Report of the International Whaling Commission (1996)

Abstract

Biological data on the harbour porpoise in Portuguese coastal waters are scarce, mainly because of the small number of animals available for study. Nevertheless, a regular geographical distribution pattern can be detected in the northern and central zones of northwest Portugal, highlighting the importance of these habitats for this species. Some animals are frequently caught in gillnets, a problem that calls for urgent monitoring if the impact of these nets upon the populations of harbour porpoises is to be determined.