Spotted dolphins
How many are there?
Spotted and spinner dolphin populations are surveyed by ship in the eastern tropical Pacific ocean by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Distance sampling is used to estimate their abundance and to inform those who monitor by-catch and population trends. Multiple-covariate methods developed at CREEM allow the chance of detecting a dolphin in a survey to depend on sea state, swell and species. We use density surface models to estimate the distribution of dolphins within the study region and how variables, e.g. depth or sea-surface temperature, affect where dolphins are.How can I identify a dolphin as a spotted?
Spotted and spinner dolphins often occur in mixed-species schools which may consist of a few hundred animals. Yellow finned tuna often associate with these dolphins to travel and forage together. The mural shows an individual from the Pacific northeastern offshore stock of spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) recognizable by its dark cape and curved, trigger-shaped dorsal fin. Click here to find out how to identify the spinner dolphin.
Spotted (left) and spinner (right) dolphins are the focus of large-scale dedicated research cruises using line transect methods.
Related Publications
Related Links
SWFSC/NOAA: Eastern Tropical Pacific Surveys
Research by Prof. Steve Buckland
