Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos

Cetaceans have historically been object of heavy exploitation, and are still currently subject to different threats. For conservation and management purposes, most of the large cetacean populations have been categorized in stocks, considered as isolated and demographically independent management uni...

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Author: Vighi, Morgana
Format: doctoral thesis
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2016
Country:España
Institution:CBUC, CESCA
Repository:TDR. Tesis Doctorales en Red
OAI Identifier:oai:www.tdx.cat:10803/351950
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10803/351950
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Cetacis
Cetáceos
Cetacea
Marcadors bioquímics
Marcadores bioquímicos
Biochemical markers
Isòtops estables en ecologia
Isótopos estables en ecología
Stable isotopes in ecological research
Poblacions animals
Poblacions de animales
Animal populations
Ciències Experimentals i Matemàtiques
59
id ES_ab9e7b4cb02991ea6a045e8c38eaa4b2
oai_identifier_str oai:www.tdx.cat:10803/351950
network_acronym_str ES
network_name_str España
repository_id_str
dc.title.none.fl_str_mv Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos
title Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos
spellingShingle Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos
Vighi, Morgana
Cetacis
Cetáceos
Cetacea
Marcadors bioquímics
Marcadores bioquímicos
Biochemical markers
Isòtops estables en ecologia
Isótopos estables en ecología
Stable isotopes in ecological research
Poblacions animals
Poblacions de animales
Animal populations
Ciències Experimentals i Matemàtiques
59
title_short Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos
title_full Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos
title_fullStr Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos
title_full_unstemmed Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos
title_sort Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceos
dc.creator.none.fl_str_mv Vighi, Morgana
author Vighi, Morgana
author_facet Vighi, Morgana
author_role author
dc.contributor.none.fl_str_mv Aguilar, Àlex
Borrell Thió, Assumpció
Aguilar, Àlex
Universitat de Barcelona. Departament de Biologia Animal
dc.subject.none.fl_str_mv Cetacis
Cetáceos
Cetacea
Marcadors bioquímics
Marcadores bioquímicos
Biochemical markers
Isòtops estables en ecologia
Isótopos estables en ecología
Stable isotopes in ecological research
Poblacions animals
Poblacions de animales
Animal populations
Ciències Experimentals i Matemàtiques
59
topic Cetacis
Cetáceos
Cetacea
Marcadors bioquímics
Marcadores bioquímicos
Biochemical markers
Isòtops estables en ecologia
Isótopos estables en ecología
Stable isotopes in ecological research
Poblacions animals
Poblacions de animales
Animal populations
Ciències Experimentals i Matemàtiques
59
description Cetaceans have historically been object of heavy exploitation, and are still currently subject to different threats. For conservation and management purposes, most of the large cetacean populations have been categorized in stocks, considered as isolated and demographically independent management units. Many research techniques may contribute in the definition of these stocks, such as morphometric studies, mark recapture studies, genetics, satellite tracking. This thesis focuses on the development and application to cetacean populations of chemical markers of geographical origin and spatial movements. The main objective of the thesis is to evaluate the potentialities of chemical markers, such as stable isotopes and element concentrations, to investigate the patterns of distribution, the level of structuring and, when possible, the migration routes, of cetaceans populations. All these variables are essential to ensure the implementation of proper management measures and to guarantee the conservation of these animals. Three case studies were considered: the Eastern North Atlantic sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus); the South Western Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena australis), and the North Atlantic fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). δ15N, δ13C and δ18O values were analyzed in the dentinal growth layers of sperm whales from Denmark and NW Spain, in bone of right whales from Southern Brazil and Northern Argentina, and in bone of fin whales from W Iceland and NW Spain; concentrations of fluoride and selected metals (Zn, Pb, Ti, Sr, Cu) were analyzed in bone of fin whales from W Iceland and NW Spain. To establish the validity of each marker, the degree of compliance of each of the following four properties has been investigated: i) the basal levels of the chemical marker in the environment present significant gradients; ii) the chemical marker can be detected and measured in the tissues of whales; iii) the variability of the chemical marker within each population is moderate or, alternatively, it is predictable through measurable parameters, so that its effect can be taken into account; and iv) the values of the chemical marker in the body tissues reflect basal levels in a predictable and consistent manner. Each marker provided, at different levels, valuable information regarding the studied populations. Some difficulties emerged, connected with the complexity of the migratory cycles of whales, the possible intervention of homeostatic regulation mechanisms, and the characteristics of the tissues investigated. Nevertheless, results highlighted the occurrence of structuring within the North Atlantic sperm whale population, as well as within the South Western Atlantic right whale population, which are both currently considered as a single management unit. Moreover, results regarding the North Atlantic fin whale populations contributed to highlight the complexity of migration patterns and of the level of connectivity among the currently accepted stocks, challenging the proper definition of their limits and their degree of isolation within the basin. Some further research is recommended to deepen the knowledge about the North Atlantic fin whale population structure, as well as to investigate the levels of chemical markers in other tissues with different turnover characteristics, such as skin or baleen plates. Overall, the results obtained from the analyses performed in this thesis underline the power of chemical markers as a complementary tool to the traditional techniques used for investigating the structure and demography of cetaceans’ populations.
