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Atlantic Humpback Dolphin

Atlantic Humpback Dolphin

Sousa teuszii

Protected Status

ESA Candidate
Throughout Its Range
MMPA Protected
Throughout Its Range
CITES Appendix I
Throughout Its Range

Quick Facts

Region
Foreign

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

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

Actions & Documents

90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin Under the Endangered Species Act

We, NOAA Fisheries, announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial…
Notice
,
Foreign
Published

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023

Science Overview

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 01/30/2023