Effects of bycatch on the population viability of the narrow-ridged finless porpoises in Ariake Sound and Tachibana Bay, Japan

Authors
Hashimoto, M., Shirakihara, K. and Shirakihara, M.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Endangered Species Research
Volume (Issue #)
27
Page #s
87-94
Contact information
midori_84-10a@nenv.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Summary

A Leslie Matrix model was used to simulate the impact of bycatch mortality on the narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis). Based on the model results, there is an annual rate of decrease of 0.671 to 3.87%, with a population reduction of 29.6 to 86.3% over three generations. The most optimistic simulation showed at least a 30% reduction in population size. Therefore, reported bycatch mortality rates pose a substantial threat to this species.