Dedicated boat-based surveys for marine megafauna off Suriname in 2021

Original provider: Marijke N. de Boer Dataset credits: Marijke N. de Boer Abstract: The Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) project in Suriname was initiated in 2017. Part of this EU-funded project focussed on collecting all the information regarding marine megafauna within the region (Suriname and Guyana). As part of the MSP project, Green Heritage Fund Suriname conducted two dedicated (effort-related) cetacean surveys (where information on survey effort, environmental conditions and GPS tracks are available) off Suriname in 2021. The first survey was carried out in May using a fishing trawler as the research vessel. The second survey took place in September using a catamaran as the research vessel. We emphasize that more systematic at-sea surveys, photo-identification, and behavioural studies are needed to assess the status of all cetaceans and to develop effective regionally and nationally specific conservation measures, not only in Suriname waters but within the Guiana Basin as a whole.