Observations of the spatio-temporal distribution and habitat use of North Atlantic minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Lacepede 1804) were analysed for Canadian, Icelandic and European Waters. Few monthly or annually associated occurrence patterns were consistent across the areas of study. New B.acutorostrata spatio-temporal distribution and habitat association observations are considered important in respect to prevalent conservation demands and management requirements. These findings have further important implications towards multi-national collaborative research programmes calculating population abundances in the North Atlantic. Methods for investigating eco-geographical variable (EGV) association including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing and quantitative ecological niche methods can, through modelling, export B.acutorostrata EGV associations across contiguous spatial areas and environments. It was determined that further investigation was needed to rigorously test those methods available and should be achieved before any further research of B.acutorostrata distribution and habitat use. This analysis was attempted within the study presented. The descriptive performance and predictive capabilities of readily available presence-only ecological niche models were investigated including PCA, ENFA, Bioclim, Domain and Maxent techniques. Although results of the study showed that computationally sophisticated techniques functioned well descriptively, within areas of study,
their predictive ability is relatively poor in comparison to other ordination type statistics. These features indicate that simpler ordination approaches are more suitable for macro-ecological studies. Therefore presence-only techniques could
be useful for a first, yet quantitatively robust, model of the habitat range when regular effort-based surveys at sea are not possible. Though investigation is still required regarding the selection and application of ecological niche models,
these spatial predictions provide important products for the future management of cetaceans. Further research is required to assist in identifying potential protective areas, wider conservation strategies and planning. Investigation is
needed into how these predictions perform including how the results of these analyses can be interpreted and implemented effectively. Modelled information of minke whale habitat use and environmental association were further used to
create quantitative spatial maps of B.acutorostrata habitat occurrence and suitability. After rigorous validation of predicted habitats, using independent presence records, all mapped distributions were found to produce ecologically coherent results and performed greater than random probability distributions. Monthly habitat suitability maps were produced for each of the study areas. These showed the progressive accumulation and movement of B.acutorostrata habitat use, highlighting potential relationships in spatiotemporal distribution. Following quantitative habitat assessment the validated habitat predictions mapped were interpreted from a management perspective. These could then assist in the identification of potential conservation strategies at macro, regional and reserve scales. Potential methodological errors affecting
the suggested conservation management strategies were assessed. Observations showed that over the course of the study presented, many versions of the EGV data sources used were superseded. These were made obsolete by more accurate and finer resolution datasets. The modelled B.acutorostrata habitat suitability and MPAs suggested are currently considered to be the most appropriate. However, these may need to be reassessed in the future as EGV datasets are further developed and become available for use. Marine resource managers require inexpensive yet quantitatively rigorous methods for spatially organising the marine environment. Ecological niche modelling approaches appear adequately suitable to assist in
filling the need to manage a suite of pressures and deleterious impacts. Their applications are discussed for a range of spatial ecological scales. These included large scale oil and gas prospecting and acquisition; offshore and coastal shelf fisheries; climatic change; increasing marine traffic and ship strikes; marine renewable development in shelf sea areas; and marine ecotourism activities. Spatial scales in environment are inherently affected by different pressures. Variations in the powers of international, regional and state agencies to execute conservation and management tools (e.g. MPAs) in cross
boundary habitats may hinder or slow management implementation. Within the study presented these management tools were used to aid MPA designation whereby suggestions for protected sites were defined and reserves scales examined.