Information Needs
Understanding the population Understanding the population of Māui dolphins is a large area of work and ranges from knowing what the population size is, to where it is, and what it is doing. In relation to this it is important to monitor possible changes in the population in relation to management measures employed, indicating the effectiveness of measures such as spatial and/or temporal closures. – Distribution - It is important to have a clear understanding of the distribution of Māui dolphins in order that their habitat can be protected and threats identified. It is important to know both the core distribution (where the majority of Māui dolphins occur most of the time), as well as the full extent of their range, where they may still occur albeit at lower density. – Abundance - To monitor the population we need to regularly monitor abundance in order to detect trends in population abundance. Due to the small population size of the dolphin, meaningful trends will be more difficult to detect, however, this information is still necessary to inform whether or not current management measures are adequate and appropriate. To effectively detect trends in abundance, methods of assessing abundance need to be undertaken in a consistent manner. – Gene flow/connectivity with Hector’s dolphins - Given the occurrence of South Island Hector’s dolphins in the range of the Māui dolphin it is critical to better understand the relationship between the various Māui and Hector’s dolphin populations. Understanding the links between populations and fine scale population structuring could influence protection mechanisms for these populations in the future.
Understanding Threats In order to implement effective mitigation and protection measures it is necessary to understand the range of threats that Māui dolphins are exposed to and the potential impact of those threats on Māui dolphins. The Māui dolphin Risk Assessment highlighted the key threats to Māui dolphins (Currey et al . 2012). While assessing the full range of potential threats, it highlighted fishing, marine industry, vessel traffic and disease as the key threats. In order to understand these threats it is important to know: – What is the nature and extent of fishing related mortality? Are dolphins caught in the remaining fisheries? What are the areas of highest risk? – Are dolphins in areas where they are interacting with seismic, mining or drilling operations? What are the potential impacts of these activities on dolphins? – What is the spatial overlap of dolphin distribution and vessel traffic? What is the level of risk to dolphins from different boating activities? e.g. Commercial shipping, recreational boating, inshore boat racing. – What are the causes of mortality in the population? Disease (Toxoplasmosis) has been identified as the cause of death in both Māui and Hector’s dolphins. We need to understand how prevalent the disease is, how it is affecting the population in order to make recommendations on how to mitigate against it.
Management Strategy Evaluation This is a broad area which covers a range of potential research to evaluate whether or not implemented management measures are being followed, are effective, and what is the uptake or awareness of protection measures and how people can help protect Māui dolphins. Therefore, projects in this category could fall under three subheadings: – Assessing the effectivenes of current management strategies through compliance and monitoring; – Assessing the feasibility of potential alternative strategies, such as alternative fishing gear or potential mitigation measures to limit how dolphins may come into contact with diseases; – Assessing the effectiveness of current outreach and awareness across a range of audiences; – Assess whether there is an increase in social understanding of the threats to Māui dolphins and what individuals can do to reduce risk to the population?
Prioritisation Criteria
Relevance to Vision Does the proposed research directly or indirectly contribute to the vision of the Māui dolphin Research Advisory Group: “The recovery and continued protection of the Māui dolphin population will be achieved through informed management decisions underpinned by robust scientific research.” (0 = does not contribute to the vision, 1 = will improve information gaps but not integral to achieving the vision, 2 = contributes to the vision).
Affordability Is the project likley to be low medium or high cost? Low (3) = $0-$40,000, Medium (2) = $40,000-$200,000, High (1) = >$200,000.
Animal Ethics Does the project require a marine mammal permit under the MMPA for live sampling? No = 1. If ‘yes’, does the potential benefit outweigh the risk to the dolphins, Yes = 1, No = 0. This criteria is an approval criteria to move forward, if a project scores a 0 it is no longer considered within the prioritisation framework.
Information needs Does the proposed research resolve one or multiple information gaps? There are three key information needs areas. Each of the three information needs is scored on a scale of 0-4, with 0 = ‘does not resolve that specific information need at all’, through to 4 = ‘directly resolves the information need.
Urgency How urgent is the work to undertake? This is based on the life of the five year plan. Those projects which are required within the first year of the plan because they are either ongoing and necessary to continue or are a critical piece required for another project are scored the highest. Scoring is on a scale of 0-4 in accordance with the year they must be initiated by: 2015 = 4, 2016 = 3, 2017 = 2, 2018 = 1, the project could be done at any time = 0.
Project Descriptions
Monitoring abundance of Māui dolphins At previous meetings to discuss research on Māui dolphins, it was agreed that surveys of abundance should be conducted at intervals of not more than five years. Based on this agreed benchmark, it is recommended that additional small-boat surveys and biopsy sampling be conducted in 2015 and 2016. The collection of additional biopsy samples would improve precision in these estimates extending the results of genotype capture- recapture models from 2001-07 and 2010-11 (Baker et al . 2013; Hamner et al . in press). A power analysis using a POPAN capture-recapture model and simulations based on the available genotype surveys shows that additional surveys in 2015/16 would provide an 80% chance of detecting a 6%/year decline at the 80% confidence level, and a 50- 60% chance of detecting a 3%/year decline at the 80% confidence level (R. Fewster, University of Auckland, pers comm). Additional sampling will also allow revised estimates of changes in effective population size (as an indicator of the genetic diversity of the subspecies) and monitor the potential for the dispersal of Hector’s dolphins and the interbreeding (‘hybridization’) of Hector’s and Māui dolphins (Hamner et al . 2012). Indicative cost: $200,000 over two years
Distribution of Māui dolphins Improving information on Māui dolphin distribution is considered a high priority for future research. Expanding knowledge on the southern extent of their range and the frequency and extent of their use of harbours would improve our understanding of the impact of human- induced threats on the Māui dolphin population. The Māui RAG at its first meeting discussed the importance of further information on Māui dolphin distribution both within the core species range and at the margins. Indicative Cost = design dependent
Validation of public Māui dolphin sightings DOC administers a sightings database for Māui dolphins. This information comes from a number of different sources including research and public sightings, and the WWF Māui dolphin hotline. In June 2012, to improve the accessibility of data through an overall national database and to ensure a robust and consistent process for conducting validations, DOC and WWF contracted an external scientist, independent to both agencies to undertake all validation interviews in a consistent manner, using a five point validation scale, with a 1 being most definitive to a 5 being least definitive. This contract involves making contact with people who report Māui dolphin sightings and conducting an interview to ascertain the validity of the sighting. While the subspecies cannot be determined through interview methods, it can help to determine if the sighting was in fact a Cephalorhynchus dolphin. Data on validations are supplied to DOC and MPI quarterly. This is to allow for DOC to update the new validations into the Māui sighting database prior to posting a quarterly sighting update on the DOC website. The next quartely report will be made publically available in November 2014. The most recent contract renewal and amendment is from July 2014 and is for 100 validation interviews. It is possible to review the conditions of the contract and the way in which the information is collected. Indicative Cost = $6000/100 sightings
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