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Final Msc Thesis THE ZOOGEOGRAPHY OF THE CETACEANS IN ALGOA BAY A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE of RHODES UNIVERSITY by BRIGITTE LEIGH MELLY January 2011 ABSTRACT The most recent study on cetaceans in Algoa Bay, South Africa, was conducted over 14 years ago. Consequently, knowledge of the cetacean species visiting this bay is currently based on incidental observations and stranding data. A number of developments in recent years: a deep- water port, proposed oil refinery, increased boating and fishing (commercial and recreational), a proposed Marine Protected Area, and the release of a whale-watching permit, all of which may impact these animals in some way, highlight the need for a baseline study on cetaceans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal distribution, and habitat preference of cetaceans in Algoa Bay. Boat-based surveys were conducted monthly between March 2009 and July 2010. At each sighting the GPS location, species, group size and composition, and behaviour were recorded. Using GIS, the sighting data was related to data layers of geographical variables such as sea surface temperature, depth and sea-floor substrate. Approximately 365 hours of search effort were completed over 57 surveys, with a total of 346 sightings. Species observed were: southern right whales (Eubalaena australis), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera brydei), Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis), and long- beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis). Southern right whales were observed during austral winter, utilising the shallow, protected areas of the bay as a mating and nursery ground. Humpback whales were also recorded extensively during winter, in more offshore waters, with a significant number of mother-calf pairs sighted. Bryde’s whales were recorded in offshore waters during summer and autumn, where they were primarily observed travelling and foraging. Bottlenose dolphins were the most prolific species sighted. They were recorded year-round throughout the inshore waters of the bay, with large group sizes (up to 500 animals), and displayed a wide variety of behaviours. Humpback dolphins were observed in extremely shallow ii and inshore waters (mean bottom depth of 6.6 m) along the south-west corner of the bay, in small groups of approximately three individuals. Common dolphins were the least observed species, and were mainly observed foraging in large groups of up to 800 individuals. The results of this study indicate how cetaceans utilise the bay in significantly different ways. Geographical and anthropogenic factors have influenced the spatial and temporal distribution of these animals and have resulted in habitat preferences, as well as potential key habitats, in the bay Thus, this study has provided baseline information for future research and for better informed conservation and management strategies in Algoa Bay. iii DECLARATION The data obtained in this research was carried out under the auspices of a three year project on the spatial and temporal distribution of cetaceans in Algoa Bay run by Dr Stephanie Plön. The work presented in this thesis was carried out between February 2009 and January 2011, under the supervision of Ms Gillian McGregor (Geography Department, Rhodes University), in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography. This study represents original work by the author and is in accordance with the Rhodes University plagiarism policy. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………...…II DECLARATION………………………………………………………………………………..IV TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………….….V LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………………….X LIST OF FIGURES………………………………………………………………………….…XI LIST OF PLATES…………………………………………………………………….……..XVII ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………………………...XVIII ACRONYMS………………………………………………………………………………….XIX CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION………………………………………………….1 1.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Summary of the study site: Algoa Bay ..................................................................................... 1 1.3. Motivation................................................................................................................................. 1 1.4. Aim............................................................................................................................................ 3 1.5. Research objectives and questions............................................................................................ 3 1.6. Research design and methods ................................................................................................... 4 1.7. Thesis outline ............................................................................................................................ 6 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW……………………………………………………….7 2.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................... 7 2.2. Zoogeography ........................................................................................................................... 7 2.3. Role of cetaceans in aquatic ecosystems................................................................................... 8 2.4. The concept and importance of critical habitats ....................................................................... 9 2.5. Review of cetacean habitat studies ......................................................................................... 11 2.6. Marine mammal surveys......................................................................................................... 12 2.7. Applying GIS in mapping distribution patterns...................................................................... 14 2.8. Outline of Cetacea................................................................................................................... 16 2.8.1. Introduction.............................................................................................................. 16 2.8.2. Mysticetes ................................................................................................................ 17 2.8.3. Odontocetes.............................................................................................................. 25 2.9. Summary and Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 33 v CHAPTER 3: STUDY AREA…………………………………………………………………..35 3.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................. 35 3.2. Geographical features.............................................................................................................. 35 3.3. Climate and weather patterns.................................................................................................. 38 3.4. Hydrological features.............................................................................................................. 40 3.5. The Biota associated with habitats in Algoa Bay.................................................................... 42 3.5.1. Sandy beaches .......................................................................................................... 42 3.5.2. Rocky shores ............................................................................................................ 42 3.5.3. Reefs......................................................................................................................... 43 3.5.4. Marine Protected Areas............................................................................................ 43 3.5.5. The Sardine Run....................................................................................................... 44 3.6. Anthropogenic activities ......................................................................................................... 45 3.6.1. Industry .................................................................................................................... 45 3.6.2. Commercial exploitation of marine resources ......................................................... 47 3.6.3. Recreational and tourism activities .......................................................................... 47 3.6.4. Conservation strategies ............................................................................................ 48 3.7. Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 49 CHAPTER 4: METHODS……………………………………………………………………...50 4.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................. 50 4.2. Objective one (A): Dedicated boat-based surveys.................................................................. 50 4.2.1. Introduction.............................................................................................................. 50 4.2.2. Survey design........................................................................................................... 52 4.2.3. Cetacean sightings data...........................................................................................
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