Estimating Population Abundance of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Coastal Waters of Palm Beach County, Southeastern Florida

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)are frequently observed in the coastal waters of Palm Beach County, Florida. In this study, mark-recapture surveys using photo-identification techniques were used to estimate population abundance area for first time. Surveys conducted 11 years, between 2005 and 2016, during which 384 individuals identified catalogued from distinctive nicks notches on their dorsal fins. Each marked individual was documented an average 2.4 times (range 1 19). Low resighting rates a constant rate encounter with previously unmarked suggest that is open, comprising both residents transients. The Jolly-Seber method abundance. Estimates varied greatly time overall 264 95% confidence interval 162 366 (SE = 51.3), indicating variable size. As threats region continue rise, such as overfishing, toxic algae blooms, environmental pollutants, understudied may be vulnerable decline. A better understanding dynamics could facilitate more effective conservation action.