Surface and dive times of finless porpoises in Hong Kong's coastal waters

Beasley, Isabel, and Jefferson, Thomas A. (2002) Surface and dive times of finless porpoises in Hong Kong's coastal waters. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 10. pp. 125-129.

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Abstract

We studied the surface and dive times of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in Hong Kong from three land-based survey sites in winter/spring 2000, to allow the estimation of the trackline detection probability [g(O] for helicopter line transect surveys in Hong Kong. We determined that groups of fin less porpoises in Hong Kong spend on average about 60% of their time at or near the surface, and 40% of their time on a long dive (30 sec. or greater). Surface times apparently increase in larger groups.

We conclude that finless porpoises in Hong Kong, while being challenging targets for sighting surveys, are apparently available at the surface to be seen for a higher proportion of time than are harbour porpoises in some deeper water habitats.

Item ID: 13665
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0217-2445
Keywords: finless porpoise; Hong Kong; surface and dive times
Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2013 02:20
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0603 Evolutionary Biology > 060399 Evolutionary Biology not elsewhere classified @ 51%
05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management @ 49%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960808 Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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