NECWA at the 22nd Marine Mammal Biennial Conference

-
This October, Brian Chmielecki (NECWA affiliate) attended the 22nd Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals held in Halifax, Nova Scotia to share his collaborative research entitled “Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Foraging and Distribution in Shallow Waters South of New England.” This conference was sponsored by the Society for Marine Mammalogy.

Brian explaining some of the data during the conference. 
Brian’s poster presentation interpreted 30 years of data documenting fin whale locations, behavior, and foraging ecology for the inshore region bordered by Long Island, NY and Block Island, RI. Data were obtained using standardized sighting techniques and GPS technologies across 26 field seasons, logging in more than 380 whale watches. Additional sighting information was also included and came from collaborative efforts with other researchers working in the same area.  
Results showed that spring through summer finback feeding aggregates utilize different foraging areas each year, probably as a function of prey density and availability. Climate change and other anthropogenic threats are likely to influence these variables and are important to consider in the context of future fin whale population status and recovery.
Brian was approached by many enthusiastic visitors during the two days that he presented at the conference, which hosted over 1,700 guests from all over the world. Brian also attended a panel discussion that addressed strategies for improving communication between scientists and the general public. Brian also participated in a workshop conducted by the creator of a citizen science website called “WildBook”, which strives to bring animal photo-identification to life in an efficient and interactive manner. He learned that the company is developing a cetacean version of the application called “FlukeBook”, which can be accessed by all at http://www.flukebook.org/. 
We are so thrilled Brian could experience the conference and its wealth of exciting information about marine mammals, and thank him for contributing to a progressive research effort that tells the story of this often elusive, but fascinating species!

Below is Brian's abstract and poster. Enjoy!

Assessment of Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Seasonal Foraging in Shallow Continental Shelf Waters South of New England

Brian Chmielecki (New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance) et al.

Overview: The waters off southern New England and Long Island, NY are an important foraging region for a sub-set of the western North Atlantic fin whale population.

The inshore region is the subject of long term studies covering the New York bite south of eastern Long Island, NY and the region south and east of Block Island, RI. Questions regarding the annual movements of the animals and their relationship to other segments of the population remain unclear.
This study is part of a collaborative effort to document the habitat use and foraging ecology of cetaceans in this region.

Methods: Data is collected manually at 20 minute intervals including: position, course, sea-state, wind etc. A GPS unit records a continual track log which is archived for fine scale analysis. Sightings are recorded manually along the GPS track. When fin whales are encountered, their behavior pattern is assessed, and dedicated effort to obtain photographs for identification is made when possible.
Data collected from 26 field seasons includes over 380 whale watch cruises. Additional sighting data from affiliated vessels with experienced observers or verified reports are also included in the data set.

Results: Several regions have been confirmed to the south and east of Block Island, RI where feeding aggregations of cetaceans concentrate on during the late spring – summer. These locations are utilized in a variable manner within a given season and also vary annually due to prey availability and density.Impacts from anthropogenic sources and changes to prey availability due to climate change are important factors affecting this species' long-term recovery. This work will help fill gaps in knowledge of other researchers working to conserve this population.
Blog post written by Madeline Holton

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Electric Torpedo Ray of New England

-
Image
The Shocking Ray of New England Blog by  Coleman Earner - December 21, 2020 Dead Torpedo Ray in Brewster, MA Torpedo Rays are a genus of rays that are part of the Order  Torpediniformes (electric rays). In reference to local sightings, the most commonly seen torpedo ray in the Cape Cod region is the Atlantic Torpedo ( Torpedo nobiliana ). They are cartilaginous fish (most similar to the structure of sharks and skates) with a flat and rounded disc-like structure. As suggested by their order, torpedo rays are most commonly known for their ability to discharge electricity of up to 220 volts from both pectoral fins (pectoral fins are flat and expanded and fused to the head area) as a self defense mechanism or as a means of capturing prey. Their feeding strategy consists of burying themselves under the sand and waiting for unsuspecting prey to wander by.  Dead Torpedo Ray on a Cape Cod Beach. Torpedo Rays feed mainly on benthic/pelagic fish such as flounders, damselfish, and other small fis
Read more

Ocean sunfish stranding at Linnell Landing - October 9, 2010

-
Image
This afternoon, Chris called about an ocean sunfish that stranded dead at the end of Linnell Landing in Brewster, MA. Krill Carson along with two NECWA interns, Nick Schomburg and Caitlyn Dionne, headed down or met at Linnell Landing in the late afternoon. When they arrived on the shores of Cape Cod Bay, a crowd was gathering around the ocean sunfish carcass that was just off the beach parking lot. This sunfish was almost 6 feet in length and some of the beachgoers indicated that it had come up on the beach around 2 pm that day. At first, it was difficult to look at the deep propellor scars that cut through the dorsal (top) surface of the sunfish and extended into its left flank. But sunset was quickly approaching so this team focused at the task at hand, that was collecting body measurements as well as tissues from this carcass. Nick and Krill conducted a Level A exam on the carcass and Caitlyn took pictures as well as recorded data. Krill was able to determine that this animal was
Read more

Wareham Classrooms have 2 Headstart Diamondback Terrapins

-
Image
Wareham Classrooms have 2 Headstart Diamondback Terrapins Terrapin Crush prior to this turtle's release.  NECWA was able to work with 2 Wareham Teachers this fall and winter as they participated in our Diamondback Terrapin Headstart program. One teacher, Lara Schofield, works at the high school and has previously participated in NECWA's head start program. The other teacher, Tanya Bungert, a middle school teacher, was new to the program this season.  Over the course of the school year, NECWA staff joined teachers and their students on numerous occasions, providing on-site guidance for caring and documenting the hatchlings. On two occasions , NECWA came into the High School to work with and present lessons on terrapins to the afterschool program run by teacher Lara Schofield. Working directly with students and their teachers is so important for these types of community  projects for it allows NECWA to see how successful our head start programs are.   NECWA would like to thank th
Read more