SAMBAH-Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic sea Harbour porpoise
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Finnish Ministry of the Environment
Särkänniemi Oy
University of Gdansk
Institute of Meteorology and Water Management
Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection
National Environment Research Institute
Danish Forest and Nature Agency
The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is the only resident cetacean species in the proper Baltic Sea. The Baltic Proper subpopulation shows genetical as well as morphological differences compared to the Danish Belt Sea subpopulation and has been reduced drastically within the last decades. Little is known about annual migrations and distribution of animals in the Baltic, as efforts as well as coincidental sightings are scarce and information from stranding networks might not be directly related to the origin of dead found animals. Thus, it is necessary to employ new methodologies, like Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) to produce a first reliable estimation of population size and seasonal variation in the Baltic Sea. This information is vital to find adapted measures of nature conservation to better protect this unique European carnivore subpopulation.
The Baltic Sea subpopulation of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) is small and has been drastically reduced during the last decades. The species is listed in Annexes 2 and 4 of the EC Habitats Directive as well as in the national red lists of several member states. This, in combination with complex threats and problems, which are still partly poorly understood, necessitates the need of improved methodologies for collecting data on population size and range and fluctuation over time. These problems and issues have been addressed in the European Life+ Framework within the project SAMBAH (Static Acoustic Monitoring (SAM) of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise). The overall objective of the project is to launch a best practice methodology and to provide data for a reliable assessment of distribution and habitats of the species. This should make it possible for an appropriate designation of SCIs for the species within the Natura 2000 network as well as other relevant mitigation measures.
It is of special interest to know, whether the two subpopulations have an overlapping habitat use at certain times of the year, or if they are completely separated. The latter would indicate that already evolved genetical and morphological differences will increase over time. The potential transition zone lies partly within German waters, which are at the moment excluded from the SAMBAH research plan. This makes it especially important to close this gap.
Project aims and objectives
- Estimate densities, produce distribution maps and estimate abundances of harbour porpoises in the depth range of 5-80 meters within the project area in the Baltic Sea. Estimates and maps will be produced by season for the whole study area, and possibly by season within country. Data on abundance is necessary to assess the conservation status of the subpopulation and the negative impact of anthropogenic activities such as bycatch. It will also serve as a baseline for possible future surveys to follow the effects of conservation measurements taken.
- Identify possible hotspots, habitat preferences, and areas with higher risk of conflicts with anthropogenic activities for the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise. Use these results to identify appropriate areas for protection, and suggest appropriate management of anthropogenic activities with known or potential negative impact within these areas. Information on possible hotspots, habitat preferences, and areas with higher risk of conflicts with anthropogenic activities are necessary for the designation of appropriate protected areas for the harbour porpoises. Information on the distribution and extent of anthropogenic activities with known or potential negative impact on the conservation status of the harbour porpoise in these areas is crucial for efficient management of these activities.
- Increase the knowledge about the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise among policymakers, managers, stakeholders, users of the marine environment and the public, in the nations bordering the Baltic Sea and within the European Community. This is necessary to reach the ultimate aim of the project, a favourable conservation status of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise.
- Implement best practice methods for cost efficient, large scale surveillance of harbour porpoises in a low density area. The implementation of coherent methods throughout the distribution range of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise will facilitate future monitoring actions to follow the effects of conservation measurements taken on a local, regional, national or transnational scale.
