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An overview of dolphin depredation in Italian artisanal fisheries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2009

G. Lauriano*
Affiliation:
High Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via di Casalotti 300, 00166 Rome, Italy
L. Caramanna
Affiliation:
Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Applicazioni Di Supercalcolo per Università e Ricerca (CASPUR), Via dei Tizii, 6/B 00185 Rome
M. Scarnò
Affiliation:
Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Applicazioni Di Supercalcolo per Università e Ricerca (CASPUR), Via dei Tizii, 6/B 00185 Rome
F. Andaloro
Affiliation:
High Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via di Casalotti 300, 00166 Rome, Italy
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: G. Lauriano, High Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via di Casalotti 300, 00166 Rome, Italy email: [email protected]

Abstract

Conflict between dolphins and fisheries is an important management issue in many parts of the world. In 2002, we examined the extent of depredation in the Italian small scale fishery by means of in situ interviews. Overall, 245 landing sites were investigated, representing 11.09% of the whole Italian artisanal fleet. The association between the commonly used artisanal fishing gear and the interacting fauna was investigated by means of correspondence analysis. Set gillnet and trammel nets were the types of the fishing gear most vulnerable to dolphin depredation; the interaction with these gear amounted to 66.4% while fish damage was reported in 72.2% of the cases. A regional ranking of the interactions in terms of both fishing gear alteration and fish damage, shows that the problem is most pressing in the Friuli, Campania, Sardinia and Apulia regions. This study is the first attempt to monitor dolphin–fisheries interactions and assess depredation rates in Italy, providing information on the areas where future investigation should be concentrated.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2009

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