Cetacean Information System: Case Study for Turkish Seas

Cetaceans are one of the top predators of the food web; in addtion to this, they always compete with humankind. They are mostly endangered or extinction species due to this challenge. This study aims to provide an example information system on present frequency and distributions of cetacean species based collecting literature data between 1986 and 2014 and some available sporadic observations (2012-2017) by author. Results showed that Tursiops truncatus is the most common species of the Turkish seas. Results also indicated the Aegean and the Levantine coasts have the highest diversity regarding to cetacean species. .The system produce information on distribution of each species as well as determine the information gaps throughout Turkish coasts. Thus, the products of the study contribute to implement management plans regarding to conservation of regions and/or the species. Additionally, conservation status of the species used in study also pointed out that such an information system is required for this group