Multi source data analysis for improving striped dolphin distribution modelling at a regional scale

Azzolin, M.; Saintingan, Sebastien; Zampollo, Arianna; Carlucci, Roberto; Maglietta, Rosalia; Cipriano, Giulia; Crosti, Roberto; Arcangeli, Antonella; Ricci, Pasquale; Fanizza, Carmelo; Vetrugno, Arianna; Ramazio, Martina; Giacoma, Cristina

doi:10.1109/metrosea.2018.8657895

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 11 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Interestingly, the striped dolphin proved to be the most important apex predator, located in 6th position of the rank together with other keystone predators belonging to the meso-predators, such as the bathyal benthopelagic squids (FG 29) and benthic cephalopods (FG 31). Thus, this dolphin is involved in the main pathway of trophic regulations in the investigated food web, likely due to its high abundance in the study area [46,47,53,100] and the direct predation on mesopelagic fishes, which are key players as wasp-waist species in the Gulf of Taranto [35,36]. On the other hand, Valls' KSi stresses the central role of other offshore odontocetes (i.e., G. griseus and P. macrocephalus) as stronger keystone predators than other consumers in the Gulf of Taranto food web.…”

Section: Trophic Role Played By Cetaceans In the Gulf Of Tarantomentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing Cetacean–Fishery Interactions to Inform a Deep-Sea Ecosystem-Based Management in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea)

Ricci

Manea

Cipriano

et al. 2021

JMSE

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Understanding of cetaceans’ trophic role and the quantification of their impacts on the food web is a critical task, especially when data on their prey are linked to deep-sea ecosystems, which are often exposed to excessive exploitation of fishery resources due to poor management. This aspect represents one of the major issues in marine resource management, and trade-offs are needed to simultaneously support the conservation of cetaceans and their irreplaceable ecological role, together with sustainable fishing yield. In that regard, food web models can represent useful tools to support decision-making processes according to an ecosystem-based management (EBM) approach. This study provides a focus on the feeding activity occurrence and the trophic interactions between odontocetes and the fishery in the marine food web of the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea), by zooming in on cetaceans’ prey of commercial interest. In particular, the quantification of trophic impacts is estimated using a food web mass-balance model that integrates information on the bathymetric displacement of both cetaceans’ prey and fishing activity. The results are discussed from a management perspective to guide future research and knowledge enhancement activities as well as support the implementation of an EBM approach.

show abstract

Section: Trophic Role Played By Cetaceans In the Gulf Of Tarantomentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing Cetacean–Fishery Interactions to Inform a Deep-Sea Ecosystem-Based Management in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea)

Ricci

Manea

Cipriano

et al. 2021

JMSE

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Spatial distribution modelling of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) at different geographical scales within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, central‐eastern Mediterranean Sea

Azzolin

Arcangeli

Cipriano

et al. 2020

Aquatic Conservation

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is one of the most abundant cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, it is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN Red List experts. To implement conservation strategies within the Mediterranean Sea, it is crucial to understand how striped dolphins are distributed at different geographical scales. The present study investigates its distribution within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region. To model striped dolphin distribution, topographic (distance from shore, depth and slope) and oceanographic variables (sea surface temperature and phytoplankton concentration) were employed, and species distribution models (SDMs) were developed using Maxent software. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to improve the information supplied by the SDMs, allowing the description of response curves to striped dolphin occurrences. Statistical analysis shows that striped dolphins are not evenly distributed within the investigated area. The higher encounter rates observed in the Gulf of Taranto and the Gulf of Corinth confirm that both sub‐regions are crucial for its conservation. Furthermore, SDMs also indicate suitable areas in the offshore waters of the Adriatic Sea, along the continental slope of the north‐eastern Ionian Sea and over its continental shelf. Within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, striped dolphins prefer areas at a greater distance from shore, with steeper slopes, deeper waters, and higher sea surface temperature. The topographic variables are the most explicative factors for both modelling approaches. The analysis of striped dolphin SDMs allows the identification of important areas for conservation and highlights zones where appropriate mitigation strategies could reduce the impact of human activities on this Vulnerable species. Further analysis of SDMs for different periods of the year, as well as a genetic study, could highlight seasonal movements across and within sub‐regions.

show abstract

Initial results on the variation of whistle characteristics of bottlenose dolphins from two neighbouring regions of the Mediterranean Sea: Northern Ionian and Southern Adriatic Sea

Akkaya¹,

Awbery

Medcalf³

et al. 2023

Front. Mar. Sci.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Bottlenose dolphins have a complex vocal repertoire that varies depending on behavioral context, social structure, group composition, and anthropogenic pressures. This current study describes the whistle characteristics of bottlenose dolphins for the first time in the South Adriatic Sea while assessing the potential differences between whistle characteristics of geographically separated dolphins within neighbouring waters of the North Ionian Sea. The results show that whistle characteristics were similar between Taranto Gulf (Italy) and Boka Bay (Montenegro), despite their spatial differences. The mean peak frequency was 10kHz for each study location while the mean minimum and maximum frequency ranged from 7 to 14kHz. The average duration of whistles was 500 milliseconds. These results share similarities with previous literature, although several studies reported slightly different mean peak frequencies, ranging up to 15kHz in the neighbouring waters of Croatia and Italy. Further, harmonics were produced and formed in 40% of the whistles in Taranto Gulf and 30% of the whistles in Boka Bay. A high incidence of harmonics has previously been associated with behavioral states (i.e., travelling) and with certain types of marine traffic (i.e., fishing vessels). Therefore, it is important to collect simultaneous data on the visual behavior of the focal group as well as document the type and density of marine traffic within the proximity of the dolphins to have an in-depth understanding of vocal behavior. Despite the similarities of whistle characteristics of Taranto and Boka Bay, the whistle contours showed notable variations. Upsweep whistles were the most regularly produced whistle type in each location, which coincides with previous studies in the Mediterranean Sea. However, the least produced whistle had a concave contour in Taranto and was flat in Boka Bay. Previous studies have confirmed that flat whistles account for the least produced whistle contour in the Mediterranean Basin. Examining the whistle characteristics and the variation in whistle contours provides an in-depth understanding of the behavioral complexity as well as its plasticity in the presence of pressure. Therefore, future studies need to include behavior, group composition, noise levels, and human presence to enable an effective understanding of variation in whistle characteristics of bottlenose dolphins.

show abstract

Multi source data analysis for improving striped dolphin distribution modelling at a regional scale

Cited by 3 publications

References 11 publications

Addressing Cetacean–Fishery Interactions to Inform a Deep-Sea Ecosystem-Based Management in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea)

Addressing Cetacean–Fishery Interactions to Inform a Deep-Sea Ecosystem-Based Management in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea)

Spatial distribution modelling of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) at different geographical scales within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, central‐eastern Mediterranean Sea

Initial results on the variation of whistle characteristics of bottlenose dolphins from two neighbouring regions of the Mediterranean Sea: Northern Ionian and Southern Adriatic Sea

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About