Atlantic Humpback Dolphin
(Sousa teuszii)
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
CURRENT THREATS
CURRENT STATUS
SPECIES OVERVIEW
The Atlantic humpback dolphin is an endangered coastal dolphin species found exclusively in the shallow nearshore waters of West Africa, ranging from Western Sahara to Angola. Preferring estuaries, mangroves, and sandy coastal habitats, this species is closely tied to productive coastal ecosystems. Its limited range and strong reliance on nearshore environments make it particularly vulnerable to human activities. The Atlantic humpback dolphin is one of the least studied dolphin species in the world, and much of its biology, population structure, and behavior remain poorly understood.
This dolphin is easily recognized by its distinctive physical features, including a pronounced hump beneath the dorsal fin and a relatively small, rounded dorsal fin compared to other dolphin species. Individuals are typically shy and elusive, often found alone or in small groups, which further complicates monitoring efforts. Today, Atlantic humpback dolphins face mounting threats from bycatch in artisanal fisheries, habitat degradation, coastal development, pollution, and increasing vessel traffic. In some regions, they are also at risk from directed hunting. With populations believed to be fragmented and declining, urgent conservation action, research, and regional collaboration are essential to better understand and protect this rare and threatened species.to understand better
SPECIES RANGE
The Atlantic humpback dolphin has a highly restricted range along the western coastline of Africa, occurring from Western Sahara south to Angola. It inhabits shallow coastal waters, including estuaries, lagoons, and areas near river mouths, and is closely associated with mangrove systems and nearshore habitats. This strong reliance on coastal environments limits the species’ distribution and makes it especially vulnerable to human activity. Populations are believed to be small, fragmented, and unevenly distributed across this range, with large gaps in confirmed sightings highlighting the need for further surveys and regional research.
THE PROBLEMS
Atlantic humpback dolphins face a range of serious and growing threats throughout their coastal range. Bycatch in artisanal and small-scale fisheries is considered the primary threat, as dolphins frequently become entangled in gillnets set in shallow nearshore waters. Coastal development, port expansion, and habitat degradation further reduce the quality and availability of critical habitats such as estuaries and mangroves. Pollution from agricultural runoff, plastics, and industrial waste also impacts their health and prey availability. In some regions, Atlantic humpback dolphins are additionally threatened by directed hunting and increasing vessel traffic. Combined with their limited distribution, small and fragmented populations, and lack of comprehensive monitoring, these pressures place the species at high risk of continued decline without targeted conservation action.
WHAT WE ARE DOING AND WHY
As convenor of the Health and Stranding Working Group within the Consortium for the Conservation of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (CCAHD), the NMMF has supported regional scientists by distributing field guides to improve data collection and response efforts.
Building on these efforts, the NMMF is working with CCAHD partners to secure funding for a stranding response workshop in Senegal, modeled after the successful training held in Kenya. This workshop will enhance local capacity, strengthen regional coordination, and help lay the groundwork for long-term conservation efforts for this poorly understood species.
Acoustic Monitoring
Researchers have long used underwater recorders to detect vaquita clicks. Building on that foundation, we began developing smart acoustic buoys that can identify vaquitas in real time, relay data instantly, and alert teams to nearby vessels – creating faster, more effective protection for this critically endangered species.
Drone-Based Health Assessments
We initiated development of SEAHAWC, an AI-enabled drone designed to identify individual vaquitas, assess health, and monitor for illegal fishing activity, all without disturbing the animals. Training local community members in its operation will ensure lasting, locally led protection for vaquitas.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your support helps protect the Atlantic humpback dolphin and other vulnerable species through Operation GRACE and the National Marine Mammal Foundation’s science-driven research, veterinary expertise, and conservation action. Donations directly support health assessments, rescue and response efforts, and collaborative fieldwork with local experts to better understand threats, improve survivability, and protect the river ecosystems these dolphins depend on.
