Cetaceans

Range and fishery interactions

• False killer whales range widely across the Pacific, from equatorial waters to subtropical regions. They often frequent the high seas as well as the waters around Pacific islands. Notably, they can form long-term resident groups around island chains (e.g., Hawaii, French Polynesia) as well as roam in pelagic waters. This extensive range means they overlap considerably with tuna fisheries. They are adept at taking fish off both longline hooks and occasionally from purse seine catches, which is why interactions occur in both gear types. Longline depredation events (where they remove tuna from hooks) are commonly reported; in many cases the whale may get hooked in the mouth or become entangled in the branchline while attempting to eat the catch. Purse seine interactions are less frequent but can happen if false killer whales chase the same prey as tunas – occasionally they may be unintentionally encircled when feeding in proximity to a tuna school being netted.
• Because of their size (up to 5–6 m) and strength, false killer whales caught on lines can break gear or escape, sometimes with hooks or line still attached, which may lead to unobserved mortality later. Fishers historically sometimes resorted to harmful methods (such as shooting or using explosives) to deter them from depredating catches; however, such actions are illegal under most jurisdictions now and are strictly prohibited by WCPFC. Instead, vessel operators are encouraged to avoid areas where false killer whales are repeatedly encountered – for example, if a longline vessel experiences depredation by a group of false killer whales at a certain location or time, the recommended practice is to move fishing grounds to prevent continued interactions. Some fleets have adopted this move-on strategy voluntarily when depredation becomes problematic.
• Interactions with false killer whales have a high likelihood of serious injury or death for the animals if not managed carefully. A hooked false killer whale that is brought close to a vessel can thrash violently, risking injury to itself and crew; thus, WCPFC guidelines advise cutting the line before the animal is too near the boat, unless it can be calmly led to the side and de-hooked without stress. In purse seine scenarios, if one or more false killer whales are discovered inside a closing net, the crew should refrain from pursing the net further; often the best approach is to release tension and even lower a part of the net to allow the whale(s) to escape. Crew should never attempt to haul a large whale onto the deck. Instead, all efforts focus on letting the animal free itself or guiding it out with minimal contact.

Effective bycatch mitigation for fleets

• Use caution and proactive avoidance: If false killer whales are seen or begin following a vessel, longline crews can try tactics such as delaying setting gear until the animals leave, or hauling gear earlier/faster if whales show up during retrieval (to reduce the window for depredation). Some vessels deploy acoustic decoys or noise-makers in an experimental effort to distract or deter them, though consistent success has not been proven. The most effective measure so far is spatial avoidance – i.e., moving away from locations where false killer whales are actively depredating.
• Gentle handling and release: It is essential that crew be trained in safe handling because false killer whales are powerful and usually larger than crew members. Longliners should have long-handled cutters to sever branch lines under tension (this avoids getting too close to a struggling whale). If a false killer whale is hooked but calm at the surface, crew can use a long pole with a sharp blade or a bolt-cutter to cut the hook or line as near the mouth as feasible, thereby removing as much gear as possible. They should never use gaffs or sharp implements on the body. For purse seiners, if a whale is in the net, crew might use a small boat (work skiff) to gently lead the animal toward an opening. Keeping noise and commotion down will avoid agitating the whale further. All releases should be performed as quickly as possible but without panic, aiming to let the animal return to the open sea in the best condition.
• No retaliation policy: Crew must understand that under WCPFC regulations and national laws, harming or killing a cetacean intentionally (even if it has taken catch) is not allowed. Instead of retaliation, fleets are encouraged to invest in non-lethal deterrents. For example, some longline vessels have tried using “weak hooks” that straighten under the pull of a very large animal – these can sometimes allow a hooked whale to free itself (at the cost of losing some fish). While gear tweaks like this are still being tested, a culture of protection is key: the crew’s priority should be the safe release of the animal, even if it means sacrificing some catch or gear.

