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Lee CS, Shipley ON, Ye X, Fisher NS, Gallagher AJ, Frisk MG, Talwar BS, Schneider EV, Venkatesan AK. Accumulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Coastal Sharks from Contrasting Marine Environments: The New York Bight and The Bahamas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:13087-13098. [PMID: 38995999 PMCID: PMC11270988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) enter the marine food web, accumulate in organisms, and potentially have adverse effects on predators and consumers of seafood. However, evaluations of PFAS in meso-to-apex predators, like sharks, are scarce. This study investigated PFAS occurrence in five shark species from two marine ecosystems with contrasting relative human population densities, the New York Bight (NYB) and the coastal waters of The Bahamas archipelago. The total detected PFAS (∑PFAS) concentrations in muscle tissue ranged from 1.10 to 58.5 ng g-1 wet weight, and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were dominant. Fewer PFAS were detected in Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) from The Bahamas, and concentrations of those detected were, on average, ∼79% lower than in the NYB sharks. In the NYB, ∑PFAS concentrations followed: common thresher (Alopias vulpinus) > shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) > sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus) > smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis). PFAS precursors/intermediates, such as 2H,2H,3H,3H-perfluorodecanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonamide, were only detected in the NYB sharks, suggesting higher ambient concentrations and diversity of PFAS sources in this region. Ultralong-chain PFAS (C ≥ 10) were positively correlated with nitrogen isotope values (δ15N) and total mercury in some species. Our results provide some of the first baseline information on PFAS concentrations in shark species from the northwest Atlantic Ocean, and correlations between PFAS, stable isotopes, and mercury further contextualize the drivers of PFAS occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Shiuan Lee
- Research
Center for Environmental Changes, Academia
Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Oliver N. Shipley
- School
of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony
Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Xiayan Ye
- New
York State Center for Clean Water Technology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Nicholas S. Fisher
- School
of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony
Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | | | - Michael G. Frisk
- School
of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony
Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | | | | | - Arjun K. Venkatesan
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
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2
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Olin JA, Urakawa H, Frisk MG, Newton AL, Manz M, Fogg M, McMullen C, Crawford L, Shipley ON. DNA metabarcoding of cloacal swabs provides insight into diets of highly migratory sharks in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 103:1409-1418. [PMID: 37640692 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The abundances of migratory shark species observed throughout the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) during productive summer months suggest that this region provides critical habitat and prey resources to these taxa. However, the principal prey assemblages sustaining migratory shark biomass in this region are poorly defined. We applied high-throughput DNA metabarcoding to shark feces derived from cloacal swabs across nine species of Carcharhinid and Lamnid sharks to (1) quantify the contribution of broad taxa (e.g., invertebrates, fishes) supporting shark biomass during seasonal residency in the MAB and (2) determine whether the species displayed distinct dietary preference indicative of resource partitioning. DNA metabarcoding resulted in high taxonomic (species-level) resolution of shark diets with actinopterygian and elasmobranch fishes as the dominant prey categories across the species. DNA metabarcoding identified several key prey groups consistent across shark taxa that are likely integral for sustaining their biomass in this region, including Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), and benthic elasmobranchs, including skates. Our results are consistent with previously published stomach content data for the shark species of similar size range in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, supporting the efficacy of cloacal swab DNA metabarcoding as a minimally invasive diet reconstruction technique. The high reliance of several shark species on Atlantic menhaden could imply wasp-waist food-web conditions during the summer months, whereby high abundances of forage fishes sustain a diverse suite of migratory sharks within a complex, seasonal food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Olin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Great Lakes Research Center, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Hidetoshi Urakawa
- Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | - Michael G Frisk
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Alisa L Newton
- New York Aquarium, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Maria Manz
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Michael Fogg
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Colin McMullen
- Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | - Lisa Crawford
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Oliver N Shipley
