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Whales as ecosystem sentinels: climate-induced changes on migration and feeding behavior in a pristine habitat model- Pilot project (SEDNA-Pp)
Call year: 2024
Status: active
IADC_id: 793
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Climate change has a growing impact on the environment, affecting ecological complexity across ecosystems. Current changes influence the temporal and spatial habitat suitability of predators, forcing species to rapidly adapt to modifications of their habitat and food web. Marine mammals are considered sentinels of these changes since they are particularly sensitive to environmentalrnconditions that directly affect their presence, behavior and fitness. Long-migrating species, such as fin whales, which usually move in the area to feed in highly productive waters during the summer, have recently changed their temporal patterns of distribution and movements (Pedrazzi 2019; Luise 2020). Since the timing of migration is strictly related to the biological and physical environment,rnthis observation suggests the need to investigate the impacts of environmental changes on these ecosystems. The main goal of the project is to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the impact of current changes in oceanographic and trophic variables on the occurrence, migration behavior and feeding strategies of fin whales in Kongsfjorden (as an extreme model site), and to model whichrnpotential short-term responses this iconic species will develop in the area. To achieve this overarching objective, 7 specific aimsrnhave been identified:rn1. Evaluating the temporal presence of fin whale and the timing of migration, by using passive acoustics;rn2. Assessing its trophic ecology (food web) and feeding behavior;rn3. Assessing the spatial and temporal variability of water masses in the Kongsfjorden;rn4. Evaluating the temporal and spatial changes of the phyto- and zooplankton community compositions and their biodiversity in the fjord;rn5. Exploring potential short-term relations between these ecological and biological variables;rn6. Highlighting main issues for future development of recommendations and guidelines for EU regulatory/management boards;rn7. Disseminating results to the scientific community and the general public.
National/International Cooperation:
CNR-IASrnStazione Zoologica Anton DohrnrnUniversità La Sapienza
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