Prevalence of scars of anthropogenic origin in coastal bottlenose dolphin in Ecuador

2017 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 1177-1186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Félix ◽  
Ruby Centeno ◽  
Juan Romero ◽  
Melanie Zavala ◽  
Óscar Vásconez

The prevalence of scars and wounds of anthropogenic origin was assessed in seven different coastal bottlenose dolphin communities (Tursiops truncatus) on the south-western coast of Ecuador. Between 2011 and 2017 a total of 117 trips were conducted representing a total sampled distance of 6281 km. Twenty-five of the 189 (13.2%) free-ranging photo-identified dolphins were recorded with dorsal fin damage, V-shaped wounds, sawed edges and deformities in the caudal region. The scarring prevalence ranged from 0 to 44.4% and was associated with either fishing interactions or vessel strikes. Dolphin scarring increased five times in the last 25 years from 2.2 to 11.1% and was correlated with a decrease in population in the inner estuary of the Gulf of Guayaquil. Damaged dorsal fins are associated mainly with fishing gear. V-shaped wounds were recorded in three different communities, Posorja, Estero Salado and Salinas, and given their severity associated with either fishing gear or vessel strikes. During the study period three dolphins were found entangled in fishing gears, two in gillnets and one in a long-line, emphasizing the threats posed by current fishing practice to the species. More effective management measures are urgently needed to reverse the observed population decline. This may include reduction of fishing effort, implementation of area-based approaches to coastal planning (including Marine Protected Area designations) and support for further research to understand the problem. Given the difficulty in taking direct observations, scarring prevalence is proposed as a proxy for estimating boat traffic and fishing gear impacts upon cetaceans.

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 1153-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Díaz López ◽  
Julia Andrea Bernal Shirai ◽  
Alberto Bilbao Prieto ◽  
Paula Méndez Fernández

Solitary wild bottlenose dolphins and man frequenting the same small areas makes boat interaction more or less inevitable. Here we provide the first quantified data about solitary bottlenose dolphin diving behaviour in the presence and absence of boats. Over 110 hours were spent observing a solitary bottlenose dolphin within a 6 km2 bay on the north-western coast of Spain from April to August 2005. A generalized linear mixed model explaining 77.3% of the variability of duration of dives indicated that the animal did not vary its diving activity in function of the presence of boats. However, the length of dives was related with the behavioural events prior to dive. Dolphin activity was characterized by mean dive intervals (mean = 62.6 seconds) related to a predominance of foraging behaviour. Because of the frequent presence of boats and the manner in which they moved, the dolphin may have become accustomed to their presence. The data reported here could be used to implement precautionary management proposals that take into account the potential effects of boat presence on bottlenose dolphins.


10.5597/00243 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 9-14
Author(s):  
Fernando Félix ◽  
Oscar Vázcones ◽  
Ruby Centeno ◽  
Juan Romero

We report the case of a young coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) hooked and entangled in artisanal fishing gear on two occasions in a period of six months. In both occasions the animal managed to get rid of the gear by itself. The case occurred in the inner estuary of Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The animal survived both events, but scars remained in various parts of the body and missed fluke tips. Photographs of the individual after the events allowed to evaluate the healing process. This case demonstrated that longlines represents a threat for this population.


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa de los Ángeles Bayas-Rea ◽  
Fernando Félix ◽  
Rommel Montufar

The common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, is widely distributed along the western coast of South America. In Ecuador, a resident population of bottlenose dolphins inhabits the inner estuarine area of the Gulf of Guayaquil located in the southwestern part of the country and is under threat from different human activities in the area. Only one genetic study on South American common bottlenose dolphins has been carried out to date, and understanding genetic variation of wildlife populations, especially species that are identified as threatened, is crucial for defining conservation units and developing appropriate conservation strategies. In order to evaluate the evolutionary link of this population, we assessed the phylogenetic relationships, phylogeographic patterns, and population structure using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The sampling comprised: (i) 31 skin samples collected from free-ranging dolphins at three locations in the Gulf of Guayaquil inner estuary, (ii) 38 samples from stranded dolphins available at the collection of the “Museo de Ballenas de Salinas,” (iii) 549 mtDNA control region (mtDNA CR) sequences from GenBank, and (iv) 66 concatenated sequences from 7-mtDNA regions (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, NADH dehydrogenase subunit I–II, cytochrome oxidase I and II, cytochrome b, and CR) obtained from mitogenomes available in GenBank. Our analyses indicated population structure between both inner and outer estuary dolphin populations as well as with distinct populations of T. truncatus using mtDNA CR. Moreover, the inner estuary bottlenose dolphin (estuarine bottlenose dolphin) population exhibited lower levels of genetic diversity than the outer estuary dolphin population according to the mtDNA CR. Finally, the estuarine bottlenose dolphin population was genetically distinct from other T. truncatus populations based on mtDNA CR and 7-mtDNA regions. From these results, we suggest that the estuarine bottlenose dolphin population should be considered a distinct lineage. This dolphin population faces a variety of anthropogenic threats in this area; thus, we highlight its fragility and urge authorities to issue prompt management and conservation measures.


