Modelling Dolphin Distribution to Inform Future Spatial Conservation Decisions in a Marine Protected Area.

ABSTRACT: As marine predators experience increasing anthropogenic pressures, there is an urgent need to understand their distribution and their drivers to inform spatial conservation planning. We used an ensemble modelling approach to investigate the spatio-temporal distribution of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops cf. australis) in relation to a variety of ecogeographical and anthropogenic variables in Coffin Bay, Thorny Passage Marine Park, South Australia. Further, we evaluated the overlap between current spatial management measures and important dolphin habitat. Dolphins showed no distinct seasonal shifts in distribution patterns. Models of the entire study area indicate that zones of high probability of dolphin occurrence were located mainly within the inner area of Coffin Bay.

SUBMITTER: Passadore C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6199262 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature