Dear MARMAM subscribers,
My co-authors and I would like to share our short note recently published in Aquatic Mammals:
Quigley, B.M., Speakman, T.R., Balmer, B.C., Europe, H.M., Gorgone, A.M., Rowles, T.K., Sinclair, C., Zolman, E.S., Schwacke, L.H. (2022). Observations of a benthic foraging behavior used by common bottlenose dolphins (
Tursiops truncatus) in Barataria Basin, Louisiana, USA.
Aquatic Mammals 48(2), 159-166.
https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.2.2022.159
This publication is open access and can be downloaded for free at this link:
Summary:
In this short note, we report on observations of "drilling," a behavior during which common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) presumably forage for prey in the bottom sediment of the Barataria Basin. We describe this behavior based on observations collected over nearly 10 years using multiple sampling methods, including boat-based photo-ID efforts and images collected via an Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS). We also compare drilling to similar foraging techniques observed in other regions and discuss some potential concerns related to the conservation of this population.
We hope you all enjoy reading it!
Sincerely,
Brian Quigley
National Marine Mammal Foundation