Extracting spatial networks from capture-recapture data reveals individual site fidelity patterns within a marine mammal's spatial range

Article Environmental Sciences

Agent-based modelling reveals a disproportionate exposure of females and calves to a local increase in shipping and associated noise in an endangered beluga population

Clement Chion et al.

Summary: Vessel underwater noise poses a major threat to the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga population, with a potential threefold increase in shipping traffic exacerbating the situation. Individual behavioral assumptions significantly impact the estimation of VUN exposure, emphasizing the importance of understanding beluga behaviors and conducting comprehensive acoustic impact assessments.

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN (2021)

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Review Ecology

The challenges of a small population exposed to multiple anthropogenic stressors and a changing climate: the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga

Veronique Lesage

Summary: Until 2012, the population of beluga whales in the St. Lawrence Estuary was considered stable at around 1100 individuals, but has since declined to approximately 900 by 2012. This decline is linked to changes in the ecosystem, reproductive success, and adult female body condition. Additionally, factors such as chronic vessel noise, increasing whale-watching activities, high contaminant levels, and harmful algal blooms may also be contributing to the long-term non-recovery and current decline of the population.

POLAR RESEARCH (2021)

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Article Ecology

Estimating the proportion of a beluga population using specific areas from connectivity patterns and abundance indices

Jean-Francois Ouellet et al.

Summary: Understanding habitat connectivity and usage is crucial for wildlife conservation. This study utilizes long-term observational data and aerial surveys to estimate the proportion of beluga population likely to visit specific habitats. Results show the presence of transit corridors among habitats and spatial segregation of sex and age classes within the population. The approach used in this study can help assess wildlife populations' exposure to natural or human-related stressors.

ECOSPHERE (2021)

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Article Ecology