New Tool for Conserving Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises May Help Policymakers

A new tool may help the United States better conserve whales, dolphins and porpoises. Scientists have identified more than 100 areas within U.S. waters that should be considered biologically important when making management and regulatory decisions about human activities.

The regions are known as Biologically Important Areas (BIAs), and could help policymakers with their decisions in the future. In all, researchers identified 131 BIAs covering about 24 species in seven regions of the U.S.

"The goal was to identify when and where cetaceans-whales, dolphins and porpoises-engage in activities that are important to the animal's physical health and fitness, reproduction and ability to survive as a population," said Sofie Van Parijs, one of the researchers, in a news release. "Scientists and managers can use the information provided about BIAs to help with planning, analyses and decisions regarding how to reduce adverse impacts on cetaceans resulting from human activities."

BIAs are region, species and time specific. These include reproduction and feeding areas, migratory corridors and areas in which small and resident populations are concentrated.

"The BIAs are meant to be living documents that should be reviewed, revised and expanded as new information becomes available," said Van Parijs. "They are not marine protected areas, and have no direct or immediate regulatory consequences. They represent the best available information about the times and areas in which species are likely to be engaged in biologically important activities. We encourage anyone planning an activity in the ocean to look at this information and take it into consideration to understand and reduce adverse impacts on marine species."

The findings reveal a bit more about marine species and show what areas should be focused on for conservation in the future.

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).