Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 11252459

The whale and dolphin fauna of the West Africa region is diverse, but also unstudied, unprotected and in many regions, at risk from threats such as local hunting, industrial fishing, seismic surveying for oil and gas, and coastal development. This project aims to work with local people in West Africa, to collect much-needed information on whales and dolphins in this region. In order to effectively manage and conserve cetaceans, we first need to know where they are found, population sizes, and the threats they are vulnerable to.

A focus of this study is the Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii), which is only found in West African waters and is in decline throughout its range. This shy dolphin lives close to the coast in shallow waters, and is thus vulnerable to entrapment in gillnets set by local fishermen. Coastal development and pollution may also play roles in the decline of this little-known but unique species. The project aims to document humpback dolphins throughout the study area (Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau) and, if possible, to highlight 'hotspots' - important habitat areas for this species. This could, in the future, lead to the designation of protected areas for West Africa's only endemic dolphin. Of course, other species such as bottlenose dolphins and humpback dolphins are also recorded and all add to a greater understanding of the diversity of marine life in this region. 

The project works with local fishermen, using their knowledge and understanding of the region and its wildlife to assess the threats faced by cetaceans. The study also liaises with local government and conservation organisations to provide scientific data and advice on how best to implement national-level conservation plans for cetaceans.