@techreport{nokey,

title = {Progress report from the Arabian Sea Whale Network},

author = {Gianna Minton, Charles Anderson, Robert Baldwin, Yusuf Bohadi, Sal Cerchio, Tim Collins, Rabab alLawati, Mohmmed Shoaib Kiani, Nithyanandan Manickam, Mohammed Moazzam, Nazanin Mohsenian, Hamed Moshiri, Ranil Nanayakkara, Ada Natoli, Shoaib Abdul Razzaque, Howard Rosenbaum, Husain al Sayegh, Dipani Sutaria, Asha de Vos, Maia Sarrouf Willson, Andrew Willson



},

url = {https://archive.iwc.int/?r=19485&k=7f52373e3e},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-04-24},

abstract = {The Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) is an informal collaboration of researchers and conservation

bodies interested in the conservation of whale populations throughout the Northern Indian Ocean. Formed in 2015, the Arabian Sea humpback whale acts as a flagship species, but members collaborate on all aspects of cetacean research and conservation. This progress report includes updates on regional-level collaborative activities undertaken between May 2021 and April 2022, as well as updates on project- by project or national level activities undertaken by partners in the region. Regional level activities have been limited due to the lack of funding for coordination, as well as world events that demand more immediate attention. In particular, there has been little progress on the formal establishment of a joint CMS-IWC Conservation Management Plan. However, ASWN members are in regular communication and provide continued technical support to each other. The project updates from partners demonstrate a clear trend toward increased capacity for systematic cetacean research in most ASWN member countries, with a number of peer-reviewed publications emerging from the region over the past year. The updates also demonstrate how many ASWN partners are applying knowledge gained from cetacean research to outreach, awareness raising, threat-mitigation and engagement with the relevant stakeholders responsible for conservation policy and management. These efforts will help to progress conservation-management throughout the region until such time as an effective regional conservation management plan can finally be implemented.},

keywords = {cetaceans, CMP, collaboration, communication, Progress},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Cetaceans of the Red Sea},

author = {Notarbartolo di Sciara, G,Kerem, D.,Smeenk, C.},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {CMS Technical series 33},

volume = {33},

number = {185},

pages = {86},

publisher = {Convention on Migratory Species},

abstract = {Based on a review of the literature, complemented by original observations at sea made by the authors during the

past 34 years, the cetacean fauna in the Red Sea appears to be composed of a total of 16 species: three Mysticetes

(Bryde’s whale, Balaenoptera edeni; Omura’s whale, B. omurai; and humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae) and

13 Odontocetes (dwarf sperm whale, Kogia sima; killer whale, Orcinus orca; false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens;

short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus; Risso’s dolphin, Grampus griseus; Indian Ocean humpback

dolphin, Sousa plumbea; rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis; Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops

aduncus; common bottlenose dolphin, T. truncatus; pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata; spinner dolphin,

S. longirostris; striped dolphin, S. coeruleoalba; Indo-Pacific common dolphin, Delphinus delphis tropicalis).

This review presents the very first documented and confirmed sightings of B. omurai, K. sima and S. bredanensis

in the Red Sea. Of all the above species, however, only nine (Bryde’s whale, false killer whale, Risso’s dolphin, Indian

Ocean humpback dolphin, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin,

spinner dolphin, and Indo-Pacific common dolphin) appeared to occur regularly in the Red Sea, the remaining seven

only occurring sporadically as vagrants from the Indian Ocean. Even regular species appeared not to be uniformly

distributed throughout the Red Sea, e.g., with Indo-Pacific common dolphins mostly limited to the southern portion

of the region, and the Gulf of Suez only hosting the two bottlenose dolphin species and Indian Ocean humpback

dolphins. No convincing evidence was found of the Red Sea occurrence of two whale species mentioned in the

literature: the common minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, and the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus.

The absence from the region of deep diving species (e.g., Ziphiidae and the sperm whale) can be explained by the

geomorphology of the Straits of Bab al Mandab, with its extended shallow sill likely to discourage incursions by

such species into the Red Sea. The coordinated effort and the different expertise of the authors has contributed to

amending previous mistakes and inaccuracies, verifying and validating specimen identification, highlighting features

of relevance for species taxonomy and, most importantly, drawing a fundamental baseline to inform conservation of

cetaceans in the Red Sea},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetaceans, Distribution, Egypt, occurrence, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = { Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission},

author = {Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

number = {329},

pages = {347},

abstract = {Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an

analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and

quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the

provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates

of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.

A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and

conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the

legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,

Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires

were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine

the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire

was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.

Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea

were developed.

New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information

from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea

was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea

cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation

of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal

states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative

fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews

were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in

different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical

information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on

cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The

virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated

a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.

Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant

caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the

estimates.

Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,

including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using

the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent

modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey

was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in

the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an

international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,

angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive

estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates

for the Black Sea.

Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical

review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was

completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft

strategy was developed, which is presented in this report. 

RESULTS

s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,

particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to

cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the

coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required

research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional

legislative instruments. 

For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting

Black Sea cetaceans.  Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black

Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black

Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.



Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic

and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region. 



More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of

Black Sea cetaceans.   Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual

estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing

gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although

spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem. 



The

Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad

approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches

include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further

identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding

of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and

effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.

4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the

three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on

conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent

action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets. },

keywords = {black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = { Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission},

author = {Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

number = {329},

pages = {347},

abstract = {Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an

analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and

quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the

provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates

of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.

A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and

conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the

legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,

Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires

were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine

the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire

was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.

Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea

were developed.

New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information

from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea

was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea

cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation

of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal

states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative

fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews

were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in

different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical

information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on

cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The

virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated

a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.

Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant

caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the

estimates.

Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,

including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using

the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent

modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey

was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in

the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an

international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,

angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive

estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates

for the Black Sea.

Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical

review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was

completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft

strategy was developed, which is presented in this report. 

RESULTS

s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,

particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to

cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the

coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required

research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional

legislative instruments. 

For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting

Black Sea cetaceans.  Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black

Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black

Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.



Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic

and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region. 



More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of

Black Sea cetaceans.   Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual

estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing

gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although

spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem. 



The

Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad

approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches

include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further

identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding

of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and

effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.

4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the

three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on

conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent

action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets. },

keywords = {black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = { Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission},

author = {Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

number = {329},

pages = {347},

abstract = {Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an

analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and

quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the

provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates

of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.

A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and

conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the

legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,

Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires

were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine

the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire

was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.

Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea

were developed.

New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information

from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea

was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea

cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation

of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal

states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative

fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews

were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in

different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical

information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on

cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The

virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated

a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.

Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant

caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the

estimates.

Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,

including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using

the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent

modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey

was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in

the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an

international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,

angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive

estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates

for the Black Sea.

Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical

review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was

completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft

strategy was developed, which is presented in this report. 

RESULTS

s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,

particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to

cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the

coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required

research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional

legislative instruments. 

For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting

Black Sea cetaceans.  Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black

Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black

Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.



Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic

and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region. 



More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of

Black Sea cetaceans.   Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual

estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing

gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although

spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem. 



The

Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad

approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches

include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further

identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding

of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and

effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.

4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the

three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on

conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent

action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets. },

keywords = {black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = { Studies for Carrying Out the Common Fisheries Policy: Adverse Fisheries Impacts on Cetacean Populations in the Black Sea. Final report to the European Commission},

author = {Birkun Jr, A,Northridge, S,Willsteed, E.A.,James, F.A.,Kilgour, C.,Lander, M.,Fitzgerald, G.D.},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

number = {329},

pages = {347},

abstract = {Four tasks were completed to achieve the objective of providing the European Commission with: an

analysis of historical and current status of cetacean populations in the western Black Sea; qualitative and

quantitative assessments of their by-catch in Black Sea fisheries by fishery and fishing gear; and the

provision of recommendations for measures to reduce by-catch in fisheries identified as having high rates

of by-catch. A summary of work achieved for each task follows.

A review and analysis of all national and international legislation aiming at the protection and

conservation of cetaceans in the Black Sea was completed, including the identification of gaps in the

legislation. A rapid assessment of the capacity of existing national fisheries legislation in Bulgaria,

Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in context of cetacean conservation was also completed. Questionnaires

were distributed to national authorities and experts to develop a list of domestic legal tools. To determine

the awareness of fishermen regarding national legislation designed to protect cetaceans, a questionnaire

was distributed to leaders of fishing cooperatives in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine.

Recommendations regarding improvement of national legislation and its implementation in the Black Sea

were developed.

New data from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was collected and a review of existing information

from all coastal States on harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins in the Black Sea

was completed. Information was reviewed to determine the existing state of knowledge of Black Sea

cetaceans and their interactions with fisheries historically and currently. This involved the consolidation

of existing datasets on cetacean abundance and distribution, and by-catch records from Black Sea coastal

states. To provide information on fishing capacity and effort, surveys were conducted at representative

fishing harbours in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. In conjunction with the surveys, interviews

were held with fishermen to provide information about perceptions of by-catch, by-catch rates in

different gear types and seasonality of by-catch. This information was combined with the historical

information to enable the assessment of fisheries and fishing gears associated with adverse impacts on

cetacean populations. Estimation of bycatch rates were developed and are presented in this report. The

virtual absence of information on smaller fishing vessels in Black Sea coastal states surveyed necessitated

a change in approach to surveying and leads to uncertainties about the accuracy of fleet effort estimates.

Together with the paucity of observed by-catch records, estimates of by-catch are subject to significant

caveats are should be used with caution in the absence of further data to improve confidence in the

estimates.

Surveys of cetacean population distribution and abundance were completed for the western Black Sea,

including the waters of Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. Aerial and boat surveys were completed using

the accepted double-platform method of observation. Both the aircraft and vessel underwent

modifications prior to surveying to support this method of surveying. An additional opportunistic survey

was completed using ferry routes between Ukraine and Georgia to provide a snapshot of populations in

the eastern waters. National permits were obtained for surveying after a lengthy process and an

international team of observers was recruited and trained. Records of cetacean sightings, distances,

angles and concomitant data were collected and stored prior to analysis using Distance 6.0 to derive

estimates of cetacean abundance and distribution in the western Black Sea and to provide crude estimates

for the Black Sea.

Finally, to provide a draft regional strategy for improving cetacean conservation in the Black Sea, a critical

review of global existing approaches and methods to prevent and mitigate cetacean by-catch was

completed, measures were identified in context of the Black Sea to reduce the problem, and a draft

strategy was developed, which is presented in this report. 

RESULTS

s, the review of legislation indicates that there is sufficient legislation in place,

particularly within Member State jurisdictions, to research, assess and manage pressures and threats to

cetacean species, and to designate SACs. Strengthening the capacity of the Member States and the

coordination and capacity of regional bodies to implement legislation and to conduct the required

research would appear to be more appropriate than the determination and enactment of additional

legislative instruments. 

For most of the 20th century, mass commercial killing remained the principal human activity affecting

Black Sea cetaceans.  Purse-seining and shooting were the two principal methods used to capture and kill cetaceans in the Black

Sea cetacean fisheries. Between these two fishery methods, it is commonly acknowledged that the Black

Sea cetacean populations were strongly reduced and that perhaps they have not recovered until recently.



Poaching (illegal, unreported or unregulated – IUU – fishing) is one of the major environmental, economic

and social problems concerning the entire Black Sea region. 



More generally, by-catches in fishing gear constitute the major source of human-induced mortality of

Black Sea cetaceans.   Porpoises almost always dominate by-catches (often >90% of annual

estimates) when compared to by-catches of common and bottlenose dolphins. With regards to fishing

gear type, bottom set gillnets for turbot are always recorded as the greatest threat to cetaceans although

spiny dogfish set nets are also reported to be a problem. 



The

Conservation Plan also draws on various recommendations from regional forums. Generally, five broad

approaches are required, in parallel which encompass specific conservation actions. These approaches

include: 1) Refinement of information on spatial, temporal and metier specific by-catch rates to further

identify areas, seasons and fishery types for focused by-catch mitigation, including a better understanding

of the rates at which each species is taken by each fishery. 2) Improved information of fleet dynamics and

effort. 3) Implementation of by-catch mitigation strategies where there are already obvious requirements.

