Opportunistic cetacean sightings during CENIPA fishery assessment surveys in northeastern Venezuela (Sardine Micromission, Octopus Micromission, and Unomia stolonifera coral assessment)

Observations were conducted from small artisanal vessels (peñeros). Upon cetacean sightings, the following were recorded: geographic coordinates (Android app "offlinemaps"), group size, photographs for species identification (when was possible), temperature and dissolved oxygen (YSI PRO 2030 multiparametric probe), salinity (refractometer), and water transparency (Secchi disk).

Additionally, CENIPA receives sighting reports from fishing communities (CONPPA), including geographic coordinates and group size. Primary data sources: - Plankton sampling for sardine (Sardinella aurita) spawning grounds - Sardine Micromission (SMM). - Octopus (Octopus spp.) stock assessments - Octopus Micromission (OMM). - CONPPA community reports - Citizen science (CS). - Invasive coral Unomia stolonifera assessment Mochima National Park - Strengthening Management to Combat the Threats of Invasive Aquatic Alien Species in Venezuela (SMCTIAASV) OccurrenceID coding: [Project][Location][YYYYMMDD][Type][Species] Example: SMM_Coche_20231019_MM_Dd = Sardine Micromission (SMM), Isla Coche, 19-Oct-2023, Marine mammal (MM), Delphinus delphis (Dd).