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<p>Stranding data have been used to detect changes in both spatial and temporal mortality patterns in marine species, in addition to assessing the effects of anthropogenic activities on local marine environments. Stranding information from both opportunistic reports (2006 to 2021) and systematic beach surveys (2016 to 2021) were collected to assess spatio-temporal patterns of Cape fur seal (CFS) strandings along 900&#xa0;km of the south-eastern South African coast. Both datasets (<i>n</i> = 3724 records) revealed similar predictable seasonal patterns in CFS strandings, but also unusual spatio-temporal events. An increase in the number of strandings was noted, possibly due to increased awareness through the stranding network’s development. Both datasets identified males of all age classes as being more likely to strand than females, and that adults were more likely to strand than other age classes, apart from two catastrophic pup stranding events. Overall, CFS strandings peaked from September to February, which coincided with the annual weaning of pups and the pupping season. Across all data, 2021 saw unusually high numbers of emaciated male underyearlings which had weaned earlier than usual, possibly revealing ecosystem or health changes along the West Coast of southern Africa. Furthermore, high numbers of adult male strandings in a sub-area revealed negative interactions between CFS and fisheries. This study shows the value of both opportunistic and systematic recordings of marine mammal strandings in providing information on a species’ life history, changes in the local marine environment and interactions of marine mammals with anthropogenic activities.</p>

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Spatial and temporal patterns of Cape fur seal strandings along the south-eastern South African coast suggest anthropogenic and environmental interactions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月23日

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  • Yvonne L. B. Sanders,
  • Maelle Connan,
  • Sébastien Jaquemet,
  • J. S. Frederik van der Vyver,
  • G. J. Greg Hofmeyr

摘要

Stranding data have been used to detect changes in both spatial and temporal mortality patterns in marine species, in addition to assessing the effects of anthropogenic activities on local marine environments. Stranding information from both opportunistic reports (2006 to 2021) and systematic beach surveys (2016 to 2021) were collected to assess spatio-temporal patterns of Cape fur seal (CFS) strandings along 900 km of the south-eastern South African coast. Both datasets (n = 3724 records) revealed similar predictable seasonal patterns in CFS strandings, but also unusual spatio-temporal events. An increase in the number of strandings was noted, possibly due to increased awareness through the stranding network’s development. Both datasets identified males of all age classes as being more likely to strand than females, and that adults were more likely to strand than other age classes, apart from two catastrophic pup stranding events. Overall, CFS strandings peaked from September to February, which coincided with the annual weaning of pups and the pupping season. Across all data, 2021 saw unusually high numbers of emaciated male underyearlings which had weaned earlier than usual, possibly revealing ecosystem or health changes along the West Coast of southern Africa. Furthermore, high numbers of adult male strandings in a sub-area revealed negative interactions between CFS and fisheries. This study shows the value of both opportunistic and systematic recordings of marine mammal strandings in providing information on a species’ life history, changes in the local marine environment and interactions of marine mammals with anthropogenic activities.