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Jackson J, Arlidge WNS, Oyanedel R, Davis KJ. The global extent and severity of operational interactions between conflicting pinnipeds and fisheries. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7449. [PMID: 39198436 PMCID: PMC11358374 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51298-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent population recovery of many pinniped species (seals, sea lions, walrus) is a conservation success. However, pinniped population recovery combined with increasing global fisheries operations is leading to increased conflicts between pinnipeds and fisheries. This human-wildlife conflict threatens pinniped conservation outcomes and may impose damaging impacts on fisheries, but the economic consequences and extent of these impacts are poorly understood. Here, we provide a global assessment of pinniped and fisheries operational interactions. We show that a third of reported fishing days have interactions with pinnipeds and 13.8% of catch is lost. Our results also reveal high heterogeneity between studies. Small-scale fisheries are three times more likely to interact with pinnipeds and lose four times as much catch as large-scale fisheries. Finally, we develop a spatial index that can predict where conflict is most likely to occur. Our findings reveal a substantial global issue requiring appropriate management as pinniped populations continue to recover.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, OX1 3SZ, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - William N S Arlidge
- Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Oyanedel
- Instituto Milenio en Socio-Ecología Costera (SECOS), Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 340, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica de Ecosistemas Marinos de Altas Latitudes (IDEAL)- Universidad Austral de Chile, Edificio Emilio Pugin, piso 1 Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia, Región de los Ríos, Chile
| | - Katrina Joan Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, OX1 3SZ, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Gose MA, Humble E, Brownlow A, Wall D, Rogan E, Sigurðsson GM, Kiszka JJ, Thøstesen CB, IJsseldijk LL, Ten Doeschate M, Davison NJ, Øien N, Deaville R, Siebert U, Ogden R. Population genomics of the white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris): Implications for conservation amid climate-driven range shifts. Heredity (Edinb) 2024; 132:192-201. [PMID: 38302666 PMCID: PMC10997624 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-024-00672-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is rapidly affecting species distributions across the globe, particularly in the North Atlantic. For highly mobile and elusive cetaceans, the genetic data needed to understand population dynamics are often scarce. Cold-water obligate species such as the white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) face pressures from habitat shifts due to rising sea surface temperatures in addition to other direct anthropogenic threats. Unravelling the genetic connectivity between white-beaked dolphins across their range is needed to understand the extent to which climate change and anthropogenic pressures may impact species-wide genetic diversity and identify ways to protect remaining habitat. We address this by performing a population genomic assessment of white-beaked dolphins using samples from much of their contemporary range. We show that the species displays significant population structure across the North Atlantic at multiple scales. Analysis of contemporary migration rates suggests a remarkably high connectivity between populations in the western North Atlantic, Iceland and the Barents Sea, while two regional populations in the North Sea and adjacent UK and Irish waters are highly differentiated from all other clades. Our results have important implications for the conservation of white-beaked dolphins by providing guidance for the delineation of more appropriate management units and highlighting the risk that local extirpation may have on species-wide genetic diversity. In a broader context, this study highlights the importance of understanding genetic structure of all species threatened with climate change-driven range shifts to assess the risk of loss of species-wide genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Alexander Gose
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Emily Humble
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Dave Wall
- Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), Kilrush, Ireland
| | - Emer Rogan
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Lonneke L IJsseldijk
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mariel Ten Doeschate
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nils Øien
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway
| | - Rob Deaville
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rob Ogden
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Zuo T, Li Y, Cheng Z, Wang J, Sun J, Yuan W, Niu M. Finless Porpoise Bycatch and Stranding along the Shandong Peninsula, China, Based on Public Reports from 2000 to 2018. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3868. [PMID: 38136905 PMCID: PMC10741243 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Shandong Peninsula is located on the western coast of the Pacific and is adjacent to the Bohai Sea (BS) and the Yellow Sea (YS) to the east. The East Asian finless porpoise Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri, a subspecies of the narrow-ridged finless porpoise N. asiaeorientalis, is the dominant cetacean resident along the Shandong Peninsula. However, there is insufficient monitoring data to determine the status of the cetacean species in this region. Based on the publicly available literature, media, and internet social website, this study investigated the spatial-temporal distribution of porpoise stranding and bycatch along the coast of the Shandong Peninsula. Data on over five hundred porpoises from two hundred reports between 2000 and 2018 were compiled and analyzed. Results showed that the bycatch and stranding of porpoises occurred widely across the peninsula throughout all months and increased rapidly between 2010 and 2017. The incidents were more frequent in the area where the BS and YS converged during the spring and early summer than in other seasons. The mean body length of bycaught porpoises was smaller than that of those found stranded. Fishing activities could be the principal cause of local finless porpoise incidents. However, limited data hindered a quantitative evaluation of the living conditions of finless porpoises in this area. Establishing a comprehensive monitoring system, which includes standardized reporting, rescue operations, and scientific research, is essential to finless porpoise protection along the Shandong Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zuo
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhaolong Cheng
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Mingxiang Niu
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266237, China
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4
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La Manna G, Ronchetti F, Perretti F, Ceccherelli G. Areas of spatial overlap between common bottlenose dolphin, recreational boating, and small-scale fishery: management insights from modelling exercises. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16111. [PMID: 37790616 PMCID: PMC10542390 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sustainable management requires spatial mapping of both species distribution and human activities to identify potential risk of conflict. The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a priority species of the European Union Habitat Directive, thus, to promote its conservation, the understanding of habitat use and distribution, as well as the identification and spatial trend of the human activities which may directly affect populations traits, is pivotal. Methods A MaxEnt modeling approach was applied to predict the seasonal (from April to September) habitat use of a small population of bottlenose dolphins in the north-western Sardinia (Mediterranean Sea) in relation to environmental variables and the likelihoods of boat and fishing net presence. Then, the overlapping areas between dolphin, fishing net and boat presence were identified to provide insights for the marine spatial management of this area. Results Three of the main factors influencing the seasonal distribution of bottlenose dolphins in the area are directly (boating and fishing) or indirectly (ocean warming) related to human activities. Furthermore, almost half of the most suitable area for dolphins overlapped with areas used by fishing and boating. Finally, relying on fishing distribution models, we also shed light on the potential impact of fishing on the Posidonia oceanica beds, a protected habitat, which received higher fishing efforts than other habitat types. Discussion Modelling the spatial patterns of anthropogenic activities was fundamental to understand the ecological impacts both on cetacean habitat use and protected habitats. A greater research effort is suggested to detect potential changes in dolphin habitat suitability, also in relation to ocean warming, to assess dolphin bycatch and the status of target fish species, and to evaluate sensitive habitats conditions, such as the Posidonia oceanica meadow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella La Manna
- University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Environmental Research and Conservation, MareTerra Onlus, Alghero, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Centre, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Ronchetti
- Environmental Research and Conservation, MareTerra Onlus, Alghero, Italy
| | - Francesco Perretti
- Environmental Research and Conservation, MareTerra Onlus, Alghero, Italy
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Environmental Research and Conservation, MareTerra Onlus, Alghero, Italy
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5
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Lettrich MD, Asaro MJ, Borggaard DL, Dick DM, Griffis RB, Litz JA, Orphanides CD, Palka DL, Soldevilla MS, Balmer B, Chavez S, Cholewiak D, Claridge D, Ewing RY, Fazioli KL, Fertl D, Fougeres EM, Gannon D, Garrison L, Gilbert J, Gorgone A, Hohn A, Horstman S, Josephson B, Kenney RD, Kiszka JJ, Maze-Foley K, McFee W, Mullin KD, Murray K, Pendleton DE, Robbins J, Roberts JJ, Rodriguez- Ferrer G, Ronje EI, Rosel PE, Speakman T, Stanistreet JE, Stevens T, Stolen M, Moore RT, Vollmer NL, Wells R, Whitehead HR, Whitt A. Vulnerability to climate change of United States marine mammal stocks in the western North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290643. [PMID: 37729181 PMCID: PMC10511136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change and climate variability are affecting marine mammal species and these impacts are projected to continue in the coming decades. Vulnerability assessments provide a framework for evaluating climate impacts over a broad range of species using currently available information. We conducted a trait-based climate vulnerability assessment using expert elicitation for 108 marine mammal stocks and stock groups in the western North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Our approach combined the exposure (projected change in environmental conditions) and sensitivity (ability to tolerate and adapt to changing conditions) of marine mammal stocks to estimate vulnerability to climate change, and categorize stocks with a vulnerability index. The climate vulnerability score was very high for 44% (n = 47) of these stocks, high for 29% (n = 31), moderate for 20% (n = 22), and low for 7% (n = 8). The majority of stocks (n = 78; 72%) scored very high exposure, whereas 24% (n = 26) scored high, and 4% (n = 4) scored moderate. The sensitivity score was very high for 33% (n = 36) of these stocks, high for 18% (n = 19), moderate for 34% (n = 37), and low for 15% (n = 16). Vulnerability results were summarized for stocks in five taxonomic groups: pinnipeds (n = 4; 25% high, 75% moderate), mysticetes (n = 7; 29% very high, 57% high, 14% moderate), ziphiids (n = 8; 13% very high, 50% high, 38% moderate), delphinids (n = 84; 52% very high, 23% high, 15% moderate, 10% low), and other odontocetes (n = 5; 60% high, 40% moderate). Factors including temperature, ocean pH, and dissolved oxygen were the primary drivers of high climate exposure, with effects mediated through prey and habitat parameters. We quantified sources of uncertainty by bootstrapping vulnerability scores, conducting leave-one-out analyses of individual attributes and individual scorers, and through scoring data quality for each attribute. These results provide information for researchers, managers, and the public on marine mammal responses to climate change to enhance the development of more effective marine mammal management, restoration, and conservation activities that address current and future environmental variation and biological responses due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Lettrich
- ECS Under Contract for Office of Science and Technology, NOAA Fisheries, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Asaro
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Diane L. Borggaard
- Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, NOAA Fisheries, Gloucester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dorothy M. Dick
- Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Fisheries, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Roger B. Griffis
- Office of Science and Technology, NOAA Fisheries, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jenny A. Litz
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Christopher D. Orphanides
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Debra L. Palka
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Melissa S. Soldevilla
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Brian Balmer
- Dolphin Relief and Research, Clancy, Montana, United States of America
| | - Samuel Chavez
- Integrated Statistics, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Danielle Cholewiak
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Diane Claridge
- Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas
| | - Ruth Y. Ewing
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kristi L. Fazioli
- Environmental Institute of Houston, University of Houston ‐ Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dagmar Fertl
- Ziphius EcoServices, Magnolia, Texas, United States of America
| | - Erin M. Fougeres
- Southeast Regional Office, NOAA Fisheries, Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
| | - Damon Gannon
- University of Georgia Marine Institute, Sapelo Island, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lance Garrison
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - James Gilbert
- University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
| | - Annie Gorgone
- CIMAS, University of Miami, Under Contract for NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Aleta Hohn
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stacey Horstman
- Southeast Regional Office, NOAA Fisheries, Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
| | - Beth Josephson
- Integrated Statistics, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert D. Kenney
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Jeremy J. Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Katherine Maze-Foley
- CIMAS, University of Miami, Under Contract for Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Wayne McFee
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Keith D. Mullin
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Murray
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Pendleton
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jooke Robbins
- Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jason J. Roberts
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Errol I. Ronje
- National Centers for Environmental Information, NOAA, Stennis Space Center, Hancock County, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Patricia E. Rosel
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Todd Speakman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Tara Stevens
- CSA Ocean Sciences, East Greenwich, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Megan Stolen
- Blue World Research Institute, Merritt Island, Florida, United States of America
| | - Reny Tyson Moore
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nicole L. Vollmer
- CIMAS, University of Miami, Under Contract for Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Randall Wells
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Heidi R. Whitehead
- Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Amy Whitt
- Azura Consulting, Garland, Texas, United States of America
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Torres-Pereira A, Araújo H, Monteiro SS, Ferreira M, Bastos-Santos J, Sá S, Nicolau L, Marçalo A, Marques C, Tavares AS, De Bonis M, Covelo P, Martínez-Cedeira J, López A, Sequeira M, Vingada J, Eira C. Assessment of Harbour Porpoise Bycatch along the Portuguese and Galician Coast: Insights from Strandings over Two Decades. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2632. [PMID: 37627422 PMCID: PMC10451651 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Iberian harbour porpoise population is small and fisheries bycatch has been described as one of its most important threats. Data on harbour porpoise strandings collected by the Portuguese and Galician stranding networks between 2000 and 2020 are indicative of a recent mortality increase in the western Iberian coast (particularly in northern Portugal). Overall, in Portugal and Galicia, individuals stranded due to confirmed fishery interaction represented 46.98% of all analysed porpoises, and individuals stranded due to probable fishery interaction represented another 10.99% of all analysed porpoises. Considering the Portuguese annual abundance estimates available between 2011 and 2015, it was possible to calculate that an annual average of 207 individuals was removed from the population in Portuguese waters alone, which largely surpasses the potential biological removal (PBR) estimates (22 porpoises, CI: 12-43) for the same period. These results are conservative and bycatch values from strandings are likely underestimated. A structured action plan accounting for new activities at sea is needed to limit the Iberian porpoise population decline. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need for a fishing effort reorganization to directly decrease porpoise mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Torres-Pereira
- Department of Biology & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (H.A.); (S.S.M.); (S.S.); (A.S.T.); (M.D.B.); (A.L.); (C.E.)
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Hélder Araújo
- Department of Biology & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (H.A.); (S.S.M.); (S.S.); (A.S.T.); (M.D.B.); (A.L.); (C.E.)
| | - Silvia Silva Monteiro
- Department of Biology & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (H.A.); (S.S.M.); (S.S.); (A.S.T.); (M.D.B.); (A.L.); (C.E.)
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.B.-S.); (L.N.); (C.M.); (J.V.)
| | - Jorge Bastos-Santos
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.B.-S.); (L.N.); (C.M.); (J.V.)
| | - Sara Sá
- Department of Biology & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (H.A.); (S.S.M.); (S.S.); (A.S.T.); (M.D.B.); (A.L.); (C.E.)
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lídia Nicolau
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.B.-S.); (L.N.); (C.M.); (J.V.)
| | - Ana Marçalo
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, FCT Ed. 7, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;
| | - Carina Marques
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.B.-S.); (L.N.); (C.M.); (J.V.)
| | - Ana Sofia Tavares
- Department of Biology & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (H.A.); (S.S.M.); (S.S.); (A.S.T.); (M.D.B.); (A.L.); (C.E.)
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Myriam De Bonis
- Department of Biology & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (H.A.); (S.S.M.); (S.S.); (A.S.T.); (M.D.B.); (A.L.); (C.E.)
| | - Pablo Covelo
- Coordinadora para o Estudio dos Mamíferos Mariños (CEMMA), Apdo., 15-36380 Gondomar, Spain; (P.C.); (J.M.-C.)
| | - José Martínez-Cedeira
- Coordinadora para o Estudio dos Mamíferos Mariños (CEMMA), Apdo., 15-36380 Gondomar, Spain; (P.C.); (J.M.-C.)
| | - Alfredo López
- Department of Biology & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (H.A.); (S.S.M.); (S.S.); (A.S.T.); (M.D.B.); (A.L.); (C.E.)
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Coordinadora para o Estudio dos Mamíferos Mariños (CEMMA), Apdo., 15-36380 Gondomar, Spain; (P.C.); (J.M.-C.)
| | - Marina Sequeira
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (ICNF), Av. da República 16, 1050-191 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - José Vingada
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Estação de Campo de Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.B.-S.); (L.N.); (C.M.); (J.V.)
| | - Catarina Eira
- Department of Biology & ECOMARE/CPRAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (H.A.); (S.S.M.); (S.S.); (A.S.T.); (M.D.B.); (A.L.); (C.E.)
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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7
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Troina GC, Teixeira CR, Dehairs F, Secchi ER, Botta S. Potential biases in dietary interpretation derived from stable isotope analysis of small dolphin teeth. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 184:105857. [PMID: 36577309 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed δ13C and δ15N values in different tooth portions (Growth Layer Groups, GLGs) of franciscanas, Pontoporia blainvillei, to investigate their effect on whole tooth (WT) isotopic values and the implications for dietary estimates. Tooth portions included the dentin deposited during the prenatal development (PND), the first year of life (GLG1) deposited during the nursing period and the central part of the tooth with no distinction amongst subsequent GLGs (Center). Isotopic mixing models estimating the contribution of PND, GLG1 and Center to WT showed that GLG1 has a strong effect on WT isotope values in juveniles, while Center only starts to affect WT isotopic values from age four. Isotopic mixing models estimating prey contribution to the diet of juveniles using WT vs Center tooth portions significantly differed in dietary outputs, demonstrating that GLG1 influence on WT isotope values affects dietary estimates in young franciscanas. As the small tooth size and narrowness of the last GLGs hinder the analysis of individual layers, we recommend excluding GLG1 in studies based on teeth isotope composition in franciscanas and caution when interpreting isotopic values from the WT of other small cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genyffer C Troina
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Av. Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil; Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry Department (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia (UBC), V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Clarissa R Teixeira
- Whale Habitat, Ecology and Telemetry Laboratory, Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, USA
| | - Frank Dehairs
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry Department (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eduardo R Secchi
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Av. Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Silvina Botta
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Av. Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
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8
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Shil SK, Zahangir MM, Rahman MM, Kibria MM, Das BC, Yadav SK, Siddiki AMAMZ. Postmortem of a juvenile male Ganges River dolphin (
Platanista gangetica
spp.
gangetica
) in Bangladesh. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Kumar Shil
- Department of Anatomy and Histology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Chattogram Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mahiuddin Zahangir
- Department of Fish Biology and Biotechnology Faculty of Fisheries Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Chattogram Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Chattogram Bangladesh
| | - Md. Manzoorul Kibria
- Halda River Research Laboratory Department of Zoology Faculty of Biological Sciences University of Chittagong Chattogram Bangladesh
| | - Bhajan Chandra Das
- Department of Medicine and Surgery Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Chattogram Bangladesh
| | - Saroj Kumar Yadav
- Department of Medicine and Surgery Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Chattogram Bangladesh
| | - AMAM Zonaed Siddiki
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Chattogram Bangladesh
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9
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Lusseau D, Kindt-Larsen L, van Beest FM. Emergent interactions in the management of multiple threats to the conservation of harbour porpoises. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158936. [PMID: 36152860 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Human activities at sea are intensifying and diversifying. This is leading to more complex interactions of anthropogenic impacts requiring adaptable management interventions to mitigate their cumulative effects on biodiversity conservation and restoration objectives. Bycatch remains the dominant conservation threat for coastal cetaceans. Additionally, the indirect impact of repeated exposure to disturbances, particularly acoustic disturbances, can affect cetacean population growth and therefore conservation objectives. Pingers are used to ensonify nets to provide an effective mitigation of bycatch risk. As those become more prevalent across fisheries at risk to catch for example harbour porpoises, pingers become contributors to the anthropogenic noise landscape which may affect the vital rates of this species as well. Currently, we do not know how to best balance pinger prevalence to minimise both bycatch rate and the population consequences of acoustic disturbance (PCoD). Here we use an agent-based model to determine how pinger prevalence in nets can be adjusted to minimise bycatch rate and noise disturbance propagating to affect population growth for harbour porpoises. We show that counter-intuitively bycatch rate can increase at lower pinger prevalence. When ecological conditions are such that PCOD can emerge, higher prevalence of pingers can lead to indirect effects on population growth. This would result from condition-mediated decreased reproductive potential. Displacing fishing effort, via time-area closure, can be an effective mitigation strategy in these circumstances. These findings have important implications for current management plans which, for practical consideration, may lead to lower overall pinger prevalence at sea. This study also shows that estimating the reproductive potential of the species should be incorporated in bycatch monitoring programmes. We now need to better understand how physiological condition affect reproductive decisions and behavioural responses to noise in cetaceans to better appraise and estimate the cumulative impacts of bycatch and its mitigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lusseau
- National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Lotte Kindt-Larsen
- National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Floris M van Beest
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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10
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Chen C, Jefferson TA, Chen B, Wang Y. Geographic range size, water temperature, and extrinsic threats predict the extinction risk in global cetaceans. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:6541-6555. [PMID: 36008887 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that cetaceans provide significant ecological contributions to the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems, many are highly endangered with nearly one-third of species assessed as threatened with extinction. Nevertheless, to date, few studies have explicitly examined the patterns and processes of extinction risk and threats for this taxon, and even less between the two subclades (Mysticeti and Odontoceti). To fill this gap, we compiled a dataset of six intrinsic traits (active region, geographic range size, body weight, diving depth, school size, and reproductive cycle), six environmental factors relating to sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentration, and two human-related threat indices that are commonly recognized for cetaceans. We then employed phylogenetic generalized least squares models and model selection to identify the key predictors of extinction risk in all cetaceans, as well as in the two subclades. We found that geographic range size, sea surface temperature, and human threat index were the most important predictors of extinction risk in all cetaceans and in odontocetes. Interestingly, maximum body weight was positively associated with the extinction risk in mysticetes, but negatively related to that for odontocetes. By linking seven major threat types to extinction risk, we further revealed that fisheries bycatch was the most common threat, yet the impacts of certain threats could be overestimated when considering all species rather than just threatened ones. Overall, we suggest that conservation efforts should focus on small-ranged cetaceans and species living in warmer waters or under strong anthropogenic pressures. Moreover, further studies should consider the threatened status of species when superimposing risk maps and quantifying risk severity. Finally, we emphasize that mysticetes and odontocetes should be conserved with different strategies, because their extinction risk patterns and major threat types are considerably different. For instance, large-bodied mysticetes and small-ranged odontocetes require special conservation priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanwu Chen
- Laboratory of Island Biogeography and Conservation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Bingyao Chen
- Laboratory of Island Biogeography and Conservation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Laboratory of Island Biogeography and Conservation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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11
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McGrew KA, Crowell SE, Fiely JL, Berlin AM, Olsen GH, James J, Hopkins H, Williams CK. Underwater hearing in sea ducks with applications for reducing gillnet bycatch through acoustic deterrence. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:jeb243953. [PMID: 36305674 PMCID: PMC10658911 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
As diving foragers, sea ducks are vulnerable to underwater anthropogenic activity, including ships, underwater construction, seismic surveys and gillnet fisheries. Bycatch in gillnets is a contributing source of mortality for sea ducks, killing hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. We researched underwater hearing in sea duck species to increase knowledge of underwater avian acoustic sensitivity and to assist with possible development of gillnet bycatch mitigation strategies that include auditory deterrent devices. We used both psychoacoustic and electrophysiological techniques to investigate underwater duck hearing in several species including the long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), surf scoter (Melanitta perspicillata) and common eider (Somateria mollissima). Psychoacoustic results demonstrated that all species tested share a common range of maximum auditory sensitivity of 1.0-3.0 kHz, with the long-tailed ducks and common eiders at the high end of that range (2.96 kHz), and surf scoters at the low end (1.0 kHz). In addition, our electrophysiological results from 4 surf scoters and 2 long-tailed ducks, while only tested at 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz, generally agree with the audiogram shape from our psychoacoustic testing. The results from this study are applicable to the development of effective acoustic deterrent devices or pingers in the 2-3 kHz range to deter sea ducks from anthropogenic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A. McGrew
- Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, 205 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708, USA
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, 531 South College Ave, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Sarah E. Crowell
- US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Fiely
- US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708, USA
| | - Alicia M. Berlin
- US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708, USA
| | - Glenn H. Olsen
- US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708, USA
| | - Jennifer James
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, 531 South College Ave, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Heather Hopkins
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, 531 South College Ave, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Christopher K. Williams
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, Mission Environmental Planning, 1176 Howell St, Newport, RI 02841, USA
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12
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Piboon P, Poommouang A, Buddhachat K, Kaewmong P, Kittiwattanawong K, Nganvongpanit K. The first study of genetic diversity and population structure of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops aduncus) and pantropical spotted dolphin ( Stenella attenuata) in the Thai Andaman Sea based on ISSR. Vet World 2022; 15:2004-2011. [PMID: 36313843 PMCID: PMC9615499 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2004-2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops aduncus, and the pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata, are protected marine mammals in Thailand; however, knowledge regarding the populations of both species in Thai seas is minimal. We aimed to reveal the genetic diversity and population structure of two species, T. aduncus, and S. attenuata, based on inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs). Materials and Methods Samples of stranded T. aduncus (n = 30) and S. attenuata (n = 23) found along Thai Andaman Sea coasts from 1998 to 2018 were used in this study. A total of 17 and 16 ISSR primers that produced clear and polymorphic bands were selected for T. aduncus and S. attenuata, respectively. Results The highest percentages of polymorphic bands for T. aduncus and S. attenuata were 93.750% and 92.857%, respectively. Phylogenetic dendrograms indicated that the population of each species was clustered into three groups. This outcome was consistent with the genetic population structure, as both suggested three genetic clusters (DK = 3). Genetic diversity analysis revealed that the average Shannon's information index (I) was 1.926 ± 0.066 for T. aduncus and 1.714 ± 0.090 for S. attenuata, which indicate a high level of genetic variation. Further, low fixation index (F) values were observed for T. aduncus and S. attenuata at -0.231 ± 0.024 and -0.312 ± 0.042, respectively, suggesting that inbreeding is unlikely to have occurred for both species over the past decades. Conclusion At least three genetic clusters of both species were found in the Thai Andaman Sea, and the diversity indices of each species indicated that these species are not at a critical level for extinction. However, monitoring their population status should be prioritized to observe any future changes in the level of diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Promporn Piboon
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Anocha Poommouang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kittisak Buddhachat
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | | | | | - Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
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13
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Bedriñana-Romano L, Zarate PM, Hucke-Gaete R, Viddi FA, Buchan SJ, Cari I, Clavijo L, Bello R, Zerbini AN. Abundance and distribution patterns of cetaceans and their overlap with vessel traffic in the Humboldt Current Ecosystem, Chile. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10639. [PMID: 35739207 PMCID: PMC9226171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14465-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Humboldt Current Ecosystem (HCE) is one of the most productive marine ecosystems, sustaining one of the largest fishing industries in the world. Although several species of cetaceans are known to inhabit these productive waters, quantitative assessments of their abundance and distribution patterns are scarce and patchy. Here, we present the first abundance and distribution estimates for fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), southeast Pacific blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), and common dolphin (Delphinus spp.) in the entire Chilean portion of the HCE. Line transect surveys were conducted during 2016–2021 between 18° S and 41° S and up to ~ 200 km offshore, and data were analyzed using distance sampling methods. Group counts were modelled as a function of environmental variables using single step Bayesian Binomial N-mixture model (BNMM), which allows full uncertainty propagation between model components. By using spatially explicit predictions of cetacean densities and observed vessel densities in the HCE, we provide quantitative assessments on the relative probability of cetaceans encountering vessels (RPCEV). Dusky dolphin and fin whale showed the largest distribution overlap with industrial and artisanal fishery fleets. Our results highlight areas where effort should be prioritized to address the extant but unquantified negative interactions between vessels and cetaceans in Chilean HCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Bedriñana-Romano
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. .,NGO Centro Ballena Azul, 5090000, Valdivia, Chile. .,Centro de Investigación Oceanográfica COPAS Coastal, Universidad de Concepción, 4070043, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio, Chile.
| | - Patricia M Zarate
- Instituto de Fomento Pesquero, Departamento de Oceanografía y Medio Ambiente, Almirante Manuel Blanco Encalada 839, Valparaíso, Chile.,MigraMar, 2099 Westshore Rd, CA, 94923, Bodega Bay, USA
| | - Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,NGO Centro Ballena Azul, 5090000, Valdivia, Chile.,Centro de Investigación Oceanográfica COPAS Coastal, Universidad de Concepción, 4070043, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio, Chile
| | - Francisco A Viddi
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,NGO Centro Ballena Azul, 5090000, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Susannah J Buchan
- Centro de Investigación Oceanográfica COPAS Coastal, Universidad de Concepción, 4070043, Concepción, Región del Bio Bio, Chile.,Centro de Investigación Oceanográfica COPAS Sur-Austral, Universidad de Concepción, 4070043, Concepción, Región del Bio, Chile.,Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas, Raúl Bitran 1305, 1700000, La Serena, Región del Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Ilia Cari
- Instituto de Fomento Pesquero, Departamento de Oceanografía y Medio Ambiente, Almirante Manuel Blanco Encalada 839, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ljubitza Clavijo
- Instituto de Fomento Pesquero, Departamento de Oceanografía y Medio Ambiente, Almirante Manuel Blanco Encalada 839, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Robert Bello
- Instituto de Fomento Pesquero, Departamento de Oceanografía y Medio Ambiente, Almirante Manuel Blanco Encalada 839, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Alexandre N Zerbini
- Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean and Ecosystem Studies, University of Washington & Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center/NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, USA.,Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research, 2468 Camp McKenzie Tr NW, Seabeck, WA, 98380, USA.,Instituto Aqualie, Av. Dr. Paulo Japiassú Coelho, 714, Sala 206, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36033-310, Brazil
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14
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Kolipakam V, Jacob M, Gayathri A, Deori S, Sarma H, Tasfia ST, Rokade A, Negi R, Wakid A, Qureshi Q. Pingers are effective in reducing net entanglement of river dolphins. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9382. [PMID: 35672330 PMCID: PMC9174236 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ganges River dolphins echolocate, but this mechanism is inadequate for poor sonar-echoing objects such as the monofilament gillnets, causing considerable net entanglement related mortalities. Net entanglement related deaths are one of the major causes of cetacean population decline around the world. Experiments were carried out to understand the use of pingers—an acoustic deterrent, in aiding the deterrence of dolphins from fishing nets. Based on the dolphin clicks recorded, in an experimental setup spanning 36 days, a 90% deterrence was found; 22.87 ± 0.71 SE dolphin detection positive minutes per hour near non-pingered nets versus 2.20 ± 0.33 SE per hour near pingered net. Within 30 m radii of nets, visual encounters of non-calf reduced by 52% and calf by 9%, in the presence of pingers. No evidence of habituation to pingers, habitat avoidance in dolphins after pinger removal or a change in fish catch in nets because of pingers was found during the study. While the effectiveness of pingers on calves and fish catch needs further experimentation, the use of pingers to minimize net entanglement mortalities in the Ganges River dolphins seems to be the most promising solution currently available. These results have critical implications for the conservation of other species of river dolphins around the world.
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15
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Dudhat S, Pande A, Nair A, Mondal I, Srinivasan M, Sivakumar K. Spatio-temporal analysis identifies marine mammal stranding hotspots along the Indian coastline. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4128. [PMID: 35260571 PMCID: PMC8904828 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06156-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine mammal strandings provide vital information on species' life histories, population health and status of marine ecosystems. Opportunistic reporting of strandings also serve as a powerful low-cost tool for monitoring these elusive mammals. We collated data over ~ 270 years available through various open access databases, reports and publications. Annual strandings along the Indian coast (mean = 11.25 ± SE 9.1) increased in the last two years of the study (2015-2017, mean = 27.66 ± SE 8.5 strandings /year). We found that stranding events spike during June-September along the west coast and during December-January along the east coast. We identified several sections of the coastline, such as Mumbai (0.38 strandings/km), Kozhikode (0.28 strandings/km), Tuticorin (0.4 strandings/km), Rameswaram (1.82 strandings/km), Chennai (0.32 strandings/km) and Bhubaneshwar (0.26 strandings/km) with a higher number of stranded animals reported. Emerging Hotspot Analysis located new and consecutive hotspots along the north-west coast, and sporadic hotspots along the south-east coast. We recommend establishing regional stranding response centres at the identified hotspots coordinated by a National Stranding Centre with adequately trained personnel and central funding support. Regular stranding response training programs for field veterinarians, and frontline personnel of State Forest Departments near stranding hotspots would provide an improved understanding of marine mammal health and threats in Indian waters. Further, the suggested National Stranding Centre needs to maintain a 'National Stranding Database' for long-term marine mammal conservation planning in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Dudhat
- Department of Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
| | - Anant Pande
- Department of Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India.
| | - Aditi Nair
- Department of Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
| | - Indranil Mondal
- Department of Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
| | - Mridula Srinivasan
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kuppusamy Sivakumar
- Department of Endangered Species Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India.
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16
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Reindl AR, Falkowska L. Trace elements in the muscle, ova and seminal fluid of key clupeid representatives from the Gdansk Bay (South Baltic Sea) and Iberian Peninsula (North-East Atlantic). J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 68:126803. [PMID: 34102586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baltic herring and European sardine are pelagic, fish of particular ecological importance, on the one hand control numbers of planktonic organisms, and on the other hand exist as food for predators on higher trophic levels. Moreover, these fish are among the main species caught for human consumption. Rare earth elements (REEs) come mainly from geogenic sources but, due to their use in technology, agriculture and medicine, the importance of anthropogenic sources is growing steadily. METHODS Samples used for the study were available on the market. Fresh materials of fish muscle, ova and seminal fluid were mineralized and elements were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS The conducted research indicated the presence of REEs in the muscles of the Baltic herring (∑REE = 0.076 ± 0.047 mg/kg) and European sardine (∑REE = 0.191 ± 0.163 mg/kg), with a clear dominance of heavy REEs in both fish species. Trace elements (TE) in the muscles of the tested fish demonstrated a similar system of concentration (Baltic herring: Zn > As > Se > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd; European sardine: Zn > As > Se > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd). REEs and TEs in these fish were presence in ova and seminal fluid indicates intergenerational transfer. CONCLUSION Changes in the concentrations of some trace elements (As, Cu, Cd) in the muscles of herring indicate increases compared to the historical data. The availability of metals in the aquatic environment may be determined by ongoing climate changes, effected water salinity and warming increased availability of labile forms of trace metals. Decline trends in the condition of pelagic fish need to extend the research in the context of contemporary environmental threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej R Reindl
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Lucyna Falkowska
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Gdynia, Poland
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17
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Brennecke D, Wahlberg M, Gilles A, Siebert U. Age and lunar cycle predict harbor porpoise bycatch in the south-western Baltic Sea. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12284. [PMID: 34760359 PMCID: PMC8556710 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena, is the only cetacean regularly occurring in the Baltic Sea. During the last decades, several anthropogenic activities have affected porpoises in the Baltic region. Most notably is bycatch in static fishing gear, such as gill nets, which is the main human-induced cause of death in odontocetes. There is still considerable uncertainty about which factors influence the amount of bycatch. In the present study, we reviewed bycatch data collected from 1987 to 2016 from the south-western Baltic Sea. There was a significant difference in bycatch due to seasonality and region, and there was a higher bycatch rate in juveniles than in adults. The only abiotic factor associated with bycatch was the lunar cycle, with more animals bycaught during a full moon. These results improve our understanding of which biotic and abiotic factors are associated with bycatch of Baltic harbor porpoises, which can be used to strengthen conservation endeavors such as managing fishing efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Brennecke
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.,University of Southern Denmark, Department of Biology, Marine Biological Research Centre, Kerteminde, Denmark.,Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Magnus Wahlberg
- University of Southern Denmark, Department of Biology, Marine Biological Research Centre, Kerteminde, Denmark
| | - Anita Gilles
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
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18
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Fernando D, Stewart JD. High bycatch rates of manta and devil rays in the "small-scale" artisanal fisheries of Sri Lanka. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11994. [PMID: 34589295 PMCID: PMC8434810 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Expanding fisheries in developing nations like Sri Lanka have a significant impact on threatened marine species such as elasmobranchs. Manta and devil (mobulid) rays have some of the most conservative life history strategies of any elasmobranch, and even low to moderate levels of bycatch from gillnet fisheries may lead to significant population declines. A lack of information on life history, demographics, population trends, and fisheries impacts hinders effective management measures for these species. Method We report on mobulid fishery landings over nine years between 2011 and 2020 across 38 landing sites in Sri Lanka. We collected data on catch numbers, body sizes, sex, and maturity status for five mobulid species. We used a Bayesian state-space model to estimate monthly country-wide catch rates and total annual landings of mobulid rays. We used catch curve analyses to estimate total mortality for Mobula mobular, and evaluated trends in recorded body sizes across the study period for M. mobular, M. birostris, M. tarapacana and M. thurstoni. Results We find that catch rates have declined an order of magnitude for all species across the study period, and that total annual captures of mobulid rays by the Sri Lankan artisanal fishing fleet exceed the estimated annual captures of mobulids in all global, industrial purse seine fisheries combined. Catch curve analyses suggest that M. mobular is being fished at rates far above the species' intrinsic population growth rate, and the average sizes of all mobulids in the fishery except for M. birostris are declining. Collectively, these findings suggest overfishing of mobulid ray populations in the northern Indian Ocean by Sri Lankan artisanal fisheries. We recommend strengthening the management of these species through improved implementation of CITES, CMS, and regional fisheries management actions. In addition, we report on the demographic characteristics of mobulids landed in Sri Lanka and provide the first record of M. eregoodoo in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fernando
- Blue Resources Trust, Colombo, Sri Lanka.,The Manta Trust, Dorchester, United Kingdom.,Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
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19
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Jourdain E, Barrett-Lennard LG, Ellis GM, Ford JKB, Karoliussen R, Towers JR, Vongraven D. Natural Entrapments of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): A Review of Cases and Assessment of Intervention Techniques. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.707616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying mortality sources and mitigation solutions is crucial in species management and conservation. In killer whales (Orcinus orca), mortality events may pose a serious concern for the conservation of small discrete populations, especially if they involve entire groups. This study investigated 19 incidents involving 116 killer whales from a minimum of five populations becoming naturally entrapped in inshore areas of the North Pacific (n = 12) and North Atlantic (n = 7) oceans between 1949 and 2019. Here, we aim to provide an assessment of possible causal factors, lethality and human responses to these events. Site characteristics and group size identified three categories of entrapments. In Category 1, nine cases involved small groups of killer whales (median = 5, range: 1–9) at sites characterized by severe geographic and food constraints. Four cases in Category 2 included larger groups (median= 14, range: 6–19) and entrapment sites with no obvious geographic constraints but at which man-made structures could have acted as deterrents. Five cases assigned to Category 3 involved lone, often young individuals settling in a restricted home range and engaging in interactions with people and boats. Overall, all or some of the killer whales swam out on their own after a mean of 36 d of entrapment (range: 1–172, SD = 51, n = 9 cases), died of nutritional/physiological stress after 58 d (range: 42–90, SD = 21, n = 3 cases) or of injury after ~5 years of daily interactions with boat traffic (n = 1 case). Indication of the killer whales' declining condition or being at risk of injury, and of poor habitat quality, led to the decision to intervene in seven cases where a variety of methods were used to guide or relocate remaining individuals back to open waters after 39 d (SD = 51, range = 8–150). Monitoring protocols, which aided in identifying entrapment situations, and intervention methods which enhanced the health and survival of entrapped killer whales, are discussed.
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20
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Kriangwanich W, Buddhachat K, Poommouang A, Chomdej S, Thitaram C, Kaewmong P, Kittiwattanawong K, Nganvongpanit K. Feasibility of melting fingerprint obtained from ISSR-HRM curves for marine mammal species identification. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11689. [PMID: 34239781 PMCID: PMC8237827 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, species identification of stranded marine mammals mostly relies on morphological features, which has inherent challenges. The use of genetic information for marine mammal species identification remains limited, therefore, new approaches that can contribute to a better monitoring of stranded species are needed. In that context, the ISSR-HRM method we have proposed offers a new approach for marine mammal species identification. Consequently, new approaches need to be developed to identify individuals at the species level. Eight primers of the ISSR markers were chosen for HRM analysis resulting in ranges of accuracy of 56.78–75.50% and 52.14–75.93% in terms of precision, while a degree of sensitivity of more than 80% was recorded when each single primer was used. The ISSR-HRM primer combinations revealed a success rate of 100% in terms of discrimination for all marine mammals included in this study. Furthermore, ISSR-HRM analysis was successfully employed in determining marine mammal discrimination among varying marine mammal species. Thus, ISSR-HRM analysis could serve as an effective alternative tool in the species identification process. This option would offer researchers a heightened level of convenience in terms of its performance and success rate. It would also offer field practice to veterinarians, biologists and other field-related people a greater degree of ease with which they could interpret results when effectively classifying stranded marine mammals. However, further studies with more samples and with a broader geographical scope will be required involving distinct populations to account for the high degree of intraspecific variability in cetaceans and to demonstrate the range of applications of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannapimol Kriangwanich
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kittisak Buddhachat
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Anocha Poommouang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siriwadee Chomdej
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | | | - Korakot Nganvongpanit
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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21
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Barnett JEF, Allen R, Astley K, Whitehouse F, Wessels ME. Pathology of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in southwest England including pups in early rehabilitation. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2021; 145:35-50. [PMID: 34137375 DOI: 10.3354/dao03600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Few investigations have examined the pathology of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in southwest England, where it is the most abundant marine mammal. Here, primary pathological findings are presented from 107 post-mortem examinations of grey seals in southwest England between 2013 and 2020. Over three-quarters were pups in their first year of life; the origins of the carcasses reflected the known breeding season and breeding sites of grey seals in the region. Trauma was the most common primary pathological finding (n = 49), followed by infectious disease (n = 36). Traumatic findings included fisheries-related trauma (n = 15), other acute physical traumas (n = 15) and other chronic traumas (n = 19). Infectious disease findings included respiratory infections (n = 21) and gastrointestinal infections (n = 9). There was no difference in the primary pathological findings for seals found dead or that died or were euthanased on the day they were found compared to those dying in early rehabilitation, suggesting that it is appropriate to include findings from seals in early rehabilitation in studies of wild grey seal pathology. Seals that had not been frozen before post-mortem examination were nearly twice as likely to have a primary pathological finding of infectious disease or trauma than those that had been frozen, highlighting the need, wherever possible, to avoid freezing seals prior to post-mortem examination.
