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The Energetic Cost Of Anthropogenic Disturbance On The Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra Lutris Nereis), Heather Elizabeth Barrett
The Energetic Cost Of Anthropogenic Disturbance On The Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra Lutris Nereis), Heather Elizabeth Barrett
Master's Theses
With increased human populations and tourism in coastal areas, there is greater potential for disturbance of marine wildlife. Having high metabolic rates, sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) are at risk of increased energetic costs due to disturbance. To investigate these effects, sea otter activity in response to potential disturbance stimuli was recorded over three years, at three California locations: Monterey, Moss Landing, and Morro Bay. A hidden Markov Model was developed to examine how activity varies as a function of location, group size, pup to adult ratio, kelp canopy, and occurrence of and proximity to disturbance stimuli. Results were combined …
Dynamics And Ecological Implications Of The Ulva-Zostera Ecotone In Elkhorn Slough, California, María Vila Duplá
Dynamics And Ecological Implications Of The Ulva-Zostera Ecotone In Elkhorn Slough, California, María Vila Duplá
Master's Theses
Ecotones are transitional areas between adjacent ecological communities that have unique ecological qualities defined by space and time scales, and by the interactions between adjacent systems. Ecotones play an essential role in supporting biologically diverse communities, and are sensitive indicators of global change. An Ulva-Zostera ecotone extends along the northern shore of Seal Bend in Elkhorn Slough, an estuary located in central California. Although previous studies have mentioned the presence of the Ulva-Zostera ecotone, this was the first study to focus on understanding its driving factors, spatiotemporal dynamics, and overall ecological implications. A combination of habitat monitoring, water quality assessments, …