Gerrodette T, Forcada J

Non-recovery of two spotted and spinner dolphin populations in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean

Fishermen in the eastern tropical Pacific use the association of tunas, dolphins and seabirds to locate and catch large yellowfin tuna. High dolphin bycatch in the early years of the fishery led to declines of several spotted and spinner dolphin populations. Three decades of management actions by fishing agencies have greatly reduced dolphin bycatch. Despite this, Tim Gerrodette and Jaume Forcada report that neither stock is showing clear signs of recovery.

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