Dolphins
in troubled waters
Bottlenose dolphins are the only cetacean found in the Gulf of Amvrakikos, at one of the highest densities for the species in the Mediterranean Sea, showing high levels of year-round site fidelity. Since 2021, this subpopulation is listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List. Bottlenose Dolphins in the Gulf of Ambracia frequently engage in surface feeding of small schooling epipelagic fish (i.e., sardines and anchovies). They are often observed also foraging around aquaculture facilities, attracted by the higher concentration of wild fish species in the vicinity of the fish farm cages, probably due to pellets lost through cages and/or particulate organic matter from broken pellets and fish faeces.
Critically Endangered
High local density of dolphins is not indicative of favourable conservation status or pristine habitat
Over two decades of photoidentification work by the Ionian Dolphin Project, run by Tethys Research Institute, based on long-term natural marks such as notches and nicks in the dolphins’ dorsal fins, as well as on any additional marks in other body parts, have resulted in population estimates of roughly 140-150 individuals. Calving season seems to be concentrated between March-August, and a high first-year mortality rate (36%) has been detected. The latter may be consequence of these dolphins being exposed to high levels of pollution.
Bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf have four times higher DDTs levels, mostly derived from local agriculture (i.e. pesticides), than in neighbouring Ionian waters, manifesting the existence of a real toxicological problem. Genetic studies have established that dolphins of Amvrakikos constitute a geographically distinct and genetically differentiated unit; elevated kinship levels and limited gene flow from outside locations make these dolphins particularly vulnerable to inbreeding depression and may lead them to a high risk of local extinction. The health of the Gulf of Amvrakikos ecosystem, strongly affected by habitat degradation and pollution, threatens the survival of the local bottlenose dolphin population.
Human disturbance is also a potential threat to bottlenose Dolphins in the Gulf of Amvrakikos. The number of recreational tourist boats visiting the Gulf increase every year. There are various on-going projects, to increase the number of available berths in local marinas and to improve their facilities/services. Moreover, un-regulated dolphin-watching activities have been developed in recent years, by operators consistently ignoring the most basic globally accepted guidelines for respectful whale-watching operations. This scenario calls for the promotion and implementation of adequate dolphin watching guidelines (in collaboration with local and national authorities).
Amvrakikos Alliance partners
