Cetacean Identification Cards for Indian Ocean fisheries (English, Indonesian, Persian, Spanish)

This guide is a tool for the identification of the main cetacean species interacting with pelagic fisheries for tuna and tuna-like species. It is a small-sized, waterproof, pocket guide intended for use onboard vessels by fishers and scientific observers to improve the quality of the data collected in the IOTC Area of Competence.

The identification cards were produced in English and will shortly be published and printed in French and other priority languages identified by the Working Party on Ecosystems and Bycatch thanks to support from the Marine Mammal Commission. Please send enquiries regarding hard copies to [email protected].

Content outline:
IOTC requirements regarding cetaceans
How to use this guide
Glossary of terms
Cetacean morphology
Species accounts:
• Dolphins
• Porpoises
• Large dolphins / blackfish
• Beaked whales
• Sperm whales
• Baleen whales
• Other species that may occur