How Persistent are Marine Mammal Habitats in an Ocean of Variability?

Abstract

Marine mammals are highly mobile and capable of travelling long distances. Some species do undergo long seasonal migrations, mainly north-south movements between breeding and foraging grounds. Other species may follow their prey species in an offshore-onshore seasonal migration pattern. Some species, despite their capacity for migration, are resident in relatively small areas throughout the year. These species are dependent upon the continuous availability of food within their local habitats. In some cases, displacements or shifts in distribution of marine mammals occur which are not related to annual migrations, and these events may reflect changes in the quality or availability of their preferred habitats.