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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Waller MJ, Queiroz N, da Costa I, Cidade T, Loureiro B, Womersley FC, Fontes J, Afonso P, Macena BCL, Loveridge A, Humphries NE, Southall EJ, Sims DW. Direct measurement of cruising and burst swimming speeds of the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) with estimates of field metabolic rate. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 103:864-883. [PMID: 37395550 PMCID: PMC10952363 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The shortfin mako shark is a large-bodied pursuit predator thought to be capable of the highest swimming speeds of any elasmobranch and potentially one of the highest energetic demands of any marine fish. Nonetheless, few direct speed measurements have been reported for this species. Here, animal-borne bio-loggers attached to two mako sharks were used to provide direct measurements of swimming speeds, kinematics and thermal physiology. Mean sustained (cruising) speed was 0.90 m s-1 (±0.07 s.d.) with a mean tail-beat frequency (TBF) of 0.51 Hz (±0.16 s.d.). The maximum burst speed recorded was 5.02 m s-1 (TBFmax = 3.65 Hz) from a 2 m long female. Burst swimming was sustained for 14 s (mean speed = 2.38 m s-1 ), leading to a 0.24°C increase in white muscle temperature in the 12.5 min after the burst. Routine field metabolic rate was estimated at 185.2 mg O2 kg-1 h-1 (at 18°C ambient temperature). Gliding behaviour (zero TBF) was more frequently observed after periods of high activity, especially after capture when internal (white muscle) temperature approached 21°C (ambient temperature: 18.3°C), indicating gliding probably functions as an energy recovery mechanism and limits further metabolic heat production. The results show shortfin mako sharks generally cruise at speeds similar to other endothermic fish - but faster than ectothermic sharks - with the maximum recorded burst speed being among the highest so far directly measured among sharks, tunas and billfishes. This newly recorded high-oxygen-demand performance of mako sharks suggests it may be particularly vulnerable to habitat loss due to climate-driven ocean deoxygenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt J. Waller
- Marine Biological AssociationThe LaboratoryPlymouthUK
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Nuno Queiroz
- Marine Biological AssociationThe LaboratoryPlymouthUK
- CIBIO/InBIO, Universidade do PortoCampus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando QuintasVairãoPortugal
| | - Ivo da Costa
- Marine Biological AssociationThe LaboratoryPlymouthUK
- CIBIO/InBIO, Universidade do PortoCampus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando QuintasVairãoPortugal
| | - Tiago Cidade
- CIBIO/InBIO, Universidade do PortoCampus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando QuintasVairãoPortugal
| | - Bruno Loureiro
- CIBIO/InBIO, Universidade do PortoCampus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando QuintasVairãoPortugal
| | - Freya C. Womersley
- Marine Biological AssociationThe LaboratoryPlymouthUK
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Jorge Fontes
- Institute of Marine Research – IMARUniversidade dos AçoresHortaPortugal
- Institute of Marine Sciences – OKEANOSUniversity of the AzoresHortaPortugal
| | - Pedro Afonso
- Institute of Marine Research – IMARUniversidade dos AçoresHortaPortugal
- Institute of Marine Sciences – OKEANOSUniversity of the AzoresHortaPortugal
| | - Bruno C. L. Macena
- Institute of Marine Research – IMARUniversidade dos AçoresHortaPortugal
- Institute of Marine Sciences – OKEANOSUniversity of the AzoresHortaPortugal
| | | | | | | | - David W. Sims
- Marine Biological AssociationThe LaboratoryPlymouthUK
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre SouthamptonUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
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Lubitz N, Daly R, Filmalter JD, Sheaves M, Cowley PD, Naesje TF, Barnett A. Context drives movement patterns in a mobile marine predator. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2023; 11:28. [PMID: 37226200 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Intra-specific variability in movement behaviour occurs in all major taxonomic groups. Despite its common occurrence and ecological consequences, individual variability is often overlooked. As a result, there is a persistent gap in knowledge about drivers of intra-specific variability in movement and its role in fulfilling life history requirements. We apply a context-focused approach to bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), a highly mobile marine predator, incorporating intra-specific variability to understand how variable movement patterns arise and how they might be altered under future change scenarios. Spatial analysis of sharks, acoustically tagged both at their distributional limit and the centre of distribution in southern Africa, was combined with spatial analysis of acoustically tagged teleost prey and remote-sensing of environmental variables. The objective was to test the hypothesis that varying resource availability and magnitude of seasonal environmental change in different locations interact to produce variable yet predictable movement behaviours across a species' distribution. Sharks from both locations showed high seasonal overlap with predictable prey aggregations. Patterns were variable in the centre of distribution, where residency, small- and large-scale movements were all recorded. In contrast, all animals from the distributional limit performed 'leap-frog migrations', making long-distance migrations bypassing conspecifics in the centre of distribution. By combining multiple variables related to life history requirements for animals in different environments we identified combinations of key drivers that explain the occurrence of differing movement behaviours across different contexts and delineated the effects of environmental factors and prey dynamics on predator movement. Comparisons with other taxa show striking similarities in patterns of intra-specific variability across terrestrial and marine species, suggesting common drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lubitz
- Marine Data Technology Hub, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville City, QLD, Australia.
