Dear MARMAMers, I would like to inform Marmam readers about a few articles published by our Marine Megafauna Ecology and Conservation Lab (Ecomega), as follow:
Ribeiro JE, Danilewicz D, Cremer MJ, Ferreira E, Rufener M-C, Prado JHF, Kinas PG, Botta S, Monteiro D, Sucunza F, Secchi ER. (2026). Spatio-temporal patterns of franciscana dolphins and overlap with offshore wind farm areas in southern Brazil. Endangered Species Research. DOI https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01524 Abstract: The franciscana dolphin Pontoporia blainvillei is an endemic cetacean of the south western Atlantic Ocean and is recognized as one of the most threatened cetacean species in the region, primarily attributable to incidental catches in fisheries throughout its distributional range. Furthermore, coastal development, including the establishment of offshore wind farms (OWFs), may pose additional threats to the species. This study aimed at evaluating the distributional pat terns of franciscana in Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), southern Brazil, utilising 2 distinct data sources: fishery-dependent data (bycatch records) and fishery-independent data (aerial surveys). We further assessed the predicted abundance of the species in relation to areas claimed for OWF development along the entire RS inner continental shelf. Given the divergent spatio-temporal char acteristics of the data sets, we employed 2 distinct methodological approaches to generate statewide species distribution prediction maps. Data convergence was examined using a modified t-test. Results indicated that the data sets did not converge with respect to density estimates; however, both methods identified congruent spatial patterns, delineating comparable areas of elevated species occurrence. The highest densities were observed in estuary-influenced areas, near the Mampituba River in the northern sector, and the Rio Grande breakwaters and Albardão Lighthouse in the southern sector. The spatial overlap between areas of elevated density and pro posed OWF sites suggests potential spatial conflict. These findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive spatial assessments to inform conservation strategies and guide the planning of offshore wind energy development in the region. dos Santos RC, Secchi ER, Turner J, Cardoso LG. (2026). Lack of compliance in gillnet fisheries regulations increases risk to a vulnerable species. Fisheries Management and Ecology. DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.70074 Abstract: This article presents an analysis of regulatory compliance in a Brazilian gillnet fishery, based on Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) tracking data. Satellite transmissions records, interpreted as proxies for gillnet haulings events, were analyzed and classi fied using a neural network to assess the level of compliance of the gillnet fleet. Four key regulatory criteria assessed: (i) satellite tracking rules; (ii) net length; (iii) fishing exclusion zones; and (iv) temporal fishing closure. The findings on gillnet along the southern and southeastern Brazilian coast demonstrates a persistent pattern of non- compliance with critical regulatory meas ures, including net length restrictions, spatial closures, and uninterrupted transmission of vessel monitoring system (VMS) signals, even after a decade of regulatory enforcement. This combination of factors means that the greatest incidence of fishing effort, the main threat to several threatened species, especially the franciscana that occurs in areas of greater fishing effort. Carvalho CC, Deeks E, Ciotti LL, Botta S, Marmontel M, Copertino M, Luna FO, Attademo FNL, Carvalho VL, Borges CG, Costa AF, Emin-Lima R, Kratina P, Secchi ER. (2026). American manatees adjust their diet composition and trophic niche breadth across different coastal regions. Limnology and Oceanography Letters. DOI: http://10.1002/lol2.70127 Abstract: Marine mammals can exhibit high plasticity in foraging strategies, but how such plasticity is driven by environ mental conditions is poorly understood. The American manatee (Trichechus manatus), a large, endangered herbi vore, inhabits marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. To better understand their resource use, we analyzed dietary differences across three large Brazilian regions—the Northern Coast (NC), Dry-Northeastern Coast (Dry-NEC), and Humid-Northeastern Coast (Humid-NEC). The δ13C and δ15N values of manatee tissues increased from the NC to the Northeastern Coast. Stable isotope mixing models revealed that manatees from the Dry-NEC feed almost exclusively on seagrasses, while those from the NC rely predominantly on saltmarsh vegetation. In the Humid-NEC, manatees had a notable contribution from macroalgae, and exhibited the greatest dietary and habitat use diversity among the regions. These spatial patterns advance our understanding of large-scale habitat use, guiding the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard manatees and their habitats. Apologies for any cross posting. Kind regards, Eduardo - on behalf of Ecomega Lab. ____ Eduardo R. Secchi Professor Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha (ECOMEGA) Instituto de Oceanografia - IO Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG Rio Grande-RS, Brasil e-mail: [email protected] Mobile: +55-53-99945-3990
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