(Limited) Cetacean distribution dataset from 1949 to 2011 for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

This dataset contains some of the Cetacean records that have been collated, entered, validated and verified by the "Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly" (ERCCIS). The source of this data are sightings that have been reported to ERCCIS from individuals (experts and members of the public). This dataset does not contain any of the records from organised survey(s) and has no zero abundance records. It contains records of 11 species of whales and dolphins seen around the coast of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Description
This dataset contains some of the Cetacean records that have been collated, entered, validated and verified by the "Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly" (ERCCIS). The source of this data are sightings that have been reported to ERCCIS from individuals (experts and members of the public). This dataset does not contain any of the records from organised survey(s) and has no zero abundance records. It contains records of 11 species of whales and dolphins seen around the coast of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. ERCCIS holds many more Cetacean records that cannot be uploaded onto the NBN Gateway at this time, but will be added in the future. This amounts to an additional +15,500 Cetacean records. These records are validated, but unverified and so the number will change. As of 31/12/2011, ERCCIS Cetacean records are made up of +8700 records from 3 databases (sightings, standings and diving surveys), +5800 records from an additional historic database managed by ERCCIS, + 550 records from effort based surveys undertaken from boats during 2009/2010 and + 500 records from effort based surveys undertaken on land during 2007-2011. Please contact ERCCIS for more details on these datasets if needed.

Purpose
The data of the current dataset have been collated for the purposes of marine conservation and use in a local biological records centre. Wildlife data should be easily accessible to enable their use in not-for-profit decision-making, education, research and other public benefit purposes.

Methods
This dataset was created from records reported to ERCCIS by individuals, i.e. experts and members of the public. All records received are initially validated to ensure the necessary information has been provided. Records are then checked once entered into the database, and finally verified by an expert (if applicable). Verification is to ensure the record has been attributed to the correct taxon and species identification has been accurate. Criteria defined by a relevant taxonomic expert may be used and questionable records are passed to an expert for examination. All records held at ERCCIS are marked as 'Not yet verified' until they pass or fail verification.

Geographical coverage
The dataset covers Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the surrounding islands and the sea in between. It is more likely that the geographical coverage of the records reflects recording effort rather than actual species distribution. The precision with which these records have been attributed to a grid reference ranges from 1 m² to 10 km². Location names are included to aid precision.

Temporal coverage
Very few of the records are pre 1980's, nearly a quarter are 1980's to 2000. The vast majority are post 2000. All of the records in this dataset are provided in the full date format (dd/mm/yyyy). They are not seasonally and temporally restricted, but reflect when sightings were made.

Data quality
Since this dataset is made up of sightings and therefore mistakes can be made, it should not be regarded as definitive. Additionally, this dataset should not be regarded as having comprehensive geographic or temporal coverage for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Additional information
All records in this dataset are regarded as confidential, due to the invasive nature of the species. If you would like more details on this dataset or other data provided to the NBN gateway by ERCCIS please visit  www.erccis.org.uk or contact the Wildlife Information Service on Tel:01872 240777 Ext: 213. Please be aware that some of these records may be duplicated on the NBN Gateway with local or national recording schemes.