Tracking arctic marine mammal resilience in an era of rapid ecosystem alteration

Moore, Sue E.; Reeves, Randall R.

doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.2006708

Cited by 66 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Compared to their eastern counterparts, the western gray whale population is likely more susceptible to ice conditions due to their spatially static and geographically small foraging grounds. In addition, the western gray whale small population size, high site fidelity and limited observations of the population feeding in alternative areas would make them less resilient to environmental changes 49 . Our results imply that the timing of sea ice cover can predict the post-weaning survival rate, which affects population growth and, thus, recovery of this endangered population of whales.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of sea ice on growth rates of an endangered population of gray whales

Gailey¹,

Sychenko²,

Tyurneva

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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The western gray whale population is endangered with approximately 175 individuals and 33 known reproductive females. Photo-identification studies were conducted from 2002-2017 during the gray whale foraging season off northeastern Sakhalin Island, Russia. Despite abundant prey resources, significant variation in whales' body condition, inter-birth intervals and calf survival have been documented with limited understanding of factors that account for the observed variability. We examine sea ice concentrations at their known foraging grounds to define the maximum duration of a "foraging season". We explore the relationship between foraging season length during a female's pregnancy and post-weaning calf survival and reproduction. Approximately 77% of the variation in calf survival, which ranged annually from 10-80%, was associated with the duration of the feeding season while the mother was pregnant. Poor body conditions and prolonged inter-birth intervals of western gray whales have also been documented to coincide with shorter duration in feeding seasons found in this study. These results imply that shorter foraging seasons are associated with reduced energy intake by physically limiting the number of days gray whales can forage, and thus sea ice conditions may be one limiting factor affecting growth rates of this endangered population of baleen whales.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of sea ice on growth rates of an endangered population of gray whales

Gailey¹,

Sychenko²,

Tyurneva

et al. 2020

Sci Rep

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“…Dependent on sea ice as their resting, walking, and sealstalking grounds, polar bears and other marine mammals are "ecosystem sentinels." Some of the world's 19 polar bear populations show signs of emaciation and reproductive failure, while others appear healthy (Moore and Reeves, 2018). Inuit maintain that polar bear populations in Canada are generally healthy, and hunting restrictions have disrupted population management, leading to more frequent and fatal bear encounters with humans (Greer, 2018).…”

Section: Global Misrepresentations Of Locally Lived Realitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate Change Totems and Discursive Hegemony Over the Arctic

et al. 2021

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The Arctic and its animals figure prominently as icons of climate change in Western imaginaries. Persuasive storytelling centred on compelling animal icons, like the polar bear, is a powerful strategy to frame environmental challenges, mobilizing collective global efforts to resist environmental degradation and species endangerment. The power of the polar bear in Western climate imagery is in part derived from the perceived “environmental sacredness” of the animal that has gained a totem-like status. In dominant “global” discourses, this connotation often works to the detriment of Indigenous peoples, for whom animals signify complex socio-ecological relations and cultural histories. This Perspective article offers a reflexive analysis on the symbolic power of the polar bear totem and the discursive exclusion of Indigenous peoples, informed by attendance during 2015–2017 at annual global climate change negotiations and research during 2016–2018 in Canada’s Nunavut Territory. The polar bear’s totem-like status in Western imaginaries exposes three discursive tensions that infuse climate change perception, activism, representation and Indigenous citizenship. The first tension concerns the global climate crisis, and its perceived threat to ecologically significant or sacred species, contrasted with locally lived realities. The second tension concerns a perceived sacred Arctic that is global, pristine, fragile and “contemplated,” but simultaneously local, hazardous, sustaining and lived. The third tension concerns Indigenization, distorted under a global climate gaze that reimagines the role of Indigenous peoples. Current discursive hegemony over the Arctic serves to place Indigenous peoples in stasis and restricts the space for Arctic Indigenous engagement and voice.

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“…Miloslavich et al (2018a) use a Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to capture important global ocean trends and identify EOVs that should be monitored over time. This is part of a young but growing literature setting the stage for monitoring demands, and therefore investment priorities, over the coming decade (Pereira et al, 2013;Bax et al, 2018;Chiba et al, 2018;Crise et al, 2018;Miloslavich et al, 2018a,b;Moore and Reeves, 2018;Muller-Karger et al, 2018). Bax et al (2018) reference an older literature that stressed how sustained observing "requires a coordinated, collaborative and culturally appropriate process, incorporating Indigenous and local knowledge, with long-term resourcing that meets identified local, national, and regional needs."…”

Section: Setting the Stage: Local And Indigenous Communities In Oceanmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Of the remaining recent articles on emerging EOVs identified above, only Chiba et al (2018) and Moore and Reeves (2018) make any mention of Indigenous communities. Chiba et al (2018) simply identify 2020 AICHI Target 14, which aims to monitor and protect "ecosystems that [.…”

Section: Setting the Stage: Local And Indigenous Communities In Oceanmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Importance of Connected Ocean Monitoring Knowledge Systems and Communities

et al. 2019

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Ocean monitoring will improve outcomes if ways of knowing and priorities from a range of interest groups are successfully integrated. Coastal Indigenous communities hold unique knowledge of the ocean gathered through many generations of inter-dependent living with marine ecosystems. Experiences and observations from living within that system have generated ongoing local and traditional ecological knowledge (LEK and TEK) and Indigenous knowledge (IK) upon which localized sustainable management strategies have been based. Consequently, a comprehensive approach to ocean monitoring should connect academic practices ("science") and local community and Indigenous practices, encompassing "TEK, LEK, and IK." This paper recommends research approaches and methods for connecting scientists, local communities, and IK holders and their respective knowledge systems, and priorities, to help improve marine ecosystem management. Case studies from Canada and New Zealand (NZ) highlight the emerging recognition of IK systems in natural resource management, policy and economic development. The in-depth case studies from Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and the new Moana Project, NZ highlight real-world experiences connecting IK with scientific monitoring programs. Trial-tested recommendations for successful collaboration include practices for two-way knowledge sharing between scientists and communities, co-development of funding proposals, project plans and educational resources, mutually agreed installation of monitoring equipment, and ongoing sharing of data and research results. We recommend that future ocean monitoring research be conducted using cross-cultural and/or transdisciplinary approaches. Vast oceans and relatively limited monitoring data coupled with the urgency of a changing climate emphasize the need for all eyes possible providing new data and insights. Community members and ocean monitoring scientists in joint research teams are essential for increasing ocean information using diverse methods compared with previous scientific research. Research partnerships can also ensure impactful outcomes through improved understanding of community needs and priorities.

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Tracking arctic marine mammal resilience in an era of rapid ecosystem alteration

Cited by 66 publications

References 38 publications

Effects of sea ice on growth rates of an endangered population of gray whales

Effects of sea ice on growth rates of an endangered population of gray whales

Climate Change Totems and Discursive Hegemony Over the Arctic

The Importance of Connected Ocean Monitoring Knowledge Systems and Communities

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