Journal article
The power of national acoustic tracking networks to assess the impacts of human activity on marine organisms during the COVID-19 pandemic
Biological Conservation, Vol.256, 108995
2021
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Abstract
•National acoustic tracking network can assess the effects of COVID on animal movement.
•We describe four mechanisms affecting human interactions with the marine environment.
•Australia's IMOS Animal Tracking was used to assess the effects of COVID restrictions.
•In SA, white shark cage-diving has been taking place nearly every day for >20 years.
•A 51-day break did not affect white shark residency or space use.
COVID-19 restrictions have led to an unprecedented global hiatus in anthropogenic activities, providing a unique opportunity to assess human impact on biological systems. Here, we describe how a national network of acoustic tracking receivers can be leveraged to assess the effects of human activity on animal movement and space use during such global disruptions. We outline variation in restrictions on human activity across Australian states and describe four mechanisms affecting human interactions with the marine environment: 1) reduction in economy and trade changing shipping traffic; 2) changes in export markets affecting commercial fisheries; 3) alterations in recreational activities; and 4) decline in tourism. We develop a roadmap for the analysis of acoustic tracking data across various scales using Australia's national Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) Animal Tracking Facility as a case study. We illustrate the benefit of sustained observing systems and monitoring programs by assessing how a 51-day break in white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) cage-diving tourism due to COVID-19 restrictions affected the behaviour and space use of two resident species. This cessation of tourism activities represents the longest break since cage-diving vessels started day trips in this area in 2007. Long-term monitoring of the local environment reveals that the activity space of yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) was reduced when cage-diving boats were absent compared to periods following standard tourism operations. However, white shark residency and movements were not affected. Our roadmap is globally applicable and will assist researchers in designing studies to assess how anthropogenic activities can impact animal movement and distributions during regional, short-term through to major, unexpected disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details
- Title
- The power of national acoustic tracking networks to assess the impacts of human activity on marine organisms during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Creators
- Charlie Huveneers (Author) - Flinders UniversityFabrice R.A Jaine (Author) - Sydney Institute of Marine Science, AustraliaAdam Barnett (Author) - James Cook UniversityPaul A Butcher (Author) - New South Wales. Department of Primary IndustriesThomas M Clarke (Author) - Flinders UniversityLeanne M Currey-Randall (Author) - Australian Institute of Marine ScienceRoss G Dwyer (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastLuciana C Ferreira (Author) - Australian Institute of Marine ScienceAdrian C Gleiss (Author) - Murdoch UniversityXavier Hoenner (Author) - CSIRO Oceans and AtmosphereDaniel Ierodiaconou (Author) - Deakin UniversityElodie J.I Lédée (Author) - Carleton UniversityMark G Meekan (Author) - Australian Institute of Marine ScienceHugh Pederson (Author) - Innovasea (Hobart, Australia)Justin R Rizzari (Author) - Deakin UniversityPaul D van Ruth - South Australian Research and Development Institute - Aquatic Sciences, West Beach, SA 5024, AustraliaJayson M Semmens (Author) - University of TasmaniaMatthew D Taylor - New South Wales. Department of Primary IndustriesVinay Udyawer (Author) - Australian Institute of Marine SciencePeter Walsh (Author) - University of TasmaniaMichelle R Heupel (Author) - University of TasmaniaRobert Harcourt (Author) - Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Australia
- Publication Details
- Biological Conservation, Vol.256, 108995
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991012925688502368
- Academic Unit
- National Marine Science Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article