Predicting cetacean distributions in data‐poor marine ecosystems

• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12537
• Publication Date: 2017-02-03T10:17:57Z
• Authors: Jessica V. Redfern; Thomas J. Moore; Paul C. Fiedler; Asha de Vos; Robert L. Brownell; Karin A. Forney; Elizabeth A. Becker; Lisa T. Ballance
• Keywords: Marine ecosystem; Transferability; Environmental niche modelling

Abstract Aim Human activities are creating conservation challenges for cetaceans. Spatially explicit risk assessments can be used to address these challenges, but require species distribution data, which limited many cetacean species. This study explores methods overcome this limitation. Blue whales ( Balaenoptera musculus ) as a case because they an example of that have well‐defined habitat and subject anthropogenic threats. Location Eastern Pacific Ocean, including the California Current CC eastern tropical ETP ), northern Indian Ocean NIO ). Methods We 12 years survey data (377 blue whale sightings c . 225,400 km effort) collected in assess transferability models. models built with create predictions distributions data‐poor key aspects ecology expected similar ecosystems. Results found ecosystem‐specific performed well their respective ecosystems, were not transferable. For example, could accurately predict , However, accuracy combined was both Our from compare favourably hypotheses about distributions, provide new insights into habitat, prioritize research monitoring efforts. Main conclusions Predicting ecosystems using multiple is potentially powerful marine tool should examined other regions.