FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TUNA FARMS IN RELATION TO THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CETÁCEOS IN THE GOLFO DULCE, COSTA RICA

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.1.9

Keywords:

Distribution, mariculture, cetaceans odontocetes, humpback whales, trophic level

Abstract

This contribution deals with the spatial distribution of marine top predators, particularly odontocete and migratory misticete cetaceans. The study describes the potential risk of disturbances due to the establishment of mariculture operations and corresponding infrastructure: tuna feed lots. Through a mixed theoretical and empirical approach, this research corroborates how the maximum depth, a limiting factor in the definition of cetacean trophic niches off the study area, overlaps with the values for depths from an area proposed as the focal location of a tuna feed lot facility. The latter implies two particular scenarios: the translocation of the local predator population from a potential foraging habitat-niche, and the progressive negative interaction between predators and the accompanying fish fauna around of the cages, with a high probability of incidental capture of those predators by entanglement. Additionally, the occurrence of humpback whales during the rainy season associated with a migratory route from feeding grounds off Chile-Antarctica, that would pass through the area projected to harbor the mariculture operation. The results illustrate the need of considering a precautionary approach and relocate mariculture projects to areas of lesser value in terms of marine biodiversity.

Author Biographies

Lenin Enrique Oviedo-Correa, Universidad Nacional

PROCMAR, Programa de Maestría de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras

Fundación Vida Marina, Drake Bay, Costa Rica. Vida Silvestre Golfo Dulce, El Chontal, Rincón de Osa, Golfo Dulce Costa Rica

 Vida Silvestre Golfo Dulce, El Chontal, Rincón de Osa, Golfo Dulce Costa Rica

Juan Diego Pacheco-Polanco, Universidad Nacional

Escuela de Biología

Vida Silvestre Golfo Dulce, El Chontal, Rincón de Osa, Golfo Dulce Costa Rica

David Herra-Miranda, Vida Silvestre Golfo Dulce

El Chontal, Rincón de Osa, Golfo Dulce Costa Rica

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Published

2011-07-21

How to Cite

Oviedo-Correa, L. E., Pacheco-Polanco, J. D., & Herra-Miranda, D. (2011). FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TUNA FARMS IN RELATION TO THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CETÁCEOS IN THE GOLFO DULCE, COSTA RICA. Journal of Marine and Coastal Sciences, 1, 159-174. https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.1.9

Issue

Section

Scientific articles

How to Cite

Oviedo-Correa, L. E., Pacheco-Polanco, J. D., & Herra-Miranda, D. (2011). FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TUNA FARMS IN RELATION TO THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CETÁCEOS IN THE GOLFO DULCE, COSTA RICA. Journal of Marine and Coastal Sciences, 1, 159-174. https://doi.org/10.15359/revmar.1.9

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