Assessing variability in marine traffic exposure between baleen whale species off the Galician Coast, Spain

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 186; p. 114439
• Main Authors: Bland, Rhian, Methion, Séverine, Sharp, Stuart P., Díaz López, Bruno
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Animals; Automatic identification systems; Blue whale; Feeding Behavior; Fin Whale; Iberian Peninsula; Minke whale; Noise; Spain; Vessel exposure; Whales; Spain; Iberian Peninsula; Minke whale; Automatic identification systems; Fin whale; Blue whale; Vessel exposure
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114439

Increases in marine traffic represent a growing issue for marine wildlife, posing threats through the impacts of ship strikes and noise pollution. Baleen whales are especially vulnerable to these impacts, yet regional and species-specific information on exposure to such threats is lacking. This study uses AIS and observational data to provide the first assessment of baleen whale exposure to vessel traffic on the NW coast of Spain. Overlap with vessel traffic was detected for all areas where whales were sighted, indicating that these species may be at risk of vessel exposure and its associated impacts. Level of exposure to vessel traffic experienced by whales was species-specific, with risk of exposure appearing highest for minke whales. Vessel exposure also displayed intra- and inter-annual variability and a significant influence of feeding behaviour highlighting the need for dynamic management tools to minimise interactions between baleen whales and marine traffic off the Galician Coast. •We show a novel approach to assessing exposure of whales to vessel traffic.•Blue, fin and minke whales are present in areas utilised by vessels.•Exposure to vessel traffic varies significantly between whale species.•Minke whales were exposed to a higher level of vessel traffic.•Whales' exposure to ship traffic varied between seasons and with whales' behaviour.