| Summary: | From May to November 2011, the relative abundance and distribution of cetacean species in the Bolivar Channer and western Isabela Island were systematically analyzed to establish a baseline for the presence of cetaceans in western Galapagos,. A total of ten species were recorded during the study period: , we listed ten species; achieving a high biodiversity rate in Galapagos. The most common species of the suborder Mysticeti was Balaenoptera edeni (n =330; 1.1 ind/h), followed by Megaptera novaeangliae (n = 41,0.2ind/h). and among the toothed whales (Suborder Odontoceti) Tursiops truncatus (n= 53, 1.6 ind/h) followed by Orcinus orca (n = 14, 0.1 ind/h). The highest abundance was found at the more productive coldwater season with a peak of cetacean sightings in September. This results, suggest a close relationship between the relative abundance and distribution of species in the area coupled with oceanographic factors characteristic of this location: High rates of upwelling, low sea surface temperatures and close to coastal high primary and secondary productivity. It is necessary to continue with these kind of studies in the long-term in order to establish trends and comparisons applicable to management. The results of this study, represent the first systematic effort to obtain critical information about the cetacean communities in the West of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. En la temporada de mayo a noviembre del 2011, se analizó de una manera sistemática, la abundancia relativa y la distribución de especies de cetáceos en el Canal Bolívar y parte oeste de la Isla Isabela para establecer una línea base sobre la presencia de cetáceos en el oeste de Galápagos. Durante el tiempo de estudio, se observó un total de diez especies; Las especies más comunes del suborden Mysticeti fueron Balaenoptera edeni (n=330; 1.1 ind/hora), seguido por la ballena Jorobada Megaptera novaeangliae (n=41;0.2 ind/h). Para el Sub orden Odontoceti Tursiops truncatus (n=53; 1.6 ind/hora) seguido por Orcinus orca (n=14 ;0.1 ind/h). La mayor ...
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