Abstract
Little is known about harbor porpoises at the individual level or local group structure. Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo-identification of harbor porpoises were investigated off Fidalgo Island, Washington State. Harbor porpoise presence was affected by season and rip tide strength (Wald χ 2 P < 0.04); calf presence was influenced by season and tide (Wald χ 2 P < 0.0075). Average group size (2.32 ± 1.38, n = 266) was influenced by season, behavior, and calf presence (F 7 = 9.71, P < 0.0001, R 2 = 0.294). Fifty-three individuals were identified using a matrix of primary, secondary, and confirmation markings that were stable over months/years. Over 35% were resighted in more than 1 mo (range 1–7, (Formula presented.) = 1.83); 15.1% were seen in more than 1 yr, suggesting some level of residency. Despite having higher effort, presence and group size were significantly lower in Summer. Variations in the significance of rip tide strength and tides relate to calf presence and support other findings that harbor porpoise population structure is complex and varies at small spatiotemporal scales and may also vary between populations and habitats. This study identifies variables affecting group characteristics and emphasizes the importance of research on local populations of harbor porpoises.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 365-384 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Marine Mammal Science |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- INHS
- local population
- site fidelity
- group characteristics
- Phocoena phocoena
- group size
- harbor porpoise
- photo-ID
- Salish Sea
- tidal-stream habitat
- Washington
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Aquatic Science