Dataset

HELCOM/ASCOBANS Harbour Porpoise observations

EurOBIS MeasurementOrFact Open in mapper Explore occurrences

HELCOM countries agreed in 2007, in cooperation with the 1991 Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), to develop a coordinated reporting system and database for harbour porpoise observations in the Baltic Sea, including sightings, bycatch, and strandings. The dataset contains georeferenced point observations of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) reported by HELCOM Contracting Parties. Data are submitted using a standardised reporting template and compiled into the HELCOM Biodiversity database. The dataset includes both historical and contemporary records, including data originating from earlier initiatives such as the Baltic Sea Porpoise and Jastarnia projects. The compiled dataset supports regional assessment and conservation efforts under HELCOM and ASCOBANS frameworks.

Published: April 29, 2026 at 11:55

First registration: April 29, 2026 at 12:03

License: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) License

URL: https://ipt.vliz.be/eurobis/resource?r=helcom_ascobans

Contacts:

HELCOM Secretariat HELCOM
HELCOM Secretariat

25,978
occurrence records
15,278
measurements and facts
1
taxa
1
species

Taxa

Missing and invalid fields

Field Missing Invalid
coordinateUncertaintyInMeters 25,978
100.0%
eventDate 3
0.0%

Quality flags

The OBIS data quality flags are documented at https://github.com/iobis/obis-qc.

Flag Dropped Records
ON_LAND 3,517
13.5%
DEPTH_EXCEEDS_BATH 76
0.3%

Measurement types

DNA derived data