Presentation Details
Salinity driven distribution of coastal dolphins in an inverse estuary through habitat suitability modeling  

Camari Knox1, Meredith MacQueeny2, Annika E.Dean2, Janet Mann2, Vivienne Foroughirad1.

1Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA.2Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., USA

Abstract


Coastal marine habitats experience frequent fluctuations in water quality parameters that can expose inhabitants to physiological stress. High salinity exposure (>35 psu) in coastal dolphins has been linked to positive effects such as decreased recovery time of epidermal wounds, yet also show correlation to increased cortisol levels. Shark Bay, Australia, an inverse estuary, has higher salinity than the surrounding ocean and a large well-monitored resident bottlenose dolphin population. We hypothesize that during seasons with high predation risk, dolphin distribution is influenced by a preference for higher salinity habitats, as it can assist in both wound healing and predator deterrence. Findings show dolphins observed at higher and relatively narrow salinity ranges (42.0 ± 2.6 psu) compared to absence locations (38.0 ± 1.3 psu), indicating that dolphins balance trade-offs between physiological stress and ecological benefits, by occupying intermediate hypersaline zones where predation risk may be reduced but physiological limits are not pushed. Understanding this balance of factors that shape dolphin distribution will help explain how individuals optimize their habitat use.  

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
Content Locked. Log into a registered attendee account to access this presentation.