Dear sirs I would like to post on the MARMAM list the following announcement: Subjetc: NEW PAPER Predictive habitat models to manage MPAs Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Ocean and Coastal Management: Azzellino A., Panigada S., Lanfredi C, Zanardelli M., Airoldi, S. and Notarbartolo di Sciara, G. 2012. Predictive Habitat Models For Managing Marine Areas: Spatial And Temporal Distribution Of Marine Mammals Within The Pelagos Sanctuary (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea). Ocean and Coastal Management 67:63-74. ABSTRACT: Habitat use of seven different species of cetaceans inhabiting the Pelagos Sanctuary was studied using 18-year summer shipboard surveys data, in an area of approximately 25,000 km2. 2940 sightings were collected: 1996 striped dolphins, 626 fin whales, 120 Risso's dolphins, 114 sperm whales, 27 common bottlenose dolphins, 25 long-finned pilot whales, 23 Cuvier's beaked whales. Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis was used to develop presence/absence predictive models. Statistics of depth and slope were used as covariates. Significant correlations were outlined (P < 0.05) supporting the hypothesis that physiographic factors may be employed as predictors of the species presence. The temporal variability of the species habitat use was also analyzed, confirming the reliability of the physiographic predictors. Temporal trends and variability in the species distribution were also assessed through a GLM analysis. The understanding offered by this long-term study is essential for managing the conservation status of these wide-ranging species. PDF copies are available upon request to arianna.azzellino@polimi.it All the best =================================================================================== Dr. Arianna Azzellino, PhD Environmental Engineering Politecnico di Milano University of Technology, Milan D.I.I.A.R. Environmental Engineering Department http://www.diiar.polimi.it/amb/persona.asp?id=37 P.za Leonardo da Vinci, 32 20133 Milano - ITALY ph. +39 02 - 23996431 fax. +39 02 - 23996499 e-mail arianna.azzellino@polimi.it