Use of a geographic information system (GIS) to examine bottlenose dolphin community structure in southeastern North Carolina

From June 1987 to April 1988 an epizootic of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) occurred along the eastern coast of the United States from New Jersey to Florida. As a result of this mortality, the mid-Atlantic “coastal migratory stock” of bottlenose dolphins was identified and estimated to have been reduced by more than 50%, which resulted in its classification as “depleted” under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. Since that time, researchers have documented the existence of multiple coastal stocks of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, which are believed to include a complex mix of residents, seasonal inhabitants, and transient animals. One of these putative stocks occurs approximately between Beaufort, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC; 40 of the animals belonging to this stock were the focus of this study. Sighting histories for these 40 bottlenose dolphins have been compiled over the past nine years as part of an ongoing photoidentification study near Wilmington, NC. Two hypotheses were tested for dolphins in the Wilmington, NC area: (1) a single community of dolphins exists and (2) dolphins exhibit no preference for specific locations within the study area. To account for survey effort, a weighted index was developed to standardize the data. To investigate dolphin community structure, a variety of area use methods were tested using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Most common in the literature are the adaptive kernel estimator (ADK) and the minimum convex polygon (MCP) methods, which have become standards in animal movement studies. Conversely, geographers and statisticians have developed point pattern and density estimation techniques. These approaches were compared, and the geographically-based interpolation methods were found to most accurately represent the dolphins’ distributions. Based upon the area use results and dolphin association values (CoAs)

Trends in the Sri Lankan Longline Tuna Fishing Effort (2015-2019): A GIS-Based Spatial-Temporal Analysis

Abstract The Fishing industry play a major role in socio-economic context of Sri Lanka. Even though, there is a significant potential to develop the fishing industry in country, the current economic performances of the industry are not satisfactory due to poor management mechanisms. It is essential to implement sustainable management approaches in order to achieve socio-economic and environmental sustainability. The analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of fishery resources is an important step toward sustaining the resources. However, acquiring data about the distribution and spatiotemporal allocation of catch and fishing efforts in commercial marine fisheries remains challenging. This study aims to investigate the distribution pattern of the longline tuna fishery and identify sustainable fishing grounds in Sri Lanka. The study uses the fisheries data from VMS and logbook between 2015 until 2019, obtained from the Department of fisheries and aquatic resources. The socio-economic data were collected from thirty multiday boat fishermen covering the south, west and east coasts using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study is based on Geographic Information System (GIS) and descriptive statistical analysis. The results of the GIS-based analysis show high variations in catch and catch per trip distribution patterns by years and seasons. Hotspots of fishing efforts, catches (quantity) and catch per trips (CPT) were identified. The results show the areas of clusters with high CPT values increased slightly after 2016. The hotspots map show that there is strong seasonal influences in the concentration of fishing efforts and catches. The socio-economic results confirm that Sri Lankan longline fishers predominantly use traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to determine their potential fishing zone. Natural signs such as birds, floating, group information, and extreme oceanographic conditions such as waves, wind, and currents were the main factors that longline fishers use to decide where they will go fishing. The effective visualization and communication of identified and mapped seasonal, and annual as well as persistent and sustainable fishing grounds maps to stakeholders and managers may provide a great opportunity to sustainable management of fisheries in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the study shows the importance of integrating TEK to understand the fishers behavior in space and time and to support sustainable management of the fishery system

Home Range, Reproduction, and Habitat Characteristics of the Female Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus) in Southeast Georgia

The relationship among female gopher tortoise home range, size, reproduction, habitat characteristics and season were studied for a two-year period (May 2002-May 2004) on Fort Stewart Army Reserve (FSAR) in southeast Georgia. Tortoises were studied in four sectors or regions on Ft. Stewart that contain the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem. Vegetation characteristics were consistent between the different areas that tortoises inhabited. Soil types were similar between areas and consisted of Blanton, Bonifay, Fuquay, Albany Sand, Chipley, Echaw, Centenary, Stilson and Tifton soil types. Vegetation, temperature, and rainfall data were collected and compared with female home range. Reproductive data were collected for the same females for three consecutive reproductive seasons (n=35). Yearly variation in reproductive output was observed within females but was not correlated with habitat characteristics or home range. Rainfall and temperature were monitored with a negative relationship observed between rainfall and reproduction. Female size was not correlated with home range. Home range was also not correlated with clutch size or habitat characteristics measured. Cumulative home range did tend to increase with study duration (one year vs. two-year)

Implementation of computer visualisation in UK planning

PhD ThesisWithin the processes of public consultation and development management, planners are required to consider spatial information, appreciate spatial transformations and future scenarios. In the past, conventional media such as maps, plans, illustrations, sections, and physical models have been used. Those traditional visualisations are at a high degree of abstraction, sometimes difficult to understand for lay people and inflexible in terms of the range of scenarios which can be considered. Yet due to technical advances and falling costs, the potential for computer based visualisation has much improved and has been increasingly adopted within the planning process. Despite the growth in this field, insufficient consideration has been given to the possible weakness of computerised visualisations. Reflecting this lack of research, this study critically evaluates the use and potential of computerised visualisation within this process. The research is divided into two components: case study analysis and reflections of the author following his involvement within the design and use of visualisations in a series of planning applications; and in-depth interviews with experienced practitioners in the field. Based on a critical review of existing literature, this research explores in particular the issues of credibility, realism and costs of production. The research findings illustrate the importance of the credibility of visualisations, a topic given insufficient consideration within the academic literature. Whereas the realism of visualisations has been the focus of much previous research, the results of the case studies and interviews with practitioners undertaken in this research suggest a ‘photo’ realistic level of details may not be required as long as the observer considers the visualisations to be a credible reflection of the underlying reality. Although visualisations will always be a simplification of reality and their level of realism is subjective, there is still potential for developing guidelines or protocols for image production based on commonly agreed standards. In the absence of such guidelines there is a danger that scepticism in the credibility of computer visualisations will prevent the approach being used to its full potential. These findings suggest there needs to be a balance between scientific protocols and artistic licence in the production of computer visualisation. In order to be sufficiently credible for use in decision making within the planning processes, the production of computer visualisation needs to follow a clear methodology and scientific protocols set out in good practice guidance published by professional bodies and governmental organisations.Newcastle upon Tyne for awarding me an International Scholarship and Alumni Bursar