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Morin PA, McCarthy ML, Fung CW, Durban JW, Parsons KM, Perrin WF, Taylor BL, Jefferson TA, Archer FI. Revised taxonomy of eastern North Pacific killer whales ( Orcinus orca): Bigg's and resident ecotypes deserve species status. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231368. [PMID: 38545612 PMCID: PMC10966402 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are currently recognized as a single ecologically and morphologically diverse, globally distributed species. Multiple morphotypes or ecotypes have been described, often associated with feeding specialization, and several studies have suggested taxonomic revision to include multiple subspecies or species in the genus. We review the ecological, morphological and genetic data for the well-studied 'resident' and Bigg's (aka 'transient') ecotypes in the eastern North Pacific and use quantitative taxonomic guidelines and standards to determine whether the taxonomic status of these killer whale ecotypes should be revised. Our review and new analyses indicate that species-level status is justified in both cases, and we conclude that eastern North Pacific Bigg's killer whales should be recognized as Orcinus rectipinnus (Cope in Scammon, 1869) and resident killer whales should be recognized as Orcinus ater (Cope in Scammon, 1869).
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A. Morin
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA92037, USA
| | - Morgan L. McCarthy
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA92037, USA
| | - Charissa W. Fung
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British ColumbiaV6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - John W. Durban
- Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Newport, OR97365, USA
| | - Kim M. Parsons
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA98112, USA
| | - William F. Perrin
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA92037, USA
| | - Barbara L. Taylor
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA92037, USA
| | - Thomas A. Jefferson
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA92037, USA
| | - Frederick I. Archer
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, La Jolla, CA92037, USA
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Jeyakumar SS, Ponniah JM, Vasudevan J, Muñoz-Sevilla NP, Urrutia-Goyes R, Escobedo-Urias DC, Rodriguez-Espinosa PF. Public views on tourist beach environment from multinational countries and ensuing changes during global epidemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-26277-x. [PMID: 36917386 PMCID: PMC10013292 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The continuous endemic of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus brought a halt to the world's activities from February 2020. Our study intends to gauge public perceptions on the consequences of post-pandemic changes on the marine environment, particularly as they are related to tourist beach amenities. Totally, 16 nations' knowledge and views on various environmental viewpoints over the effects of epidemic were gathered through public polls live on social media during social confinement in 2020. The results indicate that around 85% of respondents were most concerned about the alarming sights of widespread plastic trash and the increase of dangerous biomedical wastes through wastewater in the marine ecosystem. The outcomes of this study will undoubtedly aid in the establishment of a management strategy and for future studies on the consequences of any epidemic on the beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakthi Selvalakshmi Jeyakumar
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios Sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Jonathan Muthuswamy Ponniah
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios Sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Joshua Vasudevan
- School of Architecture Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, Mumfordway, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Norma Patricia Muñoz-Sevilla
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios Sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Urrutia-Goyes
- Departamento de Ciencias de La Energía y Mecánica, Av. Gral. Rumiñahui S/N, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, P.O. Box 171-5-231B, Sangolqui, 171103, Ecuador
| | - Diana Cecilia Escobedo-Urias
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional (CIIDIR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Bulevar Juan de Dios Bátiz Paredes #250, Colonia San Joachin, C.P.81101, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Pedro Francisco Rodriguez-Espinosa
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios Sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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Nesdoly A, Bone C, Fraser M, Serra-Sogas N, Canessa R. Evaluating models for classifying movement of whale-watching vessels. ECOL INFORM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Drackett L, Dragićević S. Suitability Analysis of Acoustic Refugia for Endangered Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) Using the GIS-based Logic Scoring of Preference Method. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 68:262-278. [PMID: 34019115 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01481-y] [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: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An emerging priority in marine noise pollution research is identifying marine "acoustic refugia" where noise levels are relatively low and good-quality habitat is available to acoustically sensitive species. The endangered Southern Resident population of killer whales (Orcinus orca) that inhabits the transboundary Salish Sea in Canada and the USA are affected by noise pollution. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial multicriteria evaluation (MCE) methods have been used to operationalize suitability analysis in ecology and conservation for site selection problems. However, commonly used methods lack the ability to represent complex logical relationships between input criteria. Therefore, the objective of this study is to apply a more advanced MCE method, known as Logic Scoring of Preference (LSP), to identify acoustic refugia for killer whales in the Salish Sea. This GIS-based LSP-MCE approach considers multiple input criteria by combining input data representing killer whale habitat requirements with noise pollution and other factors to identify suitable acoustic refugia. The results indicate the locations of suitable acoustic refugia and how they are affected by noise pollution from marine vessels in three scenarios developed to represent different levels of vessel traffic. Identifying acoustic refugia can contribute to efforts to reduce the effect of marine noise pollution on killer whale populations by highlighting high-priority areas in which to implement policies such as traffic-limiting measures or marine protected areas. Moreover, the proposed LSP-MCE procedure combines criteria in a stepwise manner that can support environmental management decision-making processes and can be applied to other marine suitability analysis contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Drackett
