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Fine-scale habitat selection of Chilean dolphins (Cephalorhynchus eutropia): interactions with aquaculture activities in southern Chiloé Island, Chile

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2007

Sandra Ribeiro
Affiliation:
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Caixa Postal 15007 CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Francisco A. Viddi
Affiliation:
Marine Mammal Research Group, Graduate School of the Environment, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia Centro Ballena Azul (CBA/BWC), Carlos Anwandter 624, Casa 4, Valdivia, Chile
José Luís Cordeiro
Affiliation:
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Caixa Postal 15007 CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil Laboratório de Geoprocessamento, Centro de Ecologia, UFRGS, RS, Brazil
Thales R.O. Freitas
Affiliation:
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Caixa Postal 15007 CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil Laboratório de Genética Molecular, Departamento de Genética, UFRGS, RS, Brazil

Abstract

Fine-scale habitat selection of Chilean dolphins was studied between January and April 2002 through shore-based theodolite tracking in order to investigate the environmental and behavioural determinants of habitat use, and to evaluate the interactions between this species and aquaculture activities in Yaldad Bay, southern Chile. During 293.5 h of effort, movement and habitat selection patterns of dolphins exhibited a significantly concentrated use of only 21% of the entire study area. Correspondence analysis showed that shallow waters (5–10 m), proximity to coast and rivers were the most significant environmental parameters determining fine-scale dolphin distribution patterns, with foraging the most frequently observed activity. Aquaculture activities in the area were observed to affect dolphin habitat use patterns by restricting space available for biologically important dolphin behaviours.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2007 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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