ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1133-1289
Current Organisation
Basque Centre for Climate Change
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Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology) | Ecology | Behavioural Ecology
Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences | Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity |
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 07-04-2017
Abstract: Atlantic surface circulation transports high loads of plastic debris to remote Arctic waters.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-06-2023
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 05-02-2021
Abstract: Sound travels faster and farther in water than in air. Over evolutionary time, many marine organisms have come to rely on sound production, transmission, and reception for key aspects of their lives. These important behaviors are threatened by an increasing cacophony in the marine environment as human-produced sounds have become louder and more prevalent. Duarte et al. review the importance of biologically produced sounds and the ways in which anthropogenically produced sounds are affecting the marine soundscape. Science , this issue p. eaba4658
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-03-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-00165-0
Abstract: The growing number of large databases of animal tracking provides an opportunity for analyses of movement patterns at the scales of populations and even species. We used analytical approaches, developed to cope with “big data”, that require no ‘ a priori’ assumptions about the behaviour of the target agents, to analyse a pooled tracking dataset of 272 elephant seals ( Mirounga leonina ) in the Southern Ocean, that was comprised of ,000 location estimates collected over more than a decade. Our analyses showed that the displacements of these seals were described by a truncated power law distribution across several spatial and temporal scales, with a clear signature of directed movement. This pattern was evident when analysing the aggregated tracks despite a wide ersity of in idual trajectories. We also identified marine provinces that described the migratory and foraging habitats of these seals. Our analysis provides evidence for the presence of intrinsic drivers of movement, such as memory, that cannot be detected using common models of movement behaviour. These results highlight the potential for “big data” techniques to provide new insights into movement behaviour when applied to large datasets of animal tracking.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 13-02-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-09-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ECOG.05953
Abstract: Animals follow specific movement patterns and search strategies to maximize encounters with essential resources (e.g. prey, favourable habitat) while minimizing exposures to suboptimal conditions (e.g. competitors, predators). While describing spatiotemporal patterns in animal movement from tracking data is common, understanding the associated search strategies employed continues to be a key challenge in ecology. Moreover, studies in marine ecology commonly focus on singular aspects of species' movements, however using multiple analytical approaches can further enable researchers to identify ecological phenomena and resolve fundamental ecological questions relating to movement. Here, we used a set of statistical physics‐based methods to analyze satellite tracking data from three co‐occurring apex predators (tiger, great hammerhead and bull sharks) that predominantly inhabit productive coastal regions of the northwest Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. We analyzed data from 96 sharks and calculated a range of metrics, including each species' displacements, turning angles, dispersion, space‐use and community‐wide movement patterns to characterize each species' movements and identify potential search strategies. Our comprehensive approach revealed high interspecific variability in shark movement patterns and search strategies. Tiger sharks displayed near‐random movements consistent with a Brownian strategy commonly associated with movements through resource‐rich habitats. Great hammerheads showed a mixed‐movement strategy including Brownian and resident‐type movements, suggesting adaptation to widespread and localized high resource availability. Bull sharks followed a resident movement strategy with restricted movements indicating localized high resource availability. We hypothesize that the species‐specific search strategies identified here may help foster the co‐existence of these sympatric apex predators. Following this comprehensive approach provided novel insights into spatial ecology and assisted with identifying unique movement and search strategies. Similar future studies of animal movement will help characterize movement patterns and also enable the identification of search strategies to help elucidate the ecological drivers of movement and to understand species' responses to environmental change.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 24-06-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-09-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2021
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 09-05-2022
Abstract: Global vessel traffic is increasing alongside world economic growth. The potential for rising lethal ship strikes on endangered species of marine megafauna, such as the plankton-feeding whale shark, remains poorly understood since areas of highest overlap are seldom determined across an entire species range. Here we show how satellite tracking whale sharks and large vessel movements globally provides a means to localize high-overlap areas and to determine how collision risk changes in time. Our results point to potential high levels of undetected or unreported ship strikes, which may explain why whale shark populations continue to decline despite protection and low fishing-induced mortality. Collision mitigations in high-collision-risk areas appear necessary to help conserve this iconic species.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-03-2014
