Photo-id survey of the survey team.

First project was in Izmir Bay and showed us bottlenose dolphin has significant resident population in area. The second project will provide information on ecology and population structure of marine mammals in the Izmir Bay, Turkey. The specific aims of the second project are: to understand population structures of bottlenose dolphin in the area and connection between protected and unprotected areas; to organize some educational and conservative activities to increase public awareness. This information is fundamental for appropriate assessment of the conservation status of marine mammals in this region and will constitute scientific baseline for announcing new conservation area.

Specifically, the project will help to understand population structure and attempt to identify potential key habitats for this species. Information that will be obtain with the project also helps us and the managers to evaluate importance of Karaburun Bay as a new protection area. Additionally, potential threats and interactions with human activities (primarily fisheries) will be investigated. Obtained information from first project on this issue needs to be improved for decision makers. This information is currently lacking for either of the proposed local population in this area, making the findings of this project a fundamental step towards understanding the ecology of marine mammals in the Aegean Sea. This has potential implications for fisheries and tourism management in the area. Such information will contribute to the conservation of the species, as required by national legislation and several international conventions. During the first months, project will provide baseline information, allowing first recommendations to managers and authorities, and providing a background for future monitoring.