Data Entry: Please note that the research database will be replaced by UNIverse by the end of October 2023. Please enter your data into the system https://universe-intern.unibas.ch. Thanks

Login for users with Unibas email account...

Login for registered users without Unibas email account...

 
Injuries, Malformations, and Epidermal Conditions in Cetaceans of the Strait of Gibraltar
JournalArticle (Originalarbeit in einer wissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift)
 
ID 4597416
Author(s) Herr, Helena; Burkhardt-Holm, Patricia; Heyer, Katharina; Siebert, Ursula; Selling, Jorn
Author(s) at UniBasel Holm, Patricia
Year 2020
Title Injuries, Malformations, and Epidermal Conditions in Cetaceans of the Strait of Gibraltar
Journal Aquatic Mammals
Volume 46
Number 2
Pages / Article-Number 215-235
Keywords whales; dolphins; injury; disease; human impact; management
Mesh terms Science & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineMarine & Freshwater BiologyZoologyMarine & Freshwater BiologyZoology
Abstract The Strait of Gibraltar is a heavily used marine area, with intense fishing operations and one of the busiest shipping lanes worldwide. Concurrently, the Strait of Gibraltar is home to eight regularly occurring species of cetaceans. Thus, the potential for conflict between man and cetaceans is high. Injuries and external anomalies may serve as indicators for anthropogenic impacts and exposure to human activities. To explore potential impacts to cetacean populations inhabiting the Strait of Gibraltar, we analysed photographs taken opportunistically during whale-watching operations from 2001 to 2015. Externally visible conspicuous features and anomalies were detected in all of the eight regularly occurring cetacean species: long beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), killer whale (Orcinus orca), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), and minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Altogether, 502 anomalies were documented in 494 cases of affected cetaceans, including injuries, skin anomalies, emaciation, and neoplasia. Highest prevalence was noted for injuries (245 incidences) of which a minimum of 44 (17%) were consistent with anthropogenic injuries. Our results suggest that human activities in the Strait of Gibraltar, especially fishing activities, pose a threat, particularly to small and medium-sized cetaceans. We, therefore, recommend stricter management enforcement of existing guidelines and laws, as well as the implementation of an area-wide management plan.
Publisher European Association for Aquatic Mammals
ISSN/ISBN 0167-5427
edoc-URL https://edoc.unibas.ch/76548/
Full Text on edoc No
Digital Object Identifier DOI 10.1578/AM.46.2.2020.215
ISI-Number 000519627200011
Document type (ISI) Article
 
   

MCSS v5.8 PRO. 0.330 sec, queries - 0.000 sec ©Universität Basel  |  Impressum   |    
29/03/2024