My co-author and I are pleased to share our recent publication "Spatio-temporal patterns of cetacean strandings in a data-poor region of the Southwestern Atlantic" in Regional Studies in Marine Science.
D'Amado, E., & Szteren, D. (2026). Spatio-temporal patterns of cetacean strandings in a data-poor region of the Southwestern Atlantic. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105512. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S235248552600767X Abstract: Cetacean strandings provide valuable ecological information on species occurrence, biodiversity patterns, and anthropogenic impacts, particularly in data-poor regions where systematic monitoring is limited. This study characterized the spatio-temporal patterns of cetacean strandings along the Uruguayan coast between 2019 and 2025 using records compiled through the Marine Mammal Stranding Network project. Descriptive analyses, ecological diversity indices, species accumulation curves, and temporal analyses were applied to assess stranding trends, whereas spatial kernel density analyses were used to identify hotspots and coastal data-deficient regions. A total of 869 dead stranded cetaceans belonging to 25 species were recorded, representing 78% of the cetacean richness reported for Uruguay. Odontocetes dominated the records, with the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) accounting for 82% of strandings. Stranding frequency increased progressively throughout the study period, coinciding with the consolidation of the stranding network project and enhanced public reporting. Seasonal variation was significant, with strandings peaking during late spring and summer. Spatial analyses revealed an eastward increase in both stranding frequency and species richness, being maximum in Rocha Department where the highest diversity and abundance were recorded. Kernel density analyses identified five major stranding hotspots and six coastal data-deficient areas associated with low accessibility or reduced monitoring effort. Species accumulation curves approached the asymptotic richness, supporting the effectiveness of long-term citizen-science monitoring in documenting cetacean diversity. Despite limitations inherent to opportunistic sampling, the study provides a contemporary analysis of cetacean strandings in Uruguay, and highlights the value of collaborative monitoring frameworks for biodiversity assessment and conservation in under sampled marine regions. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at [email protected] or Diana Szteren at [email protected]. Many thanks, Emilia D'Amado Laboratorio de Recursos Naturales, Instituto de Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República. Iguá 4225, Montevideo, 11400, Uruguay.
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