Conservation
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are currently classed as ‘data deficient’. Accidental catch in fishing nets is a problem, and some fishermen perceive them as competitors. They often take up some degree of residency in coastal areas, and are then especially vulnerable to disturbance (noise/pollution), displacement, or hunting. Several traditional drive-hunts are carried out worldwide. In addition, they are a popular choice as a captive display species in oceanaria and many are caught for this purpose often from small local populations.
Bottlenose Dolphin - IFAW
IUCN RED List entry
Bottlenose Dolphin - CMS
Bottlenose Dolphin - BBC Science & Nature
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Bottlenose dolphins in the game look like this.
And this is what they look like from the plane.
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Distribution and Migration
Widespread in temperate to tropical North Atlantic waters. Primarily coastal but also found in offshore waters. Variable migration patterns. Some populations are known to be (seasonally) resident, including the Shannon estuary, Ireland, and the Moray Firth, Scotland.
Fig.1 Approximate distribution
of the bottlenose dolphin in the North Atlantic © IFAW
Identifying Bottlenose Dolphins
Fig.2 A large dolphin (up to 4 m) but much smaller than a whale. Grey body, with a lighter flank and underside. Has a pronounced beak (the bottle-nose). The dorsal fin is high and curved. © IFAW
Fig.3 Much of the body is lifted from the water when surfacing. © IFAW
Fig.4 Marks on the flanks or on the dorsal fin, as in this picture, can be used to identify individuals. © IFAW
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