Abstract: The recurrent lack of isolation by distance reported at regional scale in seagrass species was recently suggested to stem from stochastic events of large-scale dispersal. We explored the usefulness of phylogenetic information contained in microsatellite loci to test this hypothesis by using the Genetic Diversity Spectrum (GDS) on databases containing, respectively, 7 and 9 microsatellites genotypes for 1541 s ling units of Posidonia oceanica and 1647 of Cymodocea nodosa The simultaneous increase of microsatellite and geographic distances that emerges reveals a coherent pattern of isolation by distance in contrast to the chaotic pattern previously described using allele frequencies, in particular, for the long-lived P. oceanica These results suggest that the lack of isolation by distance, rather than the resulting from rare events of large-scale dispersal, reflects at least for some species a stronger influence of mutation over migration at the scale of the distribution range. The global distribution of genetic polymorphism may, therefore, result predominantly from ancient events of step-by-step (re)colonization followed by local recruitment and clonal growth, rather than contemporary gene flow. The analysis of GDS appears useful to unravel the evolutionary forces influencing the dynamics and evolution at distinct temporal and spatial scales by accounting for phylogenetic information borne by microsatellites, under an appropriate mutation model. This finding adds nuance to the generalization of the influence of large-scale dispersal on the dynamics of seagrasses.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.TREE.2016.12.006
Abstract: Mobile phones and other geolocated devices have produced unprecedented volumes of data on human movement. Analysis of pooled in idual human trajectories using big data approaches has revealed a wealth of emergent features that have ecological parallels in animals across a erse array of phenomena including commuting, epidemics, the spread of innovations and culture, and collective behaviour. Movement ecology, which explores how animals cope with and optimize variability in resources, has the potential to provide a theoretical framework to aid an understanding of human mobility and its impacts on ecosystems. In turn, big data on human movement can be explored in the context of animal movement ecology to provide solutions for urgent conservation problems and management challenges.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-07-2019
DOI: 10.1002/EAP.1947
Abstract: Telemetry is a key, widely used tool to understand marine megafauna distribution, habitat use, behavior, and physiology however, a critical question remains: "How many animals should be tracked to acquire meaningful data sets?" This question has wide-ranging implications including considerations of statistical power, animal ethics, logistics, and cost. While power analyses can inform s le sizes needed for statistical significance, they require some initial data inputs that are often unavailable. To inform the planning of telemetry and biologging studies of marine megafauna where few or no data are available or where resources are limited, we reviewed the types of information that have been obtained in previously published studies using different s le sizes. We considered s le sizes from one to >100 in iduals and synthesized empirical findings, detailing the information that can be gathered with increasing s le sizes. We complement this review with simulations, using real data, to show the impact of s le size when trying to address various research questions in movement ecology of marine megafauna. We also highlight the value of collaborative, synthetic studies to enhance s le sizes and broaden the range, scale, and scope of questions that can be answered.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1038/S41586-019-1444-4
Abstract: Effective ocean management and the conservation of highly migratory species depend on resolving the overlap between animal movements and distributions, and fishing effort. However, this information is lacking at a global scale. Here we show, using a big-data approach that combines satellite-tracked movements of pelagic sharks and global fishing fleets, that 24% of the mean monthly space used by sharks falls under the footprint of pelagic longline fisheries. Space-use hotspots of commercially valuable sharks and of internationally protected species had the highest overlap with longlines (up to 76% and 64%, respectively), and were also associated with significant increases in fishing effort. We conclude that pelagic sharks have limited spatial refuge from current levels of fishing effort in marine areas beyond national jurisdictions (the high seas). Our results demonstrate an urgent need for conservation and management measures at high-seas hotspots of shark space use, and highlight the potential of simultaneous satellite surveillance of megafauna and fishers as a tool for near-real-time, dynamic management.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-04-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-022-10097-Z
Abstract: The race between pathogens and their hosts is a major evolutionary driver, where both reshuffle their genomes to overcome and reorganize the defenses for infection, respectively. Evolutionary theory helps formulate predictions on the future evolutionary dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, which can be monitored through unprecedented real-time tracking of SARS-CoV-2 population genomics at the global scale. Here we quantify the accelerating evolution of SARS-CoV-2 by tracking the SARS-CoV-2 mutation globally, with a focus on the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the spike protein determining infection success. We estimate that the 820 million people that had been infected by October 5, 2021, produced up to 10 21 copies of the virus, with 12 new effective RBD variants appearing, on average, daily. Doubling of the number of RBD variants every 89 days, followed by selection of the most infective variants challenges our defenses and calls for a shift to anticipatory, rather than reactive tactics involving collaborative global sequencing and vaccination.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2021
