SAMBAH – Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise: Harbour porpoise distribution in the Baltic Sea

SAMBAH targeted the Baltic Sea population of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). This population is small and has been drastically reduced during the last decades. The species is listed in Annexes II and IV of the EC Habitats Directive as well as in the national red lists of several Member States. When SAMBAH started, the conservation status of the species in combination with a complex of threats necessitated improved methodologies for collecting data on population size and distribution, and fluctuations over time. The overall objective of the project has been to launch a best practice methodology for this purpose and to provide data for a reliable assessment of distribution and preferred habitats of the species. This would make possible an appropriate designation of SCIs for the species within the Natura 2000 network as well as the implementation of other relevant mitigation measures. The project area encompasses waters between 5-80 metres depth in the Baltic Sea, in the south-east approximately south of latitude 55° 50’ N (in the Sound) and east of longitude 12° E (in Fehmarn Belt) in the southeast, and south of latitude 60⁰20’N (Åland and the Archipelago Sea) in the north. SAMBAH objective 1 has been to estimate densities, produce distribution maps and estimate abundances of harbour porpoises in the project area. SAMBAH objective 2 has been to identify hotspots, habitat preferences, and areas with higher risk of conflicts with anthropogenic activities for the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise. SAMBAH objective 3 has been to increase the knowledge about the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise among policymakers, managers, stakeholders, users of the marine environment and the general public, in the EU Member States bordering the Baltic Sea. SAMBAH objective 4 has been to implement best practice methods for cost efficient, large-scale surveillance of harbour porpoises in a low density area. Purpose: SAMBAH - Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise - is an international project involving all EU countries around the Baltic Sea, with the ultimate goal to secure the conservation of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise. Project duration was 2010-2015. ArcMap raster files showing modelled harbour porpoise distribution (probability of detection) for May-October and November-April. Also included is a shape file for the western management border for the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population, valid in May-October. Based on static acoustic monitoring data.