1. Biologically Important Areas for Cetaceans Within U.S. Waters – Overview and Rationale

Abstract

We outline the rationale and process used by the Cetacean Density and Distribution Mapping (CetMap) Working Group to identify Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for 24 cetacean species, stocks, or populations in seven regions within U.S. waters. BIAs are reproductive areas, feeding areas, migratory corridors, and areas in which small and resident populations are concentrated. BIAs are region-, species-, and time-specific. Information provided for each BIA includes the following: (1) a written narrative describing the information, assumptions, and logic used to delineate the BIA; (2) a map of the BIA; (3) a list of references used in the assessment; and (4) a metadata table that concisely details the type and quantity of information used to define a BIA, providing transparency in how BIAs were designated in a quick reference table format. BIAs were identified through an expert elicitation process. The delineation of BIAs does not have direct or immediate regulatory consequences. Rather, the BIA assessment is intended to provide the best available science to help inform regulatory and management decisions under existing authorities about some, though not all, important cetacean areas in order to minimize the impacts of anthropogenic activities on cetaceans and to achieve conservation and protection goals. In addition, the BIAs and associated information may be used to identify information gaps and prioritize future research and modeling efforts to better understand cetaceans, their habitat, and ecosystems.

Monitoring Variation in Small Coastal Dolphin Populations: An Example from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

“…Anthropogenic activities in the marine environments are increasing (Reeves et al, 2013;Ferguson et al, 2015) and there a number of activities that are of concern for conservation management of marine species e.g., energy development, shipping, fishing and coastal construction (Ferguson et al, 2015). One common component of these activities is underwater noise.…”

“…Sound is essential for cetaceans to be able to communicate, detect predators and prey, traverse and sense environmental cues (Ferguson et al, 2015;Paiva et al, 2015). Increasing anthropogenic underwater sound could be influencing cetaceans ability to detect key sounds (Ellison et al, 2012;Ferguson et al, 2015) and hence have an effect on emigration rates and movement patterns (Wang et al, 2007;Dungan et al, 2011). The design of future population studies of coastal dolphins needs to account for temporary and permanent migration and ranging patterns.…”

Influence of seasonality on cetacean diversity, abundance, distribution and habitat use in the western Mediterranean Sea: Implications for conservation

“…Priority risk areas could be found where the following features come together (CBD, ; Ferguson, Curtice, Harrison, & Van Parijs, ; IUCN, ; IUCN‐MMPATF, ): presence of species at particular risk, higher species diversity, presence of juveniles, use of habitats for primary biological needs, and the overlap between potential impacts and the presence of sensitive species.…”

Using Satellite AIS to Analyze Vessel Speeds Off the Coast of Washington State, U.S., as a Risk Analysis for Cetacean-Vessel Collisions

“…There are Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) in this research area for gray (Eschrichtius robustus) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) (Calambokidis et al, 2015; Figures 1, 2). BIAs are species, region, and time specific areas which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Cetacean Density and Distribution Working Group has identified as important for reproduction, feeding, migrating, or small and residential populations (Ferguson et al, 2015).…”