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22
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Small Scale Fisheries, Dolphins and Societal Challenges: A Case Study in the City of Volos, Greece. CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/conservation1020007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing literature on dolphin-fisheries interaction focused on Greece reveals both an undeveloped area for research, but also a lack of relevant data in this field. Although imperative, relevant research has been slow on innovation and cooperation among universities, official bureaus, and NGOs that are obliged to work together as European and national laws dictate. Most of the research in this new field focuses on the interaction between marine mammals and local fisheries, suggesting that this relationship may be problematic for both parties since the former are being treated (at least occasionally) with brutality, while the latter try to deal with economic loss. Dolphins and fishermen operate within the same ecological niches for their survival, the main area of conflict being nutritious fish. Anthropological research on ethnic identity has long dealt with antagonistic relationships over resources between adjacent groups of people. Marine biologists’ research in Greece focuses on the human factor, and some of its shortcomings may well be seen as the result of limited, or an absence of, training in social sciences. This article attempts to draw from anthropological theory to shed light on a particular symbiosis between humans and dolphins. Multidisciplinary approaches gain ground in a wide range of research interests and seem to be fruitful in terms of theoretical and practical results.
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23
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Frainer G, Huggenberger S, Moreno IB, Plön S, Galatius A. Head adaptation for sound production and feeding strategy in dolphins (Odontoceti: Delphinida). J Anat 2021; 238:1070-1081. [PMID: 33319356 PMCID: PMC8053589 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Head morphology in toothed whales evolved under selective pressures on feeding strategy and sound production. The postnatal development of the skull (n = 207) and mandible (n = 219) of six Delphinida species which differ in feeding strategy but exhibit similar sound emission patterns, including two narrow-band high-frequency species, were investigated through 3D morphometrics. Morphological changes throughout ontogeny were demonstrated based on the main source of variation (i.e., prediction lines) and the common allometric component. Multivariate trajectory analysis with pairwise comparisons between all species was performed to evaluate specific differences on the postnatal development of skulls and mandibles. Changes in the rostrum formation contributed to the variation (skull: 49%; mandible: 90%) of the entire data set and might not only reflect the feeding strategy adopted by each lineage but also represents an adaptation for sound production and reception. As an important structure for directionality of sound emissions, this may increase directionality in raptorial feeders. Phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses indicated that shape of the anterior portion of the skull is strongly dependent on phylogeny and might not only reflect feeding mode, but also morphological adaptations for sound production, particularly in raptorial species. Thus, postnatal development seems to represent a crucial stage for biosonar maturation in some raptorial species such as Pontoporia blainvillei and Sousa plumbea. The ontogeny of their main tool for navigation and hunting might reflect their natural history peculiarities and thus potentially define their main vulnerabilities to anthropogenic changes in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Frainer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Ignacio B Moreno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos (CECLIMAR/CLN/UFRGS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Imbé, Brazil
| | - Stephanie Plön
- Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE), Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Anders Galatius
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
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24
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Blasi MF, Caserta V, Bruno C, Salzeri P, Di Paola AI, Lucchetti A. Behaviour and vocalizations of two sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) entangled in illegal driftnets in the Mediterranean Sea. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250888. [PMID: 33914839 PMCID: PMC8084192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Illegal driftnetting causes each year several entanglements and deaths of sperm whales in different Mediterranean areas, primarily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. In summer 2020, during the June-July fishing season, two sperm whales were found entangled in illegal driftnets in the Aeolian Archipelago waters, Southern Italy. These two rare events were an exceptional chance to collect behavioural and acoustics data about entangled sperm whales. We analysed 1132 one-minute sets of breathing/behavioural data and 1575 minutes of acoustic recording, when the whales were found entangled, during the rescue operation, immediately after release, and in the days thereafter. The first whale was generally quiet showing a general status of debilitation/weakness, numerous skin lesions, and low breathing rate (0.31 (0.60)); it collaborated during rescue operations. On the contrary, the second whale showed a high level of agitation with a high breathing rate (1.48 (1.31)) during both the entanglement period and the net cutting operations, vigorously moving its fluke and pectoral fins, opening its mouth, sideway rolling or side fluking and frequently defecating. Acoustically, the first whale produced mainly single clicks in all phases except for two series of creaks during rescuing operations while the second whale produced a wide range of vocalizations (single clicks, likely either slow clicks or regular clicks, creaks, and codas). Our observations indicate that acoustics, respiratory and behavioural parameters may be useful to monitor the physical/physiological status of sperm whales during disentanglement operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Francesca Blasi
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Valentina Caserta
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Chiara Bruno
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Perla Salzeri
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Agata Irene Di Paola
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Località Stimpagnato, Filicudi, Lipari (ME), Italy
| | - Alessandro Lucchetti
- Centro Nazionale Ricerca - Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine (CNR-IRBBM), Ancona, Italy
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25
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Sankalpa DMR, Thilakarathne EPDN, Lin W, Thilakanayaka V, Kumarasinghe CP, Liu M, Lin M, Li S. Cetacean occurrence and diversity in whale-watching waters off Mirissa, Southern Sri Lanka. Integr Zool 2021; 16:462-476. [PMID: 33733602 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Scientific information is vital to the conservation of cetaceans and the management of whale-watching activities. The southern coastal waters of Sri Lanka are near a narrow continental shelf and biologically abundant in cetacean species. Although the occurrence of cetaceans has been investigated in certain waters of Sri Lanka, few surveys have been conducted along the southern coast. To fill this gap, we conducted boat-based surveys from January to May 2017 to investigate the occurrence, diversity, and behavior of cetaceans in the waters off Mirissa, covering a survey area of 788.9 km2 . During 55 survey days, we recorded a total of 242 cetacean sightings and identified at least 9 species (3 mysticetes and 6 odontocetes). The blue whale was the most common mysticete species (167 of 174 mysticete encounters), followed by the Omura's whale (4 of 174) and Bryde's whale (3 of 174). The spinner dolphin was the most common odontocete species (28 of 68 odontocete encounters), followed by the sperm whale (18 of 68), common bottlenose dolphin (13 of 68), short-finned pilot whale (5 of 68), melon-headed whale (2 of 68), and killer whale. Blue whales and sperm whales exhibited a clear preference for outer shelf and high slope areas, and blue whales were observed feeding along these waters. The present study provides near-baseline information on cetacean occurrence and diversity in whale-watching waters off southern Sri Lanka, and highlights the urgent need for proper management strategies for whale-watching activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Rajitha Sankalpa
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Wenzhi Lin
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Vidusanka Thilakanayaka
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Ruhuna, Wellamadama, Matara, Sri Lanka
| | - Chathurika Piumi Kumarasinghe
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Mingli Lin
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Songhai Li
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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26
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Nelms SE, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Arnould JPY, Avila IC, Bengtson Nash S, Campbell E, Carter MID, Collins T, Currey RJC, Domit C, Franco-Trecu V, Fuentes MMPB, Gilman E, Harcourt RG, Hines EM, Hoelzel AR, Hooker SK, Johnston DW, Kelkar N, Kiszka JJ, Laidre KL, Mangel JC, Marsh H, Maxwell SM, Onoufriou AB, Palacios DM, Pierce GJ, Ponnampalam LS, Porter LJ, Russell DJF, Stockin KA, Sutaria D, Wambiji N, Weir CR, Wilson B, Godley BJ. Marine mammal conservation: over the horizon. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals can play important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, and their presence can be key to community structure and function. Consequently, marine mammals are often considered indicators of ecosystem health and flagship species. Yet, historical population declines caused by exploitation, and additional current threats, such as climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution and maritime development, continue to impact many marine mammal species, and at least 25% are classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Conversely, some species have experienced population increases/recoveries in recent decades, reflecting management interventions, and are heralded as conservation successes. To continue these successes and reverse the downward trajectories of at-risk species, it is necessary to evaluate the threats faced by marine mammals and the conservation mechanisms available to address them. Additionally, there is a need to identify evidence-based priorities of both research and conservation needs across a range of settings and taxa. To that effect we: (1) outline the key threats to marine mammals and their impacts, identify the associated knowledge gaps and recommend actions needed; (2) discuss the merits and downfalls of established and emerging conservation mechanisms; (3) outline the application of research and monitoring techniques; and (4) highlight particular taxa/populations that are in urgent need of focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- SE Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - J Alfaro-Shigueto
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
- Facultad de Biologia Marina, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | - JPY Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - IC Avila
- Grupo de Ecología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - S Bengtson Nash
- Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - E Campbell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
| | - MID Carter
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - T Collins
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - RJC Currey
- Marine Stewardship Council, 1 Snow Hill, London, EC1A 2DH, UK
| | - C Domit
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Marine Study Center, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil
| | - V Franco-Trecu
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - MMPB Fuentes
- Marine Turtle Research, Ecology and Conservation Group, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - E Gilman
- Pelagic Ecosystems Research Group, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - RG Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - EM Hines
- Estuary & Ocean Science Center, San Francisco State University, 3150 Paradise Dr. Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
| | - AR Hoelzel
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - SK Hooker
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - DW Johnston
- Duke Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - N Kelkar
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur PO, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - JJ Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Coastlines and Oceans Division, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - KL Laidre
- Polar Science Center, APL, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - JC Mangel
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
| | - H Marsh
- James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 48111, Australia
| | - SM Maxwell
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell WA 98011, USA
| | - AB Onoufriou
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
- Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - DM Palacios
- Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, 97365, USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
| | - GJ Pierce
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - LS Ponnampalam
- The MareCet Research Organization, 40460 Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - LJ Porter
- SMRU Hong Kong, University of St. Andrews, Hong Kong
| | - DJF Russell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - KA Stockin
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D Sutaria
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell WA 98011, USA
| | - N Wambiji
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa-80100, Kenya
| | - CR Weir
