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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 striped dolphin density in Washington over the past 20 years.
Striped dolphins prefer highly productive tropical to warm temperate deep waters. They are often linked to upwelling areas and convergence zones. NOAA's Office of Protected Resources estimates approximately 9,000-14,000 for the west coast. This species is protected under the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act. |