Dear Colleagues,
We are happy to announce the publication of our new paper.
Violo et al. 2025. Cetacean habitat use and occurence in Fort-de-France
Bay (Martinique). Animals, /15/(18), 2640;
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182640
Abstract:
While coastal species have been widely studied, active port areas in
tropical island regions with intense maritime traffic remain critical,
but habitats for cetaceans within the Caribbean have not been thoroughly
studied. This study examines the spatial and temporal patterns of
habitat use and the characteristics of groups of six cetacean species in
the Bay of Fort-de-France in Martinique, an area with heavy marine
traffic. Data were collected from 2018 to 2022 through systematic
boat-based surveys. We analyzed standardized observations of group
occurrence, size, behavior, and depth preference across different
subzones of the bay. Our results reveal that Stenella attenuata and
Stenella longirostris are the most frequently observed species,
exhibiting distinct seasonal patterns, while other species occur more
sporadically. Group sizes and behavioral patterns vary significantly
across zones and depths. Larger, more interactive groups are generally
observed in shallow areas. Several species’ preference for nearshore
waters highlights the ecological value of the bay and the potential
risks posed by anthropogenic pressures, such as noise, collisions, and
habitat degradation. Our findings underscore the importance of
considering cetacean habitat use in port management strategies. This
study provides essential baseline knowledge to support conservation
efforts and the development of mitigation measures that reconcile
economic activities with the protection of marine biodiversity.
The paper can be accessed here https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182640
Best regards,
Benjamin.
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