Gone in a Splash? Temporal Dynamics of Flukeprint Environmental DNA (eDNA) Detection for Common Coastal Northeast Pacific Cetacean Species DOI Creative Commons
Chloe V. Robinson, Emma Laqua, Amy Migneault

et al.

Environmental DNA, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 7(3)

Published: May 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Environmental DNA (eDNA) analytical techniques have been developed and applied to a small subset of cetacean species worldwide. Direct or “flukeprint” eDNA sampling has previously proven as an effective approach for detecting from target including harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ), humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae killer Orcinus orca ). These common are under increasing pressure coastal anthropogenic activities throughout their respective Northeast Pacific ranges, there is urgency employ less invasive tools address data gaps inform conservation measures. However, it unclear how long shed in flukeprints persists each these the dynamic ocean environment. In this study, we opportunistically collected seawater (2–3 L) when individual porpoise n = 3), 3) were observed diving. We samples across series five time points after flukeprint was first observed: 30 s, 1 min 2 min, 5 10 s. A total 45 three analyzed with published species‐specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays assess persistence over time. found variation detectability between both individuals sampled, general trend consisting reduced findings yield insights into temporal dynamics marine environments, demonstrating importance species‐ context‐specific considerations designing monitoring strategies.

Language: Английский

An Update on the Occurrence of Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Super‐Groups on the West Coast of South Africa DOI Creative Commons
Elisa Seyboth, Ken Findlay, Peter Vogel

et al.

Marine Mammal Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 19, 2025

ABSTRACT Humpback whale ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) super‐groups, comprising 20+, tightly aggregated, feeding individuals, form during the austral summer in southern Benguela ecosystem off west coast of South Africa. This phenomenon, observed since 2011, is thought to be linked increased productivity from positive chlorophyll‐a anomalies associated with reduced water export area, and possible changes trophic structures. Oceanographic conditions vary over time space, so that super‐groups occurrence can also highly spatially variable. In this study, we investigate spatiotemporal patterns by compiling records scientific surveys, whale‐watching operators, citizen science reports between July 2015 June 2022. total, sightings 239 humpback were collated for period, considering sighting best estimate group size 20 individuals or more. Super‐groups appeared August April, peaking October January, seasonality their seems have expanded comparison previously published data. Although effect inconsistent effort throughout study unknown, results identify overall regularity super‐group formations, while highlighting need improved, collaborative systematic data collection gain deeper insights into mid‐latitude phenomenon.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
The End of an Era? Trends in Abundance and Reproduction of Australian Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) Suggest Failure to Re‐Establish Pre‐Whaling Population Size DOI Creative Commons
Anne Grundlehner, Joshua N. Smith,

John Bannister

et al.

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(5)

Published: April 30, 2025

The large-scale exploitation of whale populations in the whaling era led to near extirpation large whales all over world. This must have had major repercussions for marine ecosystems globally. Consequent changes those and physical environments create uncertainty around whether present-day conditions are adequate support full recovery pre-whaling population sizes. Combined with potential effects anthropogenic stressors, future viability exploited is questioned. migrating species was left extinction from has shown slow, yet steady, recent decades. Here, we collate abundance data aerial surveys performed along Australian coast between 1976 2024, covering 2250 km coastal habitat, study trajectory southern right (Eubalaena australis). We describe temporal trends abundance, reproduction growth western sub-population. Our reveals that despite previously displaying exponential growth, a present size still residing far below levels, our annual births started declining since 2016 abundances unaccompanied individuals dropped by 66%. results suggest end an this population's recovery, highlighting initial period steady does not guarantee successful re-establishment previous levels.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Gone in a Splash? Temporal Dynamics of Flukeprint Environmental DNA (eDNA) Detection for Common Coastal Northeast Pacific Cetacean Species DOI Creative Commons
Chloe V. Robinson, Emma Laqua, Amy Migneault

et al.

Environmental DNA, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 7(3)

Published: May 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Environmental DNA (eDNA) analytical techniques have been developed and applied to a small subset of cetacean species worldwide. Direct or “flukeprint” eDNA sampling has previously proven as an effective approach for detecting from target including harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ), humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae killer Orcinus orca ). These common are under increasing pressure coastal anthropogenic activities throughout their respective Northeast Pacific ranges, there is urgency employ less invasive tools address data gaps inform conservation measures. However, it unclear how long shed in flukeprints persists each these the dynamic ocean environment. In this study, we opportunistically collected seawater (2–3 L) when individual porpoise n = 3), 3) were observed diving. We samples across series five time points after flukeprint was first observed: 30 s, 1 min 2 min, 5 10 s. A total 45 three analyzed with published species‐specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays assess persistence over time. found variation detectability between both individuals sampled, general trend consisting reduced findings yield insights into temporal dynamics marine environments, demonstrating importance species‐ context‐specific considerations designing monitoring strategies.

Language: Английский

Citations

0