Review
Behavioral Sciences
Gerald Kerth
Summary: Animal species vary greatly in longevity, with long-lived species of high conservation concern and scientific interest. Long-term field studies on mammals are rare due to the resources required and the career and funding regime in science. However, these studies provide valuable insights into animal behavior and data for protecting populations.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alicia Garcia-Gallego, Yaisel J. Borrell, Carlos Nores, Laura Miralles
Summary: Whaling in the North of Spain from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century severely depleted the North-East Atlantic population of the North Atlantic Right Whale, with long-lasting consequences. A study on public perception of cetaceans and whaling along the Cantabrian coast revealed that cultural imprint plays a significant role in citizens' attitudes towards cetacean conservation.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
D. S. Hayes, M. C. Bruno, M. Alp, I. Boavida, R. J. Batalla, M. D. Bejarano, M. Noack, D. Vanzo, R. Casas-Mulet, D. Vericat, M. Carolli, D. Tonolla, J. H. Halleraker, M. -p. Gosselin, G. Chiogna, G. Zolezzi, T. E. Venus
Summary: This study collected important questions related to hydropeaking from 220 experts worldwide using a systematic method. By identifying 100 high-priority questions, the study aims to guide researchers in improving the science-policy interface and enhancing the sustainability of hydropower.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Katie Sampson, Michael Priestley, Alyson L. Dodd, Emma Broglia, Til Wykes, Dan Robotham, Katie Tyrrell, Marta Ortega Vega, Nicola C. Byrom
Summary: This study aimed to consult UK students about their research priorities on student mental health. The results showed that students are interested in understanding the causes and consequences of poor mental health at university, across academic and social domains. They would like to improve staff and students' knowledge about mental health, and have access to evidence-based support. Future research should take a broad lens to evaluate interventions, considering how services are designed and delivered, and investigating institutional and behavioral barriers to accessibility, including how this varies across different groups within the student population.
Article
Environmental Studies
S. J. Dolman, P. G. H. Evans, F. Ritter, M. P. Simmonds, J. Swabe
Summary: Cetacean bycatch has been a major concern in the European Union for decades, with high numbers of porpoises, dolphins, and whales dying each year. Despite legal requirements, monitoring of bycatch has been insufficient in most fisheries. The new Regulation on the conservation of fishery resources in the EU, while making some improvements, still lacks explicit incorporation of scientific advice from expert bodies. Management solutions have been identified, with general recommendations towards reducing cetacean bycatch.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evelien de Greef, Anthony L. Einfeldt, Patrick J. O. Miller, Steven H. Ferguson, Colin J. Garroway, Kyle J. Lefort, Ian G. Paterson, Paul Bentzen, Laura J. Feyrer
Summary: This study provides valuable insights into the genetic structure, demographic history, and adaptations of the northern bottlenose whale. The presence of genetic subdivision and evidence of inbreeding highlight the vulnerability of the endangered Scotian Shelf population. The decline in effective population size poses risks to genetic diversity, emphasizing the importance of protecting habitat and promoting gene flow.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mingming Liu, Mingli Lin, Songhai Li
Summary: Stranding data on cetaceans in China collected over decades provide valuable information on species distribution and threat levels. Most stranding events involve single individuals, with a gradual increase in events over the past decades, particularly in the southern and eastern regions of China where hotspots are identified.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Romain Leenhardt, Anastasios Koulaouzidis, Aymeric Histace, Gunnar Baatrup, Sabina Beg, Arnaud Bourreille, Thomas de Lange, Rami Eliakim, Dimitris Iakovidis, Michael Dam Jensen, Martin Keuchel, Reuma Margalit Yehuda, Deirdre McNamara, Miguel Mascarenhas, Cristiano Spada, Santi Segui, Pia Smedsrud, Ervin Toth, Gian Eugenio Tontini, Eyal Klang, Xavier Dray, Uri Kopylov
Summary: This study aims to explore future challenges and research areas for incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in capsule endoscopy (CE). Through a Delphi consensus online survey, key research statements and challenges were identified, with the use of AI for identification and grading of small bowel pathologies being ranked the highest in potential.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Marshall
Summary: Scientists are gaining insights into the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on some infected individuals, but many mysteries surrounding this issue remain unsolved.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Olivia Crowe, Alison E. Beresford, Graeme M. Buchanan, Hedley S. Grantham, Ashley T. Simkins, James E. M. Watson, Stuart H. M. Butchart
Summary: Forest ecosystems are crucial for the conservation of threatened and endemic biodiversity. To assess the trends in forest integrity, we used the global Forest Landscape Integrity Index (FLII) across Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). We found that larger and well-protected KBAs with higher proportions of forest had higher forest integrity.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Nick Gales
Summary: This article examines the current status and relevance of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) as it celebrates its 75th year of operation. It highlights the changes and challenges faced by the IWC, including Japan's withdrawal from the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, Iceland's consideration of ending its commercial whaling program, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article emphasizes the importance of the IWC's role in addressing non-whaling threats and suggests that it has the potential to expand its leadership role through collaborations with relevant multi-lateral agencies and conventions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lisa M. W. Mogensen, Zhigang Mei, Yujiang Hao, Xavier A. Harrison, Ding Wang, Samuel T. Turvey
Summary: Conservation management requires robust data as evidence, but often there is a lack of available data on key parameters such as threats. However, insights relevant to conservation may be found within datasets collected for other purposes, so it is important to determine the information content of existing data for threatened species before investing in new data collection. The study on the Yangtze finless porpoise shows that despite severe decline, the relative impact of different anthropogenic activities in the region is unclear, preventing the identification of appropriate mitigation strategies. However, past datasets on porpoises and potential threats may provide new insights into the causes of decline.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Andrew J. Temple, Ethan Westmerland, Per Berggren
Summary: By-catch from small-scale fisheries poses the greatest risk to toothed whales in regions with low- and middle-income countries, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas. Immediate management and conservation actions are needed in these priority regions to prevent species extirpation, while carefully balancing both species and human needs.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Omer F. Ahmad, Yuichi Mori, Masashi Misawa, Shin-ei Kudo, John T. Anderson, Jorge Bernal, Tyler M. Berzin, Raf Bisschops, Michael F. Byrne, Peng-Jen Chen, James E. East, Tom Eelbode, Daniel S. Elson, Suryakanth R. Gurudu, Aymeric Histace, William E. Karnes, Alessandro Repici, Rajvinder Singh, Pietro Valdastri, Michael B. Wallace, Pu Wang, Danail Stoyanov, Laurence B. Lovat
Summary: This study identified key implementation research priorities for artificial intelligence in colonoscopy through an international expert panel, focusing on clinical trial design/end points, technological developments, clinical adoption/integration, data access/annotation, and regulatory approval. These findings provide a framework for future research to accelerate the clinical implementation of AI in endoscopy.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rebecca L. L. Flitcroft, Robin Abell, Ian Harrison, Ivan Arismendi, Brooke E. E. Penaluna
Summary: Freshwaters require targeted policy considerations to achieve biodiversity conservation goals and to support ecosystem services that communities around the globe depend upon. Effective conservation requires creative solutions that build and expand upon conventional protected areas, contextualized for these diverse ecosystems.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Olga A. Filatova, Erich Hoyt, Alexander M. Burdin, Vladimir N. Burkanov, Ivan D. Fedutin, Ekaterina N. Ovsyanikova, Olga Shpak, Tatiana S. Shulezhko, Olga Titova
Summary: Cetacean species are highly mobile and travel long distances, making their conservation challenging. This study analyzes cetacean sightings in the Russian Far East to identify important areas for different species. The findings show that current marine protected areas (MPAs) are insufficient in protecting cetaceans and biodiversity, and suggest the need to expand existing MPAs and establish new ones.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ivan D. Fedutin, Olga A. Filatova, Ilya G. Meschersky, Erich Hoyt
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Heather Breeze, Veronique Nolet, Dugald Thomson, Andrew J. Wright, Emmaline Marotte, Michelle Sanders
Summary: This article provides an overview of recent efforts in Canada to understand and reduce anthropogenic underwater noise, including programs to study noise in whale habitats, workshops on quiet ship design, and collaborative research on noise levels in specific regions. The Government of Canada is also developing a national Ocean Noise Strategy to coordinate and advance these efforts.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
News Item
Biodiversity Conservation
Erich Hoyt
Review
Environmental Sciences
Daniel J. Ingram, Margi Prideaux, Nicola K. Hodgins, Heidrun Frisch-Nwakanma, Isabel C. Avila, Tim Collins, Mel Cosentino, Lucy W. Keith-Diagne, Helene Marsh, Matthew H. Shirley, Koen Van Waerebeek, Maximin K. Djondo, Yusuke Fukuda, Kerstin B. J. Glaus, Rima W. Jabado, Jeffrey W. Lang, Sigrid Luber, Charlie Manolis, Grahame J. W. Webb, Lindsay Porter
Summary: Wild animals are captured and consumed for food and traditional purposes in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Aquatic animals, in particular, have been consumed for thousands of years and play an important role in nutrition, income, and cultural identity for communities. However, economic opportunities have led to unsustainable exploitation of some species. This study focuses on the exploitation of aquatic megafauna and highlights the need for understanding the scope and potential threats to inform conservation management.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Raquel De la Cruz-Modino, Mel Cosentino
Summary: This article discusses successful cases of whale-watching eco-tourism activities in Norway, which combine whale-watching, research, education, and benefits for the local community, attracting a large number of tourists. Additionally, the collaboration between tourism and whale research can drive innovation in the fields of ecology and tourism.
