Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures

Details Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures

2009-04-13

arxiv.org/abs/0904.1959v1

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA (PNAS) 106, 8245-8250 (2009)

Biology

Quantitative Biology

Populations and Evolution

Scientific paper

10.1073/pnas.0811034106

Meso- and submesoscales (fronts, eddies, filaments) in surface ocean flow have a crucial influence on marine ecosystems. Their dynamics partly control the foraging behaviour and the displacement of marine top predators (tuna, birds, turtles, and cetaceans). In this work we focus on the role of submesoscale structures in the Mozambique Channel on the distribution of a marine predator, the Great Frigatebird. Using a newly developed dynamical concept, namely the Finite-Size Lyapunov Exponent (FSLE), we have identified Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) present in the surface flow in the Channel over a 2-month observation period (August and September 2003). By comparing seabirds' satellite positions with LCSs locations, we demonstrate that frigatebirds track precisely these structures in the Mozambique Channel, providing the first evidence that a top predator is able to track these FSLE ridges to locate food patches. After comparing bird positions during long and short trips, and different parts of these trips, we propose several hypotheses to understand how frigatebirds can follow these LCSs. The birds might use visual and/or olfactory cues and/or atmospheric current changes over the structures to move along these biological corridors. The birds being often associated to tuna schools around foraging areas, a thorough comprehension of their foraging behaviour and movement during the breeding season is crucial not only to seabirds' ecology but also to an appropriate ecosystemic approach of fisheries in the Channel.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Top marine predators track Lagrangian coherent structures will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-324472