Cetacean Ecology for Santa Monica Bay and Nearby Areas, California, in the Context of the Newly Established MPAs

Bearzi, Maddalena; Saylan, Charles A.

doi:10.3160/10-12.1

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 40 publications

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“…These sightings also confirm the importance of selected Marine and Coastal Protected Areas (MCPAs) on the sustainable existence of marine biodiversity. Cetaceans are considered indicator species of ecosystem health and are hence used as flagship species for MCPA implementation (Bearzi and Saylan, 2011;Bossart, 2011;Hooker et al, 1999). Yet only 4% of Turkish territorial waters are protected by law (MPAtlas, 2019) and only three of the protected areas along the Turkish Levantine coastline extend offshore.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sightings and stranding reports of Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Levantine Sea, with recent sightings from Turkey

Stephens¹,

Bas²,

Hardy³

et al. 2021

JCRM

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Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are the most commonly observed mysticetes within the Mediterranean Sea, however their status remains vulnerable (VU) and their population in decline mainly due to increasing anthropogenic activities. Sightings of fin whales in the eastern Mediterranean are negligible relative to the central and western basins which eludes to the impression that the eastern Mediterranean provides a less favourable habitat for these cetaceans. This study outlines the sighting and stranding reports of fin whales in the Levantine Basin, the latest of which (an opportunistic sighting of four sub-adults off the coast of Anamur, Turkey in March, 2019) demonstrates the continued presence of this species in the eastern Mediterranean. The current report highlights the need for increased targeted survey effort and collaborative research between neighboring waters to enhance our understanding of the population status of this vulnerable species and aid in the implementation of the necessary conservation actions that are long-missing.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sightings and stranding reports of Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Levantine Sea, with recent sightings from Turkey

Stephens¹,

Bas²,

Hardy³

et al. 2021

JCRM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Dynamics of Cetacean Mixed-Species Groups: A Review and Conceptual Framework for Assessing Their Functional Significance

2021

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Numerous species of cetaceans have been recorded in mixed-species groups (MSGs). By forming groups with individuals of different species, cetaceans may reduce predation risk, improve foraging, and gain social benefits. Most accounts of cetacean MSGs, however, are descriptive and little is known about their functions. Furthermore, research has been hindered by inconsistent use of terminology and the lack of a conceptual framework to guide investigations. We reviewed the cetacean literature to compare how MSGs have been termed and defined, to assess their characteristics, to evaluate what is known about their potential functions, and to provide directions for future study. In total, we reviewed 203 studies reporting observations of cetacean MSGs. These MSGs involved 54 different species, predominantly delphinids, that formed 216 different species pairs with varied morphologies and levels of relatedness. Cetacean MSGs occurred across the globe, from tropical to cold temperate seas, from shallow coastal waters to the open ocean, and varied in characteristics such as group size and frequency of occurrence. Only 27 of the reviewed studies proposed and discussed the potential functions of cetacean MSGs, suggesting reduced predation risk (5 species pairs), improved foraging (17 species pairs), and social benefits (12 species pairs) as the main drivers. In most cases, however, the factors that drive the formation of cetacean MSGs remain unknown. Amongst the reviewed studies, MSGs were referred to by various terms, often with no explicit definitions. To reduce this inconsistency, we recommend that future studies use only the term mixed-species group which we define as individuals of two or more species found in close spatial proximity due to mutual or unreciprocated attraction derived from evolutionary grouping benefits. There were also few structured investigations to confirm MSG occurrence and to analyse their potential causes and consequences. To facilitate the study of cetacean MSGs, we developed a conceptual framework that establishes diverse approaches to, firstly, distinguish MSGs from chance encounters and aggregations and to, secondly, investigate their potential functions. This is necessary if we are to advance this field of study and improve our understanding of the role that MSGs play in species and community ecology.

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Cetacean Ecology for Santa Monica Bay and Nearby Areas, California, in the Context of the Newly Established MPAs

Cited by 2 publications

References 40 publications

Sightings and stranding reports of Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Levantine Sea, with recent sightings from Turkey

Sightings and stranding reports of Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Levantine Sea, with recent sightings from Turkey

Dynamics of Cetacean Mixed-Species Groups: A Review and Conceptual Framework for Assessing Their Functional Significance

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