| dc.description.abstract | Five line transect surveys for marine mammals were conducted offshore of mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands from 2008-2011. These data were used in conjunction with MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) observations of ocean color and sea surface temperature (SST) to assess spatial and temporal relationships between surface oceanographic features and cetacean distribution within the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP). Results from this study indicated that oceanographic processes affected cetacean distribution on inter-annual, seasonal, and weekly to monthly time scales. The spatial scales on which these processes affect cetacean distribution are small, the smallest associations being found at 4 km2 bin sizes, as well as 9 km2 and 36 km2 bin sizes. By utilizing ocean color and SST data from the MODIS instrument and analyzing variability of these parameters in addition to average concentration, cetacean distribution within the region was related to the locations of frontal boundaries. Cetaceans were grouped into two categories based on the trophic level and relative depths at which they forage. Cetaceans feeding nearer the ocean surface and lower on the trophic scale were generally found in cooler waters of higher average chlorophyll concentration and elevated variability. Those cetaceans feeding higher on the trophic scale and lower in the water column (mesopelagic and bathypelagic depths) were sighted within relatively warmer waters of reduced temperature variability near areas of high chlorophyll variability (though less variable and lower in average chlorophyll than surface feeding cetaceans), with little spatial and temporal lag between peak surface chlorophyll concentration and cetacean presence.
The EEP is a biologically productive region with many competing economic and environmental interests. Ecuador is home to one of the largest artisenal fishing fleets in South America, and entanglement of various cetacean species has been a known issue for several decades (Félix and Haase, 2006; Castro and Rosero, 2010). Seismic exploration, shipping, and tourism are also found on the busy waterways surrounding both mainland Ecuador and the archipelago. The results of this study provide additional insight into the mesoscale processes affecting the distribution and habitat use of cetaceans within the EEP and South American waters and to support ongoing ecosystem management efforts. | en |