- Biopixel Oceans Foundation, Cairns, QLD, Australia.
| | - Ryan Daly
- Oceanographic Research Institute, Marine Parade, PO Box 10712, 4056, Durban, South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Private Bag, 1015, 6140, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - John D Filmalter
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Private Bag, 1015, 6140, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Marcus Sheaves
- Marine Data Technology Hub, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville City, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul D Cowley
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Private Bag, 1015, 6140, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Tor F Naesje
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, P.O. Box 5685, NO- 7485, Torgarden, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Adam Barnett
- Marine Data Technology Hub, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville City, QLD, Australia
- Biopixel Oceans Foundation, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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5
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Lubitz N, Bradley M, Sheaves M, Hammerschlag N, Daly R, Barnett A. The role of context in elucidating drivers of animal movement. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9128. [PMID: 35898421 PMCID: PMC9309038 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its consequences for ecological processes and population dynamics, intra-specific variability is frequently overlooked in animal movement studies. Consequently, the necessary resolution to reveal drivers of individual movement decisions is often lost as animal movement data are aggregated to infer average or population patterns. Thus, an empirical understanding of why a given movement pattern occurs remains patchy for many taxa, especially in marine systems. Nonetheless, movement is often rationalized as being driven by basic life history requirements, such as acquiring energy (feeding), reproduction, predator-avoidance, and remaining in suitable environmental conditions. However, these life history requirements are central to every individual within a species and thus do not sufficiently account for the high intra-specific variability in movement behavior and hence fail to fully explain the occurrence of multiple movement strategies within a species. Animal movement appears highly context dependent as, for example, within the same location, the behavior of both resident and migratory individuals is driven by life history requirements, such as feeding or reproduction, however different movement strategies are utilized to fulfill them. A systematic taxa-wide approach that, instead of averaging population patterns, incorporates and utilizes intra-specific variability to enable predictions as to which movement patterns can be expected under a certain context, is needed. Here, we use intra-specific variability in elasmobranchs as a case study to introduce a stepwise approach for studying animal movement drivers that is based on a context-dependence framework. We examine relevant literature to illustrate how this context-focused approach can aid in reliably identifying drivers of a specific movement pattern. Ultimately, incorporating behavioral variability in the study of movement drivers can assist in making predictions about behavioral responses to environmental change, overcoming tagging biases, and establishing more efficient conservation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lubitz
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Michael Bradley
- Marine Data Technology HubCollege of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Marcus Sheaves
- Marine Data Technology HubCollege of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Ryan Daly
- Oceanographic Research InstituteDurbanSouth Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)MakhandaSouth Africa
| | - Adam Barnett
- Marine Data Technology HubCollege of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
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6
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Abstract
This article outlines recent events concerning the conservation and management trajectory of a highly migratory shark species, the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus), in the North Atlantic, where it has been routinely captured recreationally and as part of commercial fishing operations alongside other species. Noting recent warnings concerning the high mortality of the species in this ocean region, and the threat of imminent population collapse, this article sets out a number of applicable law of the sea provisions, and carries out an evaluation of relevant measures for target and incidental capture species, discussing their applicability to the mako fishery. It also presents an analysis of regional and global governance actions taken to date by the international community and by individual actors, noting a number of shortfalls, and outlining potential responses.
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7
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Ajemian MJ, Drymon JM, Hammerschlag N, Wells RJD, Street G, Falterman B, McKinney JA, Driggers WB, Hoffmayer ER, Fischer C, Stunz GW. Movement patterns and habitat use of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) across ontogeny in the Gulf of Mexico. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234868. [PMID: 32667920 PMCID: PMC7363083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is globally distributed with established coastal and open-ocean movement patterns in many portions of its range. While all life stages of tiger sharks are known to occur in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), variability in habitat use and movement patterns over ontogeny have never been quantified in this large marine ecosystem. To address this data gap we fitted 56 tiger sharks with Smart Position and Temperature transmitting tags between 2010 and 2018 and examined seasonal and spatial distribution patterns across the GoM. Additionally, we analyzed overlap of core habitats (i.e., 50% kernel density estimates) among individuals relative to large benthic features (oil and gas platforms, natural banks, bathymetric breaks). Our analyses revealed significant ontogenetic and seasonal differences in distribution patterns as well as across-shelf (i.e., regional) and sex-linked variability in movement rates. Presumably sub-adult and adult sharks achieved significantly higher movement rates and used off-shelf deeper habitats at greater proportions than juvenile sharks, particularly during the fall and winter seasons. Further, female maximum rate of movement was higher than males when accounting for size. Additionally, we found evidence of core regions encompassing the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration designated Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (i.e., shelf-edge banks) during cooler months, particularly by females, as well as 2,504 oil and gas platforms. These data provide a baseline for future assessments of environmental impacts, such as climate variability or oil spills, on tiger shark movements and distribution in the region. Future research may benefit from combining alternative tracking tools, such as acoustic telemetry and genetic approaches, which can facilitate long-term assessment of the species’ movement dynamics and better elucidate the ecological significance of the core habitats identified here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Ajemian
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - J. Marcus Drymon
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Biloxi, Mississippi, United States of America
- Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Causeway, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Abess Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - R. J. David Wells
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Garrett Street
- Quantitative Ecology & Spatial Technologies Laboratory, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi State, United States of America
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi State, United States of America
| | - Brett Falterman
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A. McKinney
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - William B. Driggers
- NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Mississippi Laboratories, Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Eric R. Hoffmayer
- NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Mississippi Laboratories, Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States of America
| | | | - Gregory W. Stunz
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas, United States of America
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8
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Seascape Genetics and the Spatial Ecology of Juvenile Green Turtles. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11030278. [PMID: 32150879 PMCID: PMC7140902 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how ocean currents impact the distribution and connectivity of marine species, provides vital information for the effective conservation management of migratory marine animals. Here, we used a combination of molecular genetics and ocean drift simulations to investigate the spatial ecology of juvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) developmental habitats, and assess the role of ocean currents in driving the dispersal of green turtle hatchlings. We analyzed mitochondrial (mt)DNA sequenced from 358 juvenile green turtles, and from eight developmental areas located throughout the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). A mixed stock analysis (MSA) was applied to estimate the level of connectivity between developmental sites and published genetic data from 38 known genetic stocks. The MSA showed that the juvenile turtles at all sites originated almost exclusively from the three known SWIO stocks, with a clear shift in stock contributions between sites in the South and Central Areas. The results from the genetic analysis could largely be explained by regional current patterns, as shown by the results of passive numerical drift simulations linking breeding sites to developmental areas utilized by juvenile green turtles. Integrating genetic and oceanographic data helps researchers to better understand how marine species interact with ocean currents at different stages of their lifecycle, and provides the scientific basis for effective conservation management.
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9
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Dolton HR, Gell FR, Hall J, Hall G, Hawkes LA, Witt MJ. Assessing the importance of Isle of Man waters for the basking shark Cetorhinus maximus. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Satellite tracking of endangered or threatened animals can facilitate informed conservation by revealing priority areas for their protection. Basking sharks Cetorhinus maximus (n = 11) were tagged during the summers of 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 in the Isle of Man (IoM; median tracking duration 378 d, range: 89-804 d; median minimum straight-line distance travelled 541 km, range: 170-10406 km). Tracking revealed 3 movement patterns: (1) coastal movements within IoM and Irish waters, (2) summer northward movements to Scotland and (3) international movements to Morocco and Norway. One tagged shark was bycaught and released alive in the Celtic Sea. Basking sharks displayed inter-annual site fidelity to the Irish Sea (n = 3), a Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) in IoM waters (n = 1), and Moroccan waters (n = 1). Core distribution areas (50% kernel density estimation) of 5 satellite tracked sharks in IoM waters were compared with 3902 public sightings between 2005 and 2017, highlighting west and south coast hotspots. Location data gathered from satellite tagging broadly correspond to the current boundaries of MNRs in IoM waters. However, minor modifications of some MNR boundaries would incorporate ~20% more satellite tracking location data from this study, and protective measures for basking sharks in IoM waters could further aid conservation of the species at local, regional and international scales. We also show the first documented movement of a basking shark from the British Isles to Norway, and the longest ever track for a tagged basking shark (2 yr and 2 mo, 804 d).
