TY - CHAP
T1 - Confusion Reigns? A Review of Marine Megafauna Interactions with Tidal-Stream Environments
AU - Benjamins, Steven
AU - Dale, Andrew C.
AU - Hastie, Gordon
AU - Waggitt, James J
AU - Lea, Mary-Anne
AU - Scott, Beth
AU - Wilson, Ben
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - Energetic tidal-stream environments are characterized by frequent, variable, yet broadly predictable currents containing ephemeral flow structures that change across multiple spatio-temporal scales. Marine mammals and seabirds (marine megafauna) often frequent such sites, but increasingly these locations are targeted for renewable energy extraction; little is known, however, about how marine megafauna use these habitats and any potential impacts. This review aims to summarize existing knowledge concerning usage by marine megafauna and considers their wider ecological significance. The review describes the physical processes occurring within tidal-stream environments that generate the oceanographic structures of potential ecological relevance, such as jets, boils, eddies, and fronts. Important physical features of these environments include lateral transport, turbulence-driven 3-dimensional flow structure at various spatial scales, and upwelling. Foraging opportunities appear to be the main attractor to marine megafauna, likely driven by enhanced prey abundance, vulnerability, or diversity. Many megafauna associate with particular tidal phases, current strengths, and flow structures, most likely in response to tidally forced prey distribution and behaviours. Occupancy patterns, distributions, and foraging behaviours are discussed. Local site fidelity by 'tidal-stream experts' suggest non-uniform conservation risks within larger metapopulations. The review discusses data-gathering techniques and associated challenges, the significance of scaling, and information gaps.
AB - Energetic tidal-stream environments are characterized by frequent, variable, yet broadly predictable currents containing ephemeral flow structures that change across multiple spatio-temporal scales. Marine mammals and seabirds (marine megafauna) often frequent such sites, but increasingly these locations are targeted for renewable energy extraction; little is known, however, about how marine megafauna use these habitats and any potential impacts. This review aims to summarize existing knowledge concerning usage by marine megafauna and considers their wider ecological significance. The review describes the physical processes occurring within tidal-stream environments that generate the oceanographic structures of potential ecological relevance, such as jets, boils, eddies, and fronts. Important physical features of these environments include lateral transport, turbulence-driven 3-dimensional flow structure at various spatial scales, and upwelling. Foraging opportunities appear to be the main attractor to marine megafauna, likely driven by enhanced prey abundance, vulnerability, or diversity. Many megafauna associate with particular tidal phases, current strengths, and flow structures, most likely in response to tidally forced prey distribution and behaviours. Occupancy patterns, distributions, and foraging behaviours are discussed. Local site fidelity by 'tidal-stream experts' suggest non-uniform conservation risks within larger metapopulations. The review discusses data-gathering techniques and associated challenges, the significance of scaling, and information gaps.
KW - BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHINS
KW - PORPOISES PHOCOENA-PHOCOENA
KW - WHALES DELPHINAPTERUS-LEUCAS
KW - SEALS PHOCA-VITULINA
KW - SAN-JUAN ISLANDS
KW - PENGUINS SPHENISCUS MAGELLANICUS
KW - SHAGS PHALACROCORAX-ARISTOTELIS
KW - GUILLEMOTS CEPPHUS-GRYLLE
KW - NORTHERN FUR SEALS
KW - HARBOR PORPOISES
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85053024742&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1201/b18733-2
DO - 10.1201/b18733-2
M3 - Chapter
SN - 978-1-4987-0545-5
VL - 53
T3 - Oceanography and Marine Biology
SP - 1
EP - 54
BT - Oceanography and Marine Biology
A2 - Hughes, RN
A2 - Hughes, DJ
A2 - Smith, IP
A2 - Dale, AC
PB - CRC Press
ER -