Monitoring priorities

• Improve data collection on interactions: Given that false killer whale interactions are relatively infrequent events spread over a huge ocean, higher observer coverage on longliners (currently only ~5%) is needed to accurately estimate bycatch rates. Expanding electronic monitoring (cameras) on longline vessels can help capture depredation and hooking events that otherwise go unrecorded. Additionally, fishers should be encouraged to report depredation even when whales do not get hooked, as frequent non-catch interactions might signal areas of concern.
• Post-release outcome studies: It is not well known how successfully false killer whales survive after release, especially if they swim off with a hook or trailing line. Tagging individuals that have been caught and released (with satellite or radio tags) could provide data on their survival and movements post-interaction. Research programs could collaborate with fishermen to opportunistically tag any false killer whale that is freed in relatively good condition. Information on survival rates will inform how effective current release practices are and whether additional measures (e.g. better hook removal techniques) are needed.
• Identification of population structure: Collecting tissue samples from false killer whales (for genetic analysis) or high-quality photos (for photo-ID catalogs) during interactions can help determine which population an individual belongs to. For instance, genetic tests can show if a whale caught in the high seas is related to a specific archipelago’s population. This matters because some populations are much smaller and at greater risk – if a certain population is suffering disproportionate bycatch, targeted mitigation (like time/area closures in that population’s core habitat) could be considered. Collaborative work with organizations like SPREP and national research agencies can facilitate these data collections.

Range and interactions

• In the WCPO, short-finned pilot whales inhabit warm waters from about 30°N to 30°S, often along thermal fronts and areas of high productivity. They are deep divers, feeding on squid and fish, and will also take surface schooling fish when available. Pilot whales can often be found in proximity to tuna schools – not because they prey on tuna, but because they and tuna may both target the same bait fish (such as sauries or mackerel). This co-occurrence sometimes leads to pilot whales being mixed in with tuna schools that are targeted by purse seiners. If a purse seine net is deployed on such a school, any pilot whales present risk being encircled as well. Their strong social cohesion means if one or a few are in a net, others from the pod might stay nearby, potentially complicating release efforts.
• Longline interactions with pilot whales typically stem from depredation on bait or catch. A pilot whale that grabs a fish from a hook can get the hook lodged in its mouth or become entangled in the line. Given their size and power, they may be able to break free on their own, but they can also drown if they are entangled and cannot surface. Some pilot whales carry scars (such as dorsal fin disfigurements or line cuts) that are indicative of past encounters with fishing gear, suggesting that not all interactions are observed or reported. The true level of pilot whale bycatch may thus be higher than documented, especially in the longline sector where observer coverage is low.
• Unlike some dolphin species, pilot whales do not typically bow-ride or closely approach moving vessels for long periods, but they have been observed milling around fishing operations, possibly drawn by offal or the commotion of hauling. Fishers occasionally report that pilot whales, much like false killer whales, can learn to follow longline vessels to snatch catches – although this behavior is less documented for pilot whales than for false killer whales. Nonetheless, when it does occur, it presents safety issues and economic loss, reinforcing the need for preventive measures (like avoiding known aggregation areas or times when pilot whales are common).