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Affiliation(s)
- HR Dolton
- University of Exeter College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hatherly Laboratories, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK
- University of Exeter, Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - FR Gell
- Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s IM4 3AS, Isle of Man
| | - J Hall
- Manx Basking Shark Watch, Glenchass Farmhouse, Port St Mary IM9 5PJ, Isle of Man
| | - G Hall
- Manx Basking Shark Watch, Glenchass Farmhouse, Port St Mary IM9 5PJ, Isle of Man
| | - LA Hawkes
- University of Exeter College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hatherly Laboratories, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK
| | - MJ Witt
- University of Exeter College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hatherly Laboratories, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK
- University of Exeter, Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
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10
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Rooker JR, Dance MA, Wells RJD, Ajemian MJ, Block BA, Castleton MR, Drymon JM, Falterman BJ, Franks JS, Hammerschlag N, Hendon JM, Hoffmayer ER, Kraus RT, McKinney JA, Secor DH, Stunz GW, Walter JF. Population connectivity of pelagic megafauna in the Cuba-Mexico-United States triangle. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1663. [PMID: 30733508 PMCID: PMC6367330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The timing and extent of international crossings by billfishes, tunas, and sharks in the Cuba-Mexico-United States (U.S.) triangle was investigated using electronic tagging data from eight species that resulted in >22,000 tracking days. Transnational movements of these highly mobile marine predators were pronounced with varying levels of bi- or tri-national population connectivity displayed by each species. Billfishes and tunas moved throughout the Gulf of Mexico and all species investigated (blue marlin, white marlin, Atlantic bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna) frequently crossed international boundaries and entered the territorial waters of Cuba and/or Mexico. Certain sharks (tiger shark, scalloped hammerhead) displayed prolonged periods of residency in U.S. waters with more limited displacements, while whale sharks and to a lesser degree shortfin mako moved through multiple jurisdictions. The spatial extent of associated movements was generally associated with their differential use of coastal and open ocean pelagic ecosystems. Species with the majority of daily positions in oceanic waters off the continental shelf showed the greatest tendency for transnational movements and typically traveled farther from initial tagging locations. Several species converged on a common seasonal movement pattern between territorial waters of the U.S. (summer) and Mexico (winter).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay R Rooker
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, 1001 Texas Clipper Road, Galveston, Texas, 77554, USA.
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA.
