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Satellite tagging of harbour porpoises in Denmark
You can follow the habour porpoise movements by clicking HERE
Harbour porpoises are one of the smallest whales and can be seen along the Danish coastline. Adults can grow to 140 - 170 cm and weigh 50 - 70 kg. Females are often bigger than males. Porpoises mature in the age of 2 - 4 years and seldom live to be more than 20 years.
Harbour porpoises are very shy animals, which makes it difficult to follow their behaviour and daily movement pattern. Three Danish research institutes (National Environmental Research Institute, Danish Institute for Fisheries Research, and Fjord & Bælt Center) have therefore joint in a satellite tagging project of the porpoises.
The porpoises are being caught in the fishermen's pound nets, which does not harm the animals. The porpoise is then taken on board a ship and a small satellite transmitter is attached to the dorsal fin. The transmitter continuously sends information to us via the satellites about the dive behaviour of the animal and its movement. A blood sample is also taken from the porpoise to test the general health of the population. The porpoise is released immediately after the tagging procedure, which takes around 30 minutes. The movement pattern of the porpoise can then be followed by contact with the satellites.
Sail-sports enthusiast and fishermen frequently see porpoises when out sailing. We would like to get information on the porpoises we have tagged even after the satellite transmitter has fallen of. We have therefore freeze branded the porpoises with a number in the hope of someone recognising the porpoises and reporting it back to us. The number works as a tattoo, which is visible for years.
If you see one of our marked animals please contact:
Jonas Teilmann
National Environmental Research Institute
Frederiksborgvej 399
4000 Roskilde
Tlf.: 46 30 17 47
Emil: jte@dmu.dk
You can follow the habour porpoise movements by clicking HERE
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More on NERI's work with harbour porpoise |
References:
Teilmann, J., Teilmann, G., Larsen, F., Desportes, G, Dietz, R. & Geertsen, B. (2001): Marsvin kender ingen grænser. Fisk & Hav 53: 28-39.
Read more about the porpoise on:
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ourworld |
