Seasonal variation and group size affect movement patterns of two pelagic dolphin species (Lagenorhynchus obscurus and Delphinus delphis)

Movement is a key factor in the survival and reproduction of most organisms with important links to bioenergetics and population dynamics. Animals use movement strategies that minimize the costs of locating resources, maximizing energy gains. Effectiveness of these strategies depends on the spatial distribution, variability and predictability of resources. The study of fine-scale movement of small cetaceans in the pelagic domain is limited, in part because of the logistical difficulties associated with tagging and tracking them. Here we describe and model the fine-scale movement patterns of two pelagic dolphin species using georeferenced movement and behavioral data obtained by tracking dolphin groups on board small vessels. Movement patterns differed by species, group sizes and seasons. Dusky dolphin groups moved shorter distances when feeding and longer distances when traveling whereas the common dolphin did the same only when they moved in large groups. In summer, both dolphins cover longer distances in a more linear path, while in winter the movement is more erratic and moving shorter distances. Both species of dolphins prey on small pelagic fishes, which are patchily distributed and show seasonal variability in school sizes and distribution. However, dusky dolphins rely on anchovy to a larger extent than common dolphins. In Nuevo Gulf, anchovy shoals are smaller and separated by shorter distances in winter and dusky dolphins´ movement pattern is consistent with this. Dusky and common dolphins are impacted by tourism and fisheries. Further modelling of movement could be inform spatial based management tools.

Fil: Dans, Silvana Laura. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Sede Puerto Madryn; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Fil: Luzenti, Elvio Agustín. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Sede Puerto Madryn; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Fil: Coscarella, Mariano Alberto. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Sede Puerto Madryn; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Fil: Joo, Rocio. No especifíca;

Fil: Degrati, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Sede Puerto Madryn; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Fil: Curcio, Nadia Soledad. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina