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Escalle L, Scutt Phillips J, Lopez J, Lynch JM, Murua H, Royer SJ, Swimmer Y, Murua J, Sen Gupta A, Restrepo V, Moreno G. Simulating drifting fish aggregating device trajectories to identify potential interactions with endangered sea turtles. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024:e14295. [PMID: 38766922 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Purse-seine fishers using drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs), mainly built with bamboo, plastic buoys, and plastic netting, to aggregate and catch tropical tuna, deploy 46,000-65,000 dFADs per year in the Pacific Ocean. Some of the major concerns associated with this widespread fishing device are potential entanglement of sea turtles and other marine fauna in dFAD netting; marine debris and pollution; and potential ecological damage via stranding on coral reefs, beaches, and other essential habitats for marine fauna. To assess and quantify the potential connectivity (number of dFADs deployed in an area and arriving in another area) between dFAD deployment areas and important oceanic or coastal habitat of critically endangered leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles in the Pacific Ocean, we conducted passive-drift Lagrangian experiments with simulated dFAD drift profiles and compared them with known important sea turtle areas. Up to 60% of dFADs from equatorial areas were arriving in essential sea turtle habitats. Connectivity was less when only areas where dFADs are currently deployed were used. Our simulations identified potential regions of dFAD interactions with migration and feeding habitats of the east Pacific leatherback turtle in the tropical southeastern Pacific Ocean; coastal habitats of leatherback and hawksbill in the western Pacific (e.g., archipelagic zones of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands); and foraging habitat of leatherback in a large equatorial area south of Hawaii. Additional research is needed to estimate entanglements of sea turtles with dFADs at sea and to quantify the likely changes in connectivity and distribution of dFADs under new management measures, such as use of alternative nonentangling dFAD designs that biodegrade, or changes in deployment strategies, such as shifting locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Escalle
- Oceanic Fisheries Programme, The Pacific Community (SPC), Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - J Scutt Phillips
- Oceanic Fisheries Programme, The Pacific Community (SPC), Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - J Lopez
- Ecosystem and Bycatch Program, Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), La Jolla, California, USA
| | - J M Lynch
- Center for Marine Debris Research (CMDR), Hawaii Pacific University (HPU), Waimanalo, Hawaii, USA
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Waimanalo, Hawaii, USA
| | - H Murua
- International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - S J Royer
- Center for Marine Debris Research (CMDR), Hawaii Pacific University (HPU), Waimanalo, Hawaii, USA
- The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Y Swimmer
- NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - J Murua
- AZTI Tecnalia, Sukarrieta, Spain
| | - Alex Sen Gupta
- Climate Change Research Centre and ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - V Restrepo
- International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - G Moreno
- International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Barbour N, Shillinger GL, Gurarie E, Hoover AL, Gaspar P, Temple-Boyer J, Candela T, Fagan WF, Bailey H. Incorporating multidimensional behavior into a risk management tool for a critically endangered and migratory species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14114. [PMID: 37204012 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Conservation of migratory species exhibiting wide-ranging and multidimensional behaviors is challenged by management efforts that only utilize horizontal movements or produce static spatial-temporal products. For the deep-diving, critically endangered eastern Pacific leatherback turtle, tools that predict where turtles have high risks of fisheries interactions are urgently needed to prevent further population decline. We incorporated horizontal-vertical movement model results with spatial-temporal kernel density estimates and threat data (gear-specific fishing) to develop monthly maps of spatial risk. Specifically, we applied multistate hidden Markov models to a biotelemetry data set (n = 28 leatherback tracks, 2004-2007). Tracks with dive information were used to characterize turtle behavior as belonging to 1 of 3 states (transiting, residential with mixed diving, and residential with deep diving). Recent fishing effort data from Global Fishing Watch were integrated with predicted behaviors and monthly space-use estimates to create maps of relative risk of turtle-fisheries interactions. Drifting (pelagic) longline fishing gear had the highest average monthly fishing effort in the study region, and risk indices showed this gear to also have the greatest potential for high-risk interactions with turtles in a residential, deep-diving behavioral state. Monthly relative risk surfaces for all gears and behaviors were added to South Pacific TurtleWatch (SPTW) (https://www.upwell.org/sptw), a dynamic management tool for this leatherback population. These modifications will refine SPTW's capability to provide important predictions of potential high-risk bycatch areas for turtles undertaking specific behaviors. Our results demonstrate how multidimensional movement data, spatial-temporal density estimates, and threat data can be used to create a unique conservation tool. These methods serve as a framework for incorporating behavior into similar tools for other aquatic, aerial, and terrestrial taxa with multidimensional movement behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Barbour
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Upwell, Monterey, California, USA
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - George L Shillinger
- Upwell, Monterey, California, USA
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, California, USA
- MigraMar, Bodega Bay, California, USA
| | - Eliezer Gurarie
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tony Candela
- Upwell, Monterey, California, USA
- Mercator Ocean International, Toulouse, France
| | - William F Fagan
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, USA
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Garzon F, Barrientos C, Anvene RE, Mba FE, Fallabrino A, Formia A, Godley BJ, Gonder MK, Prieto CM, Ayetebe JM, Metcalfe K, Montgomery D, Nsogo J, Nze JCO, Possardt E, Salazar ER, Tiwari M, Witt MJ. Spatial ecology and conservation of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting in Bioko, Equatorial Guinea. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286545. [PMID: 37315005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea) hosts important nesting habitat for leatherback sea turtles, with the main nesting beaches found on the island's southern end. Nest monitoring and protection have been ongoing for more than two decades, although distribution and habitat range at sea remains to be determined. This study uses satellite telemetry to describe the movements of female leatherback turtles (n = 10) during and following the breeding season, tracking them to presumed offshore foraging habitats in the south Atlantic Ocean. Leatherback turtles spent 100% of their time during the breeding period within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Equatorial Guinea, with a core distribution focused on the south of Bioko Island extending up to 10 km from the coast. During this period, turtles spent less than 10% of time within the existing protected area. Extending the border of this area by 3 km offshore would lead to a greater than threefold increase in coverage of turtle distribution (29.8 ± 19.0% of time), while an expansion to 15 km offshore would provide spatial coverage for more than 50% of tracking time. Post-nesting movements traversed the territorial waters of Sao Tome and Principe (6.4%of tracking time), Brazil (0.85%), Ascension (1.8%), and Saint Helena (0.75%). The majority (70%) of tracking time was spent in areas beyond national jurisdiction (i.e. the High Seas). This study reveals that conservation benefits could be achieved by expanding existing protected areas stretching from the Bioko coastal zone, and suggests shared migratory routes and foraging space between the Bioko population and other leatherback turtle rookeries in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Garzon
- Hatherley Laboratories, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rigoberto Esono Anvene
- Tortugas Marinas de Guinea Ecuatorial (TOMAGE), Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal y Manejo de las Areas Protegidas (INDEFOR-AP), Bata, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Feme Esono Mba
- Tortugas Marinas de Guinea Ecuatorial (TOMAGE), Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal y Manejo de las Areas Protegidas (INDEFOR-AP), Bata, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Alejandro Fallabrino
- Tortugas Marinas de Guinea Ecuatorial (TOMAGE), Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal y Manejo de las Areas Protegidas (INDEFOR-AP), Bata, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Angela Formia
- Tortugas Marinas de Guinea Ecuatorial (TOMAGE), Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal y Manejo de las Areas Protegidas (INDEFOR-AP), Bata, Equatorial Guinea
- African Aquatic Conservation Fund, Chillmark, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Sustainability and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Mary K Gonder
- Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, Malabo, Bioko Norte, Equatorial Guinea
- Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | | | - Kristian Metcalfe
- African Aquatic Conservation Fund, Chillmark, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David Montgomery
- Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, Malabo, Bioko Norte, Equatorial Guinea
- Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Juan Nsogo
- Tortugas Marinas de Guinea Ecuatorial (TOMAGE), Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal y Manejo de las Areas Protegidas (INDEFOR-AP), Bata, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Juan-Cruz Ondo Nze
- Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, Malabo, Bioko Norte, Equatorial Guinea
- Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Earl Possardt
- US National Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of International Conservation, Falls Church, Virginia, United States of America
| | | | - Manjula Tiwari
- Ocean Ecology Network, Research Affiliate of NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew J Witt
- Hatherley Laboratories, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
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Salvarani PI, Vieira LR, Rendón-von Osten J, Morgado F. Hawksbill Sea Turtle ( Eretmochelys imbricata) Blood and Eggs Organochlorine Pesticides Concentrations and Embryonic Development in a Nesting Area (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico). TOXICS 2023; 11:50. [PMID: 36668776 PMCID: PMC9865186 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants with chemical origins, such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have major impacts on the health of marine animals, including sea turtles, due to the bioaccumulation of those substances by transference throughout the food chain. The effects of environmental pollution on the health of marine turtles are very important for management strategies and conservation. During recent decades, the south Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula have suffered from increasingly frequent disturbances from continental landmasses, river systems, urban wastewater runoff, port areas, tourism, industrial activities, pesticides from agricultural use, and other pollutants, such as metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and hydrocarbons (from the oil industry activities), which contaminate water and sediments and worsen the environmental quality of the marine ecosystem in this region. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of OCPs in the blood and eggs of 60 hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting at the Punta Xen turtle camp, and their effects on the nesting population's reproductive performance: specifically, maternal transfer and embryonic development were analyzed. Hematologic characteristics, including packed cell volume, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and haemoglobin levels, and plasma chemistry values, including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol and glucose, were also measured. The general health of the turtles in this study, as well as their levels of urea, serum creatinine, glucose, uric, acid, cholesterol, and triglyceride, fell within normal ranges and was similar to other normal values, which could indicate the turtles' good energy levels and body conditions for nest-building activity, with all of the turtles able to successfully come ashore to nest. All the same, the obtained results also indicate that OCPs affect the nesting and reproductive performance of the hawksbill turtles, as well as their fertility and the development of the population of eggs and reproductive performance, specifically in terms of maternal transference and embryonic development. There were significant differences in the concentrations of OCPs (ΣHCHs and ΣDienes) between maternal blood and eggs, indicating that these chemicals are transferred from nesting females to eggs and, ultimately, to hatchlings. OCPs may, therefore, have an effect on the health and reproductive performance of hawksbill turtles, both in terms of their fertility and egg development. Conservation strategies need to be species-specific, due to differences in feeding, and address the reasons for any decline, focusing on regional assessments. Thus, accurate and comparable monitoring data are necessary, which requires the standardization of monitoring protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I. Salvarani
- Department of Biology and the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luis R. Vieira
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 2250-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jaime Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto Epomex, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av Augustin de Melgar y Juan de la Barrera s/n, Campeche 24039, Mexico
| | - Fernando Morgado
- Department of Biology and the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Liang D, Bailey H, Hoover AL, Eckert S, Zarate P, Alfaro‐Shigueto J, Mangel JC, de Paz Campos N, Davila JQ, Barturen DS, Rguez‐Baron JM, Fahy C, Rocafuerte A, Veelenturf C, Abrego M, Shillinger GL. Integrating telemetry and point observations to inform management and conservation of migratory marine species. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liang
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
| | - Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
| | | | - Scott Eckert
- Department of Biology and Natural Resources Principia College Elsah Illinois USA
- Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST) Godfrey Illinois USA
| | - Patricia Zarate
- Instituto de Fomento Pesquero Valparaíso Chile
- MigraMar Bodega Bay California USA
| | - Joanna Alfaro‐Shigueto
- ProDelphinus Lima Peru
- Carrera de Biologia Marina, Universidad Cientifica del Sur Lima Peru
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - Jeffrey C. Mangel
- ProDelphinus Lima Peru
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | | | - Javier Quinones Davila
- Oficina de Investigaciones en Depredadores Superiores Instituto del Mar del Perú, Chucuito Callao Peru
| | | | - Juan M. Rguez‐Baron
- JUSTSEA Foundation Bogotá Colombia
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington North Carolina USA
| | - Christina Fahy
- Protected Resources Division West Coast Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service Long Beach California USA
| | | | | | - Marino Abrego
- Ministerio de Ambiente de Panamá Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá Panama City Panama
| | - George L. Shillinger
- Upwell, Heritage Harbor Complex Monterey California USA
- MigraMar Bodega Bay California USA
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Barbour N, Robillard AJ, Shillinger GL, Lyubchich V, Secor DH, Fagan WF, Bailey H. Clustering and classification of vertical movement profiles for ecological inference of behavior. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Barbour
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
- Department of Biology University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
- Upwell Monterey California USA
| | - Alexander J. Robillard
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
- Data Science Lab, Office of the Chief Information Officer Smithsonian Institution Washington DC USA
| | - George L. Shillinger
- Upwell Monterey California USA
- Hopkins Marine Station Stanford University Pacific Grove California USA
| | - Vyacheslav Lyubchich
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
| | - David H. Secor
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
| | - William F. Fagan
- Department of Biology University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
| | - Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
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Figgener C, Bernardo J, Plotkin PT. Delineating and characterizing critical habitat for the Eastern Pacific olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea): Individual differences in migratory routes present challenges for conservation measures. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.933424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective conservation of highly migratory marine species is only possible if core areas of activity and critical habitat can be identified within the vast and dynamic oceanic environment and later on used to delineate marine protected areas (MPAs). However, gathering population-level data and identifying universal patterns within a species or population can be difficult when only a small sample size exists and individuals are not ecologically interchangeable. In addition, the open ocean beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of a country is considered the high-seas and is not part of any jurisdiction and therefore challenging to govern by laws. Granting protection to species using these waters is sometimes virtually impossible. Another challenge is the dynamic nature of the oceanic environment. MPAs are usually based on spatially explicit and static areas, but migratory routes can shift following available food, currents, and temperatures or else, potentially rendering designated areas useless. The red-listed olive ridley turtle is known for its nomadic migratory and feeding behavior and a divergent nesting strategy among females. Our study used two approaches to identify critical habitats for the population nesting in Costa Rica and feeding in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. One was based on a static Kernel Density Approach to identify core areas. The other was a habitat preference model that took into account changing environmental variables such as sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentrations. We were able to identify core areas at the population level by pooling two datasets and increasing our sample size. Our habitat preference model showed a high correlation of olive ridley presence with all tested environmental variables, except chlorophyll-a concentration. Our results reveal that olive ridleys use mainly regions that fall within EEZs and, therefore, the jurisdiction of six countries in Central America and provide an essential conservation tool.
