SAMBAH – Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise

This is an international LIFE+ funded project with the ultimate goal to secure the conservation of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise. The project involves all EU countries surrounding the Baltic Sea.

The objectives of SAMBAH are to estimate densities, total abundance and produce distribution maps of harbour porpoises in the study area; indentifying possible hotspots and habitat preferences. With an increased knowledge about the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise amongst policymakers, managers, stakeholders and the public, areas of higher risk of conflict with anthropogenic activities can be identified. SAMBAH implements best practice methods for cost efficient, large-scale surveillance of harbour porpoises in a low density area.

From May 2011 to May 2013 approximately 300 Static Acoustic Monitoring devices, called C-pods were deployed across the Baltic, shown in the map below. These pods recorded the clicks of any Harbour Porpoise within 100m enabling a good coverage of the Baltic Sea. The SAMBAH Project is now in its final stage where data collected from these pods is being analysed to provide estimates of their density and a habitat model. If you want to know more visit SAMBAH.