Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Recent Survey for Delphinids at Tristao Islands, Guinea, Reinforces Concern for Bycatches and Marine Bushmeat Use

Version 1 : Received: 2 April 2021 / Approved: 5 April 2021 / Online: 5 April 2021 (10:38:32 CEST)

How to cite: Bamy, I.; Djiba, A.; Van Waerebeek, K. Recent Survey for Delphinids at Tristao Islands, Guinea, Reinforces Concern for Bycatches and Marine Bushmeat Use. Preprints 2021, 2021040094. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202104.0094.v1 Bamy, I.; Djiba, A.; Van Waerebeek, K. Recent Survey for Delphinids at Tristao Islands, Guinea, Reinforces Concern for Bycatches and Marine Bushmeat Use. Preprints 2021, 2021040094. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202104.0094.v1

Abstract

Small-boat and shore-based surveys in 2017 confirm that Atlantic humpback (Sousa teuszii) and common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are resident in shallow neritic waters surrounding the protected MPA Tristao Islands in northern Guinea. Inshore-type T. truncatus were encountered also between Conakry and Kayar. First documented in 2012, dolphin bycatches in local fisheries continue to occur. The frequency of beach-cast remains suggests a significant conservation issue. Both multi- and monofilament gillnets are widely deployed, but it remains unclear which gear is the main cause of mortality. Forensic evidence shows that captured dolphins are often utilized for local consumption. Marine bushmeat of cetaceans is documented in many coastal nations in West and Central Africa. In Tristao Islands their use is synchronous with and thought related to declining fish stocks. Significant anthropogenic mortality relative to their low abundance, besides suspected pressures such as prey competition with fisheries and habitat deterioration from coastal development, raise concern for the future of coastal dolphins, in particular endangered S. teuszii, even in this formally protected MPA. Conservation measures need to be re-evaluated for improved efficiency while surveys to monitor trends should be annual.

Keywords

West Africa ; Atlantic humpback dolphin ; bottlenose dolphin ; bycatch ; marine bushmeat ; aquatic wild meat ; conservation

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0
Metrics 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.