Author(s):  
G. Diez ◽  
L. Arregi ◽  
M. Basterretxea ◽  
E. Cuende ◽  
I. Oyarzabal

Abstract The changes in abundance and biodiversity of deep-sea fish fauna are described based on an annual deep-water longline survey with data collected during the period 2015–2019 in the Basque Country continental Slope (ICES Division 8c). The sampling scheme included hauls in four 400 m strata, from 650–2250 m deep. The DST sensors installed in the main line have allowed us to set an accurate soak time for each haul, and they were used to calculate fishing effort and CPUE by haul. The catchability of the fishing gear indicated that 15% of the total hooks deployed in the five-year period were able to fish, and that the bottom longline was very effective in fishing a wide number of different species in all depth ranges. The fishing gear caught 14 different species of sharks (13 deepwater and one pelagic), two chimaeras and nine teleosts. The abundance and biomass registered on the hooks attached to the bottom were between three and four times higher than in the floating sections, and the highest CPUE and biomass were recorded between 1051–1450 m, from 2015 to 2017, and in the 1451–1850 m strata, but they do not show any clear trend throughout the five years of the series.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Tirtadanu Tirtadanu ◽  
Suprapto Suprapto ◽  
Ali Suman

Udang jinga (Metapenaeus affinis H. Milne Edwards, 1837) merupakan salah satu jenis udang ekonomis penting yang diusahakan di perairan Kotabaru dan saat ini produksinya cenderung mengalami penurunan. Salah satu data dan informasi yang diperlukan dalam mengkaji tingkat pemanfaatan dan dasar pengelolaannya adalah aspek biologi dan parameter populasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji aspek biologi dan parameter populasi udang jinga sebagai bahan kebijakan pengelolaan perikanan udang di perairan Kotabaru, Kalimantan Selatan. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Januari – November 2016 di perairan Kotabaru. Parameter pertumbuhan diestimasi berdasarkan pergeseran modus struktur ukuran panjang dengan metode ELEFAN I. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rata-rata ukuran udang jinga (M. affinis) betina yang tertangkap adalah 23,6 ± 3,45 mmCL dengan modus ukuran 24 mmCL dan rata-rata ukuran udang jantan adalah 20,7 ± 2,9 mm dengan modus ukuran 18 mmCL. Nisbah kelamin udang jinga jantan dan betina adalah 1 : 2,5. Musim pemijahan udang jinga diduga berlangsung sepanjang tahun dan puncak pada bulan Maret. Ukuran rata-rata pertama kali tertangkap (Lc) udang lebih kecil dari ukuran rata-rata pertama kali matang gonad (Lm) (21,7 < 28,5 mm CL) sehingga sebagian besar udang tertangkap berukuran kecil dan belum memijah. Persamaan pertumbuhan udang jinga jantan  CL(t)=35,95(1-e-2.02(t+0,31) dan udang jinga betina CL(t)= 38,3(1-e-1,92(t+0,29)). Tingkat pemanfaatan udang (E) menunjukkan lebih tangkap (overfishing) yakni 0,70/tahun pada jantan dan 0,73/tahun pada betina. Dengan demikian disarankan untuk melakukan pengurangan upaya penangkapan sebesar 40% dan penutupan musim penangkapan di bulan Maret.The jinga shrimp (Metapenaeus affinis H. Milne Edwards, 1837) was one of important commodity that was exploited in Kotabaru Waters, yet the production tend to be declined recently. The data and information on biological aspects and population parameters are needed to investigate the exploitation level and the basis of management measures. This research aims to investigate the biological aspects and population parameters of jinga shrimp Kotabaru waters, South of Kalimantan. This research was conducted on January – November 2016. The growth parameters were estimated as movement of length frequency mode by ELEFAN I method. The results showed that the mean size of female jinga shrimp (M. affinis) was 23,6 ± 3,45 mm CL and the mode was 24 mmCL. While, the mean size of male jinga shrimp was 20,7 ± 2.9 mm CL and the mode was 18 mmCL. The sex ratio of male and female shrimp was 1 : 2,5 . Spawning season of jinga shrimp was estimated throughout the year and the peak was in March. The length at first captured (Lc) was shorter than length at first matured (Lm) (21,7 < 28,5 mm CL). That means most of the catches was immature. The growth function of male and female jinga shrimp were and, CL(t)=35,95(1-e-2.02(t+0,31) respectively and CL(t)= 38,3(1-e-1,92(t+0,29)). The exploitation rate (E) of male and female shrimp fishing were  0,70/year 0,73/year, respectively. The reduction of fishing effort needed by 40% of the actual combined with the temporal fishing closure March.


