12. Potential Donors:
No specific suggestion.
Na.84-S826
-96-
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (3 months) ........................................ $ 9,000
Technician (3 months) .......................................................... 1,500
Equipment and supplies ............................................................ 1.000
Travel and subsistence ............................................................ 12,000
TOTAL $23,500
-97Trophic ecology and population history of
history finned pilot whales, Globicephala
melaena, exploited at the Faroe Islands
MM-SC-15
Tit1e:
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization
or Institute:
Centre National d'Etudes de Mammiferes
Marins, France; Foroya Natturugripasavn
(Mus. of Nat. Hist.), Torshavn Faeroes; and
Fi ski rannsoknarstovan,Torshavn
Duration:
Total time 2 years (consultant time 1 year)
Cost of Project:
7.Objectives: (a)
(b)
(c)
$68,000*
Determine feeding habits of the pilot whales
exploited in the fishery.
Determine through historical research the trends
and/or cycles in effort and in catch-per-effort.
Relate long-term cycles in catches to likely
changes in prey availability, to some other
environmental variation and/or to exploitation.
8.Background: The Faroese pilot-whale fishery has existed since at least the 16th Century. Detailed catch
data are avail able for the period 1709-present and exhibit pronounced long-term cycles with a period of
approximately 100 years and with variation in annual catch (amplitude) from 0 to over 3,000
whales. The fishery is presently on the descending side of the cycle, with recent annual
catches on the order of 500-1,000 whales. A crucial question is whether the current
decline is related to long-term change in some environmental factor, e.g. availability of
prey, or to over exploitation.
9.Activities: (a)
Sample stomach contents of whales 1anded at fishing villages, and
analyze for species cOt1position by weight, volume and occurrence of
hard parts.
(b) Survey literature on habitat and distribution
of the prey species and relations to varying env1romental parameters such
as sea-surface temperature and ocean-current patterns.
(c) Through research in historical records, examine long-term variation in
catching effort.
Na.84-S827
-98
(d)
Integrate (a), (b), and (c) to address the question of the likely cause(s)
of the long-term fluctuations in catch.
10. Output: Technical papers on the history of the fishery and on the causes and import of the
long-term cycles.
11.Use of Output: Basis for formulation of management policy.
12. Potential Donors: No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologists (3 for 4 months)...$36,000
Technicians (2 for 4 months) .......................................... 16,000
Travel and subsistence ........................................................ 14,000
Equipment and supplies .....................................................1,000
Miscellaneous……… .................................................................... 1.,000
TOTAL $68,000
-99Title:
Population status and exploitation of
the Commerson's dolphin,
Cephalorhynchus
commersonii, in the southern South
Atlantic
MM-SC-16
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization
or Institute:
National Committee for Scientific
and Technological Research (CONICET)Program "Cetaceos Australes", Argentina
Duration:
Cost of Project:
Total time 2 years
(consultant time 1 year)
$55,000*
7.Objectives: To examine the effect of incidental mortality on the population(s).
8.Backg round: Although this species is known to occur in southern
South America from Buenos Aires province to Cape Horn and the west
coast of the Strait of Magellan, no population studies have been carried out and very
1ittle is known about its biology and general behavior.
These studies are necessary because of large by-catches in fishing
nets and the recent attempts at live capture for exhibit in oceanaria.
Studies on incidental take and stranding of Commerson's dolphin
in Tierra del Fuego have been underway since 1976. However, other
areas of the species distribution need to be covered.
9.Activities:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Extension of study area to Santa Cruz, Chubut and
the Chilean coast of the Strait of Magellan.
Distribution and population studies by means of
aerial surveys in coastal areas.
Shore-based observations in areas of higher
concentration of specimens.
Implementation of a sighting program
from commercial and fishing vessels.
.
10.Output: It is expected to obtain a better knowledge of the Species distribution,
abundance, habitat, behavior, feeding habits and general biology and to determine the
number of and their effect on the population.
