Abstract
Increasing human activity along the coast has amplified the extinction risk of inshore delphinids. Informed selection and prioritisation of areas for the conservation of inshore delphinids requires a comprehensive understanding of their distribution and habitat use. In this study, we applied an ensemble species distribution modelling approach, combining results of six modelling algorithms to identify areas of high probability of occurrence of the globally Vulnerable Australian humpback dolphin in northern Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP), north-western Australia. Model outputs were based on sighting data collected during systematic, boat-based surveys between 2013 and 2015, and in relation to various ecogeographic variables. Water depth and distance to coast were identified as the most important variables influencing dolphin presence, with dolphins showing a preference for shallow waters (5–15 m) less than 2 km from the coast. Areas of high probability (> 0.6) of dolphin occurrence were primarily (90%) in multiple use areas where extractive human activities are permitted, and were poorly represented in sanctuary (no-take) zones. This spatial mismatch emphasises the need to reassess for future spatial planning and marine park management plan reviews for NMP. Shallow, coastal waters identified here should be considered priority areas for the conservation of this Vulnerable species.
Highlights
Increasing human activity along the coast has amplified the extinction risk of inshore delphinids
We evaluated if the location of current sanctuary zones[27] is likely to provide protection to humpback dolphins by assessing (1) whether dolphin distribution is correlated with sanctuary zone proximity, and (2) whether or not areas of high dolphin occurrence are encompassed within the boundaries of sanctuary zones
Our study identified shallow waters (5–15 m), close to the coast (< 2 km) as the areas of highest probability of humpback dolphin occurrence within the northern section of the Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP)
Summary
Increasing human activity along the coast has amplified the extinction risk of inshore delphinids. We applied an ensemble species distribution modelling approach, combining results of six modelling algorithms to identify areas of high probability of occurrence of the globally Vulnerable Australian humpback dolphin in northern Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP), north-western Australia. Areas of high probability (> 0.6) of dolphin occurrence were primarily (90%) in multiple use areas where extractive human activities are permitted, and were poorly represented in sanctuary (no-take) zones. This spatial mismatch emphasises the need to reassess for future spatial planning and marine park management plan reviews for NMP. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species recently listed the Australian humpback dolphin as ‘Vulnerable’ due to the species’ small population sizes and cumulative exposure to human activities[39]
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