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Figgener C, Bernardo J, Plotkin PT. Marine turtles are only minimally sexually size dimorphic, a pattern that is distinct from most nonmarine aquatic turtles. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8963. [PMID: 35784046 PMCID: PMC9163671 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Turtles have been prominent subjects of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) analyses due to their compact taxonomy, mating systems, and habitat diversity. In prior studies, marine turtles were grouped with fully aquatic non‐marine turtles (NMATs). This is interesting because it is well‐established that the marine environment imposes a distinct selective milieu on body form of vagile vertebrates, driven by convergent adaptations for energy‐efficient propulsion and drag reduction. We generated a comprehensive database of adult marine turtle body sizes (38,569 observations across all species), which we then used to evaluate the magnitude of SSD in marine turtles and how it compares to SSD in NMAT. We find that marine turtles are only minimally sexually size dimorphic, whereas NMAT typically exhibit female‐biased SSD. We argue that the reason for this difference is the sustained long‐distance swimming that characterizes marine turtle ecology, which entails significant energetic costs incurred by both sexes. Hence, the ability of either sex to allocate proportionately more to growth than the other is likely constrained, meaning that sexual differences in growth and resultant body size are not possible. Consequently, grouping marine turtles with NMAT dilutes the statistical signature of different kinds of selection on SSD and should be avoided in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Figgener
- Marine Biology Interdisciplinary Program Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
- Department of Biology Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
- Department of Oceanography Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
- Costa Rican Alliance for Sea Turtle Conservation & Science (COASTS) Gandoca Costa Rica
| | - Joseph Bernardo
- Marine Biology Interdisciplinary Program Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
- Department of Biology Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
- Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - Pamela T. Plotkin
- Marine Biology Interdisciplinary Program Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
- Department of Oceanography Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
- Texas Sea Grant Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
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Knochel AM, Hussey NE, Kessel ST, Braun CD, Cochran JEM, Hill G, Klaus R, Checkchak T, Elamin El Hassen NM, Younnis M, Berumen ML. Home sweet home: spatiotemporal distribution and site fidelity of the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in Dungonab Bay, Sudan. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:22. [PMID: 35484613 PMCID: PMC9052681 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00314-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) populations along the Northeastern African coastline are poorly studied. Identifying critical habitats for this species is essential for future research and conservation efforts. Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island National Park (DMNP), a component of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sudan, hosts the largest known M. alfredi aggregation in the Red Sea. METHODS A total of 19 individuals were tagged using surgically implanted acoustic tags and tracked within DMNP on an array of 15 strategically placed acoustic receivers in addition to two offshore receivers. Two of these acoustically monitored M. alfredi were also equipped with satellite linked archival tags and one individual was fitted with a satellite transmitting tag. Together, these data are used to describe approximately two years of residency and seasonal shifts in habitat use. RESULTS Tagged individuals were detected within the array on 96% of monitored days and recorded an average residence index of 0.39 across all receivers. Detections were recorded throughout the year, though some individuals were absent from the receiver array for weeks or months at a time, and generalized additive mixed models showed a clear seasonal pattern in presence with the highest probabilities of detection occurring in boreal fall. The models indicated that M. alfredi presence was highly correlated with increasing chlorophyll-a levels and weakly correlated with the full moon. Modeled biological factors, including sex and wingspan, had no influence on animal presence. Despite the high residency suggested by acoustic telemetry, satellite tag data and offshore acoustic detections in Sanganeb Atoll and Suedi Pass recorded individuals moving up to 125 km from the Bay. However, all these individuals were subsequently detected in the Bay, suggesting a strong degree of site fidelity at this location. CONCLUSIONS The current study adds to growing evidence that M. alfredi are highly resident and site-attached to coastal bays and lagoons but display seasonal shifts in habitat use that are likely driven by resource availability. This information can be used to assist in managing and supporting sustainable ecotourism within the DMNP, part of a recently designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Knochel
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON, Canada
- Equipe Cousteau, Paris, France
| | - Steven T Kessel
- Equipe Cousteau, Paris, France
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA
| | - Camrin D Braun
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Jesse E M Cochran
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael L Berumen
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Semel MA, Abernathy HN, Semel BP, Cherry MJ, Ratovoson TJC, Moore IT. Environmental and anthropogenic influences on movement and foraging in a critically endangered lemur species, Propithecus tattersalli: implications for habitat conservation planning. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:20. [PMID: 35428372 PMCID: PMC9013159 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wildlife conservation often focuses on establishing protected areas. However, these conservation zones are frequently established without adequate knowledge of the movement patterns of the species they are designed to protect. Understanding movement and foraging patterns of species in dynamic and diverse habitats can allow managers to develop more effective conservation plans. Threatened lemurs in Madagascar are an example where management plans and protected areas are typically created to encompass large, extant forests rather than consider the overall resource needs of the target species. METHODS To gain an understanding of golden-crowned sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli) movement patterns, including space use and habitat selection across their range of inhabited forest types, we combined behavior data with Dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models and Resource Selection Functions. We also examined the influence of abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors on home range size, movement rates, and foraging patterns. RESULTS We found that home range size and movement rates differed between seasons, with increased core area size and movement in the rainy season. Forest type also played a role in foraging behavior with sifaka groups in the humid forest avoiding roads in both seasons, groups in the dry deciduous forest avoiding road networks in the rainy season, and groups in the moderate evergreen forest displaying no selection or avoidance of road networks while foraging. CONCLUSION Our study illustrates the importance of studying primate groups across seasons and forest types, as developing conservation plans from a single snapshot can give an inaccurate assessment of their natural behavior and resources needs of the species. More specifically, by understanding how forest type influences golden-crowned sifaka movement and foraging behavior, conservation management plans can be made to the individual forest types inhabited (dry deciduous, moderate evergreen, humid, littoral, etc.), rather than the region as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Semel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Heather N Abernathy
- Department of Fish & Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Brandon P Semel
- Department of Fish & Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Michael J Cherry
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Tsioriniaina J C Ratovoson
- Département Zoologie et Biodiversité Animale, Université d'Antananarivo, 566 Analamanga, 101, Antananarivo, BP, Madagascar
| | - Ignacio T Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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11
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Flores EE. Recent observations of Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761), in the waters of Pacific Panama. NEOTROPICAL BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e81465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The situation of the Eastern Tropical Pacific subpopulation of the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is critical due to the drastic declines of nesting females. Evidence of the presence of leatherback sea turtles along the Pacific coast of Panama is anecdotal and is based on the local knowledge of local residents. I present here an uncommon observation of a subadult and an adult D. coriacea in the waters off the coast of Azuero Peninsula in central Panama. These observations indicate the need for intensive surveys along this coast that in part may rely on key local informants to urgently implement conservation efforts for this species.
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12
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Gaos AR, Johnson CE, McLeish DB, King CS, Senko JF. Interactions Among Hawaiian Hawksbills Suggest Prevalence of Social Behaviors in Marine Turtles. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1481.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R. Gaos
- NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96818 USA []
| | - Corinne E. Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, Arizona 85287 USA []
| | - Don B. McLeish
- Independent Naturalist, 62 Haku Hale Place, Lahaina, Hawai‘i 96761 USA [
| | - Cheryl S. King
- Hawaiian Hawksbill Conservation, 24 Laumakani Loop, Kihei, Hawai‘i 96753 USA []
| | - Jesse F. Senko
- School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University, 1120 South Cady Mall, Tempe, Arizona 85287 USA []
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Georgian S, Morgan L, Wagner D. The modeled distribution of corals and sponges surrounding the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges with implications for high seas conservation. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11972. [PMID: 34631308 PMCID: PMC8475544 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are two adjacent seamount chains off the west coast of South America that collectively contain more than 110 seamounts. The ridges support an exceptionally rich diversity of benthic and pelagic communities, with the highest level of endemism found in any marine environment. Despite some historical fishing in the region, the seamounts are relatively pristine and represent an excellent conservation opportunity to protect a global biodiversity hotspot before it is degraded. One obstacle to effective spatial management of the ridges is the scarcity of direct observations in deeper waters throughout the region and an accompanying understanding of the distribution of key taxa. Species distribution models are increasingly used tools to quantify the distributions of species in data-poor environments. Here, we focused on modeling the distribution of demosponges, glass sponges, and stony corals, three foundation taxa that support large assemblages of associated fauna through the creation of complex habitat structures. Models were constructed at a 1 km2 resolution using presence and pseudoabsence data, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, silicate, aragonite saturation state, and several measures of seafloor topography. Highly suitable habitat for each taxa was predicted to occur throughout the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, with the most suitable habitat occurring in small patches on large terrain features such as seamounts, guyots, ridges, and escarpments. Determining the spatial distribution of these three taxa is a critical first step towards supporting the improved spatial management of the region. While the total area of highly suitable habitat was small, our results showed that nearly all of the seamounts in this region provide suitable habitats for deep-water corals and sponges and should therefore be protected from exploitation using the best available conservation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Georgian
- Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Lance Morgan
- Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Daniel Wagner
- Conservation International, Center for Oceans, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
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14
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Bruno RS, Restrepo Machado JA, Guzman GRB, Loria JIR, Valverde RA. Biomarkers of reproduction in endangered green sea turtles ( Chelonia mydas) nesting at Tortuguero, Costa Rica. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab072. [PMID: 36082195 PMCID: PMC8422948 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the timing of vitellogenesis is essential for identifying threats to the reproductive success of endangered oviparous vertebrate species, such as sea turtles. We measured concentrations of testosterone (T) and vitellogenin (VTG) in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting at Tortuguero, Costa Rica, as biomarkers of ovarian development. Testosterone concentration increased from the first to second month and VTG concentration increased at the third week of sampling. These results show that Tortuguero green sea turtles were still producing both biomarkers early into the nesting season. VTG concentration was negatively correlated with female weight, suggesting that larger females start nesting earlier at Tortuguero and that we may have sampled larger females further into their reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Saragoça Bruno
- Turtle Love, Barra de Parismina, Limon 70301, Costa Rica
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, 808 North Pine Street, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
| | | | | | | | - Roldán Arturo Valverde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, 808 North Pine Street, Hammond, LA 70402, USA
- Sea Turtle Conservancy, 4581 NW 6th St, Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
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15
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Silver-Gorges I, Ingels J, dos Santos GAP, Valdes Y, Pontes LP, Silva AC, Neres PF, Shantharam A, Perry D, Richterkessing A, Sanchez-Zarate S, Acevedo L, Gillis AJ, Ceriani SA, Fuentes MMPB. Epibionts Reflect Spatial and Foraging Ecology of Gulf of Mexico Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta). Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.696412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are exposed to numerous threats during migrations to their foraging grounds and at those locations. Therefore, information on sea turtle foraging and spatial ecology can guide conservation initiatives, yet it is difficult to directly observe migrating or foraging turtles. To gain insights into the foraging and spatial ecology of turtles, studies have increasingly analyzed epibionts of nesting turtles, as epibionts must overlap spatially and ecologically with their hosts to colonize successfully. Epibiont analysis may be integrated with stable isotope information to identify taxa that can serve as indicators of sea turtle foraging and spatial ecology, but few studies have pursued this. To determine if epibionts can serve as indicators of foraging and spatial ecology of loggerhead turtles nesting in the northern Gulf of Mexico we combined turtle stable isotope and taxonomic epibiont analysis. We sampled 22 individual turtles and identified over 120,000 epibiont individuals, belonging to 34 macrofauna taxa (>1 mm) and 22 meiofauna taxa (63 μm–1 mm), including 111 nematode genera. We quantified epidermis δ13C and δ15N, and used these to assign loggerhead turtles to broad foraging regions. The abundance and presence of macrofauna and nematodes did not differ between inferred foraging regions, but the presence of select meiofauna taxa differentiated between three inferred foraging regions. Further, dissimilarities in macrofauna, meiofauna, and nematode assemblages corresponded to dissimilarities in individual stable isotope values within inferred foraging regions. This suggests that certain epibiont taxa may be indicative of foraging regions used by loggerhead turtles in the Gulf of Mexico, and of individual turtle foraging and habitat use specialization within foraging regions. Continued sampling of epibionts at nesting beaches and foraging grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and globally, coupled with satellite telemetry and/or dietary studies, can expand upon our findings to develop epibionts as efficient indicators of sea turtle foraging and spatial ecology.
