Dear colleagues,

 

We are pleased to announce the following paper recently published in Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK:

 

Melly, B. L., McGregor, Hofmeyr, G. and Plön, S. (2017).

Spatio-temporal distribution and habitat use of cetaceans in Algoa Bay, South Africa.

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the U.K. doi.org/10.1017/S0025315417000340.

 

Abstract

Increasingly, baseline knowledge of habitat preferences and movement patterns of marine species is required to inform

anthropogenic developments. The aim of this study was to determine baseline spatio-temporal distribution and habitat preference

of cetaceans in the coastal waters of Algoa Bay. Areas of potential conflict with anthropogenic activities were also

assessed. Monthly sea-based surveys were conducted between June 2008 and May 2011. A total of 500 cetacean sightings comprising

six species were recorded in 106 surveys. Tursiops aduncus (Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin), Sousa plumbea (Indian

Ocean humpback dolphin), Delphinus capensis (long-beaked common dolphin) and Balaenoptera brydei (Bryde’s whale)

were observed year-round, while Eubalaena australis (southern right whale) and Megaptera novaeangliae (humpback

whale) were recorded from May to December. A large portion of sightings were associated with a Marine Protected Area

and shipping zones. Eubalaena australis, T. aduncus and S. plumbea were found inshore (water depths , 12 m), while

the other species were associated with deeper waters. Tursiops aduncus were most commonly seen (233 sightings).

Megaptera novaeangliae were sighted often in austral winter, with 113 sightings. Only nine D. capensis sightings were

recorded. Spatial distributions of species were corrected for search effort to identify habitat preferences. A number of key observations

were made, including opportunistic foraging in M. novaeangliae, and the expansion of nursery grounds for E. australis,

to include Algoa Bay. Four preferred habitat areas are proposed, providing important information for conservation and

management of cetaceans in Algoa Bay. The spatial approach can be used to inform future relevant management decisions

elsewhere.

 

The paper can be downloaded at

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-marine-biological-association-of-the-united-kingdom/article/spatiotemporal-distribution-and-habitat-preferences-of-cetaceans-in-algoa-bay-south-africa/DC730A01320E443F732AEFD4253D6925

or contact me for a pdf copy.

 

 

Dr. Stephanie Plön

African Earth Observation Network (AEON)- Earth Stewardship Science Research Institute (ESSRI)

Nelson Mandela University

South Campus

Building 12, Ground Floor, Rm 032

Port Elizabeth, 6031

South Africa

 

Tel: 041-5042877

Cell: 076-3791067

Fax: 041-5832317

 

e-mail: stephanie.plon@nmmu.ac.za