Research Papers

1. A review of climate change effects on marine mammals in United States waters: Past predictions, observed impacts, current research and conservation imperatives

Gulland, F. M., Baker, J., Howe, M., LaBrecque, E., Leach, L., Moore, S. E., Reeves, R. R., & Thomas, P. O. (2022). Climate Change Ecology, 3, 100054. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecochg.2022.100054

The authors compare the current documented effects of climate change on marine mammals in US waters to past predictions. They find evidence of some unforeseen and relatively acute consequences as well as confirmation of predicted effects. Some of the unpredicted effects of climate change have strained the ability of existing conservation and management systems to respond effectively.

2. New Approaches to Marine Conservation Through the Scaling Up of Ecological Data

Graham J. Edgar, Amanda E. Bates, Tomas J. Bird, Alun H. Jones, Stuart Kininmonth, Rick D. Stuart-Smith, Thomas J. Webb

Annual Review of Marine Science 2016 8:1, 435-461

This paper looks at the data tools available to marine conservation managers and considers the ways these could be improved to track and counter declining ecosystems. It includes details of recent advances in macroecology, statistical analysis, and the compilation of global data to improve conservation outcomes, by integrating local, regional and global data streams to produce locally relevant and interpretable outputs.

3. Combining information for monitoring at large spatial scales: First statewide abundance estimate of the Florida manatee

Martin, J; Edwards, HH; Dane, TM; Martin, Julien; Edwards, Holly H; Fonnesbeck, Christopher J; Koslovsky, Stacie M; Harmak, Craig W; Dane, Teri M

ISSN: 0006-3207 , 1873-2917; DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2015.02.029

Biological conservation. , 2015, Vol.186, p.44-51

Using an innovative approach that combines multiple sources of information, the authors produce what they claim is the first statewide estimate of abundance for Florida manatees. Their technique included using a combination of a double-observer protocol, repeated passes, and collection of diving behavior data to account for imperfect detection of animals. Two main errors sources considered were spatial variation in distribution and imperfect detection.

The study shows the benefits of combining data from multiple sources to monitor abundance at large scales. These include reducing costs, increasing count accuracy by using data obtained from new technologies, and improving coordination among different research teams.

4. Boater Speed Compliance in Manatee Zones: Examining a Proposed Predictive Model

John Jett, Brijesh Thapa & Robert Swett (2013). Society & Natural Resources, 26:1, 95-104, DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2012.711434

Every year recreational watercraft strikes are usually responsible for the majority of manatee deaths in Florida. This is not surprising as there are over 1 million boats registered in the state. Minimum wake zones should minimize this threat, but boater compliance studies suggest that the reliance on waterway signage and voluntary observance is ineffective. In this paper the authors conclude that messages to compel boaters to comply should endeavour to appeal to personally important attitudes and appropriate desires of family members, other boaters and law enforcement officers.

Additional article

5. Long-term performance of seagrass restoration projects in Florida, USA

Rezek, R.J., Furman, B.T., Jung, R.P. et al. Sci Rep 9, 15514 (2019). https://doi-org.ezproxy.lib.usf.edu/10.1038/s41598-019-51856-9

The recent catastrophic die off of Florida's manatees was due to the loss of seagrasses around the Florida coast. This study looked at seagrass restoration projects to determine the success or otherwise of these endeavours. It found that 88% of restoration projects continued to support seagrass and, overall, restored percent cover values were 37% lower than references. The results indicated that restored seagrass beds in Florida, once established, often exhibit long-term persistence.

Additional article

6. Reconstructing population dynamics of a threatened marine mammal using multiple data sets

Hostetler, J. A., Martin, J., Kosempa, M., Edwards, H. H., Rood, K. A., Barton, S. L., & Runge, M. C. (2021). Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81478-z

The authors developed an integrated population model for the Florida manatee to reconstruct its population dynamics over the past 20 years. They found that overall population growth was slow and not steady. Their analyses showed that precise estimates of populations could be obtained from estimates of vital rates and abundance, such that expensive population surveys don't need to be conducted as often. They were also able to model the transient dynamics of age distribution; assess the conservation status of wild populations; and improve understanding of environmental effects on population dynamics using retrospective analysis.