Movement and behavioral patterns of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, related to tidal regime at San Antonio Bay Marine Protected Area, Patagonia, Argentina.

RAMIREZ, AGUSTINA; SVENDSEN, GUILLERMO; ROMERO, ALEJANDRA; COSCARELLA, MARIANO ALBERTO; GONZÁLES, RAÚL

Cassino

Workshop; II Workshop sobre la Investigación y Conservación de Tursiops truncatus en el Atlántico Sur Occidental (ASO); 2017

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande

Bottlenose dolphins have developed unique foraging techniques and strategies, adapting to the local environment. In Northern Patagonia, has been observed groups moving along with tidal currents while feeding. This is an ongoing project that aims to describe the behavioural pattern of bottlenose dolphins associated to tidal regime at San Antonio Bay MPA. Our hypothesis is that bottlenose dolphins conduct feeding displacements, in and out of the bay, taking advantage of the tidal currents. For one hand we are conducting spatial analysis of historical records to assess the association between the occurrence of dolphins groups, the tidal flow and other environmental variables within the bay. On the other hand, we are conducting focal sampling surveys from a strategic point on the coast, recording data on behaviour, group composition, and tide.