WDCS in the Central and South East Atlantic

This is a poorly studied region which is probably experiencing considerable habitat degradation as well as elevated bycatch, with concerns about bycatch in the offshore fishing fleets across this region.

Atlantic hump-backed dolphins are known to become entangled in beach seines and shark nets in Senegal. Atlantic spotted dolphins are hunted off West Africa and also by-caught in purse seine off the West African coastline, although there are no reliable numbers at this stage.

Heaviside's dolphin is probably vulnerable due to its restricted range off the West Coast of southern Africa. It is known to be caught in trawl, purse seine, beach seine, set and driftnets and small number are probably taken by hand harpoon. Atlantic spotted dolphins may be directly hunted off West Africa and are taken in purse seine off the West African coast, although there are no reliable numbers at this stage.

WDCS is working towards a CMS regional agreement to protect whales and dolphin along the coastline of West Africa.

WDCS's historical contribution to this region has included conservation projects to protect:

• Northern right whale, Cintra Bay, Morocco; and
• Pilot whale, Tenerife

Issues WDCS is currently working on in this region:

WDCS CMS Programme
WDCS Species Programme

Current field projects include:

Angola, West Africa - Atlantic humpback dolphin: Caroline Weir looks at Atlantic humpback dolphins off Namibe Province, Angola, their habitat use, behaviour and implications for conservation.

Ghana, West Africa - Various species: Koen Van Waerebeek is working with local researchers to monitor the exploitation of cetaceans in the coastal waters of Ghana.