What is it about?
In our recent publication, we used species distribution models to investigate the impact of maritime traffic on the spatial distribution of the harbour porpoise in the North Sea. Our findings suggest that the abundance of these animals decreased in areas with high maritime traffic, both in terms of the number of vessels and the approach distance of these vessels. Significant effects were detected up to 9 km away, highlighting the need to consider this anthropogenic factor for the conservation of harbour porpoises in the marine spatial planning process.
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Why is it important?
Our findings address knowledge gaps regarding the factors influencing the distribution of marine mammals and their behavioural adaptations in response to human activities. This will enable us to parameterise these responses in ecosystem models and for scenarios.
Perspectives
Harbour porpoises have a high protection status in Europe and worldwide. As they react sensitively to changes in the ecosystem and to stressors, these species are often used as indicator species. In order to adequately consider marine mammals in ecosystem models and simulation scenarios, a sound knowledge of the effects of anthropogenic stressors is necessary. This study close an important knowledge gap.
Anita Gilles
Stiftung Tierarztliche Hochschule Hannover
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Maritime traffic alters distribution of the harbour porpoise in the North Sea, Marine Pollution Bulletin, November 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116925.
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