Distribution maps of cetacean and seabird populations in the North-East Atlantic

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  • James Waggitt
  • Peter Evans
  • Jan Geert Hiddink
  • Joana Andrade
    Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves
  • Alex Banks
    NATURAL ENGLAND
  • Oliver Boisseau
    Marine Conservation Research
  • Mark Bolton
    RSPB
  • Gareth Bradbury
    Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire
  • Tom Brereton
    Marinelife
  • Kees Camphuysen
    NIOZ, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
  • Jan Durinck
    Marine Observers
  • Tom Felce
    Manx Whale and Dolphin Trust
  • Ruben Fijn
    Bureau Waardenburg
  • Isabel Garcia-Baron
    AZTI Fundazioa
  • Stefan Garthe
    University of Kiel
  • Steve Geelhoed
    Wageningen Marine Research
  • Anita Gilles
    University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation
  • Martin Goodall
    Cornwall Wildlife Trust
  • Jan Haelters
    Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
  • Sally Hamilton
    ORCA
  • Lauren Hartny-Mills
    Hebrides Whale and Dolphin Trust
  • Nicola Hodgins
    Whale and Dolphin Conservation
  • Kathy James
    Sea Watch Foundation
  • Mark Jessopp
    University College Cork
  • Ailbhe Kavanagh
    University College Cork
  • Mardik Leopold
    Wageningen Marine Research
  • Katrin Lohrengel
    Sea Watch Foundation
  • Maite Louzao
    AZTI Fundazioa
  • Nele Markones
    University of Kiel
  • Jose Martinez-Cediera
    Coordinadora para o Estudio dos Mamíferos Mariños
  • Oliver O’Cadhla
    National Parks & Wildlife Service
  • Sarah Perry
    Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
  • Graham Pierce
    Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas
  • Vincent Ridoux
    CNRS-Université de La Rochelle
  • Kevin Robinson
    Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit
  • Begona Santos
    Instituto Español de Oceanografía
  • Camilo Saavedra
    Instituto Español de Oceanografía
  • Henrik Skov
    DHI
  • Eric Steinen
    Research Institute for Nature and Forest
  • Signe Sveegaard
    Aarhus University
  • Paul Thompson
    University of Aberdeen
  • Nicolas Vanermen
    Research Institute for Nature and Forest
  • Dave Wall
    Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
  • Andy Webb
    HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd
  • Jared Wilson
    Marine Science Scotland
  • Sarah Wanless
    Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
1. Distribution maps of cetaceans and seabirds at basin and monthly scales are needed for conservation and marine management. These are usually created from standardised and systematic aerial and vessel surveys, with recorded animal densities interpolated across study areas. However, distribution maps at basin and monthly scales have previously not been possible because individual surveys have restricted spatial and temporal coverage.
2. This study develops an alternative approach consisting of: (1) collating diverse survey data to maximise spatial and temporal coverage, (2) using detection functions to estimate variation in the surface area covered (km2) among these surveys, standardising measurements of effort and animal densities, and (3) developing species distribution models (SDM) that overcome issues with heterogeneous and uneven coverage.
3. 2.68 million km of survey data in the North-East Atlantic between 1980 and 2018 were collated and standardised. SDM using Generalized Linear Models and General Estimating Equations in a hurdle approach were developed. Distribution maps were then created for 12 cetacean and 12 seabird species at 10 km and monthly resolution. Qualitative and quantitative assessment indicated good model performance.
4. Synthesis and applications. This study provides the largest ever collation and standardisation of diverse survey data for cetaceans and seabirds, and the most comprehensive distribution maps of these taxa in the North-East Atlantic. These distribution maps have numerous applications including the identification of important areas needing protection, and the quantification of overlap between vulnerable species and anthropogenic activities. This study demonstrates how the analysis of existing and diverse survey data can meet conservation and marine management needs.

Keywords

  • Bay of Biscay, Celtic Sea, English Channel, Hebrides, Irish Sea, North Sea, detection function models, species distribution models
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)253-269
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Applied Ecology
Volume57
Issue number2
Early online date26 Oct 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2020

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