One hundred and eighty-one boat surveys were conducted within 150 days between February and December, 2004 in Xiamen waters, which covered an area about 700 km2. A total of 102 separate sightings were recorded. Habitat selection (i.e., water depth, tidal conditions, and distance offshore) were analyzed by using selection frequency and x2-test. The results showed high level of selection for water depth under 20 meters and distance offshore within 1 000 meters, whereas no significant selection was found for tide level, water temperature or tide direction. In addition, for the purpose of providing fundamental information for conservation and management, the utilization of different sections of Xiamen waters was discussed. Furthermore, Xiamen west harbour and waters from Jiyu to Wuyu were identified as the ‘key habitats’ and Dadeng waters may serve as a ‘sanctuary’ for the Xiamen population.