<strong><em>Abstract. </em></strong>This paper summarizes the results of the National Research Council Study on the Effects of Bottom Trawling and Dredging on Seafloor Habitat (National Research Council 2002). The report concludes that integration of existing data on the effects of trawls and dredges, level of fishing effort, and distribution of seafloor habitats would facilitate development of habitat management plans. Current and new management measures should be assessed regularly to provide a better understanding of how various restrictions affect fish habitat and to determine the socioeconomic impacts on the fishing industry and local communities. Resolution of the different, and at times conflicting, ecological and socioeconomic goals will require not only a better understanding of the relevant ecosystems and fisheries but also more effective interaction among stakeholders.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius J. Giglio ◽  
Hugo Bornatowski

ABSTRACT Coastal hammerheads have suffered from overexploitation and environmental degradation. We interviewed 79 artisanal fishers to verify fishery aspects, temporal changes in catches and biological aspects of the smalleye hammerhead, Sphyrna tudes , in a marine protected area on Abrolhos Bank, Brazil. Data were compared between three generations of fishers: young, middle-aged and old. Fishers' age varied between 17 and 88 years. We verified significant reductions in the weight of individuals caught by younger fishers. The main types of fishing gear used to catch S. tudes were gill nets and longlines. Overfishing through gill nets and trawl fisheries were mentioned as the cause of S. tudes population collapse in the region. The shark's diet as reported by fishers consisted of fish, crab and shrimp; austral summer was the reproductive season. A strong similarity was verified between fishers' knowledge and biological data. We suggest as plausible strategies to conserve the local population of S. tudes the reduction of net fisheries impact through zoning and establishment of no take areas. These steps can help to initiate the recovery of this depleted species.


J ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-132
Author(s):  
Bonifácio Manuessa ◽  
Eurico Morais ◽  
Teresa Cerveira Borges ◽  
Maria Teodósio ◽  
Francisco Leitão

Monthly length-frequency data, from 2009 to 2014, was used to estimate the growth parameters, mortality, and spawning season, and to assess the exploitation status of Thryssa vitrirostris (Engraulidae) fisheries in Pebane. The von Bertalanffy asymptotic length (L∞) and growth rate (K) were 25.1 cm (standard length) and 0.41 per year (standard length), respectively. Two proxy recruitment peaks were found: the first peak of recruitment occurs from April to July, and the second recruitment peak from September to October. The total estimated mortality rates (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) were Z = 1.31, M = 0.92, and F = 0.39. For the beach seine gear, the size at first catch of T. vitrirostris was Lc25 = 4.43 cm. The 50% retention size of the catch was Lc50 = 5.39 cm. The retention probability analyses revealed a large rate of juvenile fishing mortality (54.2%). The estimated exploitation rate (0.30) was below the maximum exploitation rate (0.48), and above the optimal sustainable exploitation rate (E50 = 0.28), evidencing a sustainable fishery. However, under such an exploitation regime, it is advised that a continuously monitoring-survey of T. vitrirostris is maintained. An increase in migration of fishermen has been recently recorded in Pebane, due to its rich fisheries, which can increase the fishing effort and the risk of overexploitation if management measures (such as mesh size increase) are not taken in advance.


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