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Species Distribution: Bottlenose Dolphin - Hawaii

Published by Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce | Metadata Last Checked: January 27, 2026 | Last Modified: 2020-07-13T00:00:00.000+00:00
This dataset contains a collection of known point locations of bottlenose dolphins identified either via automated satellite tracking of tagged organisms or through direct human observation via shipborne and aerial surveys. This can be useful for assessing species abundance, population structure, habitat use, and behavior. This collection is aggregated from multiple data sources and survey periods listed below. Each data point contains attributes for further information about the time and source of the observation. This dataset was compiled by the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) and may be updated in the future if additional data sources are acquired. Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) has been undertaking surveys for odontocetes in Hawaiian waters since 2000. There are multiple island-associated populations of bottlenose dolphins recognized in Hawaiian waters, based on photo-identification, genetics, and satellite tagging, with individuals remaining associated with one or a couple of islands. Satellite tagging has been undertaken off Kauai to examine movements of individuals in relation to the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility. In addition, Dr. Joseph Mobley of the Marine Mammal Research Consultants (MMRC) led aerial surveys for cetaceans in Hawaiian waters from 1993-2003. For further information, please see: http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaiian-cetacean-studies/bottlenose-dolphins-hawaii

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