One bay (Mejillones Bay) dominated most cetacean sightings (73%) in the study area (Antofagasta region). A total of 24 citizen scientists reported 495 cetacean sightings during the period between 20, with a total of 19 cetacean species observed (6 mysticetes and 13 odontocetes). Here, we assess the power of citizen science as a tool to determine cetacean species richness, group size, behaviour, seasonality and conservation threats in Northern Chile by undertaking training workshops for local citizens on cetacean species identification and data gathering.
However, scientific interest from local citizens could be an alternative and useful tool to obtain valuable information on cetaceans. In remote places such as the coastline of the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile, research focused on cetacean species is often limited by funding, and personnel. The overall demonstrated success of the ROMS-based models opens new opportunities for dynamic species management and biodiversity monitoring because ROMS output is available in near real time and can be forecast.Īn understanding of the fine-scale distribution, diversity, and population trends of endangered cetacean species threatened by anthropogenic activities is key for their conservation.
Quantitative measures of predictive ability were also similar between model types, and RMSE values were almost identical. Predicted distribution patterns were similar for models using ROMS output and measured data, and showed good concordance between observed sightings and model predictions. Model performance was assessed using the percentage of explained deviance, root mean squared error (RMSE), observed to predicted density ratios, and visual inspection of predicted and observed distributions.
JESSICA LYNCH IPHI FULL
Two different generalized additive models were compared: one built with a full suite of ROMS output and another built with a full suite of measured data. Specifically, we used seven years of cetacean line-transect survey data collected between 19 to develop predictive habitat-based models of cetacean density for 11 species in the California Current Ecosystem. To assess the performance of modeled ocean data in species distribution models, we present a case study for cetaceans that compares models based on output from a data assimilative implementation of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) to those based on measured data. The primary sources of dynamic habitat data have been in situ and remotely sensed oceanic variables (both are considered "measured data"), but now ocean models can provide historical estimates and forecast predictions of relevant habitat variables such as temperature, salinity, and mixed layer depth. Species distribution models are now widely used in conservation and management to predict suitable habitat for protected marine species. Finally, a spatial interaction term was included in the final ROMS and measured-data models for long-beaked common dolphin, consistent with their nearshore distribution in the southern portion of the study area. An interaction between latitude and the 200-m isobath was included in both the final ROMS and measured-data models for common bottlenose dolphin and Risso's dolphin (Table 1), which are commonly encountered on the continental shelf and far offshore in deep waters, but appear to have a lower-density region in between these two areas.
MLD is an important predictor of foraging habitat for these species within the southern portion of the California Current Ecosystem, with highest whale densities found in areas of shallow MLD however, this relationship is not as pronounced at higher latitudes, and preliminary models without the interaction term overestimated whale abundance at higher latitudes where the mixed layer was relatively shallow, especially near the coast.
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