- Spatial Analysis and Modeling Laboratory, Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Suzana Dragićević
- Spatial Analysis and Modeling Laboratory, Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
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Boating- and Shipping-Related Environmental Impacts and Example Management Measures: A Review. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Boating and shipping operations, their associated activities and supporting infrastructure present a potential for environmental impacts. Such impacts include physical changes to bottom substrate and habitats from sources such as anchoring and mooring and vessel groundings, alterations to the physico-chemical properties of the water column and aquatic biota through the application of antifouling paints, operational and accidental discharges (ballast and bilge water, hydrocarbons, garbage and sewage), fauna collisions, and various other disturbances. Various measures exist to sustainably manage these impacts. In addition to a review of associated boating- and shipping-related environmental impacts, this paper provides an outline of the government- and industry-related measures relevant to achieving positive outcomes in an Australian context. Historically, direct regulations have been used to cover various environmental impacts associated with commercial, industrial, and recreational boating and shipping operations (e.g., MARPOL). The effectiveness of this approach is the degree to which compliance can be effectively monitored and enforced. To be effective, environmental managers require a comprehensive understanding of the full range of instruments available, and the respective roles they play in helping achieve positive environmental outcomes, including the pros and cons of the various regulatory alternatives.
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Cominelli S, Devillers R, Yurk H, MacGillivray A, McWhinnie L, Canessa R. Noise exposure from commercial shipping for the southern resident killer whale population. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 136:177-200. [PMID: 30509799 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses vessel-noise exposure levels for Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) in the Salish Sea. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) was used to delineate SRKW summer core areas. Those areas were combined with the output of a regional cumulative noise model describing sound level variations generated by commercial vessels (1/3-octave-bands from 10 Hz to 63.1 kHz). Cumulative distribution functions were used to evaluate SRKW's noise exposure from 15 vessel categories over three zones located within the KDE. Median cumulative noise values were used to group categories based on the associated exposure levels. Ferries, Tugboats, Vehicle Carriers, Recreational Vessels, Containers, and Bulkers showed high levels of exposure (Leq-50th > 90 dB re 1 μPa) within SRKW core areas. Management actions aiming at reducing SRKW noise exposure during the summer should target the abovementioned categories and take into consideration the spatial distribution of their levels of exposure, their mechanical and their operational characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cominelli
- Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - Rodolphe Devillers
- Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Harald Yurk
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Aquatic Ecosystems Marine Mammal Science, 4160 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1N6, Canada
| | | | - Lauren McWhinnie
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3R4, Canada
| | - Rosaline Canessa
- Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3R4, Canada
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Lundin JI, Ylitalo GM, Giles DA, Seely EA, Anulacion BF, Boyd DT, Hempelmann JA, Parsons KM, Booth RK, Wasser SK. Pre-oil spill baseline profiling for contaminants in Southern Resident killer whale fecal samples indicates possible exposure to vessel exhaust. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 136:448-453. [PMID: 30509828 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Southern Resident killer whale population (Orcinus orca) was listed as endangered in 2005 and shows little sign of recovery. Exposure to contaminants and risk of an oil spill are identified threats. Previous studies on contaminants have largely focused on legacy pollutants. Here we measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in whale fecal (scat) samples. PAHs are a diverse group of hazardous compounds (e.g., carcinogenic, mutagenic), and are a component of crude and refined oil as well as motor exhaust. The central finding from this study indicates low concentrations of the measured PAHs (<10 ppb, wet weight), as expected; however, PAHs were as high as 104 ppb prior to implementation of guidelines mandating increased distance between vessels and whales. While causality is unclear, the potential PAH exposure from vessels warrants continued monitoring. Historical precedent similarly emphasizes the importance of having pre-oil spill exposure data available as baseline to guide remediation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica I Lundin
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Deborah A Giles
- University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A Seely
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Bernadita F Anulacion
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Daryle T Boyd
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Hempelmann
