Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Phillip A. Morin, Frederick I. Archer, Catherine D. Avila, Jennifer R. Balacco, Yury V. Bukhman, William Chow, Olivier Fedrigo, Giulio Formenti, Julie A. Fronczek, Arkarachai Fungtammasan, Frances M. D. Gulland, Bettina Haase, Mads Peter Heide-Jorgensen, Marlys L. Houck, Kerstin Howe, Ann C. Misuraca, Jacquelyn Mountcastle, Whitney Musser, Sadye Paez, Sarah Pelan, Adam Phillippy, Arang Rhie, Jacqueline Robinson, Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, Teri K. Rowles, Oliver A. Ryder, Cynthia R. Smith, Sacha Stevenson, Barbara L. Taylor, Jonas Teilmann, James Torrance, Randall S. Wells, Andrew J. Westgate, Erich D. Jarvis
Summary: The vaquita is the most critically endangered marine mammal, with fewer than 19 remaining in the wild. Research has shown that its genome has a stable historical population size and low heterozygosity, potentially allowing for the purging of highly deleterious alleles and maintaining the necessary diversity for population health.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael J. Tetley, Gill T. Braulik, Caterina Lanfredi, Gianna Minton, Simone Panigada, Elena Politi, Margherita Zanardelli, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Erich Hoyt
Summary: The Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) initiative was launched to address the conservation crisis in marine mammal protection and ocean biodiversity. IMMAs identify important habitat for marine mammal species and undergo scientific review before being publicly available. So far, 173 IMMAs have been identified, playing a crucial role in protecting marine mammal species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadia Menard, Samuel Turgeon, Manuela Conversano, Cristiane C. A. Martins
Summary: Anthropogenic underwater noise has a negative impact on whale habitats and poses a threat to the recovery of endangered species. Various measures have been implemented in the St. Lawrence Estuary to address the cohabitation of whales and vessels, including the use of marine spatial planning to protect and restore key habitat areas and reduce noise pollution.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hilary Kates Varghese, Kim Lowell, Jennifer Miksis-Olds
Summary: The GLC approach combines global and local spatial autocorrelation statistics with statistical hypothesis testing to provide a detailed understanding of spatial observations. This comprehensive assessment allows for a detailed analysis of group level spatial foraging activity.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Katharina Teschke, Rebecca Konijnenberg, Hendrik Pehlke, Thomas Brey
Summary: This study compares different reserve configurations used in the process of designing a Weddell Sea MPA in Antarctica using univariate and multivariate statistics. The results show that different target level settings for conservation features significantly affect the configuration of the solutions. The mixed-target scenario was found to be the most flexible and well balanced, providing multiple options for consideration.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Marine
Shane Guan, Tiffini Brookens
Summary: Underwater sound generated from human activities can have adverse effects on marine mammals, ranging from masking to physical injuries. Research efforts have evolved to include studies on behavioral, auditory, and physiological responses of marine mammals to anthropogenic sound, informing impact assessments and highlighting the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts. Regulatory agencies need to incorporate the best available scientific information to effectively implement conservation measures.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Tamlin Jefferson, Jenny R. Hillman, Carolyn J. Lundquist
Summary: The research provides a spatial analysis of the Aotearoa EEZ and identifies optimal areas for marine protection that balance biodiversity conservation with minimal displacement of fishing. The findings indicate that it is possible to achieve conservation goals without significant negative impacts on the fishing industry.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Lauri M. J. Kuismanen, Elina A. Virtanen, Juho Lappalainen, Lasse Kurvinen, Penina Blankett, Markku Viitasalo
Summary: This article describes the process and criteria for applying the EBSA concept locally to identify national EBSAs, using Finland as an example. It highlights the importance of participatory approaches and expert knowledge in delineating ecologically significant underwater marine areas.