Abstract: Bio‐logging data obtained by tagging animals are key to addressing global conservation challenges. However, the many thousands of existing bio‐logging datasets are not easily discoverable, universally comparable, nor readily accessible through existing repositories and across platforms, slowing down ecological research and effective management. A set of universal standards is needed to ensure discoverability, interoperability and effective translation of bio‐logging data into research and management recommendations. We propose a standardisation framework adhering to existing data principles (FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable and TRUST: Transparency, Responsibility, User focus, Sustainability and Technology) and involving the use of simple templates to create a data flow from manufacturers and researchers to compliant repositories, where automated procedures should be in place to prepare data availability into four standardised levels: (a) decoded raw data, (b) curated data, (c) interpolated data and (d) gridded data. Our framework allows for integration of simple tabular arrays (e.g. csv files) and creation of sharable and interoperable network Common Data Form (netCDF) files containing all the needed information for accuracy‐of‐use, rightful attribution (ensuring data providers keep ownership through the entire process) and data preservation security. We show the standardisation benefits for all stakeholders involved, and illustrate the application of our framework by focusing on marine animals and by providing ex les of the workflow across all data levels, including filled templates and code to process data between levels, as well as templates to prepare netCDF files ready for sharing. Adoption of our framework will facilitate collection of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) in support of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and inter‐governmental assessments (e.g. the World Ocean Assessment), and will provide a starting point for broader efforts to establish interoperable bio‐logging data formats across all fields in animal ecology.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1038/SREP30682
Abstract: Rapid loss of sea ice is opening up the Arctic Ocean to shipping, a practice that is forecasted to increase rapidly by 2050 when many models predict that the Arctic Ocean will largely be free of ice toward the end of summer. These forecasts carry considerable uncertainty because Arctic shipping was previously considered too sparse to allow for adequate validation. Here, we provide quantitative evidence that the extent of Arctic shipping in the period 2011–2014 is already significant and that it is concentrated (i) in the Norwegian and Barents Seas, and (ii) predominantly accessed via the Northeast and Northwest Passages. Thick ice along the forecasted direct trans-Arctic route was still present in 2014, preventing transit. Although Arctic shipping remains constrained by the extent of ice coverage, during every September, this coverage is at a minimum, allowing the highest levels of shipping activity. Access to Arctic resources, particularly fisheries, is the most important driver of Arctic shipping thus far.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-12-2019
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-019-54936-Y
Abstract: Global ocean expeditions have provided minimum estimates of ocean’s prokaryote ersity, supported by apparent asymptotes in the number of prokaryotes with s ling effort, of about 40,000 species, representing % of the species cataloged in the Earth Microbiome Project, despite being the largest habitat in the biosphere. Here we demonstrate that the abundance of prokaryote OTUs follows a scaling that can be represented by a power-law distribution, and as a consequence, we demonstrate, mathematically and through simulations, that the asymptote of rarefaction curves is an apparent one, which is only reached with s le sizes approaching the entire ecosystem. We experimentally confirm these findings using exhaustive repeated s ling of a prokaryote community in the Red Sea and the exploration of global assessments of prokaryote ersity in the ocean. Our findings indicate that, far from having achieved a thorough s ling of prokaryote species abundance in the ocean, global expeditions provide just a start for this quest as the richness in the global ocean is much larger than estimated.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.TREE.2016.02.015
Abstract: It is a golden age for animal movement studies and so an opportune time to assess priorities for future work. We assembled 40 experts to identify key questions in this field, focussing on marine megafauna, which include a broad range of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. Research on these taxa has both underpinned many of the recent technical developments and led to fundamental discoveries in the field. We show that the questions have broad applicability to other taxa, including terrestrial animals, flying insects, and swimming invertebrates, and, as such, this exercise provides a useful roadmap for targeted deployments and data syntheses that should advance the field of movement ecology.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-10-2019
DOI: 10.1021/ACSSENSORS.9B00947
Abstract: Biologging is a scientific endeavor that studies the environment and animals within it by outfitting the latter with sensors of their dynamics as they roam freely in their natural habitats. As wearable technologies advance for the monitoring of human health, it may be instructive to reflect on the successes and failures of biologging in field biology over the past few decades. Several lessons may be of value. Physiological sensors can "encode" for a wider number of states than the one explicitly targeted, although the limits of this are debatable. The combination of orthogonal sensors turns out to be critical to delivering a high value data set. Sensor fusion and engineering for longevity are also important for success. This Perspective highlights successful strategies for biologging that hold promise for human health monitoring.
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 26-02-2018
Abstract: Understanding the key drivers of animal movement is crucial to assist in mitigating adverse impacts of anthropogenic activities on marine megafauna. We found that movement patterns of marine megafauna are mostly independent of their evolutionary histories, differing significantly from patterns for terrestrial animals. We detected a remarkable convergence in the distribution of speed and turning angles across organisms ranging from whales to turtles (epitome for the slowest animals on land but not at sea). Marine megafauna show a prevalence of movement patterns dominated by search behavior in coastal habitats compared with more directed, ballistic movement patterns when the animals move across the open ocean. The habitats through which they move will therefore need to be considered for effective conservation.
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 26-02-2021
Abstract: High seas fishing is described by a modular network coupled with a heterogeneous hierarchy of harbors and countries.
Start Date: 07-2021
End Date: 06-2024
Amount: $443,798.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity