We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Finless Porpoise Bycatch and Stranding along the Shandong Peninsula, China, Based on Public Reports from 2000 to 2018.
- Authors
Zuo, Tao; Li, Yongtao; Cheng, Zhaolong; Wang, Jun; Sun, Jianqiang; Yuan, Wei; Niu, Mingxiang
- Abstract
Simple Summary: The East Asian finless porpoise is a common whale along Chinese coasts. The coast of the Shandong Peninsula is a substantial habitat for the species. However, there is relatively insufficient knowledge of and protection measures for the species population in this region. Based on public literature, media, and internet social websites, we collected and analyzed over two hundred reports on the stranding and accidental catching of finless porpoises along the coast of the Shandong Peninsula from 2000 to 2018. We found that bycatch and stranding incidents occurred widely across the peninsula throughout all seasons. The extensive use of fishing gear was the principal cause of porpoise mortalities and injuries along Shandong Peninsula. We recommend a comprehensive network consisting of an incident reporting system, fishing gear regulations, and scientific monitoring plans to protect the cetacean species in this region. The Shandong Peninsula is located on the western coast of the Pacific and is adjacent to the Bohai Sea (BS) and the Yellow Sea (YS) to the east. The East Asian finless porpoise Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri, a subspecies of the narrow-ridged finless porpoise N. asiaeorientalis, is the dominant cetacean resident along the Shandong Peninsula. However, there is insufficient monitoring data to determine the status of the cetacean species in this region. Based on the publicly available literature, media, and internet social website, this study investigated the spatial–temporal distribution of porpoise stranding and bycatch along the coast of the Shandong Peninsula. Data on over five hundred porpoises from two hundred reports between 2000 and 2018 were compiled and analyzed. Results showed that the bycatch and stranding of porpoises occurred widely across the peninsula throughout all months and increased rapidly between 2010 and 2017. The incidents were more frequent in the area where the BS and YS converged during the spring and early summer than in other seasons. The mean body length of bycaught porpoises was smaller than that of those found stranded. Fishing activities could be the principal cause of local finless porpoise incidents. However, limited data hindered a quantitative evaluation of the living conditions of finless porpoises in this area. Establishing a comprehensive monitoring system, which includes standardized reporting, rescue operations, and scientific research, is essential to finless porpoise protection along the Shandong Peninsula.
- Subjects
SHANDONG Sheng (China); PORPOISES; PENINSULAS; WILDLIFE conservation; FISHERY laws; SPRING
- Publication
Animals (2076-2615), 2023, Vol 13, Issue 24, p3868
- ISSN
2076-2615
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/ani13243868