The essential habitat role of a unique coastal inlet for a widely distributed apex predator

De Wysiecki, Agustín M.; Barnett, Adam; Cortés, Federico; Wiff, Rodrigo; Merlo, Pablo J.; Jaureguizar, Andrés J.; Awruch, Cynthia A.; Trobbiani, Gastón A.; Irigoyen, Alejo J.

doi:10.1098/rsos.230667

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 83 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Connectivity not only influences the population trajectory of a species over space and time [ 1 , 4 ], it has become increasingly important for preserving biodiversity and migratory movements [ 5 , 6 ]. Understanding seasonal and ontogenetic patterns of movement and connectivity can help identify habitats essential for supporting specific functions such as reproduction, feeding and/or growth throughout a species’ life history [ 7 – 9 ]. Furthermore, determining the degree of connectivity is central to ascertaining whether a particular species within a given geographic region consists of a single widespread population or multiple discrete stocks [ 4 , 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From little things big things grow: enhancement of an acoustic telemetry network to monitor broad-scale movements of marine species along Australia’s east coast

Barnett,

Jaine,

Bierwagen

et al. 2024

Mov Ecol

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Acoustic telemetry has become a fundamental tool to monitor the movement of aquatic species. Advances in technology, in particular the development of batteries with lives of > 10 years, have increased our ability to track the long-term movement patterns of many species. However, logistics and financial constraints often dictate the locations and deployment duration of acoustic receivers. Consequently, there is often a compromise between optimal array design and affordability. Such constraints can hinder the ability to track marine animals over large spatial and temporal scales. Continental-scale receiver networks have increased the ability to study large-scale movements, but significant gaps in coverage often remain. Methods Since 2007, the Integrated Marine Observing System’s Animal Tracking Facility (IMOS ATF) has maintained permanent receiver installations on the eastern Australian seaboard. In this study, we present the recent enhancement of the IMOS ATF acoustic tracking infrastructure in Queensland to collect data on large-scale movements of marine species in the northeast extent of the national array. Securing a relatively small initial investment for expanding receiver deployment and tagging activities in Queensland served as a catalyst, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders (research institutes, universities, government departments, port corporations, industries, Indigenous ranger groups and tourism operators) to create an extensive collaborative network that could sustain the extended receiver coverage into the future. To fill gaps between existing installations and maximise the monitoring footprint, the new initiative has an atypical design, deploying many single receivers spread across 2,100 km of Queensland waters. Results The approach revealed previously unknown broad-scale movements for some species and highlights that clusters of receivers are not always required to enhance data collection. However, array designs using predominantly single receiver deployments are more vulnerable to data gaps when receivers are lost or fail, and therefore “redundancy” is a critical consideration when designing this type of array. Conclusion Initial results suggest that our array enhancement, if sustained over many years, will uncover a range of previously unknown movements that will assist in addressing ecological, fisheries, and conservation questions for multiple species.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From little things big things grow: enhancement of an acoustic telemetry network to monitor broad-scale movements of marine species along Australia’s east coast

Barnett,

Jaine,

Bierwagen

et al. 2024

Mov Ecol

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

The essential habitat role of a unique coastal inlet for a widely distributed apex predator

De Wysiecki,

Barnett,

Cortés

et al. 2023

R. Soc. open sci.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Essential habitats support specific functions for species, such as reproduction, feeding or refuge. For highly mobile aquatic species, identifying essential habitats within the wider distribution range is central to understanding species ecology, and underpinning effective management plans. This study examined the movement and space use patterns of sevengill sharks ( Notorynchus cepedianus ) in Caleta Valdés (CV), a unique coastal habitat in northern Patagonia, Argentina. Seasonal residency patterns of sharks were evident, with higher detectability in late spring and early summer and lower during autumn and winter. The overlap between the residency patterns of sharks and their prey, elephant seals, suggests that CV functions as a seasonal feeding aggregation site for N. cepedianus . The study also found sexual differences in movement behaviour, with males performing abrupt departures from CV and showing increased roaming with the presence of more sharks, and maximum detection probability at high tide. These movements could be related to different feeding strategies between sexes or mate-searching behaviour, suggesting that CV may also be essential for reproduction. Overall, this study highlights the importance of coastal sites as essential habitats for N. cepedianus and deepens our understanding of the ecological role of this apex predator in marine ecosystems.

show abstract

The essential habitat role of a unique coastal inlet for a widely distributed apex predator

Cited by 2 publications

References 83 publications

From little things big things grow: enhancement of an acoustic telemetry network to monitor broad-scale movements of marine species along Australia’s east coast

From little things big things grow: enhancement of an acoustic telemetry network to monitor broad-scale movements of marine species along Australia’s east coast

The essential habitat role of a unique coastal inlet for a widely distributed apex predator

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About