Analysis of New Data Sets for Risk Assessment of Potential Conflicts between Shipping and Cetaceans in the ASCOBANS Region

ASCOBANS Triennium Work Plan 2010-2012 3. Continue to review the extent of negative effects of sound, vessels and other forms of disturbance on small cetaceans and to review relevant technological developments and best practices with a view to developing guidelines which Parties may use to reduce disturbance by noise 4. Review new information, as far as possible in co-operation with EU, ICES and IWC, on cetacean population size, distribution structure, and causes of any changes in the ASCOBANS area and based on implications for conservation to make appropriate recommendations to Parties and other relevant authorities

The principal aim of this project was to reach a better understanding of the risk posed by shipping to small cetaceans within the ASCOBANS Agreement Area, so as to advise on how best to develop ways to mitigate any adverse effects. a) Acquire AIS data in synthesized form showing ship movements per unit time over the ASCOBANS Agreement Area. b) Develop GIS shape files that allow plots of vessel density by grid cell for the major types of shipping. c) Using effort-related sightings data gathered across the region, plot sightings densities by grid cell for the main cetacean taxa (baleen whales, large toothed whales, dolphins & porpoises). d) Identify main areas and seasons for potential conflict between shipping and cetaceans.

Description:Analysis of New Data Sets for Risk Assessment of Potential Conflicts between Shipping and Cetaceans in the ASCOBANS Region
Start date:
End date:
Responsibility:
Output:Preparation of map showing results of analysis

Related content

No pictures for Analysis of New Data Sets for Risk Assessment of Potential Conflicts between Shipping and Cetaceans in the ASCOBANS Region


Implementing AgencySea Watch Foundation

Activity start dateJanuary 2011
Activity end dateApril 2011
Taxonomic groupMarine mammals
Final technical reportYes

Vessel Strikes