Analysis of New Data Sets for Risk Assessment of Potential Conflicts between Shipping and Cetaceans in the ASCOBANS Region

Project ID:
2011/01
Activity start date:
Activity end date:
Type of contract:
SSFA
Contract number:
SSFA/ASCOBANS/2011/01
Contract signed date:
Closed on date:
Conservation

ASCOBANS Triennium Work Plan 2010-2012 3. Continue to review the extent of negative effects of sound, vessels and other forms of disturbance on small cetaceans and to review relevant technological developments and best practices with a view to developing guidelines which Parties may use to reduce disturbance by noise 4. Review new information, as far as possible in co-operation with EU, ICES and IWC, on cetacean population size, distribution structure, and causes of any changes in the ASCOBANS area and based on implications for conservation to make appropriate recommendations to Parties and other relevant authorities

Objective

The principal aim of this project was to reach a better understanding of the risk posed by shipping to small cetaceans within the ASCOBANS Agreement Area, so as to advise on how best to develop ways to mitigate any adverse effects. a) Acquire AIS data in synthesized form showing ship movements per unit time over the ASCOBANS Agreement Area. b) Develop GIS shape files that allow plots of vessel density by grid cell for the major types of shipping. c) Using effort-related sightings data gathered across the region, plot sightings densities by grid cell for the main cetacean taxa (baleen whales, large toothed whales, dolphins & porpoises). d) Identify main areas and seasons for potential conflict between shipping and cetaceans.

Budget line (BAC)
Year:
Fund:
BAL
Organizational unit:
2236
Programme:
2661
Object code:
122000
Activity
Output:

Preparation of map showing results of analysis

Analysis of New Data Sets for Risk Assessment of Potential Conflicts between Shipping and Cetaceans in the ASCOBANS Region

Schedule of payments
Amount:
3.000
Date:
Comments:

1st Instalment (75%)
Final Payment (25%)

Group:
Instrument:
Threats: Vessel Strikes