publishDate 2016
dc.date.none.fl_str_mv 2016
2016
2016
dc.type.none.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/doctoralThesis
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
format doctoralThesis
status_str publishedVersion
dc.identifier.none.fl_str_mv http://hdl.handle.net/10803/351950
url http://hdl.handle.net/10803/351950
dc.language.none.fl_str_mv Inglés
language_invalid_str_mv Inglés
dc.rights.none.fl_str_mv info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
eu_rights_str_mv openAccess
dc.format.none.fl_str_mv 130 p.
application/pdf
application/pdf
dc.publisher.none.fl_str_mv Universitat de Barcelona
publisher.none.fl_str_mv Universitat de Barcelona
dc.source.none.fl_str_mv TDX (Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa)
reponame:TDR. Tesis Doctorales en Red
instname:CBUC, CESCA
instname_str CBUC, CESCA
reponame_str TDR. Tesis Doctorales en Red
collection TDR. Tesis Doctorales en Red
repository.name.fl_str_mv
repository.mail.fl_str_mv
_version_ 1869416284836331520
spelling Use of chemical markers in the study of distribution range and population structure of large cetaceans = Uso de marcadores químicos en el estudio del rango de distribución y de la estructura de poblaciones de grandes cetáceosVighi, MorganaCetacisCetáceosCetaceaMarcadors bioquímicsMarcadores bioquímicosBiochemical markersIsòtops estables en ecologiaIsótopos estables en ecologíaStable isotopes in ecological researchPoblacions animalsPoblacions de animalesAnimal populationsCiències Experimentals i Matemàtiques59Cetaceans have historically been object of heavy exploitation, and are still currently subject to different threats. For conservation and management purposes, most of the large cetacean populations have been categorized in stocks, considered as isolated and demographically independent management units. Many research techniques may contribute in the definition of these stocks, such as morphometric studies, mark recapture studies, genetics, satellite tracking. This thesis focuses on the development and application to cetacean populations of chemical markers of geographical origin and spatial movements. The main objective of the thesis is to evaluate the potentialities of chemical markers, such as stable isotopes and element concentrations, to investigate the patterns of distribution, the level of structuring and, when possible, the migration routes, of cetaceans populations. All these variables are essential to ensure the implementation of proper management measures and to guarantee the conservation of these animals. Three case studies were considered: the Eastern North Atlantic sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus); the South Western Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena australis), and the North Atlantic fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). δ15N, δ13C and δ18O values were analyzed in the dentinal growth layers of sperm whales from Denmark and NW Spain, in bone of right whales from Southern Brazil and Northern Argentina, and in bone of fin whales from W Iceland and NW Spain; concentrations of fluoride and selected metals (Zn, Pb, Ti, Sr, Cu) were analyzed in bone of fin whales from W Iceland and NW Spain. To establish the validity of each marker, the degree of compliance of each of the following four properties has been investigated: i) the basal levels of the chemical marker in the environment present significant gradients; ii) the chemical marker can be detected and measured in the tissues of whales; iii) the variability of the chemical marker within each population is moderate or, alternatively, it is predictable through measurable parameters, so that its effect can be taken into account; and iv) the values of the chemical marker in the body tissues reflect basal levels in a predictable and consistent manner. Each marker provided, at different levels, valuable information regarding the studied populations. Some difficulties emerged, connected with the complexity of the migratory cycles of whales, the possible intervention of homeostatic regulation mechanisms, and the characteristics of the tissues investigated. Nevertheless, results highlighted the occurrence of structuring within the North Atlantic sperm whale population, as well as within the South Western Atlantic right whale population, which are both currently considered as a single management unit. Moreover, results regarding the North Atlantic fin whale populations contributed to highlight the complexity of migration patterns and of the level of connectivity among the currently accepted