Abstract

Two ecotypes of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), coastal and oceanic, are known from the north-western Atlantic. The coastal ecotype occurs on the shallow banks of The Bahamas in discrete, resident populations with limited movement of individuals between areas. In the Sea of Abaco, a small population of dolphins has declined by more than 50% due to impacts of hurricanes and habitat degradation (e.g., boat noise, dredging, over-fishing). With the threat of more frequent and intense hurricanes due to climate change, a Recovery Plan has been drafted to support the recovery of dolphins in the Sea of Abaco. The goal of the Sea of Abaco Dolphin Recovery Plan is to ensure the long-term viability of this unique population of bottlenose dolphins. Primary objectives were to identify actions to reduce the decline of the bottlenose dolphin population in the Sea of Abaco, promote the recovery of the population, and support efforts to maintain the natural environs that sustain this unique bottlenose dolphin population and other marine life. Through consultation with local and national stakeholders, priority actions were identified including launching a public awareness campaign, introducing voluntary restrictions on boaters in the Sea of Abaco, enforcing existing regulations to improve resource and environmental protection, and conducting studies on current dolphin distribution and habitat use to inform implementation of the plan, as well as on-going research to assess its effectiveness. The recovery of the Sea of Abaco dolphin population will have far-reaching implications on the environment, economy, and wellbeing of people in Abaco.