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Kim M Parsons
- Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Building 4, Seattle, WA 98115, United States of America; Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Rebecca K Booth
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Samuel K Wasser
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
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Jarvela Rosenberger AL, MacDuffee M, Rosenberger AGJ, Ross PS. Oil Spills and Marine Mammals in British Columbia, Canada: Development and Application of a Risk-Based Conceptual Framework. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 73:131-153. [PMID: 28695252 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0408-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are inherently vulnerable to oil spills. We developed a conceptual framework to evaluate the impacts of potential oil exposure on marine mammals and applied it to 21 species inhabiting coastal British Columbia (BC), Canada. Oil spill vulnerability was determined by examining both the likelihood of species-specific (individual) oil exposure and the consequent likelihood of population-level effects. Oil exposure pathways, ecology, and physiological characteristics were first used to assign species-specific vulnerability rankings. Baleen whales were found to be highly vulnerable due to blowhole breathing, surface filter feeding, and invertebrate prey. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) were ranked as highly vulnerable due to their time spent at the ocean surface, dense pelage, and benthic feeding techniques. Species-specific vulnerabilities were considered to estimate the likelihood of population-level effects occurring after oil exposure. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations were deemed at highest risk due to small population sizes, complex social structure, long lives, slow reproductive turnover, and dietary specialization. Finally, we related the species-specific and population-level vulnerabilities. In BC, vulnerability was deemed highest for Northern and Southern Resident killer whales and sea otters, followed by Bigg's killer whales and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). Our findings challenge the typical "indicator species" approach routinely used and underscore the need to examine marine mammals at a species and population level for risk-based oil spill predictions. This conceptual framework can be combined with spill probabilities and volumes to develop more robust risk assessments and may be applied elsewhere to identify vulnerability themes for marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Misty MacDuffee
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation, P.O. Box 2429, Sidney, BC, V8L 3Y3, Canada
| | | | - Peter S Ross
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, P.O. Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X8, Canada.
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Meissner AM, Christiansen F, Martinez E, Pawley MDM, Orams MB, Stockin KA. Behavioural effects of tourism on oceanic common dolphins, Delphinus sp., in New Zealand: the effects of Markov analysis variations and current tour operator compliance with regulations. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116962. [PMID: 25565523 PMCID: PMC4286237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Common dolphins, Delphinus sp., are one of the marine mammal species tourism operations in New Zealand focus on. While effects of cetacean-watching activities have previously been examined in coastal regions in New Zealand, this study is the first to investigate effects of commercial tourism and recreational vessels on common dolphins in an open oceanic habitat. Observations from both an independent research vessel and aboard commercial tour vessels operating off the central and east coast Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand were used to assess dolphin behaviour and record the level of compliance by permitted commercial tour operators and private recreational vessels with New Zealand regulations. Dolphin behaviour was assessed using two different approaches to Markov chain analysis in order to examine variation of responses of dolphins to vessels. Results showed that, regardless of the variance in Markov methods, dolphin foraging behaviour was significantly altered by boat interactions. Dolphins spent less time foraging during interactions and took significantly longer to return to foraging once disrupted by vessel presence. This research raises concerns about the potential disruption to feeding, a biologically critical behaviour. This may be particularly important in an open oceanic habitat, where prey resources are typically widely dispersed and unpredictable in abundance. Furthermore, because tourism in this region focuses on common dolphins transiting between adjacent coastal locations, the potential for cumulative effects could exacerbate the local effects demonstrated in this study. While the overall level of compliance by commercial operators was relatively high, non-compliance to the regulations was observed with time restriction, number or speed of vessels interacting with dolphins not being respected. Additionally, prohibited swimming with calves did occur. The effects shown in this study should be carefully considered within conservation management plans, in order to reduce the risk of detrimental effects on common dolphins within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Meissner
- Coastal-Marine Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Fredrik Christiansen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool Campus, PO Box 423, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
- Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emmanuelle Martinez
- Coastal-Marine Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Ma’alaea Rd., Suite 211, Wailuku, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Matthew D. M. Pawley
- Coastal-Marine Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark B. Orams
- Coastal-Marine Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand
- New Zealand Tourism Research Institute, School of Hospitality and Tourism, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen A. Stockin
- Coastal-Marine Research Group, Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand
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