Objectives and Purpose of the Project:

• Preparation of a scientific assessment of the conservation status of the bottlenose dolphin in waters under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Slovenia;

• Estimation of the number of bottlenose dolphins regularly present in Slovenian waters using photo-identification methods;

• Providing a basis for reporting to the European Commission on the implementation of Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive);

• Fulfilling the obligations of the Republic of Slovenia under the ratified Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS);

• Serving as a basis for the preparation of nature conservation guidelines;

• Serving as a basis for the preparation of documents within environmental impact assessments of plans and interventions;

• Serving as a basis for the preparation of other reports (e.g., under the protocol on specially protected areas and biodiversity of the Barcelona Convention);

• Serving as a basis for potential determination of conservation measures;

• Monitoring the status of marine biodiversity.