Wild Cetacean Identification using Image Metadata

Identification of individuals in marine species, especially in Cetacea, is a critical task in several biological and ecological endeavours. Most of the times this is performed through human-assisted matching within a set of pictures taken in different campaigns during several years and spread around wide geographical regions. This requires that the scientists perform laborious tasks in searching through archives of images, demanding a significant cognitive burden which may be prone to intra and inter observer operational errors. On the other hand, additional available information, in particular the metadata associated to every image, is not fully taken advantage of. The present work presents the result of applying machine learning techniques over the metadata of archives of images as an aid in the process of manual identification. The method was tested on a database containing several pictures of 230 different Commerson’s dolp hins (Cephalorhynchus commersoni) taken over a span of seven years. A supervised classifier trained with identifications made by the researchers was able to identify correctly above 90% of the individuals on the test set using only the metadata present in the image files. This reduces significantly the number of images to be manually compared, and therefore the time and errors associated with the assisted identification process.XIII Workshop Bases de datos y Minería de Datos (WBDMD).Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Wild Cetacean Identification using Image Metadata

Identification of individuals in marine species, especially in Cetacea, is a critical task in several biological and ecological endeavours. Most of the times this is performed through human-assisted matching within a set of pictures taken in different campaigns during several years and spread around wide geographical regions. This requires that the scientists perform laborious tasks in searching through archives of images, demanding a significant cognitive burden which may be prone to intra and inter observer operational errors. On the other hand, additional available information, in particular the metadata associated to every image, is not fully taken advantage of. The present work presents the result of applying machine learning techniques over the metadata of archives of images as an aid in the process of manual identification. The method was tested on a database containing several pictures of 230 different Commerson’s dolp hins (Cephalorhynchus commersoni) taken over a span of seven years. A supervised classifier trained with identifications made by the researchers was able to identify correctly above 90% of the individuals on the test set using only the metadata present in the image files. This reduces significantly the number of images to be manually compared, and therefore the time and errors associated with the assisted identification process.XIII Workshop Bases de datos y Minería de Datos (WBDMD).Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Wild Cetacea Identification using Image Metadata

Identification of individuals in marine species, especially in Cetacea, is a critical task in several biological and ecological endeavours. Most of the times this is performed through human-assisted matching within a set of pictures taken in different campaigns during several years and spread around wide geographical regions. This requires that the scientists perform laborious tasks in searching through archives of images, demanding a significant cognitive burden which may be prone to intra- and interobserver operational errors. On the other hand, additional available information, in particular the metadata associated to every image, is not fully taken advantage of. The present work presents the result of applying machine learning techniques over the metadata of archives of images as an aid in the process of manual identification. The method was tested on a database containing several pictures of 223 different Commerson’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersoni) taken over a span of seven years. A supervised classifier trained with identifications made by the researchers was able to identify correctly above 90% of the individuals on the test set using only the metadata present in the image files. This reduces significantly the number of images to be manually compared, and therefore the time and errors associated with the assisted identification process.Facultad de Informátic

Wild Cetacean Identification using Image Metadata

Identification of individuals in marine species, especially in Cetacea, is a critical task in several biological and ecological endeavours. Most of the times this is performed through human-assisted matching within a set of pictures taken in different campaigns during several years and spread around wide geographical regions. This requires that the scientists perform laborious tasks in searching through archives of images, demanding a significant cognitive burden which may be prone to intra and inter observer operational errors. On the other hand, additional available information, in particular the metadata associated to every image, is not fully taken advantage of. The present work presents the result of applying machine learning techniques over the metadata of archives of images as an aid in the process of manual identification. The method was tested on a database containing several pictures of 230 different Commerson’s dolp hins (Cephalorhynchus commersoni) taken over a span of seven years. A supervised classifier trained with identifications made by the researchers was able to identify correctly above 90% of the individuals on the test set using only the metadata present in the image files. This reduces significantly the number of images to be manually compared, and therefore the time and errors associated with the assisted identification process.XIII Workshop Bases de datos y Minería de Datos (WBDMD).Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Density-dependent changes in the distribution of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) in the breeding ground Peninsula Valdés

Background: The Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) population of the South–western Atlantic Ocean is recovering. In the breeding ground of Peninsula Valdés, as a consequence of the population growth, expansion to new areas by some types of groups and a change in the habitat use patterns at the coastal area were recorded. Methods: We analysed information gathered from aerial surveys conducted along the coast of Peninsula Valdés in 15 years of effective sampling in a 19-year span. These surveys were divided into four periods (1999–2000; 2004–2007; 2008–2012 and 2013–2016) and estimated the density of whales in a 620 km of coast divided into segments of five km. Results: The density of the whales increased to near three whales per km2 (averaged over each period) in the high-density areas. When this mean number was reached, the significant changes in density in the adjacent areas were detected in the following period. These changes were a decrease in density in the high-density areas and an increase of density in the low-density areas. Discussion: We propose that a threshold in density elicits a response in habitat use, with the Mother-calf pairs remaining in the area, while the other groups are displaced to new areas.Fil: Sueyro, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Crespo, Enrique Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Arias, Magdalena. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Instituto de Biología Marina y Pesquera Almirante Storni; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Coscarella, Mariano Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentin

Abundance estimation of franciscana dolphins by means of aerial surveys in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Between October 11 and 16, 2019, 5 flights were made off the coast of the province of Buenos Aires in meteorological conditions that allowed the sighting of various cetacean species. In particular, 41 sightings of Franciscan dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) were made, totaling 68 individuals. In addition, several herds of common dolphins were observed, some very numerous.Fil: Crespo, Enrique Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Coscarella, Mariano Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Sede Puerto Madryn; ArgentinaFil: Arias, Magdalena. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Escuela de Ciencias Marinas; ArgentinaFil: Sueyro, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaAnnual IWC Scientific Committee Meeting SC68BCambridgeReino UnidoInternational Whaling Commissio

Identificación no supervisada de fauna marina mediante procesamiento de imágenes fotográficas

Las técnicas de procesamiento inteligente de imágenes han experimentado en la última década un desarrollo muy importante, debido a la conjunción de varios factores tecnológicos. Por un lado, se han propuesto técnicas y metodologías de estimación robusta de los parámetros geométricos relevantes en fotografías oblicuas (y por lo tanto una reconstrucción 3D plausible de las mismas), por otro lado, se han desarrollado nuevos modelos de reconocimiento de patrones e identificación no supervisada, aplicados con éxito en una gran variedad de contextos y áreas de intervención. Estos avances permiten construir la hipótesis fundamental de esta línea de trabajo, según la cual es posible investigar y desarrollar técnicas y metodologías de procesamiento inteligente de imágenes para la identificación de individuos de fauna marina. En el caso particular de los cetáceos, en los que las muescas en aletas dorsales son utilizadas para realizar la identificación individual, es necesario el procesamiento de imágenes fotográficas oblicuas. Una solución de este tipo poseería un sinnúmero de ventajas. Por un lado, la intervención no es directa y por lo tanto no es traumática para los individuos bajo estudio. Por otro lado es de aplicación masiva, es decir puede utilizarse para resolver problemas similares en distintas especies.Eje: Computación Gráfica, Imágenes y Visualización.Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Vertebral morphology in extant porpoises: Radiation and functional implications

Vertebral morphology has profound biomechanical implications and plays an important role in adaptation to different habitats and foraging strategies for cetaceans. Extant porpoise species (Phocoenidae) display analogous evolutionary patterns in both hemispheres associated with convergent evolution to coastal versus oceanic environments. We employed 3D geometric morphometrics to study vertebral morphology in five porpoise species with contrasting habitats: the coastal Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides); the mostly coastal harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and Burmeister's porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis); and the oceanic spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica) and Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli). We evaluated the radiation of vertebral morphology, both in size and shape, using multivariate statistics. We supplemented data with samples of an early-radiating delphinoid species, the narwhal (Monodon monoceros); and an early-radiating delphinid species, the white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris). Principal component analyses were used to map shape variation onto phylogenies, and phylogenetic constraints were investigated through permutation tests. We established links between vertebral morphology and movement patterns through biomechanical inferences from morphological presentations. We evidenced divergence in size between species with contrasting habitats, with coastal species tending to decrease in size from their estimated ancestral state, and oceanic species tending to increase in size. Regarding vertebral shape, coastal species had longer centra and shorter neural processes, but longer transverse processes, while oceanic species tended to have disk-shaped vertebrae with longer neural processes. Within Phocoenidae, the absence of phylogenetic constraints in vertebral morphology suggests a high level of evolutionary lability. Overall, our results are in accordance with the hypothesis of speciation within the family from a coastal ancestor, through adaptation to particular habitats. Variation in vertebral morphology in this group of small odontocetes highlights the importance of environmental complexity and particular selective pressures for the speciation process through the development of adaptations that minimize energetic costs during locomotion and prey capture.Fil: Marchesi, María Constanza. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Galatius, Anders. University Aarhus; DinamarcaFil: Zaffino, Martina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Coscarella, Mariano Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez-Jose, Rolando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; Argentin

