Arcangeli, A., Muzi, E., Tepsich, P., Carcassi, S., Castelli, A., Crosti, R., Di Vincenzo, M., Magliozzi, C., Marini, L., Poggi, A, Poldi, A., Pulcini, M., Ricci, S., Safontas, C., Sdringola, S., Ukmar, E.(2010) Networking cetacean monitoring

Monitoring cetacean presence, relative abundance, distribution and migration timing is an effective indicator to detect environmental changes and habitat degradation and can provide information to improve conservation and adaptive management of marine ecosystems. In particular large-scale monitoring programs are needed to better understand relationship between cetacean and oceanographic parameters.
Types of observation platforms and cost of research have been the main problems on the development of monitoring programs capable to survey cetacean population over time. Given low cost, standard route, speed and height of the observer, ferries are an efficient and cost-effective platform of opportunity for long-term monitoring programmes of cetaceans. In 2008 a network of research bodies joint together to monitor cetacean presence along the Central Tyrrhenian and the Ligurian Sea.
In this conference paper we present the results of weekly observations undertaken during summer 2008 along three ferry’s route.
Each transect was considered as an independent statistical unit. We primarily analysed presence, relative abundance (measured as number of sightings per hour spent in observation), mean group size and distribution. Observations were undertaken in fine weather condition and sightings were also associated to environmental parameters and nautical traffic. Moreover, possible episodes of “ferry-whale” collisions were recorded.
Along the three routes, in 80 runs, in a total of 301 hours of survey effort were recorded 166 sightings of six cetacean species totalling approximately 759 individuals; mean encounter rate was 0,51 sightings/hour. Main sighted species were Stenella coeruleoalba, Balenoptera spp. and Tursiops truncatus. Results, however, showed differences in presence and relative abundance of animals amongst the three routes.  No Ferry-whale collisions were recorded in a total of 8335 NM.
Final aim of the Network is to validate and standardise this large-scale monitoring programme and assess the efficacy in term of early sign of negative effect of environment changes on cetacean populations.

Per approfondimenti e/o articolo scrivi a: Antonella Arcangeli

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