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The Use of Animal-Borne Biologging and Telemetry Data to Quantify Spatial Overlap of Wildlife with Marine Renewables. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9030263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The growth of the marine renewable energy sector requires the potential effects on marine wildlife to be considered carefully. For this purpose, utilization distributions derived from animal-borne biologging and telemetry data provide accurate information on individual space use. The degree of spatial overlap between potentially vulnerable wildlife such as seabirds and development areas can subsequently be quantified and incorporated into impact assessments and siting decisions. While rich in information, processing and analyses of animal-borne tracking data are often not trivial. There is therefore a need for straightforward and reproducible workflows for this technique to be useful to marine renewables stakeholders. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis workflow to extract utilization distributions from animal-borne biologging and telemetry data explicitly for use in assessment of animal spatial overlap with marine renewable energy development areas. We applied the method to European shags (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) in relation to tidal stream turbines. While shag occurrence in the tidal development area was high (99.4%), there was no overlap (0.14%) with the smaller tidal lease sites within the development area. The method can be applied to any animal-borne bio-tracking datasets and is relevant to stakeholders aiming to quantify environmental effects of marine renewables.
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Degenford JH, Liang D, Bailey H, Hoover AL, Zarate P, Azócar J, Devia D, Alfaro‐Shigueto J, Mangel JC, de Paz N, Davila JQ, Barturen DS, Rguez‐Baron JM, Williard AS, Fahy C, Barbour N, Shillinger GL. Using fisheries observation data to develop a predictive species distribution model for endangered sea turtles. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Hannah Degenford
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
| | - Dong Liang
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
| | - Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
| | - Aimee L. Hoover
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
- Upwell, Heritage Harbor Complex Monterey California USA
| | - Patricia Zarate
- Instituto de Fomento Pesquero Valparaíso Región de Valparaíso Chile
| | - Jorge Azócar
- Instituto de Fomento Pesquero Valparaíso Región de Valparaíso Chile
| | - Daniel Devia
- Instituto de Fomento Pesquero Valparaíso Región de Valparaíso Chile
| | - Joanna Alfaro‐Shigueto
- ProDelphinus Lima Peru
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
| | - Jeffery C. Mangel
- ProDelphinus Lima Peru
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
| | | | | | | | - Juan M. Rguez‐Baron
- JUSTSEA Foundation Bogota Colombia
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington North Carolina USA
| | - Amanda S. Williard
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington North Carolina USA
| | - Christina Fahy
- Protected Resources Division, West Coast Regional Office National Marine Fisheries Service Long Beach California USA
| | - Nicole Barbour
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Solomons Maryland USA
- Upwell, Heritage Harbor Complex Monterey California USA
| | - George L. Shillinger
- Upwell, Heritage Harbor Complex Monterey California USA
- MigraMar Benito Juárez Ciudad de México Mexico
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18
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Páez-Rosas D, Salinas-de-León P, Proaño A, Vaca-Pita L, Suarez-Moncada J. Multi-tissue stable isotope analyses reveal temporal changes in the feeding patterns of green turtles in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 335:319-328. [PMID: 33481356 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of feeding patterns of highly migratory species is critical for understanding their habitat use and informing the management of their populations. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most important nesting and feeding areas for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) across the tropical eastern Pacific, yet little is known about the feeding patterns of this species. The isotopic composition of different tissues has been used to gain insight into the trophic dynamics of mobile aquatic consumers whose trophic behavior is difficult to directly measure. To elucidate the temporal feeding patterns and isotopic niche sizes of Galapagos green turtles, stable isotope analyses were performed on multiple tissues (skin and carapace) collected at the two most important nesting areas in the archipelago: Bachas and Quinta Playa. The δ13 C and δ15 N signatures on the skin and carapace samples from 56 adult females revealed significant differences between tissues (p = .001 and p = .021, respectively) and nesting areas (p = .011 and p = .003, respectively). These differences suggest a shift from oceanic feeding grounds to neritic habitats before nesting. The carapace isotope values indicated an offshore feeding strategy and a greater isotopic niche (SEAc = 1.91‰2 ), whereas the skin isotope values represented an inshore feeding strategy with a narrower niche (SEAc = 1.37‰2 ), likely related to the consumption of specific coastal prey. Our results suggest that Galapagos green turtles feed across different habitats, and this information can be applied to improve the management of this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Páez-Rosas
- Galapagos Science Center, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Isla San Cristóbal, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Pelayo Salinas-de-León
- Fundación Charles Darwin, Charles Darwin Research Station, Isla Santa Cruz, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador.,Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alberto Proaño
- Departamento de Ecosistemas Marinos, Dirección Parque Nacional Galápagos, Isla Santa Cruz, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Leandro Vaca-Pita
- Galapagos Science Center, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Isla San Cristóbal, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Jenifer Suarez-Moncada
- Departamento de Ecosistemas Marinos, Dirección Parque Nacional Galápagos, Isla Santa Cruz, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
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Barr CE, Hamann M, Shimada T, Bell I, Limpus CJ, Ferguson J. Post-nesting movements and feeding ground distribution by the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) from rookeries in the Torres Strait. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ContextHawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are conservation-dependent species in many areas of the world. A key component to ensuring successful conservation initiatives for the species is understanding their distribution and habitat use, in particular, knowing the nesting sites, migration routes and foraging areas for each genetic stock, and how these might overlap with threats.
AimsInvestigate the post-nesting movements of hawksbill sea turtles nesting in the Torres Strait, including migration movements and foraging ground size and distribution.
MethodsNine nesting hawksbill turtles of the north-eastern Australian genetic stock were satellite-tagged between the 2010 and 2019 nesting seasons for 182 ± 143 days (mean ± s.d.).
Key resultsThree turtles continued to nest on adjacent islands before commencing their post-nesting migrations. From the nine tracked turtles, the following three migration movement strategies were identified: (1) direct migration between the nesting beach and foraging ground, (2) non-direct movements with a period of meandering, and (3) establishment of two foraging areas separated by direct movement pathways. Foraging grounds were distributed across the Torres Strait and north-eastern Australia and varied in size between 0.54 km2 and 3.31 km2 (95% UD). None of the turtles migrated outside of Australian waters.
ConclusionsThe localisation of these movements and habitats within Australian waters provides a unique conservation opportunity, whereby protection efforts involve multiple life stages and potentially preserve turtles from multiple genetic stocks. The variety of inter-nesting, migration and home range strategies used by the tracked turtles in the present study highlight the broad scope of hawksbill movements.
ImplicationsOur findings are useful for the implementation of future marine conservation areas and shed light into the nesting, migratory and foraging behaviours of hawkbills from this genetic stock. An understanding of the movement tracks and habitats used by a genetic pool is essential for well grounded implementation of conservation areas and management regulations.
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20
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Nearshore neonate dispersal of Atlantic leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from a non-recovering subpopulation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18748. [PMID: 33128021 PMCID: PMC7603482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75769-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cryptic ‘lost years’ of sea turtles challenge conservation efforts due to unknown movements and habitat utilisation of young life stages. Behavioural information strengthens dispersal and habitat utilisation models estimating unidentified movements. In this study, leatherback hatchlings were actively tracked with miniature acoustic tags off the east coast of Costa Rica for 83.15 min (± 9.12 SD) to determine their movements and swimming behaviour. Drifters were deployed throughout the tracking process to obtain surface current data. Hatchling (n = 42) over-ground and in-water swimming speed and bearing were calculated. Mean over-ground distance travelled was 2.03 km (± 0.71 km SD) with an over-ground average swim speed of 0.41 m/s (± 0.15 m/s SD). Mean bearing was 108.08° (± 20.19° SD) compared to the 137.56° (± 44.00° SD) bearing of nearshore ocean currents during tracking. Hatchling mean in-water swimming speed was 0.25 m/s (± 0.09 m/s SD). The lower in-water speed suggests hatchlings were advected by the currents, with overall movement strongly influenced by the current direction. This information can be assimilated into broader spatiotemporal distribution models to interpret the influence of directional swimming on ecosystem utilisation and help to achieve informed management decisions across all life stages of the population.
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21
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Hernández-Matías A, Mañosa S, Rollan À, Bosch R, Tintó A, Real J. Using multi-scale spatial prioritization criteria to optimize non-natural mortality mitigation of target species. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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22
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Ábrego ME, Acuña-Perales N, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Azócar J, Barragán Rocha AR, Baquero A, Cotto A, Darquea J, de Paz N, Donoso M, Dutton PH, Fonseca L, Gadea V, García D, Genovart M, Jimenez A, del Rosario Juárez M, López Sánchez KC, Mangel JC, Martínez Suzano ML, Miranda C, Ocampo E, Ordaz Becerra A, Ortiz-Alvarez C, Paladino FV, Pasara-Polack A, Pingo S, Piedra Chacón R, Quiñones J, Rguez-Baron JM, Salas Jiménez JC, Salazar H, Santidrián Tomillo P, Sarti Martínez AL, Spotila JR, Tavera A, Urteaga J, Vallejo F, Velez E, Wallace BP, Williard AS, Zárate PM. Enhanced, coordinated conservation efforts required to avoid extinction of critically endangered Eastern Pacific leatherback turtles. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4772. [PMID: 32179757 PMCID: PMC7075994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60581-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure to improve the conservation status of endangered species is often related to inadequate allocation of conservation resources to highest priority issues. Eastern Pacific (EP) leatherbacks are perhaps the most endangered sea turtle population in the world, and continue on a path to regional extinction. To provide coherent, regional conservation targets, we developed a population viability analysis and examined hypothetical scenarios describing effects of conservation activities that either reduced mortality or increased production of hatchlings (or both). Under status quo conditions, EP leatherbacks will be extirpated in <60 yr. To ensure a positive, long-term population trajectory, conservation efforts must increase adult survivorship (i.e., reduce adult mortality) by ≥20%, largely through reduction of fisheries bycatch mortality. Positive trajectories can be accelerated by increased production of hatchlings through enhanced nest protection and treatment. We estimate that these efforts must save approximately 200-260 adult and subadult leatherbacks and produce approximately 7,000-8,000 more hatchlings annually. Critically, reductions in late-stage mortality must begin within 5 years and reach 20% overall within the next 10-15 years to ensure population stabilization and eventual increase. These outcomes require expanded, sustained, coordinated, high-priority efforts among several entities working at multiple scales. Fortunately, such efforts are underway.
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23
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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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Lombal AJ, O'dwyer JE, Friesen V, Woehler EJ, Burridge CP. Identifying mechanisms of genetic differentiation among populations in vagile species: historical factors dominate genetic differentiation in seabirds. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:625-651. [PMID: 32022401 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the factors underlying the origin and maintenance of genetic variation among populations is crucial for our understanding of their ecology and evolution, and also to help identify conservation priorities. While intrinsic movement has been hypothesized as the major determinant of population genetic structuring in abundant vagile species, growing evidence indicates that vagility does not always predict genetic differentiation. However, identifying the determinants of genetic structuring can be challenging, and these are largely unknown for most vagile species. Although, in principle, levels of gene flow can be inferred from neutral allele frequency divergence among populations, underlying assumptions may be unrealistic. Moreover, molecular studies have suggested that contemporary gene flow has often not overridden historical influences on population genetic structure, which indicates potential inadequacies of any interpretations that fail to consider the influence of history in shaping that structure. This exhaustive review of the theoretical and empirical literature investigates the determinants of population genetic differentiation using seabirds as a model system for vagile taxa. Seabirds provide a tractable group within which to identify the determinants of genetic differentiation, given their widespread distribution in marine habitats and an abundance of ecological and genetic studies conducted on this group. Herein we evaluate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in 73 seabird species. Lack of mutation-drift equilibrium observed in 19% of species coincided with lower estimates of genetic differentiation, suggesting that dynamic demographic histories can often lead to erroneous interpretations of contemporary gene flow, even in vagile species. Presence of land across the species sampling range, or sampling of breeding colonies representing ice-free Pleistocene refuge zones, appear to be associated with genetic differentiation in Tropical and Southern Temperate species, respectively, indicating that long-term barriers and persistence of populations are important for their genetic structuring. Conversely, biotic factors commonly considered to influence population genetic structure, such as spatial segregation during foraging, were inconsistently associated with population genetic differentiation. In light of these results, we recommend that genetic studies should consider potential historical events when identifying determinants of genetic differentiation among populations to avoid overestimating the role of contemporary factors, even for highly vagile taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anicee J Lombal
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - James E O'dwyer
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Vicki Friesen
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, 99 University Avenue, Kingston, OL, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Eric J Woehler
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Hobart, TAS, 7004, Australia
| | - Christopher P Burridge
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
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Haywood JC, Fuller WJ, Godley BJ, Margaritoulis D, Shutler JD, Snape RTE, Widdicombe S, Zbinden JA, Broderick AC. Spatial ecology of loggerhead turtles: Insights from stable isotope markers and satellite telemetry. DIVERS DISTRIB 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Haywood
- Marine Turtle Research Group Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Cornwall UK
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory Plymouth UK
| | - Wayne J. Fuller
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Near East University North Cyprus
| | - Brendan J. Godley
- Marine Turtle Research Group Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Cornwall UK
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Cornwall UK
| | | | - Jamie D. Shutler
- Centre for Geography and Environmental Science University of Exeter Cornwall UK
| | - Robin TE. Snape
- Marine Turtle Research Group Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Cornwall UK
- Society for the Protection of Turtles North Cyprus
| | | | | | - Annette C. Broderick
- Marine Turtle Research Group Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Cornwall UK
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26
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Gilman E, Kaiser MJ, Chaloupka M. Do static and dynamic marine protected areas that restrict pelagic fishing achieve ecological objectives? Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Gilman
- Pelagic Ecosystems Research Group & Tuna Program The Nature Conservancy 3661 Loulu Street Honolulu Hawaii 96822 USA
| | | | - Milani Chaloupka
