Development of forecasting method for schooling marine mammals

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K20828
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Environmental and ecological symbiosis; Aquatic bioproduction science
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: MITANI Yoko 北海道大学, 北方生物圏フィールド科学センター, 准教授 (40538279)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 海棲哺乳類 / 回遊

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Schooling marine mammals has a heavily impact on the ecosystems by consuming vast quantities of fish resources. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the seasonal change of the distribution of Pacific white-sided dolphins and the marine environment, and clarified the parameters that influence the distribution and migration. Stable isotope analyses showed that they feed on sardines and squids. Interview surveys revealed that the dolphins and fisheries conflicts occur on the Sea of Japan side of Aomori and Oshima Peninsula. Location data obtained from ship-based sighting survey and satellite tracking showed that sea surface temperature, water depth and distance from land influence the distribution of dolphins at large scale.

Free Research Field

海洋生物環境学