Cetacean mortality due to interactions with fisheries and marine litter ingestion in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea from 1990 to 2019

Various anthropogenic threats negatively influence the survival of cetaceans in all world seas. Thanks to a long-running marine mammal surveillance program, we are able report results detailed analysis cetacean-fisheries interactions and litter ingestion on cetacean mortality Croatian part Adriatic Sea over last three decades. The total number dead was 459, included 334 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 40 striped (Stenella coeruleoalba), ten Risso’s (Grampus griseus), six Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) four fin (Balaenoptera physalus). Three hundred them were examined postmortally. Cetacean-fisheries interaction occurred frequently Sea, being detected 96 (20.9%) recorded cases. Bycatch most abundant interaction, with 66 (14.4%) cases recorded. Good nutritional condition evidence recent feeding common findings bycatch cases, followed by persistent froth airways, edematous lungs, bruises an amputated fluke or tail. other than affected 30 animals larynx strangulations, long-term tail entanglement fishing gear stomach. Ingestion that not related fisheries animals. This study reveals considerable negative especially dolphin is considered be numerous species therein, demonstrates need for urgent development reduction program. Finally, it also shows importance sustaining national programs gain scientifically based knowledge important protection prospects their survival.