Integrated Modeling Techniques for Understanding the Distribution and Impact of Human Activities on the Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Sichang Islands, Thailand

The degradation of marine and coastal resources, caused mainly by human activities, underscores the urgent need for conservation. In waters around the Sichang Islands, the Bryde&rsquo:s whale is listed as an endangered marine species. The extensive human activities in this area have raised serious concerns about the possible negative influence on this species. To conserve the species effectively and efficiently, we need to understand where it distributes and how human activities influence its distribution. For this purpose, we use spatial modeling techniques alongside diverse databases encompassing various spatial and ecological factors to analyze the distribution of, and human activities&rsquo: impact on, the Bryde&rsquo:s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Sichang Islands, Thailand. We also use the MaxEnt model to predict habitat suitability and the result reveals key factors influencing whale occurrence across seasons. During the dry season, TSS (32.8%), chlorophyll-a (20.1%), and DO (15.9%) levels play significant roles, while DO (29.9%), NH3 (29.4%), and distance to shore (13.3%) are crucial in the wet season. Furthermore, the Species Risk Assessment (SRA) model indicates the mooring area (14.95%) is the high-risk area for the Bryde&rsquo:s Whale, particularly during the wet season. In contrast, moderate risks are observed during the dry season, notably in fishing zones (99.68%) and mooring areas (99.28%). The study also highlights that the factors mentioned above influence prey availability and habitat suitability for the Bryde&rsquo:s whale and identifies potential threats posed by human activities, such as fishing and other maritime operations, that are likely to decrease water quality and prey abundance. These results are useful information for identifying sensitive areas and measures for risk mitigation, thus supporting the development of MSP or MPA plans.