Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human-nature relations in a remote nature-based tourism destination

Tourism and nature-based recreation has changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions caused sharp declines in visitation numbers, particularly in remote areas, such as northern Norway. In addition, the pandemic may have altered human-nature relationships by changing visitor behaviour and preferences. We studied visitor numbers and behaviour in northern Norway, based on user-generated data, in the form of photo graphic material that was uploaded to the popular online platform Flickr. A total of 195.200 photographs, taken by 5.247 photographers were subjected to Google’s “Cloud Vision” automatic content analysis algorithm. The resulting collection of labels that were assigned to each photograph was analysed in structural topic models, using photography date (relative to the start of the pandemic measures in Norway) and reported or estimated photographers’ nationality as explanatory variables. Our results show that nature-based recreation relating to “mountains” and “winter” became more prevalent during the pandemic, amongst both domestic and international photographers. Shifts in preferences due to the pandemic outbreak strongly depended on nationality, with domestic visitors demonstrating a wide interest in topics while international visitors maintained their preference for nature-based experiences. Among those activities that suffered the most from decline in international tourism was northern lights and cruises as indicated by the topic models. On the other hand, images depicting mountains and flora and fauna increased their prevalence during the pandemic. Domestic visitors, on the other hand, spent more time in urban settings as a result of restrictions, which results in a higher prevalence of non-nature related images. Our results underscore the need to consider the dynamic nature of human-nature relationships. The contrast in flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and travel restrictions should be incorporated in collaborativ

Killer whales are attracted to herring fishing vessels

ABSTRACT: Marine mammals and fisheries often target the same resources, which can lead to operational interactions. Potential consequences of operational interaction include entanglements and damaged or reduced catches but also enhanced foraging opportunities, which can attract marine mammals to fishing vessels. Responsible fisheries management therefore requires detailed knowledge of the impact of these interactions. In northern Norway, killer whales Orcinus orca are frequently observed in association with large herring aggregations during the winter. We use a combination of biotelemetry and fisheries data to study if, to what extent and at what distances killer whales are attracted to fishing activity. Twenty-five satellite transmitters were deployed on killer whales at herring overwintering and spawning grounds, often near fishing vessels. Over 50% of the killer whale core areas of high usage overlapped with the fisheries core areas, and individual whales spent up to 34% of their time close to active fishing. We used a 3-state hidden Markov model to assess whether killer whale movements were biased towards fishing activities. Of the overall whale movements, 15% (CI = 11-21%) were biased towards fishing activities, with marked heterogeneity among individuals (0-57%). During periods of active fishing, whale movements were biased towards fishing events 44% (CI = 24-66%) of the time, with individual percentages ranging from 0 to 79%. Whales were more likely to be attracted when they were within 20 km. This information can be used in fishery management to consider potential consequences for fishers and whales.publishedVersio

Round-trip migration and energy budget of a breeding female humpback whale in the Northeast Atlantic

In the northern hemisphere, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) typically migrate between summer/autumn feeding grounds at high latitudes, and specific winter/spring breeding grounds at low latitudes. Northeast Atlantic (NEA) humpback whales for instance forage in the Barents Sea and breed either in the West Indies, or the Cape Verde Islands, undertaking the longest recorded mammalian migration (~ 9 000 km). However, in the past decade hundreds of individuals have been observed foraging on herring during the winter in fjord systems along the northern Norwegian coast, with unknown consequences to their migration phenology, breeding behavior and energy budgets. Here we present the first complete migration track (321 days, January 8th, 2019—December 6th, 2019) of a humpback whale, a pregnant female that was equipped with a satellite tag in northern Norway. We show that whales can use foraging grounds in the NEA (Barents Sea, coastal Norway, and Iceland) sequentially within the same migration cycle, foraging in the Barents Sea in summer/fall and in coastal Norway and Iceland in winter. The migration speed was fast (1.6 ms-1), likely to account for the long migration distance (18 300 km) and long foraging season, but varied throughout the migration, presumably in response to the calf’s needs after its birth. The energetic cost of this migration was higher than for individuals belonging to other populations. Our results indicate that large whales can modulate their migration speed to balance foraging opportunities with migration phenology, even for the longest migrations and under the added constraint of reproduction

