Concluding remarks

Abstract

During this workshop, attention was focussed upon two distinct issues related to Delphinus delphis: current knowledge and threats. Initially, discussion began by addressing current knowledge, with the primary focus being uncertainties and unknowns within current research. Key uncertainties raised during this discussion included: stock identity and geographic range, seasonal and long-term movements, genetic distinctiveness, taxonomy and population size. While it was generally agreed that many other regions of research were lacking when it comes to this species e.g., social structure, some disagreement occurred over the relative importance of such research topics from a management and conservation perspective. By-catch was discussed as an example, with emphasis being placed upon the fact that we still have little understanding of when or why by-catch occurs to the extent that it does in this particular species.