Article
Oceanography
Linda R. Harris, Stephen D. Holness, Stephen P. Kirkman, Kerry J. Sink, Prideel Majiedt, Amanda Driver
Summary: Ecosystem-based marine spatial planning (MSP) plays a crucial role in securing marine biodiversity and ecological processes. South Africa's experience in spatial planning on land has been applied to develop the first National Coastal and Marine Map of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs), serving as the basis for including the marine biodiversity sector in MSP.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Cinzia Podda, Erika M. D. Porporato
Summary: This paper reviews the current state of research on marine ecological corridors and their methods, highlighting the lack of studies in this area, especially in the design of networks between marine protected areas and other conservation measures. The study finds that the most commonly used methods for projecting and mapping ecological corridors in marine environments are least-cost and circuit theories. The review also emphasizes the importance of integrating different disciplines and the recognition of ecological connectivity by policymakers and practitioners.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
N. Rivers, H. J. Truter, M. Strand, S. Jay, M. Portman, A. T. Lombard, D. Amir, A. Boyd, R. L. Brown, H. C. Cawthra, N. Faure Beaulieu, K. Findlay, G. Gal, Y. Grossmark, M. J. Perschke, T. Pillay, O. Pyrgies, M. Ramakulukusha, K. P. Smit, V. Stockdale, J. Stockill, I. Schwartz, T. Treibitz, O. A. Vargas-Fonseca, N. Faure Beaulieu, E. A. Vermeulen (Miltz)
Summary: The online symposium Shared Visions for Marine Spatial Planning: Insights from Israel, South Africa and the United Kingdom discussed the current states, challenges, and recommendations related to marine spatial planning in the three countries. It highlighted the importance of multi-disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary efforts in improving the marine spatial planning processes. The symposium also emphasized the need for stakeholder collaborations to be aligned with in-country and area contexts.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Eva B. Reiter, Beate I. Escher, Elisa Rojo-Nieto, Hannah Nolte, Ursula Siebert, Annika Jahnke
Summary: The present study used chemical profiling to complement work on mixture effects measured with in vitro bioassays. Different distributions of contaminants in blubber, liver, kidney and brain tissues were observed, and chemical analysis explained a portion of the biological effects, especially for animals with high chemical burden. This study highlights the importance of chemical analysis and bioassays in comprehensively characterizing the mixture exposome of marine mammals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dominic Muenzel, Kay Critchell, Courtney Cox, Stuart J. Campbell, Raymond Jakub, Wahid Suherfian, La Sara, Iliana Chollett, Eric A. Treml, Maria Beger
Summary: This study used larval dispersal connectivity to design networks of no-take reserves in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Different methods, such as decision trees and Marxan, were used to consider the setting and expansion of marine reserve networks at different scales. The study found that there were differences in priority areas for protection and expected benefits among different species, and that reef quality should also be taken into account when interpreting larval dispersal patterns and evaluating conservation measures.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Julie M. Reimer, Rodolphe Devillers, Brice Trouillet, Natalie C. Ban, Tundi Agardy, Joachim Claudet
Summary: Marine spatial planning (MSP) often prioritizes blue growth objectives over biodiversity conservation, but this study suggests the concept of conservation ready MSP, where plans are designed to integrate conservation in MSP to support sustained ocean use. Qualitative document analysis identified five themes, reflecting conservation in MSP from weak to strong inclusion. The analysis suggests that while some plans appear more prepared to integrate conservation, overall the prioritization of managing impacts and conservation in MSP is less apparent.
Article
Environmental Studies
Catarina Frazao Santos, Tundi Agardy, Francisco Andrade, Larry B. Crowder, Charles N. Ehler, Michael K. Orbach
Summary: Marine spatial planning is being developed globally to promote sustainable ocean management and governance. Despite its widespread acceptance, MSP still faces numerous challenges, including shortcomings in political and institutional frameworks, stakeholder engagement, consideration of human and social dimensions, balancing economic development and marine ecosystem conservation, and adapting to global environmental change.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Laura D. Williamson, Beth E. Scott, Megan R. Laxton, Fabian E. Bachl, Janine B. Illian, Kate L. Brookes, Paul M. Thompson
Summary: Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of harbor porpoises, influenced by seasonal prey availability, daylight, and competition with bottlenose dolphins, can shed light on management strategies and interactions with offshore industries. The study found that porpoises had the highest occurrence probability on an offshore sandbank with low foraging activity, shifting their distribution throughout the summer and autumn to potentially avoid overlap with dolphins.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emmaline Marotte, Andrew J. Wright, Heather Breeze, Jessica Wingfield, Leanna P. Matthews, Denise Risch, Nathan D. Merchant, David Barclay, Clair Evers, Jack Lawson, Veronique Lesage, Hilary Moors-Murphy, Veronique Nolet, James A. Theriault
