Dear MARMAMers, for a project on Population Consequences of Disturbance (PCoD) on baleen whales, we are looking to involve researchers worldwide to share specific data in order to parameterize a PCoD model originally developed for harbour porpoises (DEPONS; https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12563). The original model simulates how the dynamics of a resident population can be affected by pile driving noise, but it can be implemented on populations of whales influenced by different kinds of anthropogenic disturbances. Recently, it is emerging that not all the populations of baleen whales segregate their time between feeding and breeding grounds, and some of them remain in the same hotspot with little or no movement between seasons, potentially relying on the same food sources throughout the year. Therefore, we are now looking to use this model to understand how non-migratory baleen whales deal with anthropogenic disturbances year round. We are specifically looking for: Acoustic data: data on the kinds of noise that the species in question respond to, ideally source levels and locations of the sound sources on these frequencies. Movement data: Argos tagging data, GPS data of surfacing animals. Environmental data: as local carrying capacity emerges from competition for food, a food distribution map must be available. For species known to forage continuously, species distribution maps may be used as a proxy. Life history data: data on timing and probability of giving birth and other life history parameters are required from literature. In areas where entanglement is a critical issue, information on net length and soak time can be included in the model too. In areas where the ship strike risk needs to be modelled, AIS data of the boat fleet - together with the shipping noise level and the vocalization of the whales - can be very useful. This request is part of a multi-tool approach to understanding whale ecology under anthropogenic pressures. We encourage all researchers working with a similar dataset - and those interested in understanding the impact of disturbance on non-migratory baleen whale populations - to contact us at the following email addresses:
Jacopo Di Clemente, MSc, prospective PhD student, jacopo.dicleme...@outlook.com<mailto:jacopo.dicleme...@outlook.com> Jacob Nabe-Nielsen, Head of Section for Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, j...@bios.au.dk<mailto:j...@bios.au.dk> All the best, J. Jacopo Di Clemente - M.Sc. Marine Science Department of Biology - University of Southern Denmark - Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark Vice President Accademia del Leviatano - V.le dell'Astronomia 19 - 00144 - Rome - Italy Phone: +45 93910840 - Skype: habana841 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jacopo_Di_Clemente2 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacopo-di-clemente 78786160/
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