Abstract: We studied bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bahía San Jorge, northern Gulf of California, México, between August 1999 and March 2000. From a fishing skiff, we photo-characterized dolphins and noted their location, and from a raised platform on shore, we counted dolphins entering and exiting the bay. During our study, the area of Bahía San Jorge seemed to be important for bottlenose dolphins’ feeding, especially in the winter, and also apparently for parturition. Most dolphins were only temporarily present in the area. There were no effects of tidal conditions on the numbers or activity of the dolphins. We documented few interactions between artisanal fishermen and dolphins. Only during the shrimp-fishing season, when the dolphins benefited from fishing, were some losses to the fishermen caused through net rupture and catch shaken from the net.

Key Words: Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, Bahía San Jorge, Gulf of California, Mexico, habitat use

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1578/AM.32.2.2006.133

Page Numbers: 133-139