title: Bayesian spatial modeling of cetacean sightings during a seismic acquisition survey.
abstract: A visual monitoring of marine mammals was carried out during a seismic acquisition survey performed in waters south of Portugal with the aim of assessing the likelihood of encountering Mysticeti species in this region as well as to determine the impact of the seismic activity upon encounter. Sightings and effort data were assembled with a range of environmental variables at different lags, and a Bayesian site-occupancy modeling approach was used to develop prediction maps and evaluate how species-specific habitat conditions evolved throughout the presence or not of seismic activity. No statistical evidence of a decrease in the sighting rates of Mysticeti by comparison to source activity was found. Indeed, it was found how Mysticeti distribution during the survey period was driven solely by environmental variables. Although further research is needed, possible explanations may include anthropogenic noise habituation and zone of seismic activity coincident with a naturally low density area.
authors.affiliation: Wildlife Conservation Society, Africa program, Battery IV, seated CIMA, BP7847 Libreville, Gabon. Electronic address: raulvile@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Raul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vilela
authors.affiliation: Wildlife Conservation Society, Africa program, Battery IV, seated CIMA, BP7847 Libreville, Gabon.
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Pena
authors.affiliation: CIRCE (Conservation Information and Research on Cetaceans), C/Cabeza de Manzaneda 3, Pelayo-Algeciras, 11390 Cádiz, Spain.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Esteban
authors.affiliation: Repsol Exploracion, Méndez Álvaro, 44, 28045 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Koemans
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D002591:Cetacea; D017753:Ecosystem; D009622:Noise; D011174:Portugal; D062206:Spatial Analysis
keywords: Bayesian state-process models; Gulf of Cadiz; Mysticeti; Seismic acquisition