The acoustic detection of small cetaceans in Saros Bay in the northern Aegean Sea

Ayhan Dede, Arda M. Tonay, Ayaka Amaha Öztürk

ORCID IDs: AD: 0000-0002-7712-615X; A.M.T. 0000-0003-2718-9328; AAÖ: 0000-0003-2281-7372

Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2, 34470, Fatih, Istanbul, TÜRKİYE
Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), P.O. Box: 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, TÜRKİYE

Abstract

A passive acoustic monitoring study using F-POD was conducted for the first time in Saros Bay in the northern Aegean Sea. Between November 2022 and January 2023, harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) and delphinids were detected acoustically during both day and nighttime. However, diel patterns of delphinids and porpoises did not overlap. In general, the hours of high delphinid detection coincided with lower porpoise detection, implying the temporal difference in habitat use of these taxa. A year-long or longer study should be carried out to determine whether the presence of harbour porpoise in the region is continuous or seasonal.

Keywords: Phocoena phocoena relicta, harbour porpoise, passive acoustic monitoring, F-POD, Saros Bay SEPA

Pages: 260-268

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