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    Occupancy of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in relation to vessel traffic, dredging, and environmental variables within a highly urbanised estuary

    Access Status
    Fulltext not available
    Authors
    Marley, Sarah
    Salgado Kent, Chandra
    Erbe, Christine
    Date
    2017
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
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    Citation
    Marley, S. and Salgado Kent, C. and Erbe, C. 2016. Occupancy of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in relation to vessel traffic, dredging, and environmental variables within a highly urbanised estuary. Hydrobiologia. 792 (1): pp. 243-263.
    Source Title
    Hydrobiologia
    DOI
    10.1007/s10750-016-3061-7
    ISSN
    0018-8158
    School
    Centre for Marine Science and Technology
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/50514
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    Coastal areas, and thus coastal species, are at increasing risk from human activities. Sections of the coastline of Western Australia are undergoing intense coastal development to fulfil commercial, industrial, and recreational requirements. Multiple populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) occur around this coastline; however, small community sizes and limited genetic exchange rates make them susceptible to anthropogenic pressure. This study investigated the occupancy of dolphins within the Swan–Canning Rivers, an urbanised estuary, with regard to (1) presence/absence, (2) abundance, and (3) duration in terms of time spent in the area. These response variables were related back to environmental conditions (tidal state, tidal height, salinity, temperature), vessel traffic, and dredging activities using generalised additive modelling. Theodolite tracking data revealed high levels of boat traffic at the two sites considered; however, dolphin occurrence was only negatively affected by vessel density at one of these sites. Dolphin occupancy was also significantly influenced by temperature, with possible seasonal effects. No dolphins were sighted on days when backhoe dredging was present; however, low sample sizes limited statistical interpretation. These results highlight the need to consider context in behavioural response studies, in terms of habitat type studied, explanatory variables considered, and response variables selected.

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