Workshop on Cetacean Abundance Estimation Through Distance Sampling Methods (WKCETAB)

Survey data are collected over large spatial scale to align with the wide-ranging movements and ecology of cetacean species. Assessing the conservation status of these species with current regulatory frameworks in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea (i.e.: EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, OSPAR, HELCOM, EcAp/IMAP Barcelona Convention, Bucharest Convention) requires both (i) the definition of ecologically-meaningful spatial units for which cetacean abundance must be estimated from survey data, and (ii) the coordination of countries/parties whose maritime waters overlap with those units.

The first Workshop on Cetacean Abundance estimation (WKCETAB) met to discuss: (i) available Distance Sampling data for regional assessments, and (ii) the need for methodological harmonization and coordination across countries at regional level for a coherent reporting. WKCETAB also started considering the effects of survey design and analytical approaches on the quality of final estimates.

WKCETAB defined a roadmap to reach the harmonization and coordination goals also leveraging on results and tools from other relevant ICES working groups, with initial focus on: (i) promoting a common terminology, (ii) defining assessment units and (iii) providing methodologies for policy-relevant and management-ready abundance estimates.