Species Distribution: Spinner Dolphin - Hawaii

This dataset contains a collection of known point locations of spinner dolphins identified through direct human observation via shipborne and aerial surveys. This can be useful for assessing species abundance, population structure, habitat use, and behavior. This collection is aggregated from multiple data sources and survey periods listed below. Each data point contains attributes for further information about the time and source of the observation. This dataset was compiled by the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) and may be updated in the future if additional data sources are acquired.

Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) has been undertaking shipborne surveys for odontocetes in Hawaiian waters since 2000. Although spinner dolphins are the most-frequently sighted odontocete seen in shallow nearshore waters, they are rarely seen offshore. Genetic evidence indicates three separate island-associated populations in the main Hawaiian Islands. In addition, Dr. Joseph Mobley of the Marine Mammal Research Consultants (MMRC) led aerial surveys for cetaceans in Hawaiian waters from 1993-2003.

For further information, please see:
http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaiian-cetacean-studies/spinner-dolphins-hawaii