Abstract Type: Independent oral presentation
Abstract TitleBeyond Recovery: Assessing human-marine mammal interactions and agency response across the United States
Presented in session:
Time: ,
Location:
Abstract
Marine mammal populations have suffered dramatic declines. On average, across all 129 extant species, populations have declined over 70% in the last century, followed by an estimated 60% recovery in the last few decades. In the United States, recovery has been largely attributed to the protections afforded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). However, the MMPA lacks the capacity to formally integrate social and ecological systems, which may result in compartmentalized and incomplete conservation planning. In collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), we conducted a mixed-methods research project aimed at characterizing human-marine mammal interactions (HMMI) under NOAA jurisdiction and the current state of agency investment. In January 2023 we administered an online expert elicitation questionnaire to NOAA employees who work directly or indirectly with marine mammals (n=163, response rate 75%). The survey focused on three major themes, A. allocation of agency resources, B. the nature and frequency of HMMI, and C. perceptions of human user groups’ beliefs. We found that on average participants spent approximately 50% of their work time addressing HMMI. Interactions between each human user group (residents, tourists, nature-based businesses, commercial fisheries, and industry) and NOAA managed species were reported in every geographic region. However, patterns of prevalence, frequency, and interaction type varied. Nationally, resident boaters, anglers, and commercial fisheries were among the groups with the most reported interactions. Participants perceived that human user groups were concerned about reduced access to beaches and waters due to marine mammal presence. These views may lead to perceptions of overpopulation and competition. Interactions with aquatic species have been historically underrepresented in the human-wildlife interactions literature, making this research a valuable addition to the broader field.
Related Conference Topic Area
human dimensions of wildlife
Manager Session?
Presenter Information
First Name Melissa |
Last Name Flye |
Affiliation University of Maine |
Author(s) Information
Author | First Name | Last Name | Affiliation |
1 | Melissa | Flye | University of Maine |
2 | Carly | Sponarski | Canadian Forest Service |
3 | Joseph | Zydlewski | USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and University of Maine |