4) Further investigation of the population dynamics, distribution, density and migration patterns of the

three species of concern. 5) The building or improvement of a management organisation to deliver on

conservation goals, shared management, fleet documentation, training and outreach. The most urgent

action was identified as eliminating illegal fishing for turbot with gillnets. },

keywords = {black sea, Bycatch, cetaceans, Fisheries, management, mitigation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Extermination of populations of commercial whale species and its possible biological consequences},

author = {Zemsky,V.A.},

year  = {2005},

date = {2005-01-01},

number = {268},

pages = {249-259},

abstract = {Cetaceans inhabit practically all seas and oceans of the world and their role in ocean biocenoses is doubtless.  Being the source of nutrition and technical resources - oil, meat, etc., - this numrous group of marine mammals had also substantial meaning for the man's economic activity.  In a number of coastal regions, some whales are still an important, if not one, source of protein food. All cetaceans can be subdivided into two conditional categories:  those which are caught for commerial needs and those which are not.  The first group comprises practically all baleen whales, the size of most of which has no analogous in terrestrial mammals, and the sperm whale - the only one of toothed whales.  All other cetaceans can be referred to the second group.  They are much smaller in size, but more numerous and play not less important role in biocenoses.  Some of them were of commercial value in the past and now have lost it almost completely. This brief review pursues three goals:    firstly, to reveal the relationship between the population number of the commercial whales and whaling in a historical aspect;    secondly, to determine the significance for the estimation of the current status of the large whales' populations of the materials, pulished in 1995, on the largest falsification of statistical data on the Soviet whaling operations in the Southern Hemisphere and in some regions of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and equatorial waters;    thirdly, to try to reveal possible consequences of the drastic depletion of number of the large commerical whales for the ocean biogeocenoses.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean, baleen whale, baleen whales, biological consequences, cetacean, cetaceans, depletion, extermination, mammals, marine, marine mammal, Marine mammals, oil, population, populations, Southern Hemisphere, Soviet whaling, sperm whale, status, whale, whales, whaling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {A preliminary analysis of beach cast cetaceans from Oman},

author = {Collins,T.J.Q.,Minton,G.,Baldwin,R,Van Waerebeek,K.,Cockcroft,V.,Hywel-Davies,A.},

issn = {SC/54/O4},

year  = {2002},

date = {2002-01-01},

journal = {Document presented to the 54th meeting of the International Whaling Commission},

volume = {SC/54/O4},

number = {352},

pages = {1-16},

keywords = {cetacean, cetaceans, Oman},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {A review of small cetaceans from waters off the Arabian Peninsula},

author = {Baldwin,R.,Van Waerebeek,K.,Gallagher,M.},

year  = {1998},

date = {1998-01-01},

journal = {Document presented at the 50th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission},

volume = {SC/50/SM6},

number = {27},

pages = {1-26},

abstract = {Available data on small cetacean species in coastal and offshore waters off peninsula Arabia are reviewed. Species accounts are presented for a total of 16 small cetaceans, including information on the date and source of first records in the region, distribution, stock identity, abundance, external appearance, migrations or local movements, status, incidental takes, directed catches and other threats, ecology, life history and disease/parasites. In addition the origin and present location of all curated specimens are listed. Anecdotal information, such as that obtained from local fishermen and other observers, is also presented.},

keywords = {abundance, cetacean, cetaceans, Distribution, ecology, migration, Movements, status, Stock identity, whaling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Marine fauna of Oman: Cetaceans, turtles, seabirds and shallow water corals},

author = {Salm,R.V.,Jensen,R.A.C.,Papastavrou,V.},

year  = {1993},

date = {1993-01-01},

number = {469},

pages = {1-66},

publisher = {IUCN},

abstract = {This is the final compilation report that summarises all the data in the sub-reports on cetaceans and turtles etc.  Cetacean stranding an sighting info from the surveys conducted between 1984 and 1992.  210 sightings of live cetaceans were made from the shore, boats and helicopters.  Most sightings were of animals within four km of shore.  The sightings, which were incidental to other coastal zone management studies do not include any related observer effort.  The majority of boat-based searching occurred in the capital area, with remaining boat distributed equally between Musandam and Dhofar.  There was less observation from boats along the stretch of central coast, but more time spent driving on beaches.There are also 173 records of beached cetacean material.  these include the remains of 25 dolphins butchered by fishermen.  The sightings and strandings are summarised in a table including 16 species (including both sei and minke whales).  90% of all beached cetacean remains were found south of Ras al Hadd along the central coast, and was most abundant between 20 and 21 N.},

keywords = {cetacean, cetaceans, coastal zone management, coral, dolphin, dolphins, management, marine, minke whale, minke whales, Oman, seabirds, Strandings, survey, turtles, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {A preliminary report of marine mammal fisheries in Djibouti, Oman and Sri Lanka },

author = {Alling,A.},

year  = {1992},

date = {1992-01-01},

volume = {694 },

number = {280},

pages = {1-10},

abstract = {INTRODUCTION During the 1982 and 1983 field seasons on Tulip, an effort was made to assess the status of small whale fisheries in Djibouti, Oman and Sri Lanka. In lieu of the fact that the World Wildlife Funds Indian Ocean Whale study still has one more year of field work, this preliminary report will only summarise our findings as of April, 1983. Officials and fisherman were contacted during port calls in 1982 to obtain information about local hunting and entrapment of cetaceans and members of the Tulip crew travelled to 9 harbours in Sri Lanka to interview fishermen. Dolphins seen in fish markets were measured, identified, stomach contents taken, and skulls collected for positive identification. In 1982 one fisherman on the west coast of Sri Lanka was asked to keep a daily log of all cetaceans entrapped or harpooned for a duration of one year. In 1983 we increased the number of harbours Monitored and four additional fishermen, three on the east coast and one on the west coast, were asked to keep these journals. A constant watch was kept at sea for all cetacean sightings. Species seen were identified using three identification guides: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of the Eastern North Pacific and Adjacent Arctic Waters (Leatherwood et al., 1982), Sea Guide to, Whales of the World (Watson, 1982), and A Field Guide to Whales and Dolphins (Captain Morzer Bruyns, 1971). When the identification was questionable, animals were photographed for confirmation of identity at a later date. },

keywords = {Arctic, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Fisheries, habitat, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, North Pacific, Oman, Porpoise, sanctuaries, skull, skulls, Sri Lanka, status, stomach contents, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Impact of fisheries on the environment and wildlife: Sultanate of Oman},

author = {Salm,R.V.},

year  = {1992},

date = {1992-01-01},

journal = {Scientific Results of the IUCN Coastal Zone Management Project},

volume = {CZMP4:F17},

number = {467},

pages = {1-19},

abstract = {The report highlights fisheries related damage to coral communities, and fisheries related mortality of turtles and cetaceans in the Sultanate of Oman.  It includes detailed tables of dead turtles and dead cetaceans showing evidence of direct harvest, found during the IUCN Coastal Zone Management Survey, conducted in Oman between 1987 and 1991.},

keywords = {by-catch, cetaceans, coastal zone management, coral, Fisheries, mortality, Oman, turtles},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Live and beached cetacean observations, Sultanate of Oman},

author = {Salm,R.V.},

year  = {1991},

date = {1991-01-01},

journal = {Scientific Results of the IUCN Coastal Zone Management Project},

volume = {CZMP4:F14},

number = {466},

pages = {1-26},

abstract = {The report summarizes, and specifically tabulates the observations of live and dead cetaceans made between October 1984 and November 1991 in the course of the IUCN coastal zone management surveys.  It includes 151 sightings of live cetaceans, with skewed observer effort toward the Muscat/Capital area.  In addition there are 154 records of cetacean beach material, some of which include records of remains of more than one individual or more than one species.  It includes records of 20 dolphins butchered by fishermen.  Each record is listed in full, and the structure of the Database used for the survey is explained.},

keywords = {by-catch, cetaceans, coastal zone management, Oman, Strandings},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Coastal Zone Management Programme: A Framework for Action},

author = {Salm,R.V.,Jensen,R.A.C.},

year  = {1991},

date = {1991-01-01},

number = {468},

publisher = {IUCN, The World Conservation Union, Gland, Switzerland},

abstract = {The document recommends a framework for coordination of coastal zone management in the Sultanate of Oman.  Specific recommendations are made for implementation of this framework and the creation of government committees/vehicles/structures to oversee it's implementation.  An emphasis is placed on goals and objectives and national management issues.},

keywords = {cetaceans, coastal zone management, Oman, turtles},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Recent marine mammal sightings in the Sultanate of Oman (1980-1981)},

author = {Ross,J.P.},

year  = {1981},

date = {1981-01-01},

journal = {Report presented to the special meeting of the IWC to plan a programme of scientific research on cetaceans in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary, Zeist, Netherlands.},

volume = {Document 23},

number = {462},

abstract = {This brief report summarises observations of live cetaceans, strandings and interviews with local fishermen.  The source of sighting and stranding information is not always clear - stranded specimens referred to in this report were curated at the Zoological Museum in Amsterdam and the ONHM are also summarised in Gallagher 1991.  JPR describes one stranding of a Dugong near Barka.  He also describes Masirah fishermen's observations of a large whale with "bumps on its head like coffee cups" and long white flippers that they slap on the surface.  He concludes that these are almost certainly humpback whales "migrating between summer feeding and winter breeding grounds.  He also suggests that they were feeding on sardines which were abundant in the region during "these months" (although months not specified). Although he indicates that Oman's coast is abundant in food, yet tropical and thus suitable for breeding, he does not explicitly suggest that the humpbacks are year-round residents.},

keywords = {breeding grounds, cetacean, cetaceans, dugong, feeding, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Indian Ocean, marine, marine mammal, Oman, sanctuaries, Strandings, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea,  November - December 1980

},

author = {Harwood,J.},

year  = {1980},

date = {1980-01-01},

number = {384},

pages = {1-7},

publisher = {Sea Mammal Research Unit, Cambridge},

abstract = {This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980.  The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches.  Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea,  November - December 1980

},

author = {Harwood,J.},

year  = {1980},

date = {1980-01-01},

number = {384},

pages = {1-7},

publisher = {Sea Mammal Research Unit, Cambridge},

abstract = {This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980.  The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches.  Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea,  November - December 1980

},

author = {Harwood,J.},

year  = {1980},

date = {1980-01-01},

number = {384},

pages = {1-7},

publisher = {Sea Mammal Research Unit, Cambridge},

abstract = {This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980.  The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches.  Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Arabian Sea,  November - December 1980

},

author = {Harwood,J.},

year  = {1980},

date = {1980-01-01},

number = {384},

pages = {1-7},

publisher = {Sea Mammal Research Unit, Cambridge},

abstract = {This is a brief report of cetacean sightings made during the voyage of the sailing ship SOHAR (a 26m long reconstruction of a ninth century Arab dhow from Muscat to Calicut, from 23 Nov to 21 Dec.1980.  The cruise covered only the Gulf of Oman Coast of Oman from roughly Muscat to Tiwi, and then head across to the Indian Sub-continent. Only 26 sightings were made during intermittent watches.  Sightings off Oman included pygmy killer whales (uncertain ID), two groups of unidentified dolphins and spinner dolphins.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, cetacean, cetaceans, dolphin, dolphins, Gulf of Oman, killer whale, killer whales, Oman, Spinner dolphin, whale, whales},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}

@techreport{,

title = {Observations of cetaceans in the Gulf of Aden and the northwestern part of the Arabian Sea},

author = {Yukhov,V.L.},

year  = {1969},

date = {1969-01-01},

journal = {Morskie Mlekopitayashchie},

number = {512},

pages = {1-6},

publisher = {Izd-vo "Nauka"},

abstract = {This is a brief report of sightings in the Arabian Sea made from a whale catcher of the Sovetskaya Ukraina fleet in the 1964-65 whaling seasons (Oct-Dec).  In very general terms it describes sightings of female and juvenile sperm whales in groups of 6-10 throughout the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. This was the most frequently sighted species.  Pygmy blue whales and Bryde's whales were also observed in both the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and specific mention is made of nearshore areas of the coasts of Somalia and the Oman.  These species were both observed feeding (on their sides?).  Small groups of humpback whales were observed East of Ras Fartak.  Huge schools of small cetaceans were also observed feeding and the author concludes that the area provides an adequate supply of food for a variety of species.},

keywords = {Arabian Sea, Blue whale, blue whales, Bryde's whale, cetaceans, Humpback Whale, humpback whales, Oman, Soviet whaling, sperm whales, whaling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {techreport}

}