- Ecological Modelling Services Pty Ltd & Marine Spatial Ecology Lab University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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Dwyer RG, Campbell HA, Pillans RD, Watts ME, Lyon BJ, Guru SM, Dinh MN, Possingham HP, Franklin CE. Using individual-based movement information to identify spatial conservation priorities for mobile species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:1426-1437. [PMID: 30963642 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The optimal design of reserve networks and fisheries closures depends on species occurrence information and knowledge of how anthropogenic impacts interact with the species concerned. However, challenges in surveying mobile and cryptic species over adequate spatial and temporal scales can mask the importance of particular habitats, leading to uncertainty about which areas to protect to optimize conservation efforts. We investigated how telemetry-derived locations can help guide the scale and timing of fisheries closures with the aim of reducing threatened species bycatch. Forty juvenile speartooth sharks (Glyphis glyphis) were monitored over 22 months with implanted acoustic transmitters and an array of hydrophone receivers. Using the decision-support tool Marxan, we formulated a permanent fisheries closure that prioritized areas used more frequently by tagged sharks and considered areas perceived as having high value to fisheries. To explore how the size of the permanent closure compared with an alternative set of time-area closures (i.e., where different areas were closed to fishing at different times of year), we used a cluster analysis to group months that had similar arrangements of selected planning units (informed by shark movements during that month) into 2 time-area closures. Sharks were consistent in their timing and direction of migratory movements, but the number of tagged sharks made a big difference in the placement of the permanent closure; 30 individuals were needed to capture behavioral heterogeneity. The dry-season (May-January) and wet-season (February-April) time-area closures opened 20% and 25% more planning units to fishing, respectively, compared with the permanent closure with boundaries fixed in space and time. Our results show that telemetry has the potential to inform and improve spatial management of mobile species and that the temporal component of tracking data can be incorporated into prioritizations to reduce possible impacts of spatial closures on established fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross G Dwyer
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Hamish A Campbell
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, School of the Environment, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | | | - Matthew E Watts
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Barry J Lyon
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Siddeswara M Guru
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Minh N Dinh
- Research Computing Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA, 22203, U.S.A
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Colman LP, Thomé JCA, Almeida A, Baptistotte C, Barata PCR, Broderick AC, Ribeiro FA, Vila-Verde L, Godley BJ. Thirty years of leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea nesting in Espírito Santo, Brazil, 1988-2017: reproductive biology and conservation. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Mosnier A, Gosselin JF, Lawson J, Plourde S, Lesage V. Predicting seasonal occurrence of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in eastern Canadian waters from turtle and ocean sunfish (Mola mola) sighting data and habitat characteristics. CAN J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2018-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Part of the western Atlantic population of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761)) forage in Canadian waters, where high-use areas have been identified using satellite telemetry and opportunistic sightings. Here, we use sightings of leatherback turtles and ocean sunfish (Mola mola (Linnaeus, 1758)) obtained during a systematic large-scale aerial survey, along with opportunistic turtle sightings, to examine the seasonal occurrence and distribution of leatherback turtles in eastern Canada. Using environmental correlates, we predict the spatial and seasonal development of potentially suitable habitats. All data sets confirmed the presence of leatherback turtles off Nova Scotia during summer. They also highlighted turtle occurrence off southern Newfoundland. Opportunistic sightings suggest a seasonal shift in main turtle concentrations from southwest to northeast, with use of southern Newfoundland waters extending into September. A generalized additive model linking environmental characteristics and turtle observations suggests adding the Grand Banks off Newfoundland and waters east of Anticosti Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the potentially important habitat for leatherback turtles. Direct observations helped delineate habitat currently used by leatherback turtles. In the context of climate change, this modelling approach may improve our ability to forecast changes in turtle habitat suitability and the risks of entrapment or collision associated with potentially changing usage patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Mosnier
- Maurice-Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 1000, Mont Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - J.-F. Gosselin
- Maurice-Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 1000, Mont Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - J. Lawson
- Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 80 East White Hills Road, St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - S. Plourde
- Maurice-Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 1000, Mont Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - V. Lesage
- Maurice-Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 1000, Mont Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
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30
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Hoover AL, Liang D, Alfaro‐Shigueto J, Mangel JC, Miller PI, Morreale SJ, Bailey H, Shillinger GL. Predicting residence time using a continuous‐time discrete‐space model of leatherback turtle satellite telemetry data. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee L. Hoover
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Solomons Maryland USA
- Upwell Monterey California USA
| | - Dong Liang
- Environmental Statistics Collaborative Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Solomons Maryland USA
| | - Joanna Alfaro‐Shigueto
- ProDelphinus, Lima, Peru, and Marine Turtle Research Group University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
- Facultad de Biologia Marina Universidad Cientifica del Sur Lima Peru
| | - Jeffrey C. Mangel
- ProDelphinus, Lima, Peru, and Marine Turtle Research Group University of Exeter Penryn Cornwall UK
| | | | | | - Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Solomons Maryland USA
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31
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Oceanographic and Bathymetric Features as the Target for Pelagic MPA Design: A Case Study on the Cape of Gata. WATER 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/w10101403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Cape of Gata region (southeast Spain) allocates the thermo-haline Almeria–Oran front (AOF), which separates two biogeographical zones, with a very irregular bathymetry, consisting of two canyons and seamounts in an area of 100 × 100 km. An interdisciplinary oceanographic sampling strategy allowed us to solve mesoscale processes including current–bathymetry interactions. Subsurface fertilizing processes and elevated chlorophyll a concentrations were found at the front, seamount, and submarine canyons, turning an apparently oligotrophic area into a rich one. According to a horizontal tracking simulation, the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) at the front is located above the pycnocline and travels fast offshore, transporting productivity from the fertilization process quickly from the region. The DCM at the seamount, in contrast, develops below the pycnocline and remains for almost three weeks in this area. In spite of the coastal marine protected areas (MPAs), a high surface nitrate concentration plume with its origin in a small coastal area without any protection was detected. Local circulation patterns and bathymetry–current interactions provide elevated productivity in surface water which is vertically connected to deep-sea fauna via the daily vertical migration of zooplankton, suggesting elevated biodiversity on the seamount and canyons of the area studied. Based on these results, and considering the presence of coastal MPAs and a Coastal Area Management Program, future studies on benthic fauna, an enlargement of coastal MPAs, and a transboundary land–deep-sea management program are suggested.
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32
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The political biogeography of migratory marine predators. Nat Ecol Evol 2018; 2:1571-1578. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0646-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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33
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Wallace BP, Zolkewitz M, James MC. Discrete, high-latitude foraging areas are important to energy budgets and population dynamics of migratory leatherback turtles. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11017. [PMID: 30030495 PMCID: PMC6054646 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29106-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Many broadly distributed migratory species exhibit fidelity to fine-scale areas that support vital life history requirements (e.g., resource acquisition, reproduction). Thus, such areas are critical for population dynamics and are of high conservation priority. Leatherback sea turtles are among the world's most widely distributed species, and their breeding and feeding areas are typically separated by thousands of kilometres. In this study, we analysed turtle-borne video data on daytime feeding rates and energy acquisition in Nova Scotia, Canada, to quantify the importance of this discrete, seasonal foraging area for leatherback energy requirements. Based on daytime foraging only, we estimate that a single foraging season in Nova Scotia could support 59% of a non-breeding leatherback's annual energy budget, and 29% of energetic requirements for a female on a typical 2-year reproductive cycle. However, maximum energy intake rates for leatherbacks are nearly four times lower than those of mammals and birds due the low energy content of leatherbacks' gelatinous zooplankton prey. These results illustrate that high quality, local-scale foraging areas such as Nova Scotia are critically important to the stability and future growth of the leatherback population in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Thus, as with other migratory species, efforts to reduce threats and maintain habitat quality in such areas should be high conservation priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan P Wallace
- Conservation Science Partners, Inc., 5 Old Town Square, Suite 205, Fort Collins, CO, 80524, USA. .,Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC, USA.
