OCEAMM harbor porpoise sightings in the North Sea ...

• Main Author: Bouveroux, Thibaut
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: OBIS-SEAMAP 2021
• Subjects: Occurrence,Vessels,Sightings,Harbour porpoise,Phocoena phocoena,English Channel; Observation; Occurrence; Harbour porpoise; Phocoena phocoena
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.15468/j8f8h9; https://www.gbif.org/dataset/37e632a2-dcea-483d-94e1-52fafd26412a

Original provider: Observatoire pour la Conservation et l'Etude des Animaux et Milieux Marins (OCEAMM) Dataset credits: Observatoire pour la Conservation et l'Etude des Animaux et Milieux Marins (OCEAMM) Abstract: Small cetaceans can use a variety of habitats and are generally wide-ranging. For this reason, extensive sighting surveys to assess their distribution, abundance, and habitat preference are needed. In this study, we conducted systematic surveys to document the distribution of the harbor porpoise observed in the English Channel (North Sea, France). The English Channel is an epicontinental sea. It constitutes a relatively narrow link between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea and is influenced by strong tides and freshwater inputs, which create well-mixed waters. The harbor porpoise is placed under Appendix II of the European Union Habitats Directive, and an assessment of his status and distribution in the English Channel, very exposed to human activities, is much needed to identify conservation ...