- Ketos Ecology, 4 Compton Road, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2BP, UK
| | - B Wilson
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - BJ Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
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27
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IJsseldijk LL, Scheidat M, Siemensma ML, Couperus B, Leopold MF, Morell M, Gröne A, Kik MJL. Challenges in the Assessment of Bycatch: Postmortem Findings in Harbor Porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena) Retrieved From Gillnets. Vet Pathol 2021; 58:405-415. [PMID: 33272139 PMCID: PMC7961740 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820972454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bycatch is considered one of the most significant threats affecting cetaceans worldwide. In the North Sea, bottom-set gillnets are a specific risk for harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Methods to estimate bycatch rates include on-board observers, remote electronic monitoring, and fishermen voluntarily reporting; none of these are systematically conducted. Additionally, necropsies of stranded animals can provide insights into bycatch occurrence and health status of individuals. There are, however, uncertainties when it comes to the assessment of bycatch in stranded animals, mainly due to the lack of diagnostic tools specific for underwater entrapment. We conducted a literature review to establish criteria that aid in the assessment of bycatch in small cetaceans, and we tested which of these criteria applied to harbor porpoises retrieved from gillnets in the Netherlands (n = 12). Twenty-five criteria were gathered from literature. Of these, "superficial incisions," "encircling imprints," and "recent ingestion of prey" were observed in the vast majority of our confirmed bycatch cases. Criteria like "pulmonary edema," "pulmonary emphysema," and "organ congestion" were also frequently observed, although considered unspecific as an indicator of bycatch. Notably, previously mentioned criteria as "favorable health status," "absence of disease," or "good nutritional condition" did not apply to the majority of our bycaught porpoises. This may reflect an overall reduced fitness of harbor porpoises inhabiting the southern North Sea or a higher chance of a debilitated porpoise being bycaught, and could result in an underestimation of bycatch rates when assessing stranded animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonneke L. IJsseldijk
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Bram Couperus
- Wageningen Marine Research, Ijmuiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Maria Morell
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Büsum, Germany
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Marja J. L. Kik
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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Morin PA, Forester BR, Forney KA, Crossman CA, Hancock-Hanser BL, Robertson KM, Barrett-Lennard LG, Baird RW, Calambokidis J, Gearin P, Hanson MB, Schumacher C, Harkins T, Fontaine MC, Taylor BL, Parsons KM. Population structure in a continuously distributed coastal marine species, the harbor porpoise, based on microhaplotypes derived from poor-quality samples. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:1457-1476. [PMID: 33544423 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Harbor porpoise in the North Pacific are found in coastal waters from southern California to Japan, but population structure is poorly known outside of a few local areas. We used multiplexed amplicon sequencing of 292 loci and genotyped clusters of single nucleotide polymoirphisms as microhaplotypes (N = 271 samples) in addition to mitochondrial (mtDNA) sequence data (N = 413 samples) to examine the genetic structure from samples collected along the Pacific coast and inland waterways from California to southern British Columbia. We confirmed an overall pattern of strong isolation-by-distance, suggesting that individual dispersal is restricted. We also found evidence of regions where genetic differences are larger than expected based on geographical distance alone, implying current or historical barriers to gene flow. In particular, the southernmost population in California is genetically distinct (FST = 0.02 [microhaplotypes]; 0.31 [mtDNA]), with both reduced genetic variability and high frequency of an otherwise rare mtDNA haplotype. At the northern end of our study range, we found significant genetic differentiation of samples from the Strait of Georgia, previously identified as a potential biogeographical boundary or secondary contact zone between harbor porpoise populations. Association of microhaplotypes with remotely sensed environmental variables indicated potential local adaptation, especially at the southern end of the species' range. These results inform conservation and management for this nearshore species, illustrate the value of genomic methods for detecting patterns of genetic structure within a continuously distributed marine species, and highlight the power of microhaplotype genotyping for detecting genetic structure in harbor porpoises despite reliance on poor-quality samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A Morin
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Brenna R Forester
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Karin A Forney
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Moss Landing, CA, USA.,Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, San Jose State University, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - Carla A Crossman
- Biology Department, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Cetacean Research Program, Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Kelly M Robertson
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Pat Gearin
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M Bradley Hanson
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Michael C Fontaine
- MIVEGEC Research Unit (Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD) & Centre for Research on the Ecology and Evolution of Diseases (CREES), Centre IRD de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara L Taylor
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kim M Parsons
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA, USA.,Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA, USA
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Punt AE, Siple MC, Francis TB, Hammond PS, Heinemann D, Long KJ, Moore J, Sepúlveda M, Reeves RR, Sigurðsson GM, Víkingsson G, Wade PR, Williams R, Zerbini AN. Can we manage marine mammal bycatch effectively in low‐data environments? J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- André E. Punt
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - Margaret C. Siple
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences University of Washington Seattle WA USA
| | - Tessa B. Francis
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences University of Washington Seattle WA USA
- Puget Sound Institute University of Washington Tacoma Tacoma WA USA
| | - Philip S. Hammond
- Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews Fife UK
| | | | - Kristy J. Long
- Office of Protected Resources NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Silver Spring MD USA
| | - Jeff Moore
- Protected Resources Division NOAA SWFSC La Jolla CA USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul R. Wade
- Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA AFSC Seattle WA USA
| | | | - Alexandre N. Zerbini
- Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA AFSC Seattle WA USA
- Cascadia Research Collective Olympia WA USA
- Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research Seabeck WA USA
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30
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Ossiboff RJ, Origgi FC, Stacy NI. Editorial: Health and Disease in Free-Ranging and Captive Wildlife. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:620685. [PMID: 33365338 PMCID: PMC7750182 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.620685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Ossiboff
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Francesco C Origgi
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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31
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Luck C, Jessopp M, Tully O, Cosgrove R, Rogan E, Cronin M. Estimating protected species bycatch from limited observer coverage: A case study of seal bycatch in static net fisheries. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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32
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Puig-Lozano R, Fernández A, Sierra E, Saavedra P, Suárez-Santana CM, De la Fuente J, Díaz-Delgado J, Godinho A, García-Álvarez N, Zucca D, Xuriach A, Arregui M, Felipe-Jiménez I, Consoli F, Díaz-Santana PJ, Segura-Göthlin S, Câmara N, Rivero MA, Sacchini S, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Arbelo M. Retrospective Study of Fishery Interactions in Stranded Cetaceans, Canary Islands. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:567258. [PMID: 33195545 PMCID: PMC7641611 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.567258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating cetacean interactions with fishery activities is challenging. Bycatch and chronic entanglements are responsible for thousands of cetacean deaths per year globally. This study represents the first systematic approach to the postmortem investigation of fishery interactions in stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands. We retrospectively studied 586 cases necropsied between January 2000 and December 2018. Of the cases with a known cause of death, 7.4% (32/453) were due to fishery interactions, and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) was the most affected species [46.9% (15/32)]. Three types of fishery interactions were recognized by gross findings: bycatch [65.6% (21/32)], chronic entanglements [18.8% (6/32)], and fishermen aggression [15.6% (5/32)]. Among the bycaught cases, we differentiated the dolphins that died because of ingestion of longline hooks [23.8% (5/21)] from those that died because of fishing net entrapments [76.2% (16/21)], including dolphins that presumably died at depth due to peracute underwater entrapment (PUE) [37.5% (6/16)], dolphins that were hauled out alive and suffered additional trauma during handling [43.8% (7/16)], and those that were released alive but became stranded and died because of fishery interactions [18.7% (3/16)]. Gross and histologic findings of animals in each group were presented and compared. The histological approach confirmed gross lesions and excluded other possible causes of death. Cetaceans in good-fair body condition and shallow diving species were significantly more affected by fishery interactions, in agreement with the literature. Low rates of fishery interactions have been described, compared with other regions. However, within the last few years, sightings of entangled live whales, especially the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Bryde's whale (B. edeni), have increased. This study contributes to further improvement of the evaluation of different types of fishery interactions and may facilitate the enforcement of future conservation policies to preserve cetacean populations in the Canary Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Cristian M Suárez-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jesús De la Fuente
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- TVMDL Texas A&M, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ana Godinho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Natalia García-Álvarez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Daniele Zucca
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Aina Xuriach
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Marina Arregui
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Francesco Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pablo J Díaz-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Simone Segura-Göthlin
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Nakita Câmara
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel A Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Simona Sacchini
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
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33
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Verutes GM, Johnson AF, Caillat M, Ponnampalam LS, Peter C, Vu L, Junchompoo C, Lewison RL, Hines EM. Using GIS and stakeholder involvement to innovate marine mammal bycatch risk assessment in data-limited fisheries. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237835. [PMID: 32817725 PMCID: PMC7446845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fisheries bycatch has been identified as the greatest threat to marine mammals worldwide. Characterizing the impacts of bycatch on marine mammals is challenging because it is difficult to both observe and quantify, particularly in small-scale fisheries where data on fishing effort and marine mammal abundance and distribution are often limited. The lack of risk frameworks that can integrate and visualize existing data have hindered the ability to describe and quantify bycatch risk. Here, we describe the design of a new geographic information systems tool built specifically for the analysis of bycatch in small-scale fisheries, called Bycatch Risk Assessment (ByRA). Using marine mammals in Malaysia and Vietnam as a test case, we applied ByRA to assess the risks posed to Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) and dugongs (Dugong dugon) by five small-scale fishing gear types (hook and line, nets, longlines, pots and traps, and trawls). ByRA leverages existing data on animal distributions, fisheries effort, and estimates of interaction rates by combining expert knowledge and spatial analyses of existing data to visualize and characterize bycatch risk. By identifying areas of bycatch concern while accounting for uncertainty using graphics, maps and summary tables, we demonstrate the importance of integrating available geospatial data in an accessible format that taps into local knowledge and can be corroborated by and communicated to stakeholders of data-limited fisheries. Our methodological approach aims to meet a critical need of fisheries managers: to identify emergent interaction patterns between fishing gears and marine mammals and support the development of management actions that can lead to sustainable fisheries and mitigate bycatch risk for species of conservation concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M. Verutes
- Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Campus Do*Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Vigo, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew F. Johnson
- MarFishEco Fisheries Consultants, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- The Lyell Centre, Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Cindy Peter
- Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, University Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Long Vu
- Vietnam Marine Megafauna Network, Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Endangered Species, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Rebecca L. Lewison
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Ellen M. Hines
- Estuary & Ocean Science Center, San Francisco State University, Tiburon, CA, United States of America
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34
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Campbell E, Mangel JC, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Mena JL, Thurstan RH, Godley BJ. Coexisting in the Peruvian Amazon: Interactions between fisheries and river dolphins. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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35
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Hines E, Ponnampalam LS, Junchompoo C, Peter C, Vu L, Huynh T, Caillat M, Johnson AF, Minton G, Lewison RL, Verutes GM. Getting to the bottom of bycatch: a GIS-based toolbox to assess the risk of marine mammal bycatch. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine mammal bycatch poses a particular challenge in developing countries, where data to document bycatch and its effects are often lacking. Using the Bycatch Risk Assessment (ByRA) toolkit, based on InVEST open-source models, we chose 4 field sites in Southeast Asia with varying amounts of data on marine mammals and fishing occurrence: Trat province in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, the Sibu-Tinggi Islands and Kuching Bay, Malaysia, and Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve in southwestern Vietnam. These field sites have similar species of coastal marine mammals, small-scale and commercial fisheries, and support for research from universities and/or management. In Thailand and Kuching, results showed changing patterns of fishing and Irrawaddy dolphin Orcaella brevirostris habitat use across seasons, showing how bycatch risk could change throughout the year. Risk maps for dugongs Dugong dugon in peninsular Malaysia highlighted patterns of bycatch risk concentrated around a mainland fishing pier, and revealed high risk in a northern subregion. In Vietnam, first maps of bycatch risk for the Irrawaddy dolphin showed the highest risk driven by intensive use of gillnets and trawling gear. ByRA pinpointed areas of spatial and seasonal bycatch exposure, and estimated the consequence of bycatch on local species, providing managers with critical information on where to focus bycatch mitigation and meet new global standards for US Marine Mammal Protection Act and other international regulation (e.g. Official Journal of the European Union 2019; Regulation 2019/1241) compliance. The toolbox, a transferable open-source tool, can be used to guide fisheries management, marine mammal conservation, spatial planning, and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hines
- Estuary & Ocean Science Center, and Department of Geography & Environment, San Francisco State University, Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
| | - LS Ponnampalam
- The MareCet Research Organization, 5, Jalan USJ 12/1B 47630 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - C Junchompoo
- Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Chaeng Watthana Road, Lak Si District, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - C Peter
- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - L Vu
- Vietnam Marine Megafauna Network, Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Endangered Species, 24, Street No 13, Lakeview City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - T Huynh
- Southern Institute of Ecology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 01 Mac Dinh Chi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1164, Japan
| | - M Caillat
- Environmental Defense Fund, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | - AF Johnson
- MarFishEco Fisheries Consultants, 67/6 Brunswick Street, Edinburgh EH7 5HT, UK
- The Lyell Centre, Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - G Minton
- Megaptera Marine Conservation, Laan van Rhemen van Rhemenshuizen 14, 2242 PT Wassenaar, The Netherlands
| | - RL Lewison
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, CA 92182, USA
| | - GM Verutes
- Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Praza do Obradoiro, 0, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
- Campus Do*Mar, International Campus of Excellence, 36310 Vigo, Spain
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Ewbank AC, Sacristán C, Costa-Silva S, Antonelli M, Lorenço JR, Nogueira GA, Ebert MB, Kolesnikovas CKM, Catão-Dias JL. Postmortem findings in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) caught in a drift gillnet. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:153. [PMID: 32448250 PMCID: PMC7245875 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02363-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Penguin interaction with gillnets has been extensively reported in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and is considered a major conservation threat. Among penguin species, Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are currently considered of great concern, particularly in Brazil, where they are highly susceptible to gillnet bycatch. Nevertheless, information about drowning-associated microscopic findings in penguins is limited. RESULTS We describe the anatomopathological findings of 20 Magellanic penguins that drowned after getting entangled in a drift gillnet while wintering along the Brazilian shelf and washed ashore still enmeshed in Santa Catarina, Brazil. All 20 birds (19 juveniles and 1 adult; 18 females and 2 males) were in good body condition. Major gross findings were abrasion, bruising, and local erythema and edema of the wings, multiorgan congestion, jugular vein engorgement, pulmonary edema and hemorrhage, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, fluid in the trachea, serous bloody fluid in the lungs, gastrointestinal parasites (nematodes, cestodes and trematodes), and debris in the stomach. The most common histopathological findings were cerebral and pulmonary congestion, pulmonary edema, splenic histiocytosis, lymphoid splenic hyperplasia, acute splenitis, extramedullary hepatic hematopoiesis, and parasitic enteritis. Although unspecific, the observed multiorgan congestion and pulmonary edema are consistent with previous reports of drowning in birds and may be indicative of this process. CONCLUSIONS Drowning may be a challenging diagnosis (e.g., carcass decomposition, predation), but must be considered as a differential in all beach-cast seabird postmortem examinations. To the authors' knowledge this is the largest anatomopathological study based on microscopic examination in drowned penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Ewbank
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Sacristán
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Mariana B Ebert
- Laboratory of Wildlife Parasitology (LAPAS), Parasitology Department, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, 18618-000, Brazil
| | | | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
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Peltier H, Authier M, Dabin W, Dars C, Demaret F, Doremus G, Canneyt OV, Laran S, Mendez-Fernandez P, Spitz J, Daniel P, Ridoux V. Can modelling the drift of bycaught dolphin stranded carcasses help identify involved fisheries? An exploratory study. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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38
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Anderson RC, Herrera M, Ilangakoon AD, Koya KM, Moazzam M, Mustika PL, Sutaria DN. Cetacean bycatch in Indian Ocean tuna gillnet fisheries. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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39
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Brentano R, Petry MV. Marine debris ingestion and human impacts on the Pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) in southern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110595. [PMID: 31669712 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Pygmy sperm whales, Kogia breviceps (Kogiidae), are a small cetacean that inhabits Mesopelagic regions near the continental shelf. In this study we present record of plastic ingestion by K. breviceps in Brazil. In August 2010 on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, a carcass was found showing evidences of interaction with fishing nets. The stomach content was collected for the analysis of food items, but the presence of four plastics weighing 55.9 g was found. In addition, the analysis of food items revealed the presence of the fish Merluccius hubbsi, which is an intensely explored species by fisheries activities in southern Brazil. Merluccius sp. is common in the diet of K. breviceps in several regions of the planet. This work shows that in southern Brazil, K. breviceps suffers intense impact of both ingestion of anthropic material and fisheries, and so must be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Brentano
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, Bairro Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, 93.022-750, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Maria Virginia Petry
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, Bairro Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, 93.022-750, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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40
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Melo-Merino SM, Reyes-Bonilla H, Lira-Noriega A. Ecological niche models and species distribution models in marine environments: A literature review and spatial analysis of evidence. Ecol Modell 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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41
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Luck C, Cronin M, Gosch M, Healy K, Cosgrove R, Tully O, Rogan E, Jessopp M. Drivers of spatiotemporal variability in bycatch of a top marine predator: First evidence for the role of water turbidity in protected species bycatch. J Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cian Luck
- MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy Climate and Marine Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College Cork Cork Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute University College Cork Cork Ireland
- School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences University College Cork Cork Ireland
| | - Michelle Cronin
- MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy Climate and Marine Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College Cork Cork Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute University College Cork Cork Ireland
| | - Martha Gosch
- MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy Climate and Marine Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College Cork Cork Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute University College Cork Cork Ireland
| | - Kieran Healy
- South West Regional Inshore Fisheries Forum Cork Ireland
| | | | | | - Emer Rogan
- School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences University College Cork Cork Ireland
| | - Mark Jessopp
- MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy Climate and Marine Environmental Research InstituteUniversity College Cork Cork Ireland
- Environmental Research Institute University College Cork Cork Ireland
- School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences University College Cork Cork Ireland
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42
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Schaffeld T, Ruser A, Woelfing B, Baltzer J, Kristensen JH, Larsson J, Schnitzler JG, Siebert U. The use of seal scarers as a protective mitigation measure can induce hearing impairment in harbour porpoises. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:4288. [PMID: 31893707 DOI: 10.1121/1.5135303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) are used to deter seals from aquacultures but exposure of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) occurs as a side-effect. At construction sites, by contrast, ADDs are used to deter harbour porpoises from the zone in which pile driving noise can induce temporary threshold shifts (TTSs). ADDs emit such high pressure levels that there is concern that ADDs themselves may induce a TTS. A harbour porpoise in human care was exposed to an artificial ADD signal with a peak frequency of 14 kHz. A significant TTS was found, measured by auditory evoked potentials, with an onset of 142 dB re 1 μPa2s at 20 kHz and 147 dB re 1 μPa2s at 28 kHz. The authors therefore strongly recommend to gradually increase and down regulate source levels of ADDs to the desired deterrence range. However, further research is needed to develop a reliable relationship between received levels and deterrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schaffeld
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Andreas Ruser
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Benno Woelfing
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Johannes Baltzer
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | | | | | - Joseph G Schnitzler
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
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43