Review
Zoology
Andrew J. Wright, Hilary B. Moors-Murphy, Harald Yurk
Summary: Technical Guidance from the US National Marine Fisheries Service provides recommended thresholds for assessing hearing damage in marine mammals. However, the Guidance contains uncertainties due to limited data and assumptions about data representation for different species. Applying the Guidance in other jurisdictions with different legal standards, such as Canada, requires consideration of these limitations and potential adjustments to meet precautionary requirements.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ida Carlen, Mel Cosentino
Summary: The Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population is critically endangered with only a few hundred animals remaining. The population faces a serious threat from bycatch in static net fisheries. To minimize bycatch, the use of acoustic deterrent devices, or pingers, has been proposed. Recent studies suggest that high-frequency pingers do not increase seal depredation on static nets.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Marie-Therese Mrusczok, Elizabeth Zwamborn, Menja von Schmalensee, Sara Rodriguez Ramallo, Robert A. Stefansson
Summary: Interactions between killer whales and long-finned pilot whales were studied, with the first documented account of a killer whale calf seen in echelon position with long-finned pilot whales. Behavioral, locational, and photographic data were analyzed, providing background information on the killer whale group involved in the apparent alloparental behavior. The study also observed unusual behavioral patterns during interactions between killer whales and long-finned pilot whales, suggesting a complex relationship influenced by multiple factors.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Chanelle Webster, Paul S. Lavery, Caitlyn O'Dea, Marta Sanchez Alarcon, Chandra Salgado Kent, Kathryn McMahon
Summary: Abiotic and biotic factors influence seagrass resilience, but their effects over the complete lifecycle are rarely assessed. This study examined the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on Ruppia spp. and found that grazing by black swans had a positive impact on seedling recruitment. Salinity and temperature played important roles in different lifecycle stages, and bet-hedging strategies of R. polycarpa were revealed. These findings are important for understanding seagrass resilience in the face of climate change.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Henry Hakkinen, Nigel G. Taylor, Nathalie Pettorelli, William J. Sutherland, Jon Aldara, Tycho Anker-Nilssen, Christophe Aulert, Rob S. A. van Bemmelen, Daisy Burnell, Bernard Cadiou, Letizia Campioni, Bethany L. Clark, Nina Dehnhard, Maria P. Dias, Leonie Enners, Robert W. Furness, Gunnar thorn or Hallgrimsson, Sjurour Hammer, Erpur Snaer Hansen, Martti Hario, Stephen Hurling, Mark Jessopp, Birgit Kleinschmidt, Meelis Leivits, Klaudyna Maniszewska, Steffen Oppel, Ana Payo-Payo, Daniel Piec, Jaime A. Ramos, Frederic Robin, Iben Hove Sorensen, Antra Stipniece, Danielle L. Thompson, Antonio Vulcano, Silviu Petrovan
Summary: Conservation guidance is an important tool to communicate evidence-based advice to conservation actors, especially in the face of rapidly increasing pressure from climate change. However, the process of developing guidance documents with input from stakeholders can be complicated and costly. There is currently little direct evidence and guidance specifically targeting climate change. This study introduces a process for co-developing guidance for species conservation in the context of a changing climate, using seabirds in the North-East Atlantic as a case study.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Business
T. B. White, S. O. Petrovan, L. A. Bennun, T. Butterworth, A. P. Christie, H. Downey, S. B. Hunter, B. R. Jobson, S. O. S. E. Zu Ermgassen, W. J. Sutherland
Summary: Currently, there is an increasing expectation for the private sector to address biodiversity impacts and contribute to global conservation goals. Appropriate evidence use can help businesses minimize biodiversity losses, reduce ineffective actions, and secure opportunities from engaging with biodiversity. This study reviews the status of evidence-based action in the private sector, identifies concerning trends, and proposes principles for evidence-based biodiversity impact mitigation. Meeting these principles would improve biodiversity outcomes, but broader political and socio-economic issues also need to be addressed for business action to fully contribute to global conservation goals.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Amelia S. C. Hood, Gorm E. Shackelford, Alec P. Christie, Hope O. Usieta, Philip A. Martin, William J. Sutherland
Summary: This article presents a systematic map of scientific studies on cassava farming practices, aiming to identify knowledge gaps and clusters. The study found regional knowledge clusters and gaps, as well as issues with study design and reporting standards. The map can guide researchers and funders in addressing knowledge gaps, and the ontologies developed can facilitate more efficient synthesis.
ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND EVIDENCE
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Elizabeth Zwamborn, Naomi Boon, Hal Whitehead
Summary: Collective decision-making is crucial for group-living animals. Aquatic mammals, especially cetaceans, face unique challenges in making collective decisions. Current research on collective decision-making mainly focuses on terrestrial species, with limited studies on aquatic mammals. Future research will enhance our understanding of how non-human mammals navigate environmental and contextual challenges.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Olga A. Filatova, Ivan D. Fedutin, Ekaterina A. Borisova, Ilya G. Meschersky, Erich Hoyt
Summary: This study examined the genetic and vocal variation in resident killer whales from Nemuro Strait in the western North Pacific. The results showed significant differences in mtDNA control region haplotypes and stereotyped calls between the Nemuro population and those from Kamchatka and the adjacent western North Pacific. This suggests that Nemuro Strait represents a separate maternal lineage and supports the existence of a southwestern glacial refugium for killer whales during the Last Glacial Maximum.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