Na.84-5828
-100
11.Use of Output: To determine whether the population can withstand continuing by-catches and
live capture for exhibit
12.Potential Donors:
No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (1 year) ......................................... $36,OOO
Travel and subsistence .................................. ...................... 9,000
Equipment and supplies .................................................. 5,000
Aircraft /boat hire. ........................................................... 5,000
TOTAL $55,000
-101Title:
Distribution and status of the black
dolphin, Cephalorhynchus eutropia, in
Chile.
Proposal Number:
MM-SC-17
Living Marine Resources
Implementing Organization
or Institute:
Instituto de Zoologia. Universidad
Austral de Chile
Duration:
Cost of project:
Total time 2 years(consultant time 1 year)
$65,000*
7.Objectives: (a) To make a qualitative assessment of the distribution and abundance
of the black dolphin in selected areas along the coast of Chile.
(b) To identify the major areas there this species is taken and examine the
annual catch levels and then effects on the population {s).
8. Background: This small dolphin is only found in the coastal- waters of Chile between
370 Sand 550 S. and almost nothing is Known about it's biology. Its population status is
completely unknown. The black dolphin has been directly or incidentally exploited at
various sites along the coast of Chile, but the magnitudes of the catches have not been
estimated. There is concern that any large catches could deplete the species because of its
limited and coastal distribution.
.
9.Activities: (a)
(b)
©
(d)
Visit the potential habitat of this species and liaise with
government officials, international and local conservation
organizations and local people in order to select areas to be
surveyed, determine the optimum season for the survey, and make
logistical arrangements (1 month).
Conduct a boat survey of selected areas with the collaboration of
local counterparts and obtain information from local people by
interview (4 months). .
Collect biological samples from dolphins taken in the fisheries
(5 months).
Integrate and analyze the data (2 months).
10: Output: A status report for this species in the areas surveyed.
plus suggestions for management and additional research.
Na.84-5829
--102 11. Use of Output: Potential basis for future management and research on this species.
12. Potential Donors: No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (1 year) ............................................ $36,000
Travel and subsistence ........................................................ 14,000
Equipment and supplies .......................................................... 10,000
Boat hire.................................................................................... 5,000
"
TOTAL $65,000
"
-103-
Title:
Distribution and status of the Hector's dolphin,
Cephalorhynchus hectori, in New Zealand
coastal waters
MM-SC-18
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization
or Institute:
National Museum of New Zealand,
Wellington
Duration:
Total time 2 years (consultant time 1 year)
Cost of Project:
$50,000*
7.Objectives:(a)
(b)
(c)
To make a qualitative assessment of the distribution and abundance in t
he coastal waters of New Zealand.
To identify the major causes of man-induced mortality throughout the
range.
To identify areas where conservation programs could best be applied.
8.Background: Knowledge of the status of Hector's dolphin is uncertain; the species is only found
in the coastal waters of New Zealand. It has been reported to be relatively common around South
Island, occurring mainly between Westport and Kaikoura, with the largest numbers in Cook
Strait. Sane workers have suggested that the abundance and range of the species has declined
drastically in the past twenty-five years. However, other workers do not believe this is the case.
The species is taken very occasionally as a by-catch in trawl fisheries.
9.Activities; (a)
(b)
(c)
Na.84-5830
Visit the potential habitat of the Hector's dolphin and liaise with government
officials, international and local conservation organizations and local people in
order to select areas to be surveyed, determine the optimum season for the
survey, and make 1ogistical arrangements (1 month).
Conduct a boat survey of selected areas and obtain information from local people
by interview to gain a better understanding of the past and present abundance and
distribution (4 months).
(c)Examine stranded dolphins and any specimens taken
incidentally in fishing operations for the presence of cont5ninants such as
pesticides and heavy metals (5 months).
-104( d)
Integrate/analyze the data (2 months) and produce a report detailing results
and suggesting management programs (2 months).
10.Output: A status report for the Hector's dolphin in the areas surveyed, plus suggestions for
management and additional research.
11.Use of Output: Potential basis for future management and research.
12.Potenti al Donors: No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (1 year). $36,OOO
Travel and subsistence ...................................... 4,000
Equipment and supplies ........................................ 5,000
Boat hire......................................................... 5,000
TOTAL $50,000
"
-105-
Title:
Proposal Number:
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization or Institute:
Workshop to review populations of small
cetaceans in the tropical Atlantic
MM-SC-19
Living Marine Resources
International Whaling Commission, in
Cooperation with national agencies and
research entities in Brazil (Divisao
de Mamiferos Aquaticos, INPA),
France (Mus. Nat. d'Histoire Naturelle and
Centre Nat. d'etude des Mammiferes
Marins), Japan (Far Seas Fisheries
Research Lab.), Mauretania (Centre Nat. de
Recherches Oceanogr et des Peches de
Nouadhibou), Mexico (Centro de Invest.
Pesquera and Univ. Auton de Mexico),
Netherlands (Univ. Amsterdam), Uruguay
(Mus. Nac. de
His. Natural), U.S. (Smithsonian Inst.,
Southeast and Southwest Fisheries
Centers, Hubbs Res. Inst., Univ. Miami,
Univ. Washington, Univ. Puerto Rico) and
Venezuela (Estacion de Invest. Marinas de
Marqarita). Other nations and territories
border the tropical Atlantic and may wish to
participate. Coverage in the above list is
especially lacking for western Africa south
of Senegal and for Central America
Duration:
Total time 1 year
(one-week workshop meeting in 1985 or
1986)
Cost of Project:
7.Objective:
$40,000
(15-20 participants)
(a)
To review and summarize available information relevant to scientific
assessment and management of the populations, including species present;
population identity, distribution, size, and status; catches in directed fisheries;
and incidental mortality in other fisheries.
(b)
To identify information gaps.
(c)
To recommend programs of research necessary to the conservation,
management and utilization of the populations.
Na.84-5831
-1068.Background: Knowledge of cetaceans of the tropical Atlantic has
lagged behind that of other regions. The species-level taxonomy is only now beginning to
be adequately resolved (some problems of species identity still remain), and no effort has
been made to define geographical subunits or stocks, this despite a growing
body of information that subsistence fisheries exist in some areas (e.g., Lesser Antilles
and West Africa) and that considerable incidental mortality may also be occurring,
mainly as by-catches in surface trawls and purse seines. One serious problem has been
the lack of marine mammal expertise and research programs in most of the nations
involved. A coflunction of interest and concern on both sides of the Atlantic has 1ed to
the concept of this shop and to support in principle by the IWC Scientific Committee.
Successful completion of the workshop should set the stage for advance of the necessary
science on a broad front.
9
9. Activities: A one-week workshop meeting in Miami, Puerto Rico, or Mauretania, in
mid-1985 or 1986. Participants contribute working papers on assigned topics. Editing of
the report of the workshop will be completed within 2 months of the meeting. Revision
and editing of the contributed papers for publication would require six months.
10. Output:
(a) Report of the workshop.
(b) Contributed papers.
11. Use of Output:
(a) Basis for design of research programs by national agencies.
(b) Possible basis for national management recommendations or
actions
(c). Research direction for individual scientists, including those
who have not previously worked on cetacean problems.
12.Potential Donors: No specific suggestions.
-107-
Title:
Status of Black Sea dolphins and porpoises.
Proposal Number:
MM-SC-20
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization or institute:
University of Ankara and Turkish fisheries
agency.
Duration:
Cost of project:
Total time 2 years(consultant time 2 years)
$ 221,000*
7.Objectives: To establish the basis for a scientific programme to assess effects of the past,
intensive and unregulated fishery on little known populations of common Dolphins, bottlenose
dolphins and harbor porpoises.
8.Background: A fishery for the three species has existed in the lack Sea and the Azov Sea since
1870. Four countries have been involved (Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and the USSR), with all but
Turkey halting the fishery in 1966 following an apparent collapse of the populations. The
collapse was reportedly indicated by changes in the age, sex, species composition and size of the
catch in 1964-65. The average annual Turkish catch over the period 1976-1981 was
approximately 40,000 and the species composition has reportedly changed radically, with a shift
in catches from the formerly more abundant common dolphin to the harbor porpoise. The Turkish
government has issued decree banning dolphin and porpoise hunting in the Black Sea starting in
mid-April, 1983 for at least one year.
The IWC Scientific Committee has recommended (l982 and l983) that the situation
receive urgent attention, including establishment of a Turkish research function to estimate
abundance and species, sex and age composition of the populations and of the historical catches.
9.Activities: (a)
Consultation between Turkish scientists and government officials and
dolphin-research programmes, IWC scientific Committee, Sea Mammal
Research Unit, U.S. National
Marine Fisheries Services) to obtain advice for design of a research programme.
(b) Historical research in records and by interview to document size and
composition of the catches, methods of the fisheries and the socio-economic
context of the fishery.
(c) Aerial/and or ship-based surveys to estimate abundance.

Assumes no cost for survey aircraft/ships

Na.84-S832
-108(d)
10. Output:
Stock-assessment analyses to estimate status of the
populations and sustainable yields.
(a) Technical reports on history of fishery. abundance.
and population status.
(b) Management recommendations to the Turkish government.
11. Use of Output:
(a) Design of research programme for the short term
(b) Formulation of management policy by Turkey and other
nations bordering the Black Sea.
(c) Recommendations and proposals for continued research
beyond the 2-year period.
12. Potential donors: IUCN/WWF
*Budget details
Personnel.
Consultant/biologist (2 years) .................................. $72.000
Technician {2 for 2 years) ......................................... 40.000
Travel & subsistence ................................................................... 4.000
Equipment & supplies ........................................................ 5.000
Vessel and aircraft hire ................................................... 100.000
TOTAL $201,000
-109 –
Title:
Proposal Number:
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization or Institute:
Review of by-catch of small cetaceans
in gill net fisheries
MM-SC-21
Living Marine Resources
International Whaling Commission or
Far Seas Fisheries Research Laboratory
(Japan), in collaboration with FAO,
U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv. Sea
Mammal Res. Unit (U.K.) and fishery
agencies of other governments
Duration:
Total time 1 year
(consultant time 1 year)
Cost of project:
$67,000*
7.Objectives: To determine the magnitude and implications of the gillnet problem and to identify
courses of action for its solution.
8.Background: The IWC Scientific Committee in recent years has become increasingly concerned
about the growing and substantial incidental takes of dolphins and porpoises as by-catches in
large new or rapidly expanding fisheries employing monofilament gillnets, e.g. the shark and
halibut fisheries along the west coast of North America and the new squid fishery in the midNorth Pacific. The porpoises (primarily Dall's porpoise, harbour porpoise,
Burmeister's porpoise and the cochito) seen most affected, but dolphins and large and small
whales are also subject to the hazard. The problem is worldwide and international scientific
consultation and collaboration is urgently needed to identify common factors and to seek
solutions.
9.Activities: (a) Coordinator to organize the review, and prepare background documents; to
arrange participation in the review, assign regions or fisheries to participants for production of
working documents, and carry out additional necessary background research.
(b)Two-week workshop meeting in U.K. or Japan, to review and summarize data and to
recommend courses of action (research, management, technological approaches).
(c) Coordinator to edit reports and contributed working papers for publication.
(d) Coordinator to organize appropriate summarization and dissemination of findings (see Use of
Output below).
Na.84-5833
-110-
10.Output:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Report of review
Contributed papers
Executive summary of finding for lay consumption.