Living in an estuary: Commerson´s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii (Lacépède, 1804)), habitat use and behavioural pattern

Commerson?s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus commersonii, suffer bycatch in fisheries and are target of dolphin-watching activities along Patagonia. Here we described dolphins? habitat use and behavioural pattern at the estuary of Santa Cruz River. Behavioural observations were made from vantage points using a spotting scope. Boat surveys were conducted randomly from Puerto Santa Cruz to the mouth of the river to analyze the habitat use. The survey area was divided into 1 km2 cells and characterized with depth and benthic slope. The described behaviours for the Commerson?s dolphin were: travelling, slow travelling, milling, resting, socializing, stationary swimming and diving. A new behavioural context was assigned to diving, a behaviour that showed a high frequency during downing tide, suggesting a benthic foraging strategy. Additionally, we found a strong influence of the tide on Commerson´s dolphin behaviour. Habitat use models indicated that dolphins prefer shallow water inside the estuary. The knowledge of the behavioural patterns and the habitat use of these endemic species, in this unexplored area, provide tools for management and conservation purposes.Fil: Loizaga de Castro, Rocio. Consejo Nacional de Invest.cientif.y Tecnicas. Centro Nacional Patagonico; Argentina;Fil: Dans, Silvana Laura. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia;Fil: Coscarella, Mariano Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Invest.cientif.y Tecnicas. Centro Nacional Patagonico; Argentina; Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia;Fil: Crespo, Enrique Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Invest.cientif.y Tecnicas. Centro Nacional Patagonico; Argentina; Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia

Vertebral Morphology in Partially Sympatric Dolphins: A 3D Approach

In cetaceans, increased body flexibility is associated with increased maneuverability, this affects the animal’s swimming speed and foraging behavior. A more stable body form is associated with fast swimming and wide turns. One factor that affects the flexibility of a cetacean’s body is the structure and interaction of its vertebrae. Differences in vertebral morphology confer different muscular insertion sites and affect mechanical properties of swimming muscles. We studied vertebral morphology in four closely related and partially sympatric dolphin species from the Southern Hemisphere: Commerson’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii), Peale’s dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis), the dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) and the hourglass dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger). The former two species are usually considered coastal, associated with complex habitats where foraging strategies require greater maneuverability; they also show plasticity in their prey preferences. The latter two species are considered fastswimming cooperative feeders, with long distance movements reflecting prey availability in pelagic habitats. We employed three-dimensional (3D) geometric morphometric techniques and multivariate analyses to evaluate differences in vertebral morphology. Our analyses tested whether particular morphologies that limit or enhance flexibility were associated with preferred habitats and feeding strategies. We established links between morphology and behavioral patterns based on the biomechanical significance of specific vertebral morphological features. Principal component analyses (PCA) showed great differentiation between species in all the studied regions along the vertebral column. This was especially evident in the middle area, except in the case of dusky and hourglass dolphins which showed no discernible morphological difference in their mid-column vertebrae. PCA results were supported by statistically significant Mahalanobis distances (MD) between species. Species associated with complex habitats and behaviors possessed morphological features associated with greater flexibility of the column (i.e., spool-shaped vertebrae with short erect processes), whereas cooperative-feeder species possessed features associated with greater stability (i.e., disk-shaped vertebrae with long strongly bent processes). In these closely related and partially sympatric dolphins, vertebral morphology is distinctive and varies with the differential foraging strategies and habitat of each species. These findings reveal morphological plasticity among these dolphin species, highlighting the importance of behavioral complexity and of habitat use in the evolutionary development of morphological adaptations.Fil: Marchesi, María Constanza. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Mora, Matias Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Dans, Silvana Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Coscarella, Mariano Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez-Jose, Rolando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas; Argentin