Media used as an information source to solve baseline gaps in marine megafauna conservation: Recommendations to standardize reports on cetacean stranding events
2022
Liu, Xin | Mei, Zhigang | Zheng, Jinsong | Hao, Yujiang | Wang, Kexiong | Wang, Ding
Systematic records of cetacean strandings provide valuable baseline data on conservation actions, yet an effective scheme of nationwide stranding records is still lacking in Chinese waters. Non‐traditional data sources such as media offer a cost‐effective alternative to supplement the baseline gaps. Media reports on cetacean strandings from 2007 to 2019 in Chinese waters were collected and verified through online searching. In a total of 1,298 stranding events, 1,576 individuals were identified, including at least seven species of Mysticeti and 22 species of Odontoceti. The stranding events were not evenly distributed along the coastline of Chinese waters. Taiwan had the highest number of events, followed by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Fujian. Cetacean strandings occurred in all months, but most frequently in spring from March to May. The increasing annual number might be due to rising stranding events or reflect an increase in social awareness, which demonstrated the potential value of the citizen science programme. Standardized media reports with more comprehensive, accurate and detailed information were recommended, conducive to establishing a nationwide stranding record network in Chinese waters. The combination of data from different regions on a large scale can help inform the effective conservation of cetaceans.
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