Atlantic spotted dolphin  (Stenella frontalis)

Threats

There are two potential threats facing this dolphin; it is hunted in the Caribbean Sea, and possibly elsewhere along the coast of South America and West Africa, for food or bait (6), and it is killed incidentally in fisheries in many parts of its range when it becomes entangled in fishing gear (2). However, it is not known how many Atlantic spotted dolphins are killed in this manner, and therefore it is not known to what extent this species is threatened with extinction; consequently, the IUCN have classified this species as Data Deficient (1).

Conservation

While the Atlantic spotted dolphin has been extensively studied in the Bahamas (2), information on the global status of this species is lacking (1). Further research may be required to determine this dolphin’s conservation status and what, if any, conservation measures need to be implemented. While hunting of the Atlantic spotted dolphin continues in some areas (6), elsewhere, dolphin-watching tours give the opportunity for people to see these charismatic animals at sea (5), and provide an incentive for local people to conserve them.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
The Smithsonian Institution's Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Programme and Shell are working together to increase understanding of biodiversity and energy resource development in Gabon.
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