Effective actions for fleets

• Avoid encirclement: Purse seine captains should be trained to spot the signs of pilot whales in the vicinity of tuna schools (e.g., sightings of black dorsal fins or the whales’ surfacing patterns). If pilot whales are observed near a potential set, the set should be postponed or relocated. Many skippers will already choose free-swimming tuna schools without marine mammals, since mixing with large mammals can make the set riskier and may also indicate the tuna are dispersed. During net setting, crew in crow’s nests or on punts can keep watch – if a pilot whale is seen inside the net early, one technique is to deploy a small boat to gently herd it out before the net closes completely.
• Safe release techniques: If a pilot whale is captured in a net or on a line, releasing it with minimal injury is the goal. For purse seine, once the whale is noticed, the vessel should go into backdown maneuvers or otherwise create slack. In some cases, cutting part of the net (sacrificing a section) has been done to free large cetaceans; this is costly but may be necessary if a whale is hopelessly entangled. For longline vessels, having a “cetacean release kit” is useful – this might include a long pole with a knife to cut branch lines from a distance, and bolt cutters capable of cutting hooks. If a hooked pilot whale is alongside, the crew might be able to remove the hook with a long-handled de-hooker if it’s shallow, but if not, they should cut the line as close as possible to the mouth. Importantly, all such efforts should prioritize crew safety as well – a thrashing 2-ton pilot whale is dangerous, so release should be attempted only when the animal is calm enough and people are positioned safely.
• Experimental mitigation: Researchers are investigating methods to reduce pilot whale interactions. One idea is acoustic deterrents – devices that emit specific noises unpleasant to pilot whales in hopes of keeping them away from fishing gear. Another concept is “alternative prey” release – dropping bits of fish off the opposite side of a longline vessel to distract pilot whales away from the line hauling area (this has been tried informally by some crews). While none of these methods are formally adopted yet, cooperative trials could be encouraged. Fleet communication is also key: if one vessel experiences a lot of pilot whale depredation in an area, alerting other vessels can help them decide to temporarily avoid that hotspot. Such voluntary fleet-wide moves have precedent in other fisheries (e.g., to avoid bycatch hotspots).

Monitoring and research

• Species identification and data accuracy: Observers and crew should be trained to distinguish short-finned pilot whales from other similar cetaceans (like false killer whales or melon-headed whales). Misidentification can occur, especially at a distance. Improved identification (through training and use of identification cards) will ensure the data on “pilot whale” interactions is reliable. WCPFC is working on refining observer data collection so that species like pilot whales are properly recorded rather than grouped into generic categories (e.g., “blackfish”).
• Abundance and distribution studies: There is a need for more surveys to estimate pilot whale populations in the WCPO. Line-transect surveys, acoustic monitoring, and even citizen science (e.g., whale watching logs) can contribute to understanding where pilot whales are most numerous. Knowing their core areas or migratory patterns can help in assessing overlap with fisheries. For example, if certain seamount areas or months of the year show high pilot whale presence, managers could consider advisory notices to fishers or even temporal/spatial management if bycatch becomes a serious concern.
• Post-interaction outcomes: Similar to other cetaceans, the fate of pilot whales after release is not well documented. Tagging a few individuals that survive fishery interactions (with minimally invasive satellite tags) could shed light on their survival and behavior afterwards. In addition, collecting biological samples from any dead pilot whale (e.g., one that might be found floating after an interaction) is valuable – samples can reveal diet (to see if they had been eating bait or target species), contaminant levels, or genetics. These data feed into broader understanding of pilot whale health and the population impact of bycatch.

Interactions and risk

• Rough-toothed dolphins tend to forage in small groups (often 10–20 individuals) and are known to have a varied diet of fish, squid, and octopus. In the WCPO, they are frequently noted around fringe areas of tuna fishing grounds. They can sometimes be curious about boats – reports exist of rough-toothed dolphins approaching slow-moving vessels or riding bow waves, though they are less exuberant in this behavior than some other dolphins. This curiosity, combined with attraction to fishing debris, may explain why they sometimes end up inside purse seine nets or near longline bait. A net set on a school of tuna that happens to be near drifting debris could inadvertently catch rough-toothed dolphins if they are foraging there. Similarly, they might investigate longline floats or bait, increasing bycatch risk.
• Entanglement in floating ropes or nets is a particular hazard for this species. Prior to WCPFC’s ban on entangling FAD designs, rough-toothed dolphins (like other wildlife) could become ensnared in the webbing that used to hang beneath FADs. Such entanglements might go unobserved if they occur far from vessels – a dolphin could drown and eventually wash ashore with netting still on it. With non-entangling FADs now promoted, this risk is expected to decline. Nonetheless, any discarded fishing gear (ghost nets) poses a similar threat, and rough-toothed dolphins, often being offshore, are among the species that can get caught.
• Longline bycatch of rough-toothed dolphins, while infrequent, has been reported. Typically, a dolphin might be found hooked in the mouth, still alive, when the gear is hauled. Their relatively smaller size (compared to pilot whales or false killer whales) means if they are alive, they can sometimes be lifted carefully for hook removal – some crews have successfully disentangled rough-toothed dolphins by using a stretcher or canvas to support the animal’s weight while extracting gear, then sliding it back into the sea. However, this is only feasible in ideal conditions and when the animal is docile; more often, cutting the line is the only safe option.

