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These data show information from 16 ship-based assessment surveys by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center from 1986-2006. Predicted annual densities were smoothed into a continuous grid of density estimates for the surveyed area. Annual grids were averaged and represent the best estimate of short-beaked common dolphin density in Washington over the past 20 years.
Short-beaked common dolphins prefer warm tropical to cool temperature waters that are primarily oceanic and offshore, but still along the continental slope in waters 650-6,500 feet deep. They prefer waters altered by underwater geologic features where upwelling occurs. The distribution of short-beaked common dolphins vary based on seasons and ocean conditions. The majority of the population off the west coast are found off of California, especially during warm-water months. Overall, the species is abundant worldwide and NOAA's Office of Protected Resources estimates approximately 300,000 animals off of western North America. The species is protected under the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act. |