The long-beaked common dolphin benefits from The Pacific Offshore Cetacean Reduction Plan which was implemented in 1997 to reduce the number of cetaceans killed or injured incidentally in driftnets. Amongst other obligations, the plan requires that vessels use 'pingers' which send out an acoustic pulse to deter marine mammals such as the long-beaked common dolphin (6). In West Africa, WWF are working to develop an action plan for the conservation of small cetaceans in the region. This plan is to be built around formulating and implementing protective policies and laws, and improving scientific knowledge and public awareness (10).