| | | | - Michael C James
- Population Ecology Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2, Canada
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34
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Behera S, Tripathy B, Choudhury BC, Sivakumar K. Movements of Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) in the Bay of Bengal, India, Determined via Satellite Telemetry. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1245.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Satyaranjan Behera
- Odisha Biodiversity Board, Regional Plant Resource Centre Campus, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar-15, Odisha, India []
| | - Basudev Tripathy
- Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata – 700 053, West Bengal, India []
| | | | - Kupuswamy Sivakumar
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248 001, Uttarakhand, India []
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35
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Shumway N, Watson JEM, Saunders MI, Maron M. The Risks and Opportunities of Translating Terrestrial Biodiversity Offsets to the Marine Realm. Bioscience 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/bix150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Shumway
- University of Queensland School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Brisbane, Australia
| | - James E M Watson
- University of Queensland School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Brisbane, Australia
- Science and Research Initiative, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York
| | - Megan I Saunders
- University of Queensland School of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Biodiversity
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- University of Queensland School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Brisbane, Australia
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36
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Mannocci L, Boustany AM, Roberts JJ, Palacios DM, Dunn DC, Halpin PN, Viehman S, Moxley J, Cleary J, Bailey H, Bograd SJ, Becker EA, Gardner B, Hartog JR, Hazen EL, Ferguson MC, Forney KA, Kinlan BP, Oliver MJ, Perretti CT, Ridoux V, Teo SLH, Winship AJ. Temporal resolutions in species distribution models of highly mobile marine animals: Recommendations for ecologists and managers. DIVERS DISTRIB 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mannocci
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab; Nicholas School of the Environment; Duke University; Durham NC USA
| | - Andre M. Boustany
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab; Nicholas School of the Environment; Duke University; Durham NC USA
| | - Jason J. Roberts
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab; Nicholas School of the Environment; Duke University; Durham NC USA
| | - Daniel M. Palacios
- Marine Mammal Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Oregon State University; Hatfield Marine Science Center; Newport OR USA
| | - Daniel C. Dunn
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab; Nicholas School of the Environment; Duke University; Durham NC USA
| | - Patrick N. Halpin
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab; Nicholas School of the Environment; Duke University; Durham NC USA
| | - Shay Viehman
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab; Nicholas School of the Environment; Duke University; Durham NC USA
| | - Jerry Moxley
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab; Nicholas School of the Environment; Duke University; Durham NC USA
| | - Jesse Cleary
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab; Nicholas School of the Environment; Duke University; Durham NC USA
| | - Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory; University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Solomons MD USA
| | - Steven J. Bograd
- Environmental Research Division; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Monterey CA USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Becker
- Protected Resources Division; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Santa Cruz CA USA
- ManTech International Corporation; Solana Beach CA USA
| | - Beth Gardner
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences; University of Washington; Seattle WA USA
| | | | - Elliott L. Hazen
- Environmental Research Division; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Monterey CA USA
| | - Megan C. Ferguson
- Marine Mammal Laboratory; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries; Alaska Fisheries Science Center; Seattle WA USA
| | - Karin A. Forney
- Protected Resources Division; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; Santa Cruz CA USA
| | - Brian P. Kinlan
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; National Ocean Service; National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science; Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment; Biogeography Branch; Silver Spring MD USA
| | - Matthew J. Oliver
- College of Earth, Ocean and Environment; University of Delaware; Lewes DE USA
| | - Charles T. Perretti
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; National Marine Fisheries Service; Northeast Fisheries Science Center; Woods Hole MA USA
| | - Vincent Ridoux
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé; UMR 7372 Université de La Rochelle-CNRS; La Rochelle France
| | - Steven L. H. Teo
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; National Marine Fisheries Service; Southwest Fisheries Science Center; La Jolla CA USA
| | - Arliss J. Winship
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; National Ocean Service; National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science; Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment; Biogeography Branch; Silver Spring MD USA
- CSS-Dynamac; Fairfax VA USA
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37
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Gaos AR, Lewison RL, Jensen MP, Liles MJ, Henriquez A, Chavarria S, Pacheco CM, Valle M, Melero D, Gadea V, Altamirano E, Torres P, Vallejo F, Miranda C, LeMarie C, Lucero J, Oceguera K, Chácon D, Fonseca L, Abrego M, Seminoff JA, Flores EE, Llamas I, Donadi R, Peña B, Muñoz JP, Ruales DA, Chaves JA, Otterstrom S, Zavala A, Hart CE, Brittain R, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Mangel J, Yañez IL, Dutton PH. Natal foraging philopatry in eastern Pacific hawksbill turtles. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170153. [PMID: 28878969 PMCID: PMC5579084 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The complex processes involved with animal migration have long been a subject of biological interest, and broad-scale movement patterns of many marine turtle populations still remain unresolved. While it is widely accepted that once marine turtles reach sexual maturity they home to natal areas for nesting or reproduction, the role of philopatry to natal areas during other life stages has received less scrutiny, despite widespread evidence across the taxa. Here we report on genetic research that indicates that juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the eastern Pacific Ocean use foraging grounds in the region of their natal beaches, a pattern we term natal foraging philopatry. Our findings confirm that traditional views of natal homing solely for reproduction are incomplete and that many marine turtle species exhibit philopatry to natal areas to forage. Our results have important implications for life-history research and conservation of marine turtles and may extend to other wide-ranging marine vertebrates that demonstrate natal philopatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R. Gaos
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Ocean Associates Inc., under contract to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael P. Jensen
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Ocean Associates Inc., under contract to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael J. Liles
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- ProCosta, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ana Henriquez
- ProCosta, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sofia Chavarria
- ProCosta, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Mario Pacheco
- ProCosta, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Melissa Valle
- ProCosta, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David Melero
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Velkiss Gadea
- Marine Turtles Department, Fauna & Flora International, Managua, Nicaragua
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eduardo Altamirano
- Marine Turtles Department, Fauna & Flora International, Managua, Nicaragua
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Perla Torres
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Universidad Nacional de Mexico, Mazatlán, Mexico
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Felipe Vallejo
- Equilibrio Azul, Quito, Ecuador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cristina Miranda
- Equilibrio Azul, Quito, Ecuador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Carolina LeMarie
- Equilibrio Azul, Quito, Ecuador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jesus Lucero
- Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias, A.C, La Paz, Mexico
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Karen Oceguera
- Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias, A.C, La Paz, Mexico
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Didiher Chácon
- Latin American Sea Turtles, Tibás, Costa Rica
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Luis Fonseca
- Latin American Sea Turtles, Tibás, Costa Rica
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marino Abrego
- Conservación de Recursos Costeros y Marinos, Ministerio del Ambiente de Panamá, Panama City, Panama
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Seminoff
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eric E. Flores
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación, Panama City, Panama
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Panama City, Panama
| | - Israel Llamas
- Campamento Tortuguero Mayto, A.C., Mayto, Mexico
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Bernardo Peña
- Conservación de Recursos Costeros y Marinos, Ministerio del Ambiente de Panamá, Panama City, Panama
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz
- Marine Ecology Department, Universidad San Francisco de Quito/Galapagos Science Center, San Cristóbal, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Alarcòn Ruales
- Marine Ecology Department, Universidad San Francisco de Quito/Galapagos Science Center, San Cristóbal, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jaime A. Chaves
- Marine Ecology Department, Universidad San Francisco de Quito/Galapagos Science Center, San Cristóbal, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador
| | - Sarah Otterstrom
- Paso Pacifico, Managua, Nicaragua
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alan Zavala
- Unidad Sinaloa, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Catherine E. Hart
- Red Tortuguera, A.C, Guayabitos, Mexico
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Brittain
- Akazul, La Barrona, Guatemala
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto
- Marine Turtle Research Group, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
- Marine Biology Department, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- ProDelphinus, Lima, Peru
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Mangel
- Marine Turtle Research Group, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
- Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Peter H. Dutton
- Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
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38
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Santidrián Tomillo P, Robinson NJ, Sanz-Aguilar A, Spotila JR, Paladino FV, Tavecchia G. High and variable mortality of leatherback turtles reveal possible anthropogenic impacts. Ecology 2017; 98:2170-2179. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Santidrián Tomillo
- Population Ecology Group; Institut Mediterrani d’ Estudis Avançats; IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB); Miquel Marquès, 21 Esporles 07190 Spain
- The Leatherback Trust; Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station; Playa Grande Costa Rica
| | - N. J. Robinson
- The Leatherback Trust; Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station; Playa Grande Costa Rica
- Department of Biology; Indiana-Purdue University; Fort Wayne Indiana 46805 USA
| | - A. Sanz-Aguilar
- Population Ecology Group; Institut Mediterrani d’ Estudis Avançats; IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB); Miquel Marquès, 21 Esporles 07190 Spain
| | - J. R. Spotila
- The Leatherback Trust; Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station; Playa Grande Costa Rica
- Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Drexel University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19104 USA
| | - F. V. Paladino
- The Leatherback Trust; Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station; Playa Grande Costa Rica
- Department of Biology; Indiana-Purdue University; Fort Wayne Indiana 46805 USA
| | - G. Tavecchia
- Population Ecology Group; Institut Mediterrani d’ Estudis Avançats; IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB); Miquel Marquès, 21 Esporles 07190 Spain
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39
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Scott R, Biastoch A, Agamboue PD, Bayer T, Boussamba FL, Formia A, Godley BJ, Mabert BDK, Manfoumbi JC, Schwarzkopf FU, Sounguet GP, Wagner P, Witt MJ. Spatio-temporal variation in ocean current-driven hatchling dispersion: Implications for the world's largest leatherback sea turtle nesting region. DIVERS DISTRIB 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Scott
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel; Kiel Germany
| | - Arne Biastoch
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel; Kiel Germany
| | - Pierre D. Agamboue
- Wildlife Conservation Society; Global Conservation Program; New York NY USA
| | - Till Bayer
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel; Kiel Germany
| | | | - Angela Formia
- Wildlife Conservation Society; Global Conservation Program; New York NY USA
| | | | - Brice D. K. Mabert
- Centre Nationale des Données et de l'Information Océanographiques; Libreville Gabon
| | | | | | - Guy-Philippe Sounguet
- Aventures Sans Frontieres; Libreville Gabon
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux; Libreville Gabon
| | - Patrick Wagner
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel; Kiel Germany
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40
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Coastal leatherback turtles reveal conservation hotspot. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37851. [PMID: 27886262 PMCID: PMC5122952 DOI: 10.1038/srep37851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the world’s largest reptile – the leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea – conducts flexible foraging migrations that can cover thousands of kilometres between nesting sites and distant foraging areas. The vast distances that may be travelled by migrating leatherback turtles have greatly complicated conservation efforts for this species worldwide. However, we demonstrate, using a combination of satellite telemetry and stable isotope analysis, that approximately half of the nesting leatherbacks from an important rookery in South Africa do not migrate to distant foraging areas, but rather, forage in the coastal waters of the nearby Mozambique Channel. Moreover, this coastal cohort appears to remain resident year-round in shallow waters (<50 m depth) in a relatively fixed area. Stable isotope analyses further indicate that the Mozambique Channel also hosts large numbers of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta. The rare presence of a resident coastal aggregation of leatherback turtles not only presents a unique opportunity for conservation, but alongside the presence of loggerhead turtles and other endangered marine megafauna in the Mozambique Channel, highlights the importance of this area as a marine biodiversity hotspot.
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41
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Asfahl KL, Schuster M. Social interactions in bacterial cell-cell signaling. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2016; 41:92-107. [PMID: 27677972 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuw038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cooperation and conflict in microorganisms is being recognized as an important factor in the organization and function of microbial communities. Many of the cooperative behaviors described in bacteria are governed through a cell-cell signaling process generally termed quorum sensing. Communication and cooperation in diverse microorganisms exhibit predictable trends that behave according to social evolutionary theory, notably that public goods dilemmas produce selective pressures for divergence in social phenotypes including cheating. In this review, we relate the general features of quorum sensing and social adaptation in microorganisms to established evolutionary theory. We then describe physiological and molecular mechanisms that have been shown to stabilize cooperation in microbes, thereby preventing a tragedy of the commons. Continued study of the role of communication and cooperation in microbial ecology and evolution is important to clinical treatment of pathogens, as well as to our fundamental understanding of cooperative selection at all levels of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle L Asfahl
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, 226 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-3804, USA
| | - Martin Schuster
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, 226 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-3804, USA
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42
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Yoshikawa N, Kamezaki N, Kawazu I, Hirai S, Taguchi S. Stock Origin of the Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) Found in the Vicinity of Japan Revealed by mtDNA Haplotypes. CURRENT HERPETOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.5358/hsj.35.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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43
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Kelley JL, Brown AP, Therkildsen NO, Foote AD. The life aquatic: advances in marine vertebrate genomics. Nat Rev Genet 2016; 17:523-34. [DOI: 10.1038/nrg.2016.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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44
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Selph KE, Landry MR, Taylor AG, Gutiérrez-Rodríguez A, Stukel MR, Wokuluk J, Pasulka A. Phytoplankton production and taxon-specific growth rates in the Costa Rica Dome. JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH 2016; 38:199-215. [PMID: 27275025 PMCID: PMC4889980 DOI: 10.1093/plankt/fbv063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
During summer 2010, we investigated phytoplankton production and growth rates at 19 stations in the eastern tropical Pacific, where winds and strong opposing currents generate the Costa Rica Dome (CRD), an open-ocean upwelling feature. Primary production (14C-incorporation) and group-specific growth and net growth rates (two-treatment seawater dilution method) were estimated from samples incubated in situ at eight depths. Our cruise coincided with a mild El Niño event, and only weak upwelling was observed in the CRD. Nevertheless, the highest phytoplankton abundances were found near the dome center. However, mixed-layer growth rates were lowest in the dome center (∼0.5-0.9 day-1), but higher on the edge of the dome (∼0.9-1.0 day-1) and in adjacent coastal waters (0.9-1.3 day-1). We found good agreement between independent methods to estimate growth rates. Mixed-layer growth rates of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus were largely balanced by mortality, whereas eukaryotic phytoplankton showed positive net growth (∼0.5-0.6 day-1), that is, growth available to support larger (mesozooplankton) consumer biomass. These are the first group-specific phytoplankton rate estimates in this region, and they demonstrate that integrated primary production is high, exceeding 1 g C m-2 day-1 on average, even during a period of reduced upwelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E. Selph
- Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Michael R. Landry
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0227, USA
| | - Andrew G. Taylor
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0227, USA
| | - Andrés Gutiérrez-Rodríguez
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0227, USA
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Station Biologique, 29680 Roscoff, France
| | - Michael R. Stukel
- Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - John Wokuluk
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0227, USA
| | - Alexis Pasulka
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093-0227, USA
- Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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45
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Allen AM, Singh NJ. Linking Movement Ecology with Wildlife Management and Conservation. Front Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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46
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Climate change impacts on nesting and internesting leatherback sea turtles using 3D animated computational fluid dynamics and finite volume heat transfer. Ecol Modell 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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47
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Hussey NE, Kessel ST, Aarestrup K, Cooke SJ, Cowley PD, Fisk AT, Harcourt RG, Holland KN, Iverson SJ, Kocik JF, Mills Flemming JE, Whoriskey FG. ECOLOGY. Aquatic animal telemetry: A panoramic window into the underwater world. Science 2015; 348:1255642. [PMID: 26068859 DOI: 10.1126/science.1255642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 399] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The distribution and interactions of aquatic organisms across space and time structure our marine, freshwater, and estuarine ecosystems. Over the past decade, technological advances in telemetry have transformed our ability to observe aquatic animal behavior and movement. These advances are now providing unprecedented ecological insights by connecting animal movements with measures of their physiology and environment. These developments are revolutionizing the scope and scale of questions that can be asked about the causes and consequences of movement and are redefining how we view and manage individuals, populations, and entire ecosystems. The next advance in aquatic telemetry will be the development of a global collaborative effort to facilitate infrastructure and data sharing and management over scales not previously possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel E Hussey
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Steven T Kessel
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Kim Aarestrup
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Vejlsoevej 39, DK-8600 Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Paul D Cowley
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Robert G Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Kim N Holland
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kane'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Sara J Iverson
- Ocean Tracking Network, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - John F Kocik
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473, USA
| | - Joanna E Mills Flemming
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Dalhousie University, 6316 Coburg Road, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Fred G Whoriskey
- Ocean Tracking Network, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
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Sarmiento-Devia RA, Harrod C, Pacheco AS. Ecology and Conservation of Sea Turtles in Chile. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.2744/ccab-14-01-21-33.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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49
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Revuelta O, Hawkes L, León YM, Godley BJ, Raga JA, Tomás J. Evaluating the importance of Marine Protected Areas for the conservation of hawksbill turtles Eretmochelys imbricata nesting in the Dominican Republic. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2015. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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50
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Dodge KL, Galuardi B, Lutcavage ME. Orientation behaviour of leatherback sea turtles within the North Atlantic subtropical gyre. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 282:20143129. [PMID: 25761714 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.3129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) travel thousands of kilometres between temperate feeding and tropical breeding/over-wintering grounds, with adult turtles able to pinpoint specific nesting beaches after multi-year absences. Their extensive migrations often occur in oceanic habitat where limited known sensory information is available to aid in orientation. Here, we examined the migratory orientation of adult male, adult female and subadult leatherbacks during their open-ocean movements within the North Atlantic subtropical gyre by analysing satellite-derived tracks from fifteen individuals over a 2-year period. To determine the turtles' true headings, we corrected the reconstructed tracks for current drift and found negligible differences between current-corrected and observed tracks within the gyre. Individual leatherback headings were remarkably consistent throughout the subtropical gyre, with turtles significantly oriented to the south-southeast. Adult leatherbacks of both sexes maintained similar mean headings and showed greater orientation precision overall. The consistent headings maintained by adult and subadult leatherbacks within the gyre suggest use of a common compass sense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L Dodge
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA Large Pelagics Research Centre, UMass-Amherst, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA Integrated Statistics, 16 Sumner Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Benjamin Galuardi
- Large Pelagics Research Centre, UMass-Amherst, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
| | - Molly E Lutcavage
- Large Pelagics Research Centre, UMass-Amherst, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
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