Summary: Anthropogenic underwater noise poses a serious threat to the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, and there is currently insufficient understanding of the specific noise sources impacting them in their Canadian habitat. This study provides recommended metrics to better characterize the types of noise of greatest concern for conservation efforts and sets the stage for more targeted research and effective management and protection of the species.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Barbara J. Cheney, Julian Dale, Paul M. Thompson, Nicola J. Quick
Summary: This study compares the differences in body morphometric measurements between UAS photogrammetry and laser photogrammetry in cetaceans and explores whether UAS measurements of body width can remotely determine pregnancy status in dolphins. The results show that there is no significant difference in length measurements between UAS and laser photogrammetry, and UAS measurements of body width are related to pregnancy status. However, photogrammetry techniques alone cannot accurately determine the sex or age class of dolphins.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charlotte R. Findlay, Gordon D. Hastie, Adrian Farcas, Nathan D. Merchant, Denise Risch, Ben Wilson
Summary: Pinniped depredation at aquaculture sites is a global problem. Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) are used to mitigate this problem, but it is unclear whether the sound emissions from ADDs can also impact non-target pinnipeds. This study used GPS tracking data and modeled maps of ADD noise to assess the sound exposure and potential auditory impairment of harbour seals. The results showed that harbour seals off the west coast of Scotland are routinely exposed to ADD noise exceeding ambient sound levels, and this chronic exposure may have negative consequences for the population. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using ADDs to minimize unintended impacts on non-target species.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. L. Putland, C. A. F. de Jong, B. Binnerts, A. Farcas, N. D. Merchant
Summary: This study conducted a multi-site validation of monthly and annual shipping noise maps for 2019 produced as part of the JOMOPANS program, and analyzed the differences between predictions and measurements. Validating shipping noise models ensures their confident application in future management decisions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biology
Virginia Iorio-Merlo, Isla M. Graham, Rebecca C. Hewitt, Geert Aarts, Enrico Pirotta, Gordon D. Hastie, Paul M. Thompson
Summary: The study found that marine predators, such as harbour seals, have good memory of foraging patches and integrate this memory with recent prey encounters to adjust their fine-scale movement and foraging behavior.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Oceanography
Nathan D. Merchant, Rosalyn L. Putland, Michel Andre, Eric Baudin, Mario Felli, Hans Slabbekoorn, Rene Dekeling
Summary: Underwater noise from human activities is recognized as a threat to marine life. The European Union has implemented legislation to address this issue and stimulate research efforts. Studies have shown adverse effects of noise on individual animals at different levels. However, defining "Good Environmental Status" for underwater noise requires additional research and alternative approaches. Measures to reduce noise levels have been limited, but there is a growing need to develop and implement quieting measures.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gareth Bradbury, Alan Puttock, Gemma Coxon, Stewart Clarke, Richard E. Brazier
Summary: Fish-finder echo-sounding devices can be effectively used to estimate bathymetry in shallow wetlands, providing a cost-effective and less intrusive method. However, the spatial accuracy of these devices is relatively low and needs to be improved.
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oihane Fernandez-Betelu, Virginia Iorio-Merlo, Isla M. Graham, Barbara J. Cheney, Simone M. Prentice, Rachael Xi Cheng, Paul M. Thompson
Summary: This study used passive acoustics to investigate the foraging behavior of dolphins in the marine environment and found that dolphins would spend more time in key foraging areas after encountering prey, supporting the theory of area-restricted search (ARS) behavior in bottlenose dolphins. The study provides empirical evidence for one driver of ARS behavior and demonstrates the potential of passive acoustic monitoring combined with deep learning techniques in studying the behavior of vocal animals.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Roger Edward Auster, Alan Puttock, Gareth Bradbury, Richard Brazier
Summary: Individual animals are often given names by humans for various reasons, such as acknowledging their closeness to people, identifying differences in research studies, or attracting attention in zoos. While naming individuals in reintroduction projects can have benefits, it also carries risks and should be approached with careful consideration.
Article
Biology
I. M. Graham, D. Gillespie, K. C. Gkikopoulou, G. D. Hastie, P. M. Thompson
Summary: Mitigation measures to disperse marine mammals prior to pile-driving, such as acoustic deterrent devices and piling soft starts, have uncertain efficacy. However, through the use of portable hydrophone clusters, it has been demonstrated that harbour porpoises respond positively to these measures by swimming away from the sound sources.
Correction
Biodiversity Conservation
C. R. Findlay, D. Aleynik, A. Farcas, N. D. Merchant, D. Risch, B. Wilson
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Ecology
N. D. Merchant, K. M. Fristrup, M. P. Johnson, P. L. Tyack, M. J. Witt, P. Blondel, S. E. Parks
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)