A remarkable discovery has been made in Türkiye’s waters with a dolphin species never before documented in the region. Researchers at the Marine Mammal Research Association, more popularly known as DMAD, were on an annual marine expedition in which the rough-toothed dolphin -whose scientific name is Steno bredanensis- was spotted for the first time in Turkish waters. Native to other areas of the Eastern Mediterranean, this species was recorded on video in Antalya.
DMAD is committed to implementing effective conservation strategies that could help restore a healthy marine ecosystem. DMAD implements multi-disciplinary research and outreach to the public in holistic conservation campaigns for the protection of endangered cetaceans. The key areas its research programs cover include studies on distribution, where land- and boat-based surveys map critical habitats of cetaceans. They also carry out research into cetacean behavior, mainly into how this is affected by various human pressures. Secondly, DMAD compiles and updates photo identification databases in order to keep up with individual dolphinariums and whales. This mapping of the effects by DMAD increases ecological awareness and support for citizen science to help in the actual management and protection of marine life.
This discovery represents a significant addition to marine biodiversity in Türkiye. The team, led by the founder of DMAD Aylin Akkaya and marine biologist Leyla Israpilova, had done a routine survey of marine mammals including whales and dolphins in the Black, Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas. The sighting of the rough-toothed dolphin puts the total record of the cetacean species in the waters of Türkiye at ten.
Cetaceans are a diverse group of aquatic mammals that include dolphins, porpoises, and whales. They are placed into this category based on their totally aquatic lifestyle and specially adapted anatomy, which includes streamlined bodies, the presence of a blowhole for breathing, and the ability to communicate using a wide range of sounds. In addition to the rough-toothed dolphin, other cetacean species recorded in Türkiye’s waters include Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Harbour porpoise, Striped dolphin, Short-beaked common dolphin, Cuvier's beaked whale, Sperm whale, Risso's dolphin, False killer whale, and Mediterranean monk seal.
The rough-toothed dolphin generally prefers warm, deep waters, so finding it in Turkish seas is something of a mystery. Israpilova said it's not clear whether the species had newly arrived due to warming sea temperatures or if it had always been present and only now been detected. Further research will make that clear. She added that bottlenose and striped dolphins are commonly seen in Turkish waters, but the common dolphin -which once was prevalent- has vanished from the Mediterranean.
The new sighting also voices that the waters of Türkiye host a huge amount of marine life, including endangered species. Israpilova mentioned that considering these and other human-induced threats like ship traffic, underwater noise, and industrial fishing, efforts should be put into protecting these waters. This is an area that needs conservation efforts not only for the newly spotted dolphins but for all marine life of this region.
Akkaya expressed that there was a big gap in scientific research regarding marine species along the extensive Mediterranean coastline of Türkiye. They will fill that gap by gathering data about populations, distribution, and different threats against dolphins and whales. She also cited the privilege of having such charismatic marine species in Turkish waters, since those coastal regions are a habitat for so many kinds of dolphins and whales that many people only get to see through documentaries.
Both Akkaya and Israpilova emphasized that collaboration among scientists, local communities, fishers, and government authorities is the only way marine ecosystems in Türkiye could be saved. They noted that much as the scientific research necessary for an understanding of the habits and needs of marine species requires active participation at the level of local communities who can complement this task by providing observations and traditional knowledge of waters which will enable the scientist to collect valued data. Fishermen will be among those most observant of the changes in marine life, said Israpilova. Ordinary citizens may also have more active roles with participation in local cleaning and environmental awareness campaigns for sustainable fishery practice. Those kinds of habitats can be guarded by the accumulation of efforts: minimizing plastic waste, making ecotourism sustainable, and taking all necessary actions to reduce impacts on the seas.
The sighting of the rough-toothed dolphin is a scientific landmark; but above all, it acts as a reminder of how beautiful and fragile marine environments are within Türkiye. Further research by DMAD forms one of those essential steps towards knowledge and protection of rich biodiversity in these waters for the coming generations to see such magnificent creatures.
Edited by: Derya Selin Yener, Oya Yamaç