Effective actions

• FAD management: Ensuring that all deployed FADs are non-entangling and, preferably, made of biodegradable materials helps protect rough-toothed dolphins. Crew should routinely inspect any FADs they service or encounter for entangled animals. If a live dolphin is found tangled in FAD lines, the priority is to free it by cutting away lines (taking care to avoid causing deep cuts to the animal). Ideally, this is done with the animal alongside the vessel in the water – using a long pole with a knife or a boat hook to snag and sever the offending ropes. The crew should never simply cut a FAD loose to “let the animal free” while still entangled, as that just creates an uncontrolled situation; instead, they should bring the entangled portion close and methodically remove wraps from the dolphin if possible. Training in such disentanglement could be included in safety drills.
• Purse seine release: When a rough-toothed dolphin is noticed in a purse seine net, it’s important to stop hauling immediately. Often these dolphins will swim deep or stay near the net edge looking for an escape. One effective method is to partially submerge a corkline (float line) at one end of the net to create an escape route – the dolphin can sense that opening and swim out. Crew can assist by gently splashing or making noise on the side of the net opposite the opening to herd the dolphin toward the exit. Using a dip net to physically scoop a rough-toothed dolphin out is generally not advised (they are too heavy and can panic); letting it find its way out on its own is less stressful. After the animal is clear, the normal fishing operation can resume.
• Longline practices: To reduce the chance of hooking rough-toothed dolphins, some skippers avoid dumping offal or spent bait while gear is soaking, since food scraps might attract dolphins to the vicinity. Additionally, if dolphins are seen during line hauling, crew might try to scare them off by various harmless means (e.g., banging on the hull, though dolphins often habituate to such sounds). While there is no universally successful deterrent, maintaining a steady retrieval (not leaving slack line where a curious dolphin could get entangled) can help. In the event one is hooked, follow the same protocol as for other small cetaceans: try to keep the animal calm, and either release it by cutting the line close to the hook or carefully de-hooking if conditions allow. Reporting the incident, including whether the dolphin swam away strongly or not, is important for assessment of these mitigation efforts.

Data and monitoring needs

• Increased reporting and species resolution: Rough-toothed dolphin bycatch might be under-reported because observers sometimes lump unidentified dolphins into broad categories. Training observers to recognize the unique features of Steno bredanensis (such as its all-white lips and spotted flanks) will improve records. Enhanced data collection (including photographs of bycaught individuals) will also help verify species IDs after the fact. The Scientific Committee has recommended more resources for observer training in marine mammal identification to address this issue.
• Biological sampling: If any rough-toothed dolphin bycatch does occur (especially if an animal dies), collecting samples (with proper permits) would greatly aid science. Genetic samples can confirm population connectivity – e.g., are the individuals caught in WCPO fisheries part of a larger pan-Pacific group or more isolated regional stocks? Also, analyzing stomach contents or tissues could reveal diet and pollutant loads, providing insight into their ecology and what risks (like heavy metal accumulation or microplastics) they face in addition to fishery interactions.
• Collaboration with other regions: Rough-toothed dolphins are found not only in the WCPO but also in the Eastern Pacific and Indian Ocean. Sharing data with other RFMOs and conservation groups can identify if similar bycatch patterns occur elsewhere. For example, if another fishery has success with a certain dolphin deterrent or handling technique, WCPFC can learn from that. Conversely, the experiences in the WCPO (though limited in number) contribute to the global understanding of this species’ interaction with fisheries. WCPFC’s Ecosystem and Bycatch Working Group can facilitate such exchanges of information and promote consistent best practices across oceans.

Range and behavior

• Bottlenose dolphins in the WCPO display a dual habitat usage: some groups live close to shore around islands, bays, and reefs (these are often Indo-Pacific bottlenose), while others range in deeper offshore waters, including near seamounts or productive pelagic zones (likely common bottlenose). The inshore populations often have smaller home ranges and strong site fidelity – for example, a pod might reside around a single atoll for years. Offshore populations are more mobile. Both types can overlap with tuna fisheries: coastal ones might encounter purse seiners that operate near island FADs or nearshore aggregations of tuna, and offshore ones can cross paths with longline gear or free-swimming tuna schools targeted by purse seine sets.
• Bottlenose dolphins are generally robust and powerful swimmers, and they have been observed escaping purse seine nets by leaping over corklines or finding gaps – they are the same species often seen performing acrobatics, which can serve them well in evading capture. However, entanglement can still occur, especially if a net fold or loose mesh snags a fin or fluke. Within the net, their behavior can be frantic if panicked, or sometimes eerily calm (some dolphins have been seen staying near the net lead line until it’s opened). Their reactions vary, which means crews must be prepared for either scenario during a release operation.
• Longline interactions with bottlenose dolphins are rarer, but not impossible. One scenario is a dolphin getting tangled in the monofilament line itself (not necessarily hooked) – perhaps after chasing a fish that’s struggling on a hook. Offshore bottlenose dolphins have been noted following ships (including longliners) to feed on discarded bycatch; if they associate vessels with food, they might investigate fishing gear. This is still an infrequent occurrence compared to other species. Nonetheless, every few years, reports surface of a bottlenose found on a line. These tend to be large individuals, which can be challenging to release if they are brought up alive.

Effective practices for crews

• Dolphin-safe setting and detection: Although WCPO fishers don’t target dolphins, they should still employ vigilance. Using binoculars or bird radars to spot signs of life before setting a purse seine can help – for instance, if a large pod of dolphins is seen in the area, it might be wise to skip setting even if tuna are present, as mixing could occur. Some modern purse seine operations have begun using drones to look at schools before setting; a quick drone scan could confirm if dolphins are intermingling with the school. While not standard, these technologies could improve dolphin avoidance.
• Handling entangled dolphins: If a bottlenose dolphin is accidentally netted and becomes entangled in mesh, the crew’s immediate job is to support the animal to breathe. This might involve lifting part of the net slightly so the dolphin’s blowhole is at the surface. Crew should then carefully untangle the mesh by hand (wearing gloves), cutting ropes if needed. Bottlenose dolphins, being smaller than pilot whales, can sometimes be guided by hand – for example, crew might grab the dolphin’s pectoral fins or fluke to maneuver it (with extreme care not to injure or be injured). One person should lead the head while another supports the tail to keep the spine straight if lifting slightly. If the dolphin is netted in the bunt (the last part of the purse seine), releasing one end of the bunt can open enough space for it to swim out. Importantly, minimize stress: quiet voices, no sudden movements, and shade (if it’s daytime and the sun is hot) all help reduce panic and prevent further harm to the animal.
• Post-release care: Sometimes a dolphin may be sluggish or exhausted after release – for example, if it was in a net for a long time or struggled. If a dolphin is freed but not actively swimming away, crews (especially on longline vessels or smaller boats) have on occasion used a technique of “revival”: gently towing the dolphin slowly (holding it by the dorsal fin or using a stretcher under it) to force water through its blowhole and stimulate breathing, then letting it go once it starts to resist. While not always feasible, this kind of attentiveness can make the difference for a fatigued animal. Generally, however, in a purse seine context, once the net is sufficiently opened, the dolphin will usually make its own way out; ensuring it has a clear route is the best thing the crew can do.

Monitoring and collaboration

• Distinguishing species in reports: Observers often just record “bottlenose dolphin” without specifying which species (common vs. Indo-Pacific). Genetic or photographic evidence is needed to differentiate them in many cases. WCPFC is not explicitly requiring species-level ID given the difficulty at sea, but encouraging better notes (such as presence of spots on the belly, group size, proximity to shore, etc.) can hint at which type was involved. Over time, compiling these details could show, for instance, that most offshore interactions involve common bottlenose dolphins. Such nuance might matter for conservation, since coastal Indo-Pacific bottlenose populations could be more at risk if they were being affected.
• Linking with coastal research: Many Pacific Island nations have local studies on bottlenose dolphins (often related to tourism or conservation in reefs and lagoons). It would be useful to connect data from WCPFC (offshore fishery interactions) with these inshore studies. For example, if a particular island’s resident dolphins have been photo-identified and catalogued, and one of those individuals later shows up in an observer photograph from a fishing interaction, that would be critical information. It could show movement between coastal and offshore areas or highlight a new risk to a known group. Collaboration between fisheries observers and marine biologists (through data sharing agreements) can enhance understanding of dolphin ranging patterns and threats.
• Continued enforcement of dolphin protection policies: Although WCPFC has measures on paper, ensuring they are implemented is key. This means continued high observer coverage in purse seine fisheries (which has been generally good, ~80% or more coverage pre-COVID) to directly document any dolphin encirclements and confirm that release procedures were followed. For longline fleets, where human observers are few, ramping up electronic monitoring will help catch any non-compliance (e.g., if a crew were to mishandle or not report a dolphin caught on line). Transparency in reporting – including sharing incident narratives – will build confidence that bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans are indeed being treated as the regulations intend.

Fishery interaction profile

• Spinner dolphins are most active at night in open water, which overlaps in timing with many purse seine sets that target tuna at night (especially around drifting FADs). A typical scenario for an interaction might be: just before dawn, a purse seiner sets on a tuna aggregation that has been holding near a FAD overnight; unbeknownst to the crew, a pod of spinner dolphins was also feeding in that area under cover of darkness. As the net is pursed, some dolphins find themselves enclosed. Alternatively, spinners occasionally accompany yellowfin or skipjack schools (not as a regular association like in the Eastern Pacific, but opportunistically), so a daytime set could also capture them. Because spinner dolphins usually stick together, an entire subgroup could be in the net, not just one individual.
• When caught in a purse seine, spinner dolphins can often escape if given a chance – their small size and agility allow them to slip through openings or even jump over low sections of net. The main danger is entanglement in the mesh or corklines if they panic. Ensuring the net doesn’t have loose folds and keeping it open at the surface can prevent them from getting stuck underwater. On record, a number of spinner dolphin encirclements in WCPO fisheries ended with the dolphins released unharmed, which is encouraging. However, near-misses and minor entanglements likely happen more often than reported; a dolphin might briefly tangle and then free itself before anyone notices, for instance. Such events could still injure the animal (cuts or exhaustion).
• Spinner dolphins very rarely interact with longline gear due to their feeding habits (they tend to take small prey near the surface, not large bait from deep hooks). The bigger threat in longline operations is indirect – e.g., getting struck by a vessel or entangled in a loose line at the surface. That said, essentially all documented fishery interactions for spinners in the WCPO are with purse seines or drift nets (the latter now banned in high seas). Continued vigilance in purse seine operations, where the bulk of risk lies, is the cornerstone of mitigating impacts on this species.

Effective actions

• Dolphin observation and avoidance: Even though purse seiners in the WCPO aren’t targeting dolphins, they should still treat dolphin presence as a no-go indicator for sets. Captains and lookouts can use visual cues – e.g., flocks of seabirds behaving in certain ways can sometimes indicate dolphins (as dolphins will drive prey to surface for birds to pick). If any dolphin species are seen jumping or surfacing near a potential set area, it’s a strong sign to reassess. Some vessels also coordinate with each other; for instance, if one boat sees a large dolphin school in one grid area, they might radio others to be cautious when fishing nearby. This informal communication network can help avoid accidental encirclements.
• Net modifications and techniques: WCPFC has not made specific net modifications mandatory (unlike the Eastern Pacific which uses Medina panels for dolphin safety), but many modern purse seine nets by default have features that reduce dolphin entanglement – for example, smaller mesh in the upper net sections to prevent snout entrapment, and sometimes breakaway sections that can be opened quickly. Fleets are encouraged to maintain these dolphin-friendly designs. During sets, a technique similar to the backdown can be employed if dolphins are discovered: that is, reversing engines to create a slack “escape alley” at one end of the net. Training drills on emergency dolphin release could be introduced in observer programs or by proactive fishing companies so that crews react swiftly and correctly when needed.
• Post-encirclement monitoring: After any event where dolphins were in a net, even if all swam away, the vessel should spend additional time monitoring the area. Spinner dolphins, if stressed or injured, might linger or have difficulty keeping up with their group. Circling back to check can allow the crew (or observer) to verify that no animal was left tangled or injured. In some cases, observers have noted dolphins rejoining alongside the vessel later – possibly out of curiosity or in search of lost pod members. Such instances should be documented, as they might suggest that not all individuals recovered immediately. The crew’s responsibility doesn’t necessarily end the second the net is clear of dolphins; a brief, careful look can ensure no animal in distress is left behind.

Monitoring and cooperation

• High observer coverage continuity: The purse seine fishery in the WCPO had near 100% observer coverage pre-pandemic, which provided confidence that almost all dolphin interactions were recorded. It’s vital to return to and maintain that level of coverage (or equivalent electronic monitoring) because spinner dolphin interactions, while infrequent, tend to be stochastic – one vessel might have none for years and then one set accidentally catches a dozen. If that vessel happened to be unobserved, an entire pod could be killed without documentation. Thus, the Commission supports resuming full observer deployments and accelerating electronic monitoring programs as a backstop.
• Data sharing with IATTC (Eastern Pacific): The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission has decades of experience managing dolphin bycatch in tuna fisheries, specifically with spinner (and spotted) dolphins. While the fishing method differs (since Eastern Pacific fleets used to intentionally set on dolphins), many of the safe release techniques and monitoring methods (such as specialized observer training, stress indicators for released dolphins, etc.) are highly relevant. WCPFC and IATTC scientists have been collaborating to some extent on bycatch issues; continuing this exchange will allow WCPFC to adopt or tailor the best practices from the Eastern Pacific. For example, the concept of a “quick dolphin mortality report” system or strict per-vessel dolphin mortality limits (as used in IATTC) could be adapted if ever needed.
• Community engagement and conservation synergy: Spinner dolphins are beloved in many Pacific communities — they are often part of ecotourism and local cultural narratives. WCPFC recognizes that saving dolphins is not just about regulations but also about public support. By engaging coastal communities and fishers (many of whom have seen dolphins daily since childhood) in reporting sightings of entangled animals or advocating for responsible fishing, compliance naturally improves. Some WCPFC members have funded community programs (via the Convention’s voluntary funds) to raise awareness on issues like not dumping plastics (which can ensnare dolphins) and promptly reporting any distressed dolphins around FADs or gear. This grassroots involvement complements the top-down management, creating a comprehensive approach to spinner dolphin conservation that spans from the fishing grounds to the shoreline.