Correction:How the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the necessity of animal research (vol 30, pg R1014, 2020)

(Current Biology 30, R1014–R1018; September 21, 2020) As a result of an author oversight in the originally published version of this article, a number of errors were introduced in the author list and affiliations. First, the middle initials were omitted from the names of several authors. Second, the surname of Dr. van Dam was mistakenly written as “Dam.” Third, the first name of author Bernhard Englitz was misspelled as “Bernard” and the surname of author B.J.A. Pollux was misspelled as “Pullox.” Finally, Dr. Keijer's first name was abbreviated rather than written in full. These errors, as well as various errors in the author affiliations, have now been corrected online

Environmental impacts of floating bridges

Follestad, A., Järnegren, J., Mul, E.J., Rosten, C. & Singsaas, F.T. 2022. Environmental impacts of floating bridges. NINA Report 2057. Norwegian Institute for Nature Research. The Norwegian government has an ambition of better connecting the west coast of Norway between Kristiansand and Trondheim. Improvement of the fjord crossings will be the primary means of improving connections and reducing travel time. This project has been termed the Ferry Free E39 project and is the responsibility of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA). Many of the fjord crossings on the west coast present difficulties for existing bridge and tunnel technologies due to the spans that need to be crossed, or the depths of the fjords. The NPRA is therefore scoping new solutions in the form of floating bridges and submerged, floating tube bridges (SFTB). Floating bridges and SFTB use new approaches such as suspension of bridges, or submerged tunnels, from pontoons. This enables deeper (over 400 m), or wider (over 2 km) stretches to be crossed. When evaluating new technological solutions, it is important to consider their potential environmental footprints. For this reason, the NPRA has commissioned the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) to evaluate the potential environmental effects of floating bridges and SFTB through literature study and expert evaluation. We applied a semi-systematic literature review approach and identified 193 potentially relevant publications. Since floating bridge technology is new and has, as of yet, rarely been applied in practice, little literature that directly assesses environmental effects of floating bridges is available. We addressed this by including literature from other anthropogenic structures in marine environments (e.g., offshore wind farms) which have met some of the same challenges during their construction or operation. The literature review identified four main classes of environmental impact: habitat alterations, noise pollution, light pollution, and gateways to new ecosystems (e.g. islands) for predators. These impacts were discussed in depth with consideration for both aquatic (benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, fishes and marine mammals) and terrestrial (birds, mammals) organisms and communities. Since fjord crossings already exist in the form of ferries at all locations being considered for floating bridges, potential environmental impacts were compared to ferries, and not a null-crossing situation. We then present our expert evaluation based upon findings from the literature review and the authors expertise. Two phases were considered during the expert evaluation, the construction phase and the operation phase, since these present different environment challenges. We identified the following groups of effects: (i) habitat changes in the form of reduction in habitat quality through avoidance or acoustic masking, and new habitat availability through additional physical structures for benthic organism growth or removal of barriers to island habitats for predators and other mammals; (ii) physical injury, specifically from noise produced during the construction phase; and (iii) barrier effects in the form of either physical barriers (e.g. SFTBs) or barriers to migration caused by noise, light, or hydrodynamics. Finally, we present mitigation possibilities to reduce the negative environmental impacts of floating bridges and SFTBs, and highlight some key future research needs in this novel and largely unexplored field.Follestad, A., Järnegren, J., Mul, E.J., Rosten, C. & Singsaas, F.T. 2022. Miljøeffekter av flytende bruer. NINA Rapport 2057. Norsk institutt for naturforskning Norske myndigheter har en ambisjon om en bedre veiforbindelse langs kysten mellom Kristiansand og Trondheim. Nye og bedre måter å krysse fjordene på vil være det beste virkemidlet for å redusere reisetiden. Prosjektet har blitt kalt ferjefri E39, der Statens vegvesen (SVV) er ansvarlig for prosjektet. Mange av fjordene på Vestlandet er for brede eller for dype til å bygge tradisjonelle broer eller tunneler. Prosjektet undersøker derfor konsekvensene av alternative løsninger i form av flytende broer. De kan ha forskjellig utforming, fra nedsenkbare tuneller som kan festes til bunn eller henge i pongtonger på overflaten, til flytebroer montert på pongtonger. Flytende broer kan være et alternativ for å krysse dype fjorder, der største dyp er fra 400 meter eller mer, og der fjorden er over to kilometer bred. Ved vurdering av nye teknologiske løsninger er det viktig å ta hensyn til mulige miljøeffekter. Statens Vegvesen ga derfor NINA oppdraget med å vurdere mulige miljøeffekter av slike broløsninger gjennom et litteraturstudium og en ekspertvurdering. Vi utførte en semi-systematisk litteraturstudie og identifiserte 193 potensielt relevante publikasjoner. Siden teknologien bak flytende broer er ny, og foreløpig i liten grad tatt i bruk, finnes det lite litteratur som direkte tar for seg miljøeffekter av flytende broer. Vi løste problemet ved å inkludere litteratur fra liknende menneskeskapte strukturer i marine miljøer, som offshore vindmøller, som har hatt flere av de samme utfordringene knyttet til konstruksjon og drift. Litteraturstudien indentifiserte fire hovedtyper av miljøpåvirkning: habitatendring, lydforurensing, lysforurensing, og inngangsporter til nye økosystemer (for eksempel øyer) for predatorer. Vi diskuterte disse påvirkningsfaktorene med hensyn til både vannlevende (bunndyr, dyreplankton, fisk og sjøpattedyr) og landlevende (fugler og pattedyr) arter og samfunn. Siden ferger allerede krysser fjorden på alle lokalitetene hvor flytende broer vurderes, har vi sammenliknet mulige miljøeffekter med ferger, og ikke uberørte områder uten trafikk over fjorden. Vi presenter vår ekspertvurdering basert på funn i litteraturstudien og artikkelforfatternes ekspertise. Vurderingen ble gjennomført i to faser, konstruksjons- og driftsfase, siden disse medfører ulike miljømessige utfordringer. Vi delte miljøeffektene inn i følgende grupper: (i) habitatendringer i form av redusert kvalitet på eksisterende habitat, nye fysiske strukturer danner nye habitater eller fjerning av barrierer, (ii) fysiske skader, spesielt fra støy i konstruksjonsfasen og (iii) barriereeffekter i form av enten fysiske barrierer (for eksempel nedsenkbare tuneller) eller lyd- og lysbarrierer. Vi presenterer til slutt mulige avbøtende tiltak som kan redusere negative miljø-påvirkninger av flytende broer og nedsenkbare tuneller, og fremhever framtidige forskningsbehov i dette nye, og i stor grad uutforskede fagfeltet

Implications of tag positioning and performance on the analysis of cetacean movement

Background Satellite-linked animal-borne tags enable the study of free-ranging marine mammals. These tags can only transmit data while their antenna is above the surface for a sufficient amount of time. Thus, the position of the tag on the animal’s body will likely influence the quality and the quantity of location estimates. We explored the effects of tag placement and tag performance on the analysis of cetacean movement, by deploying two identical Argos tags 33 cm apart on the dorsal fin of a male killer whale in Norway in January 2017. Results The highest placed (top tag) generated 540 location estimates, while the lowest placed tag (bottom tag) generated 245 locations. In addition, the top tag generated locations of higher quality, with less than 50% of the location estimates in Argos class B (the class with the highest estimated uncertainty), compared to the bottom tag (90% Argos class B locations). The distance between two reconstructed paths ranged from 81 m to 31 km. The path based on the top tag was 1.5 times longer, yielding a higher average speed and more extreme turning angles. The estimated uncertainty around the top track was smaller than that of the bottom track. Switches between searching and travelling behaviour, based on data from the top and the bottom tags, occurred at different positions and times. A significant relationship between core utilization areas and a simulated environmental variable was detectable at a finer spatial scale using data collected by the top tag compared to the bottom tag. A literature search yielded no evidence that tag performance or tag placement is commonly discussed in killer whale telemetry articles. Conclusions The differences in quality and quantity of location estimates from our two tags had a substantial effect on derived movement metrics, behavioural inferences and significance of a simulated environmental variable. These differences in tag performance are likely linked to the height difference in tag placement of 33 cm. We suggest that tag positioning on free-ranging marine mammals and tag performance should be considered as a covariate in telemetry studies, especially at a fine scale

Implications of tag positioning and performance on the analysis of cetacean movement

Background - Satellite-linked animal-borne tags enable the study of free-ranging marine mammals. These tags can only transmit data while their antenna is above the surface for a sufficient amount of time. Thus, the position of the tag on the animal’s body will likely influence the quality and the quantity of location estimates. We explored the effects of tag placement and tag performance on the analysis of cetacean movement, by deploying two identical Argos tags 33 cm apart on the dorsal fin of a male killer whale in Norway in January 2017. Results - The highest placed (top tag) generated 540 location estimates, while the lowest placed tag (bottom tag) generated 245 locations. In addition, the top tag generated locations of higher quality, with less than 50% of the location estimates in Argos class B (the class with the highest estimated uncertainty), compared to the bottom tag (90% Argos class B locations). The distance between two reconstructed paths ranged from 81 m to 31 km. The path based on the top tag was 1.5 times longer, yielding a higher average speed and more extreme turning angles. The estimated uncertainty around the top track was smaller than that of the bottom track. Switches between searching and travelling behaviour, based on data from the top and the bottom tags, occurred at different positions and times. A significant relationship between core utilization areas and a simulated environmental variable was detectable at a finer spatial scale using data collected by the top tag compared to the bottom tag. A literature search yielded no evidence that tag performance or tag placement is commonly discussed in killer whale telemetry articles. Conclusions - The differences in quality and quantity of location estimates from our two tags had a substantial effect on derived movement metrics, behavioural inferences and significance of a simulated environmental variable. These differences in tag performance are likely linked to the height difference in tag placement of 33 cm. We suggest that tag positioning on free-ranging marine mammals and tag performance should be considered as a covariate in telemetry studies, especially at a fine scale

Individual-Level Memory is Sufficient to Create Spatial Segregation Among Neighboring Colonies of Central Place Foragers

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a relatively new approach to ocean management and has been widely implemented worldwide. Ideally, MSP should be established as a public process that analyzes and distributes human activities across space and time to achieve ecological, economic and social goals, which historically have been accomplished exclusively in the political arena. However, in most cases MSP seems to be driven primarily by economic interests rather than by sociocultural goals. In this paper, we discuss how integrating the missing sociocultural layers into MSP can help to reduce governance rigidity, promote adaptability in decision-making, support environmental justice, and improve MSP acceptance and uptake. In particular, we focus on identifying possible points of connection between MSP and frameworks based on social-ecological system theory, including co-management and other democratic and empowering alternatives. We conclude by proposing a new definition of the MSP process that is more inclusive, and mindful of users’ rights and sociocultural objectives. If we bridge the gap between the dominant economic rhetoric and a de facto sociocultural-ecological system approach, we are likely to improve the chances of the MSP process succeeding on both the human and nature fronts. Central place foragers often segregate in space, even without signs of direct agonistic interactions. Using parsimonious individual-based simulations, we show that for species with spatial cognitive abilities, individual-level memory of resource availability can be sufficient to cause spatial segregation in the foraging ranges of colonial animals. The shapes of the foraging distributions are governed by commuting costs, the emerging distribution of depleted resources, and the fidelity of foragers to their colonies. When colony fidelity is weak and foragers can easily switch to colonies located closer to favorable foraging grounds, this leads to space partitioning with equidistant borders between neighboring colonies. In contrast, when colony fidelity is strong—for example, because larger colonies provide safety in numbers or individuals are unable to leave—it can create a regional imbalance between resource requirements and resource availability. This leads to nontrivial space-use patterns that propagate through the landscape. Interestingly, while better spatial memory creates more defined boundaries between neighboring colonies, it can lower the average intake rate of the population, suggesting a potential trade-off between an individual’s attempt for increased intake and population growth rates. space partitioning, public information, animal movement, species distribution, animal tracking, central place foragingpublishedVersio