Interactions and Relationship between Marine Mammal Ecology and Human Activities

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Mammals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 3134

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Aquasearch, Zone Artisanale et Commerciale (ZAC) Les Côteaux, Sainte-Luce, Martinique, France
2. Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada
Interests: marine megafauna; bioacoustic; human activities; marine ecology

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Aquasearch, Zone Artisanale et Commerciale (ZAC) Les Côteaux, Sainte-Luce, Martinique, France
Interests: marine ecology; marine mammals; bioacoustic

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Studying the interactions between marine mammals and human activities is of paramount importance in the field of marine biology as these interactions have become increasingly frequent and complex due to the expansion of human activities in marine environments. Understanding these interactions is essential for a number of reasons.

Firstly, marine mammals play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems as predators, regulators of prey populations, and contributors to biodiversity. The impacts of human activities, such as noise pollution, habitat loss, and ship strikes, can disrupt these ecological roles, compromising the balance of marine ecosystems.

Secondly, many marine mammal species are indicators of the health of the oceans and, by monitoring their populations and studying their responses to human activities, scientists can gain valuable information on the overall state of the marine environment and the ways in which human disturbances impact it.

Thirdly, understanding the interactions between marine mammals and human activities is essential for the development of effective conservation strategies. By identifying the main threats and developing appropriate mitigation measures, it is possible to minimize negative impacts on these species and protect their habitats.

In short, studying the interactions between marine mammals and human activities is crucial to preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of ocean ecosystems for future generations.

Dr. Benjamin De Montgolfier
Dr. Marion Poupard
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • marine mammals
  • human activities
  • ecosystems
  • interactions
  • conservation
  • biodiversity

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1370 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Vessel Traffic on the Behavior Patterns of Common Dolphins in the Tagus Estuary (Portugal)
by Iolanda M. Silva, Nádia Jesus, Joana Castro and Ana Rita Luís
Animals 2024, 14(20), 2998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202998 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 935
Abstract
The impact of vessels on dolphin populations has been extensively studied worldwide. The common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, has been observed in the Tagus estuary for the past two centuries, and during the last several years, these sightings seem to have increased. This [...] Read more.
The impact of vessels on dolphin populations has been extensively studied worldwide. The common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, has been observed in the Tagus estuary for the past two centuries, and during the last several years, these sightings seem to have increased. This area has high levels of maritime traffic throughout the year, both commercial and recreational. To understand the possible effects of vessel traffic on dolphins’ behavior, land-based observations were carried out from March 2022 to March 2023. For a total of 67 events (48.9 h of dolphin sightings), differences in behavioral budgets were noted. Although “neutral reaction” was the most observed response when vessels were in the vicinity of dolphins, “negative reaction” was also common and five times more abundant than “positive reaction”. The GEE model showed statistical differences between these reaction types (positive, neutral, and negative). Markov chains’ analysis revealed distinct patterns in the behavioral transition probabilities, as dolphins were more likely to switch to a traveling state when vessels were nearby. This study is the first step towards understanding a potential impact source in the area since it is expected that tourism companies expand due to the increase in dolphin sightings in the estuary. Full article
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15 pages, 3450 KiB  
Article
Cetacean Stranding Response Program and Spatial–Temporal Analysis in Taiwan, 1994–2018
by Lien-Siang Chou, Chiou-Ju Yao, Ming-Chih Wang, Wei-Lien Chi, Yun Ho and Wei-Cheng Yang
Animals 2024, 14(12), 1823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121823 - 19 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1832
Abstract
A national cetacean stranding response program in Taiwan has evolved significantly in the past three decades. Initially co-ordinated by National Taiwan University from 1994, the program transitioned to the Taiwan Cetacean Society in 1999, and local governments took on a more prominent role [...] Read more.
A national cetacean stranding response program in Taiwan has evolved significantly in the past three decades. Initially co-ordinated by National Taiwan University from 1994, the program transitioned to the Taiwan Cetacean Society in 1999, and local governments took on a more prominent role after 2009. A comprehensive stranding database (1994–2018) has been maintained, which documented 1320 stranding events involving 1698 animals from at least 27 species. The most commonly stranded species include finless porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, Kogia spp., and Risso’s dolphins. The stranding rates varied annually and seasonally, with increases noted from an average of 16 events per year for the first 3 years to 44–58 events per year between 1997 and 2015, and a sharp rise to over 90 events per year for the period of the last three years. Seasonal variations were also significant, with higher stranding rates during the northeastern monsoon (NEM, October to next April) than that during southwestern monsoon (SWM, May to September). From the aspect of distribution, more frequent and even strandings occurred along the coast of northern Taiwan, while mass strandings were concentrated in the southwestern counties during NEM. Among all strandings, 390 events (29.5%) and 660 animals (38.9%) were live ones. Under great effort in rescuing and rehabilitating 52 cases, 15 cetacean individuals have been released since 2000. Additionally, there have been 56 mass strandings involving at least 11 species since 1994, predominated by pygmy killer whales, particularly during the NEM season along the southwest coast. This study not only contributes to our understanding of the stranding patterns and diversity of the cetaceans in Taiwan, but also provides valuable insights for future conservation strategies on cetaceans in the western Pacific. Full article
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