Dear MARMAM community,

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our more recent publication “Marine mamals strandings recorded in New Caledonia, South west Pacific Ocean, 1877 to 2022, published in Pacific Conservation Biology.

ABSTRACT 
Context. Strandings are an important source of information for estimating marine mammal biodiversity, particularly in data-sparse ocean basins such as Oceania. Aims. Here, we report on knowledge acquired from 218 stranding events recorded in the waters of New Caledonia (1877–2022). Methods. We investigated spatio-temporal distribution, stable isotope signatures, trace element concentrations, biometry measurements, genetic diversity, and diet, for the four most commonly stranded taxa (dugongs, 35% of events; sperm whales, 19%; Delphinidae, 18%; pygmy and dwarf sperm whales, 14%). Key results. Beginning in 1991, reports of stranding events increased (183 events, 322 individuals, 20 species from seven families: Dugongidae, Physeteridae, Delphinidae, Kogiidae, Ziphiidae, Balaenopteridae, Otariidae), with hotspots identified on the west coast (Bourail, Ouano, Nouméa) and in Prony Bay. Causes of death were not determined in 84% of stranding events, but were identified in the majority of expert-led necropsies (24 of 29 individuals from 10 species). Yet, valuable information regarding the impact of anthropogenic activities was gathered for some species of concern, such as the endangered dugong (28% human- caused). Since 2016, training and outreach have been provided to rangers, veterinarians, and various public safety officers to support their engagement in the scientific monitoring of marine mammal strandings. A website (www.rescue.ird.nc) was developed to facilitate standardised data collection and storage, and to provide public access to stranding records. Conclusion. Although the number of individuals reported here remains modest, this study provides new information on poorly documented species in New Caledonia. Implications. Long-term monitoring of strandings can help design effective conservation measures

The article is available via open-access at: https://doi.org/10.1071/PC23016

Best regards

-- 
Dr Claire Garrigue
UMR ENTROPIE - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
101 Promenade Gabriel Laroque
BPA5
98848 Nouméa Cedex
Nouvelle-Calédonie
Phone: +687 829560
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Claire_Garrigue