This project aims to produce biological information on critical habitat, behaviour, acoustic and feeding habits of two important representative species in the northeast coast of Venezuela:

a) Delphinus spp.; probably the most common cetacean species in the entire basin, and probably the consumer with highest impact on the main fishery resource in the area, therefore a potential competitor for the most important economic resource of local coastal communities,

b) Sotalia guianensis an endangered cetacean in the basin, facing strong habitat fragmentation and degradation by coastal development.

Field data will be gathered during a period of twelve months, sampling will focus on Delphinus spp. on the southern coast of Margarita Island, and Sotalia guianensis in the northern coast of Araya Peninsula. Each sampling term will comprise two field seasons: Dry season; January – May, and Rainy season; September – December, in accordance with peaks seasons of spawning and abundance of the main prey S. aurita.

The sampling protocol will comprise of two types of systematic small boat surveys:

1) Abundance sampling through pre-established linear transects focusing in areas of major occurrence.

2) Ethological - acoustic sampling centred as well in areas of significant presence documented previously.

This project will integrate species-based information into an ecosystem level approach, widening the understanding of key processes in key marine habitat and foster development of more effective policy making and management.