Spatiotemporal trends in cetacean strandings and response in the southwestern Indian Ocean : 2000–2020
Abstract
The south-western Indian Ocean (SWIO) is a region of global importance for marine mammal biodiversity, but our understanding of most of the species and populations found there is still rudimentary. The Indian Ocean Network for Cetacean Research (IndoCet) was formed in 2014 and is dedicated to the research of all cetacean species across the SWIO. Since 2019, there have been efforts to create a regional network for coordinated response to stranding events as well as training and capacity building in the SWIO region. The present analysis represents a first investigation of stranding data collected by various members and collaborators within the IndoCet network, covering over 14,800km of coastline belonging to nine countries/territories. Between 2000–2020, there were 397 stranding events, representing 1,232 individual animals, 17 genera and 27 species, belonging to six families: four balaenopterids, one balaenid, one physeterid, two kogiids, six ziphiids and 14 delphinids. Seven mass strandings were recorded: two were composed of three to 20 individuals and five composed of > 20 individuals. Spatial analysis of stranding events indicated that local spatio-temporal clusters (excessive number of events in time and geographic space) were present in all countries/territories, except for the Comoros. The only significant cluster was detected on the southwest coast of Mauritius, just west of the village of Souillac. The SWIO region predominantly comprises relatively poor countries/territories, but imminent Ocean Economy developments are prevalent throughout the region. This study highlights the importance of establishing baselines upon which any future potential impact from anthropogenic developments in the region can be measured.
Citation
Plön , S , Norman , S , Adam , P A , Andrianarivelo , N , Bachoo , S , Braulik , G , Collins , T , Estrade , V , Griffiths , O , Inteca , G , Khan , N , Marinesque , S , Mederic , E , Mwang’ombe , M , Olbers , J , Ramoelintsalama , L , Reeve-Arnold , K , Rocha , D , Gullan , A D , Saloma , A , Vermeulen , E , Vitry , H , Wilkinson , C & Dulau , V 2023 , ' Spatiotemporal trends in cetacean strandings and response in the southwestern Indian Ocean : 2000–2020 ' , Journal of Cetacean Research and Management , vol. 24 , no. 1 , pp. 95-119 . https://doi.org/10.47536/JCRM.V24I1.396
Publication
Journal of Cetacean Research and Management
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1561-0713Type
Journal article
Description
On behalf of SIF, we would like to thank the Seychelles partners (Alphonse Foundation, Desroches Foundation, Island Conservation Society, Farquhar Foundation, Seychelles Islands Foundation, Silhouette Foundation) for providing financial support to acquire and grant use of their data. Collection of data in Reunion was funded by DEAL Reunion and Region-Reunion.Collections
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