Atlantic Humpback Dolphin
Sousa teuszii
Protected Status
Quick Facts
About the Species
The Atlantic humpback dolphin is a coastal species endemic to tropical and subtropical eastern Atlantic nearshore waters of western Africa, ranging from Western Sahara to Angola. This species occurs exclusively in shallow (<30 m) depths, in warm nearshore waters, and in dynamic habitats strongly influenced by tidal patterns (e.g., sandbanks, deltas, estuaries, and mangrove systems).
Atlantic humpback dolphin populations are small and fragmented, ranging from the tens to low hundreds of individuals. Available information indicates that the species probably includes fewer than 3,000 individuals.
Threats to the Atlantic humpback dolphin include fisheries bycatch and prey depletion, deliberate capture, coastal development, and anthropogenic noise. Bycatch of Atlantic humpback dolphins in artisanal gillnets is considered widespread throughout the species’ range and is the primary threat facing the species.
Protected Status
ESA Candidate
- Throughout Its Range
MMPA Protected
- Throughout Its Range
CITES Appendix I
- Throughout Its Range
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Mammalia | Order | Cetacea | Family | Delphinidae | Genus | Sousa | Species | teuszii |
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Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023
Recreational Fishing Regulations
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023
Commercial Fishing Regulations
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023
Subsistence Fishing Regulations
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023
In the Spotlight
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023
Management Overview
NOAA Fisheries initiated a status review of this species in December 2021. This status review will be used to determine whether listing the Atlantic humpback dolphin as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act is warranted. During this time, the Atlantic humpback dolphin is considered a candidate species under the ESA.
Key Actions and Documents
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023
Science Overview
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023