2000-2014 cetacean sighting records in the central Mediterranean region from sea-users : an evaluation of long-term trends

Abstract

The Biological Conservation Research Foundation (BICREF-NGO) has found the support of different sea-users in collecting cetacean sighting data while promoting cetacean conservation. The Royal Malta Yacht Club in association with the Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR) participants have assisted BICREF in collecting information of cetacean sightings during this 1127 km track race from Malta to Sicily, down to Lampedusa and back to Malta. The data collected included details of each boat's track and cetacean sightings. Participating RMSR sailing yachts ranged between 30 and 120 per race and each yacht's track is recorded through a satellite based tracker. A fill-up questionnaire which was returned with the filled-up sighting forms was considered to study the relationship between experiences out at sea, sighting feedback and quality of data provided. Most cetacean species typically found in the region have been spotted by these opportunistic observers with the most common species being striped dolphins.