Report of a cetacean survey in the Western Approaches of the ...

Fig. 6. Position of main fishing grounds based on survey observations (2004 and 2005); where thelarger (western) green block indicates the Scottish fishing ground; the smaller green block indicates theFrench fishing ground; the larger black box the main fishing ground identified during the 2004 survey;the largest blue box presents the survey area; and blue dots represent sighting positions of commondolphins (regardless the effort status).Interaction with fisheriesSightings within 2 nmiles of pelagic trawl fisheries were noted throughout the survey period. Nosightings were made during dedicated ‘Fisheries Observation’ survey modes (FOS or FOF). However,a total of 20 fisheries related (incidental) sightings were recorded comprising a total of 78 animals (seeTable 3), amongst these was one common dolphin calf. The species involved were common dolphins,bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises. In addition, basking sharks were sighted twice in vicinity ofpair trawlers.Interactions between fisheries and cetaceans were reported four times, involving common dolphin andunidentified dolphin. Interactions included bow-riding a RIB (in vicinity of the trawlers) and surfacingin vicinity of the nets and in vicinity of the fishing vessels. When cetaceans were seen approaching thefishing operations this was also regarded as a possible interaction. The interactions or possibleinteractions are briefly described below.On the 26 th of February at 18:38, a group of 4 common dolphins were seen from the RIB in the vicinityof non-operating trawlers. The dolphins did not interact with the RIB and were briefly seen surfacing invicinity of the fishing boats.On the 9 th of March at 13:35, a group of 5 common dolphins approached the RIB which was stationarybehind a pair of non-operating trawlers. The dolphins briefly interacted with the RIB. The dolphinswere seen in a tight group formation travelling towards the fishing vessels.On the 15 th of March at 08:13, a group of 15 unidentified dolphins were seen in a loose groupformation in vicinity of one of the trawlers which was setting the net (i.e. half way through the settingprocedure). The dolphins were then seen moving towards the fishing vessel. By the time the setting hadfinished, the dolphins had disappeared from the area.20