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Câmara N, Sierra E, Fernández-Maldonado C, Espinosa de Los Monteros A, Arbelo M, Fernández A, Herráez P. Stress cardiomyopathy in stranded cetaceans: a histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study. Vet Rec 2019; 185:694. [PMID: 31554713 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free-living cetaceans are exposed to a wide variety of stressful situations, including live stranding and interaction with human beings (capture myopathy), vessel strikes, and fishing activities (bycatch), which affect their wellbeing and potentially lead to stress cardiomyopathy (SCMP). METHODS Here, the authors aimed to characterise SCMP of stranded cetaceans as an injury resulting from extreme stress responses, based on pathological analyses (histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical). Specifically, the authors examined heart samples from 67 cetaceans found ashore (48 live strandings, seven dead from ship collision and 12 dead from bycatch) on the coast of Spain, more specifically in the Canary Islands from 2000 to 2016 and Andalusia from 2011 to 2014. RESULTS The microscopic findings were characterised by vascular changes, acute or subacute cardiac degenerative necrotic lesions, interstitial myoglobin globules, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemically, cardiac troponin I, cardiac troponin C and myoglobin were depleted, along with fibrinogen being expressed in the degenerated/necrotic cardiomyocytes. A perivascular pattern was also identified and described in the damaged cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSIONS This study advances current knowledge about the pathologies of cetaceans and their implications on conserving this group of animals by reducing mortality and enhancing their treatment and subsequent rehabilitation to the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nakita Câmara
- Departamento de Histología y Patología Animal, Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Facultad de Veterinaria, Arucas, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Departamento de Histología y Patología Animal, Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Facultad de Veterinaria, Arucas, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Espinosa de Los Monteros
- Departamento de Histología y Patología Animal, Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Facultad de Veterinaria, Arucas, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Departamento de Histología y Patología Animal, Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Facultad de Veterinaria, Arucas, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Departamento de Histología y Patología Animal, Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Facultad de Veterinaria, Arucas, Spain
| | - Pedro Herráez
- Departamento de Histología y Patología Animal, Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Facultad de Veterinaria, Arucas, Spain
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44
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Dewhurst‐Richman NI, Jones JPG, Northridge S, Ahmed B, Brook S, Freeman R, Jepson P, Mahood SP, Turvey ST. Fishing for the facts: river dolphin bycatch in a small‐scale freshwater fishery in Bangladesh. Anim Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. I. Dewhurst‐Richman
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London Outer Circle, Regent's Park London NW1 4RY United Kingdom
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography Bangor University Bangor LL57 2UW UK
- Department of Geography Department of GeographyUniversity College London Gower Street LondonWC1E 6BT
| | - J. P. G. Jones
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography Bangor University Bangor LL57 2UW UK
| | - S. Northridge
- School of Biology University of St. Andrews St. AndrewsKY16 9TSUK
| | - B. Ahmed
- 7 B‐C, Ka 39‐A Dream Valley North Baridhara, Gulshan 2 Dhaka1212Bangladesh
| | - S. Brook
- Wildlife Conservation Society #21, Street 21 Phnom PenhPO Box 1620Cambodia
| | - R. Freeman
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London Outer Circle, Regent's Park London NW1 4RY United Kingdom
| | - P. Jepson
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London Outer Circle, Regent's Park London NW1 4RY United Kingdom
| | - S. P. Mahood
- 7 B‐C, Ka 39‐A Dream Valley North Baridhara, Gulshan 2 Dhaka1212Bangladesh
- Wildlife Conservation Society #21, Street 21 Phnom PenhPO Box 1620Cambodia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina NT 081 Australia
| | - S. T. Turvey
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London Outer Circle, Regent's Park London NW1 4RY United Kingdom
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Bouchard C, Bracken C, Dabin W, Canneyt O, Ridoux V, Spitz J, Authier M. A risk‐based forecast of extreme mortality events in small cetaceans: Using stranding data to inform conservation practice. Conserv Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Bouchard
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle, cnrs La Rochelle France
- UMR Ecobiop, UMR 1224, INRA University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour Saint‐Pée sur Nivelle France
| | | | - Willy Dabin
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle, cnrs La Rochelle France
| | - Olivier Canneyt
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle, cnrs La Rochelle France
| | - Vincent Ridoux
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle, cnrs La Rochelle France
- Centre d’Étude Biologiques de Chizé, UMS 7372 Université de La Rochelle, cnrs Villiers‐en‐bois France
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle, cnrs La Rochelle France
| | - Matthieu Authier
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle, cnrs La Rochelle France
- Adera Pessac Cedex France
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46
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Lenting B, Gartrell B, Kokosinska A, Duignan PJ, Michael S, Hunter S, Roe WD. Causes of adult mortality in two populations of New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri). Vet Anim Sci 2019; 7:100057. [PMID: 32734078 PMCID: PMC7386770 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2019.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious disease, including tuberculosis, was the most common cause of death. Anthropogenic trauma caused 26% of deaths in mainland sea lions. Trauma inflicted by adult male conspecifics caused 24% of deaths.
The New Zealand sea lion is an endangered species endemic to New Zealand. While causes of death are well described for pups of this species, mortality in adults is poorly characterised. This study investigated causes of death in 136 New Zealand sea lions in two different populations: a major breeding site on remote, uninhabited Enderby Island in the sub-Antarctic, and a slowly increasing recolonising population on the inhabited mainland. For animals with at least a partial diagnostic investigation (n = 112), the most frequently diagnosed causes of mortality were infectious disease (41/112; 37%), particularly tuberculosis due to M. pinnipedii (20/112; 18%), and conspecific trauma (27/112; 24%). Anthropogenic trauma was an important cause of death in mainland sea lions (9/33; 26%). Deliberate anthropogenic mortality has previously been identified as the greatest potential threat to population recovery for mainland sea lions, and as human and pinniped populations increase, managing interactions between these species will become increasingly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lenting
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, PN 4442, New Zealand
| | - B Gartrell
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, PN 4442, New Zealand
| | - A Kokosinska
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, PN 4442, New Zealand
| | - P J Duignan
- The Marine Mammal Centre, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - S Michael
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, PN 4442, New Zealand
| | - S Hunter
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, PN 4442, New Zealand
| | - W D Roe
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, PN 4442, New Zealand
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47
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Thorne LH, Baird RW, Webster DL, Stepanuk JE, Read AJ. Predicting fisheries bycatch: A case study and field test for pilot whales in a pelagic longline fishery. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lesley H. Thorne
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York
| | | | | | - Julia E. Stepanuk
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York
| | - Andrew J. Read
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Beaufort North Carolina
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48
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Risch D, Wilson SC, Hoogerwerf M, van Geel NCF, Edwards EWJ, Brookes KL. Seasonal and diel acoustic presence of North Atlantic minke whales in the North Sea. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3571. [PMID: 30837509 PMCID: PMC6400973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39752-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite frequent records from other parts of the North Atlantic, minke whales have never been acoustically recorded in the North Sea. This study investigated the detectability of pulse trains previously associated with this species in other regions, in acoustic data from ten sites along the east coast of Scotland. Since preliminary results confirmed pulse train presence, subsequently, an automated detector was applied to these data to record the seasonal and diel presence of minke whale pulse trains. Minke whales were detected from May to November, with most detections occurring in June, July and October. No acoustic detections were made in December, January or in the month of April, whilst no data were available for February and March. This pattern of acoustic presence supports available visual data and suggested an absence of minke whales from the study area during winter. Minke whale acoustic presence showed a statistically significant diel pattern, with a detection peak during night time. This study established the acoustic detectability of minke whales in the North Sea and highlights the potential of using passive acoustic monitoring to study the seasonal presence and spatial distribution of minke whales in the North Sea and wider Northeast Atlantic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Risch
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Scotland, UK.
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49
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Jounela P, Sipilä T, Koskela J, Tiilikainen R, Auttila M, Niemi M, Kunnasranta M. Incidental bycatch mortality and fishing restrictions: impacts on juvenile survival in the Endangered Saimaa ringed seal Pusa hispida saimensis. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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50
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Richardson K, Asmutis-Silvia R, Drinkwin J, Gilardi KVK, Giskes I, Jones G, O'Brien K, Pragnell-Raasch H, Ludwig L, Antonelis K, Barco S, Henry A, Knowlton A, Landry S, Mattila D, MacDonald K, Moore M, Morgan J, Robbins J, van der Hoop J, Hogan E. Building evidence around ghost gear: Global trends and analysis for sustainable solutions at scale. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 138:222-229. [PMID: 30660266 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) comprises a significant amount of global marine debris, with diverse impacts to marine environments, wildlife, and the fishing industry. Building evidence on ALDFG is critical to holistically understand the marine debris issue, and to inform the development of solutions that reduce amounts of ALDFG sources and recover existing gear. Substantial work has been and continues to be undertaken around the world to collect data on ALDFG, much of which remains unpublished. To provide a global picture of data on ALDFG, we organized a technical session that brought together seven ALDFG leaders to share their expertise in data collection, retrieval, and awareness-raising. This paper summarizes the technical session to highlight: 1) case studies that feature innovative approaches to ALDFG data collection and retrieval; 2) examples of opportunities to fill data gaps and improve our understanding of wildlife ingestion of and entanglement in ALDFG; and 3) awareness-raising through the development of a publicly accessible global ALDFG database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Richardson
- University of Tasmania, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), 3-4 Castray Esplanade, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia.
| | | | - Joan Drinkwin
- Natural Resources Consultants, Inc., 4039 21st Ave. West, Ste. 404, Seattle, WA 98199, USA.
| | - Kirsten V K Gilardi
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Ingrid Giskes
- World Animal Protection, Level 2, 120 Christie Street, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia.
| | - Gideon Jones
- Emerald Sea Protection Society, 3144 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K2A1, Canada.
| | - Kevin O'Brien
- NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Joint Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Research, NOAA Inouye Regional Center, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg. #176, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA.
| | | | - Laura Ludwig
- Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA.
| | - Kyle Antonelis
- Natural Resources Consultants, Inc., 4039 21st Ave. West, Ste. 404, Seattle, WA 98199, USA.
| | - Susan Barco
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA.
| | - Allison Henry
- NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.
| | - Amy Knowlton
- New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA.
| | - Scott Landry
- Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA.
| | - David Mattila
- Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA.
| | - Kristen MacDonald
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Michael Moore
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.
| | - Jason Morgan
- Northwest Straits Foundation, 1155 N. State Street Ste. 402, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
| | - Jooke Robbins
- Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA.
| | - Julie van der Hoop
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA; Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Alle 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Elizabeth Hogan
- World Animal Protection, 450 7th Ave., 31st Floor, New York, NY 10123, United States.
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