This conservation-oriented project will provide information on the ecology of several marine mammal species in the Aegean Sea, Turkey. Such information is vital for the effective conservation of these species. Izmir Bay and its adjacent waters are chosen as a pilot study area. Several species of marine mammals are known to occur in the area, including the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the critically endangered monk seal (Monachus monachus) that uses the area for breeding.

However, the information on the status of these species is lacking. This area is subject to anthropogenic activities such as intense fishing, tourism and ship traffic, all being potential threats to marine mammals.

The specific aims of the project are: 1) to document marine mammal species regularly occurring the area; 2) to provide abundance estimates for these species; 3) to identify key areas used by different species and 4) to identify potential threats.

This information is fundamental for appropriate assessment of the conservation status of marine mammals in this region and will constitute the scientific baseline for effective conservation, including future protective legislation.