| | - Michael A Dance
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, 2255 Energy, Coast and Environment Building, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA
| | - R J David Wells
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, 1001 Texas Clipper Road, Galveston, Texas, 77554, USA
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Matthew J Ajemian
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1 North, Fort. Pierce, Florida, 34946, USA
| | - Barbara A Block
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove, California, 93950, USA
| | - Michael R Castleton
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove, California, 93950, USA
| | - J Marcus Drymon
- Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39532, USA
| | - Brett J Falterman
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2021 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 220, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70122, USA
| | - James S Franks
- Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Drive Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564, USA
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA
| | - Jill M Hendon
- Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi, 703 East Beach Drive Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564, USA
| | - Eric R Hoffmayer
- NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Mississippi Laboratories, P.O. Drawer 1207, Pascagoula, Mississippi, 39568, USA
| | - Richard T Kraus
- Lake Erie Biological Station, USGS, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, USA
| | - Jennifer A McKinney
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2021 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 220, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70122, USA
| | - David H Secor
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, P.O. Box 38, Solomons, Maryland, 20688, USA
| | - Gregory W Stunz
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5869, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78412, USA
| | - John F Walter
- NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA
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Omeyer LCM, Fuller WJ, Godley BJ, Snape RTE, Broderick AC. The effect of biologging systems on reproduction, growth and survival of adult sea turtles. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2019; 7:2. [PMID: 30723544 PMCID: PMC6350314 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-018-0145-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemetry and biologging systems, 'tracking' hereafter, have been instrumental in meeting the challenges associated with studying the ecology and behaviour of cryptic, wide-ranging marine mega-vertebrates. Over recent decades, globally, sea turtle tracking has increased exponentially, across species and life-stages, despite a paucity of studies investigating the effects of such devices on study animals. Indeed, such studies are key to informing whether data collected are unbiased and, whether derived estimates can be considered typical of the population at large. METHODS Here, using a 26-year individual-based monitoring dataset on sympatric green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles, we provide the first analysis of the effects of device attachment on reproduction, growth and survival of nesting females. RESULTS We found no significant difference in growth and reproductive correlates between tracked and non-tracked females in the years following device attachment. Similarly, when comparing pre- and post-tracking data, we found no significant difference in the reproductive correlates of tracked females for either species or significant carry-over effects of device attachment on reproductive correlates in green turtles. The latter was not investigated for loggerhead turtles due to small sample size. Finally, we found no significant effects of device attachment on return rates or survival of tracked females for either species. CONCLUSION While there were no significant detrimental effects of device attachment on adult sea turtles in this region, our study highlights the need for other similar studies elsewhere and the value of long-term individual-based monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C. M. Omeyer
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE United Kingdom
| | - Wayne J. Fuller
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Mersin 10, North Cyprus Turkey
- Society for the Protection of Turtles, PK.65 Kyrenia, Mersin 10, North Cyprus Turkey
| | - Brendan J. Godley
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE United Kingdom
| | - Robin T. E. Snape
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE United Kingdom
- Society for the Protection of Turtles, PK.65 Kyrenia, Mersin 10, North Cyprus Turkey
| | - Annette C. Broderick
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE United Kingdom
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Abstract
Determining the small-scale movement patterns of marine vertebrates usually requires invasive active acoustic tagging or in-water monitoring, with the inherent behavioural impacts of those techniques. In addition, these techniques rarely allow direct continuous behavioural assessments or the recording of environmental interactions, especially for highly mobile species. Here, we trial a novel method of assessing small-scale movement patterns of marine vertebrates using an unmanned aerial vehicle that could complement longer-term tracking approaches. This approach is unlikely to have behavioural impacts and provides high accuracy and high frequency location data (10 Hz), while subsequently allowing quantitative trajectory analysis. Unmanned aerial vehicle tracking is also relatively low cost compared to single-use acoustic and GPS tags. We tracked 14 sharks for up to 10 min in a shallow lagoon of Heron Island, Australia. Trajectory analysis revealed that Epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) displayed sinusoidal movement patterns, while Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) had more linear trajectories that were similar to those of a Lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens). Individual shark trajectory patterns and movement speeds were highly variable. Results indicate that Epaulette sharks may be more mobile during diurnal low tides than previously thought. The approach presented here allows the movements and behaviours of marine vertebrates to be analysed at resolutions not previously possible without complex and expensive acoustic arrays. This method would be useful to assess the habitat use and behaviours of sharks and rays in shallow water environments, where they are most likely to interact with humans.
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Large marine protected areas represent biodiversity now and under climate change. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9569. [PMID: 28851885 PMCID: PMC5574922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08758-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Large marine protected areas (>30,000 km2) have a high profile in marine conservation, yet their contribution to conservation is contested. Assessing the overlap of large marine protected areas with 14,172 species, we found large marine protected areas cover 4.4% of the ocean and at least some portion of the range of 83.3% of the species assessed. Of all species within large marine protected areas, 26.9% had at least 10% of their range represented, and this was projected to increase to 40.1% in 2100. Cumulative impacts were significantly higher within large marine protected areas than outside, refuting the critique that they only occur in pristine areas. We recommend future large marine protected areas be sited based on systematic conservation planning practices where possible and include areas beyond national jurisdiction, and provide five key recommendations to improve the long-term representation of all species to meet critical global policy goals (e.g., Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Targets).
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