Does bathymetry drive coastal whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregations?

ABSTRACT:

Background

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is known to aggregate in a number of coastal locations globally, however what causes these aggregations to form where they do is largely unknown. This study examines whether bathymetry is an important driver of coastal aggregation locations for R. typus through bathymetry's effect on primary productivity and prey availability. This is a global study taking into account all coastal areas within R. typus' range.

Methods

R. typus aggregation locations were identified through an extensive literature review. Global bathymetric data were compared at R. typus aggregation locations and a large random selection of non-aggregation areas. Generalised linear models were used to assess which bathymetric chara

SUBMITTER: Copping JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5995094 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature