1
|
Panigada S, Donovan GP, Druon JN, Lauriano G, Pierantonio N, Pirotta E, Zanardelli M, Zerbini AN, di Sciara GN. Satellite tagging of Mediterranean fin whales: working towards the identification of critical habitats and the focussing of mitigation measures. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3365. [PMID: 28611466 PMCID: PMC5469747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03560-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mediterranean fin whales comprise a genetically distinct population, listed as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN Red List. Collisions with vessels are believed to represent the main cause of human-induced mortality. The identification of critical habitats (including migration routes) incorporating satellite telemetry data is therefore crucial to develop focussed conservation efforts. Between 2012 and 2015 thirteen fin whales were equipped with satellite transmitters, 8 in the Pelagos Sanctuary (although two ceased within two days) and 5 in the Strait of Sicily, to evaluate movements and habitat use. A hierarchical switching state-space model was used to identify transiting and area-restricted search (ARS) behaviours, believed to indicate foraging activities. All whales undertook mid- to long-distance migrations, crossing some of the world's busiest maritime routes. Areas where the animals predominantly engaged in ARS behaviour were identified in both study areas. The telemetry data were compared with results from ecosystem niche modelling, and showed that 80% of tagged whale positions was near (<7 km) the closest suitable habitat. The results contribute to the view that precautionary management should include establishment of a coordinated and dynamic basin-wide management scheme; if appropriate, this may include the establishment of protected areas by specific regional Conventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Panigada
- Tethys Research Institute, c/o Acquario Civico, Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gregory P Donovan
- International Whaling Commission, The Red House, 135 Station Road, Impington, CB24 9NP, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Noël Druon
- European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre, Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Unit D.02 Water and Marine Resources, Via Fermi, TP 051, 21027, Ispra, (VA), Italy
| | - Giancarlo Lauriano
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research - ISPRA, Via V. Brancati 60, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Nino Pierantonio
- Tethys Research Institute, c/o Acquario Civico, Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Pirotta
- School of Mathematics, Washington State University, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave, Vancouver, WA, 98686, USA
| | - Margherita Zanardelli
- Tethys Research Institute, c/o Acquario Civico, Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Alexandre N Zerbini
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center - NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, WA, 98115-6349, USA
- Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, WA, USA
- Instituto Aqualie, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cominelli S, Moulins A, Rosso M, Tepsich P. Fin whale seasonal trends in the Pelagos Sanctuary, Mediterranean Sea. J Wildl Manage 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cominelli
- Department of BiosciencesParma UniversityStrada dell'Università, 1243100 Parma PRItaly
| | | | | | - Paola Tepsich
- CIMA Research Foundationvia Magliotto 217100 SavonaItaly
- Department of Informatics Bioengineering Robotics and System Engineering (DIBRIS)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
| |
Collapse
|