stocks, challenging the proper definition of their limits and their degree of isolation within the basin. Some further research is recommended to deepen the knowledge about the North Atlantic fin whale population structure, as well as to investigate the levels of chemical markers in other tissues with different turnover characteristics, such as skin or baleen plates. Overall, the results obtained from the analyses performed in this thesis underline the power of chemical markers as a complementary tool to the traditional techniques used for investigating the structure and demography of cetaceans’ populations.Los cetáceos han estado y están actualmente sujetos a diferentes tipos de amenazas. Para su correcta gestión y conservación, la mayoría de las poblaciones de grandes cetáceos han sido categorizadas en “stocks”, considerados como unidades de gestión aisladas y demográficamente independientes. Muchas técnicas de investigación pueden contribuir en la definición de estas unidades, como los estudios morfométricos, los estudios de marcaje y recaptura, la genética y el seguimiento por satélite. El objetivo principal de esta tesis es evaluar las potencialidades de los marcadores químicos, tales como los isótopos estables y las concentraciones de algunos elementos, como herramientas para la investigación de los patrones de distribución y del nivel de estructuración de las poblaciones de cetáceos. Para ello, se han considerado tres casos modelo: el cachalote del Atlántico Nororiental, la ballena franca del Atlántico Suroccidental, y el rorcual común del Atlántico Norte. Se analizaron las proporciones isotópicas de δ15N, δ13C y δ18O en muestras de dientes de cachalote y de hueso de ballena franca y rorcual común; y las concentraciones de flúor y de metales pesados (Zn, Pb, Ti, Sr, Cu) en muestras de hueso de rorcual común. Cada marcador proporcionó, a diferentes niveles, información valiosa sobre las poblaciones estudiadas. Al interpretar los resultados, surgieron algunas dificultades relacionadas con la complejidad de los ciclos migratorios de los cetáceos, la posible intervención de mecanismos de regulación homeostática, y las características de los tejidos investigados. Sin embargo, los resultados destacaron cierto nivel de estructuración dentro de las poblaciones de cachalotes del Atlántico Norte y de ballenas francas del Atlántico Suroccidental, que actualmente están ambas consideradas como unidades de gestión únicas. Por otra parte, los resultados obtenidos en las poblaciones de rorcual común del Atlántico Norte contribuyeron a evidenciar la complejidad de los patrones migratorios y del nivel de conectividad entre sus poblaciones, desafiando la adecuada definición de sus límites y de su grado de aislamiento. En general, los resultados de la tesis destacan las potencialidades de los marcadores químicos como herramienta complementaria a las técnicas utilizadas tradicionalmente para la investigación de la estructura y demografía de las poblaciones de cetáceos.Universitat de BarcelonaAguilar, ÀlexBorrell Thió, AssumpcióAguilar, ÀlexUniversitat de Barcelona. Departament de Biologia Animal201620162016info:eu-repo/semantics/doctoralThesisinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion130 p.application/pdfapplication/pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/10803/351950TDX (Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa)reponame:TDR. Tesis Doctorales en Redinstname:CBUC, CESCAInglésADVERTIMENT. L'accés als continguts d'aquesta tesi doctoral i la seva utilització ha de respectar els drets de la persona autora. Pot ser utilitzada per a consulta o estudi personal, així com en activitats o materials d'investigació i docència en els termes establerts a l'art. 32 del Text Refós de la Llei de Propietat Intel·lectual (RDL 1/1996). Per altres utilitzacions es requereix l'autorització prèvia i expressa de la persona autora. En qualsevol cas, en la utilització dels seus continguts caldrà indicar de forma clara el nom i cognoms de la persona autora i el títol de la tesi doctoral. No s'autoritza la seva reproducció o altres formes d'explotació efectuades amb finalitats de lucre ni la seva comunicació pública des d'un lloc aliè al servei TDX. Tampoc s'autoritza la presentació del seu contingut en una finestra o marc aliè a TDX (framing). Aquesta reserva de drets afecta tant als continguts de la tesi com als seus resums i índexs.info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessoai:www.tdx.cat:10803/3519502026-06-14T12:46:07Z
score 15,301603

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