CUMBIAH

The CUMBIAH project aims to develop efficient conservation measures for the harbour porpoise populations in the Baltic Sea using data from acoustic monitoring and stranding networks. Work packages focus on various areas, such as estimating the animals' density and distribution to assess population numbers, and demography of Belt Sea and Baltic Proper populations. A new method to identify calves acoustically shall support the identification of the timing of calving.
To assess habitat quality, environmental DNA (eDNA) samples taken near monitoring stations will determine presence of prey species. Fisheries data will highlight areas of intensive fishing and assess its impact on bycatch risks. Additionally, underwater noise from seismic surveys or construction projects will be analyzed. These parameters will allow quality assessments of habitats and regions, aligned with porpoise abundance data, to pinpoint areas requiring protection.
Stranding monitoring and porpoise dissections offer valuable insights into life history aspects not captured by acoustic methods, such as age, sex, nutritional status, diseases, and causes of death.
This will be complemented with genotyping of the individual porpoises to allow for population assignment and to assess genetic diversity/inbreeding status. The genetic data enable estimation of population sizes and trends.
To improve future monitoring, a unified data standard will harmonize data collection, storage and analysis, ensuring consistent access to all partners.
Finally, a management plan will be developed, outlining key measures for porpoise conservation. The results will be widely shared through research articles, public and social media, as well as exhibitions to raise public awareness and support for conservation efforts.