11.Out of Output:
Coordinator to organize dissemination of findings to governmental
fishery agencies, international fishery agencies and commissions, fishing companies and
cooperatives, manufacturers of fishing gear, technological-research institutions (governmental,
University, private), and other potential users of the information for managerial decision making,
research planning or management action.
12.Potential Donors:
No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (one year) ......................................................... $36,000
Travel and subsistence (10-15 participants)... 25,000
Production of report and contributed papers ............................................. 5,000
Miscellaneous ............................................................................................ 1,000
TOTAL $67,000
-111Title:
Estimation of incidental Kill of Dolphins
1n the Mex1can tuna purse-seine fishery in the
eastern tropical Pacific.
Proposal Number:
MM-SC-22
Subject Area:
Living Marine Resources
Implementing_Organization or Institute:
Depertmento de Pesca, Mexico
Duration:
Total time 2 years
(consultant time 2 years)
Cost of Project:
7.Objectives:
$207,000*
Expand the research programmes on Dolphin-fishery interactions in Mexico
Estimate annual incidental take of Dolphins by the Mexican tuna fleet;
Determine composition of take by sex, age and reproductive condition.
Background: Assessment of the impact of incidental mortality on dolphin populations in the
eastern tropical Pacific has been severely hampered by a lack of data for the large Mexican fleet
of tuna seiners, which soon may comprise nearly half of the tuna-fishing capacity working in the
region. Mexico is not a member of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and
is not currently participating in the data collection and assessment programme of the
Commission. This has led to estimates of mortality and impact of very low reliability.
Establishment of an expanded tuna/Dolphin research programme in Mexico would allow this
problem to be solved, either through Mexican participation in the IATTC effort or through
independent estimation of the Mexican take and 1ts impacts.
9.Activities:
(a) Train and field 5 technicians to observe and sample incidental take on 20
vessel-trips during each of the two years
(b) Process specimens and data in the laboratory.
(c) Compile computerized files of mortality data and
biological data.
(d) Analyze data and produce estimates
composition of kill and its impact.
10. Output:
Report(s) to pexican government on size composition and significance of
incidental take.
Na.84-5834
-112-
11.Use of Output:
Basis for Mexican management policy and actions.
12. Potential Donors: No specific suggestions.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (2 years) ............................................. $72.000'
Technicians (5 for 2 years) ..................................................100,000
Travel & subsistence ....................................................................10,000
Equipment & supplies. .................................................................20,000
Misce1laneous. ...............................................................................5,000
TOTAL $207,000
-113-
Title:
Investigation of cetaceans taken as by-catches
in the salmon gill-net fishery in the Sea of
Japan
MM-SC-2 3
Proposal Number:
Living Marine Resources
Subject Area:
Implementing Organization
or Institute:
Far Seas Fisheries Research
Laboratory, Shimizu, Japan
Duration:
Total time 6 months (consultant time 3 months)
Cost of Project:
$44,000*
7.Objectives:
(a)
(b)
To identify cetacean species involved in the fishery.
To estimate the annua1 catch of these species.
8.Background: The salmon gillnet fishery by over 100 Japanese land-based fishing vessels
operates in the Sea of Japan. Although the possibility of taking small cetaceans in the fishery was
indicated in the FAO/ACMRR meeting in Bergen, no biological data or catch statistics have been
collected. A similar fishery in the U.S. Fishery Management Zone (FMZ) has been shown to take
several thousands of Dall’s porpoises annually.
9.Activities: Collection by on-board technicians of data on catch and fishing operations from
several vessels.
10.Output:
Report on the cetaceans killed in the fishery.
11.Use of Output:
For development of a comprehensive research plan.
12.Potential Donor:
No specific suggestion.
*Budget details
Personnel
Consultant/biologist (3 months)............................................. $ 9,000
Technicians (10 person months) ............................................. 20,000
Equipment and supplies ................................................................ 5,000
Travel and subsistence ................................................................ 10,000
TOTAL $44,000
Na.84-5835
-114 –