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Cooke SJ, Piczak ML, Singh NJ, Åkesson S, Ford AT, Chowdhury S, Mitchell GW, Norris DR, Hardesty-Moore M, McCauley D, Hammerschlag N, Tucker MA, Horns JJ, Reisinger RR, Kubelka V, Lennox RJ. Animal migration in the Anthropocene: threats and mitigation options. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1242-1260. [PMID: 38437713 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13066] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal migration has fascinated scientists and the public alike for centuries, yet migratory animals are facing diverse threats that could lead to their demise. The Anthropocene is characterised by the reality that humans are the dominant force on Earth, having manifold negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Considerable research focus has been given to assessing anthropogenic impacts on the numerical abundance of species/populations, whereas relatively less attention has been devoted to animal migration. However, there are clear linkages, for example, where human-driven impacts on migration behaviour can lead to population/species declines or even extinction. Here, we explore anthropogenic threats to migratory animals (in all domains - aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial) using International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Threat Taxonomy classifications. We reveal the diverse threats (e.g. human development, disease, invasive species, climate change, exploitation, pollution) that impact migratory wildlife in varied ways spanning taxa, life stages and type of impact (e.g. from direct mortality to changes in behaviour, health, and physiology). Notably, these threats often interact in complex and unpredictable ways to the detriment of wildlife, further complicating management. Fortunately, we are beginning to identify strategies for conserving and managing migratory animals in the Anthropocene. We provide a set of strategies that, if embraced, have the potential to ensure that migratory animals, and the important ecological functions sustained by migration, persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Cooke
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Morgan L Piczak
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Navinder J Singh
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, 90183, Sweden
| | - Susanne Åkesson
- Department of Biology, Centre for Animal Movement Research, Lund University, Ecology Building, Lund, 22362, Sweden
| | - Adam T Ford
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Shawan Chowdhury
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, Jena, 07743, Germany
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr, 15, Leipzig, 04318, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr, 4, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Greg W Mitchell
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - D Ryan Norris
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Molly Hardesty-Moore
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Douglas McCauley
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Atlantic Shark Expeditions, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, Nova Scotia, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Marlee A Tucker
- Radboud Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Houtlaan 4, Nijmegen, 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Joshua J Horns
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Ryan R Reisinger
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Center Southampton, University Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Vojtěch Kubelka
- Dept of Zoology and Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Robert J Lennox
- Ocean Tracking Network, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3Z1, Canada
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Jacquemont J, Loiseau C, Tornabene L, Claudet J. 3D ocean assessments reveal that fisheries reach deep but marine protection remains shallow. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4027. [PMID: 38773096 PMCID: PMC11109251 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47975-1] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The wave of new global conservation targets, the conclusion of the High Seas Treaty negotiations, and the expansion of extractive use into the deep sea call for a paradigm shift in ocean conservation. The current reductionist 2D representation of the ocean to set targets and measure impacts will fail at achieving effective biodiversity conservation. Here, we develop a framework that overlays depth realms onto marine ecoregions to conduct the first three-dimensional spatial analysis of global marine conservation achievements and fisheries footprint. Our novel approach reveals conservation gaps of mesophotic, rariphotic, and abyssal depths and an underrepresentation of high protection levels across all depths. In contrast, the 3D footprint of fisheries covers all depths, with benthic fishing occurring down to the lower bathyal and mesopelagic fishing peaking in areas overlying abyssal depths. Additionally, conservation efforts are biased towards areas where the lowest fishing pressures occur, compromising the effectiveness of the marine conservation network. These spatial mismatches emphasize the need to shift towards 3D thinking to achieve ocean sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Jacquemont
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA, USA.
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, France.
| | - Charles Loiseau
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, France
| | - Luke Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, France.
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Ramp C, Lesage V, Ollier A, Auger-Méthé M, Sears R. Migratory movements of fin whales from the Gulf of St. Lawrence challenge our understanding of the Northwest Atlantic stock structure. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11472. [PMID: 38769407 PMCID: PMC11106244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62173-1] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Fin whales, Balenoptera physalus, are capital breeders, having the potential to separate breeding and feeding both spatially and temporally. Fin whales occur throughout the Northwest Atlantic, but stock structure and seasonal movements remain unclear. By deploying satellite transmitters on 28 individuals, we examine movement patterns within and beyond the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL), Canada, and challenge the current understanding of stock structure. Eight individuals left the GSL in autumn, with five tags persisting into January. Migration patterns of these whales showed considerable variation in timing and trajectory, with movements extending south to 24°N, and thus beyond the assumed distribution limit of the species in the Northwest Atlantic. A rapid return to the Scotian Shelf or Gulf of Maine was observed from several whales after incursions in southern waters, suggesting that fin whales in the Northwest Atlantic may not have a common winter destination that fits the definition of a breeding ground. Area-restricted search (ARS) behavior dominated fin whale activities during summer (92%) and fall (72%), with persistence into the winter (56%); ARS occurred at multiple locations in the GSL, Scotian Shelf and Shelf edge, and near seamounts of the North Atlantic, having characteristics consistent with foraging areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ramp
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, 850 Route de la mer,, Mont Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada.
| | - Veronique Lesage
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, 850 Route de la mer,, Mont Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Angélique Ollier
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, 850 Route de la mer,, Mont Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Marie Auger-Méthé
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, AERL, 2202 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Statistics, ESB, 2207 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Richard Sears
- Mingan Island Cetacean Study, 285 rue Green, St Lambert, QC, J4P 1T3, Canada
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Reed J, New L, Corkeron P, Harcourt R. Disentangling the influence of entanglement on recruitment in North Atlantic right whales. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240314. [PMID: 38471549 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
North Atlantic right whales are Critically Endangered and declining, with entanglements in fishing gear a key contributor to their decline. Entanglement events can result in lethal and sub-lethal (i.e. increased energetic demands and reduced foraging ability) impacts, with the latter influencing critical life-history states, such as reproduction. Using a multi-event framework, we developed a Bayesian mark-recapture model to investigate the influence of entanglement severity on survival and recruitment for female right whales. We used information from 199 known-aged females sighted between 1977 and 2018, combined with known entanglements of varying severity that were classified as minor, moderate or severe. Severe entanglements resulted in an average decline in survival of 27% for experienced non-breeders, 9% for breeders and 26% for pre-breeding females compared with other entanglements and unentangled individuals. Surviving individuals with severe entanglements had low transitional probabilities to breeders, but surprisingly, individuals with minor entanglements had the lowest transitional probabilities, contrary to expectations underpinning current management actions. Management actions are needed to address the lethal and sub-lethal impacts of entanglements, regardless of severity classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Reed
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Leslie New
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Peter Corkeron
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Robert Harcourt
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
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Pirotta E, Tyack PL, Durban JW, Fearnbach H, Hamilton PK, Harris CM, Knowlton AR, Kraus SD, Miller CA, Moore MJ, Pettis HM, Photopoulou T, Rolland RM, Schick RS, Thomas L. Decreasing body size is associated with reduced calving probability in critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:240050. [PMID: 38420631 PMCID: PMC10898963 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.240050] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Body size is key to many life-history processes, including reproduction. Across species, climate change and other stressors have caused reductions in the body size to which animals can grow, called asymptotic size, with consequences for demography. A reduction in mean asymptotic length was documented for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, in parallel with declines in health and vital rates resulting from human activities and environmental changes. Here, we tested whether smaller body size was associated with lower reproductive output, using a state-space model for individual health, survival and reproduction that quantifies the mechanistic links between these processes. Body size (as represented by the cube of length) was strongly associated with a female's calving probability at each reproductive opportunity. This relationship explained 62% of the variation in calving among reproductive females, along with their decreasing health (20%). The effects of decreasing mean body size on reproductive performance are another concerning indication of the worsening prospects for this species and many others affected by environmental change, requiring a focus of conservation and management interventions on improving conditions that affect reproduction as well as reducing mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Pirotta
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Peter L. Tyack
- School of Biology, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - John W. Durban
- Southall Environmental Associates, Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
| | - Holly Fearnbach
- SR3, SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation and Research, Des Moines, WA, USA
| | - Philip K. Hamilton
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catriona M. Harris
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Amy R. Knowlton
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott D. Kraus
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carolyn A. Miller
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Michael J. Moore
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Heather M. Pettis
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, New England Aquarium, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theoni Photopoulou
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | | | - Robert S. Schick
- Southall Environmental Associates, Inc., 9099 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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