Out of habitat marine mammals – Identification, causes, and management recommendations

Abstract

An out of habitat (OOH) marine mammal is an individual found outside of their natural range, e.g., an Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) along the coastline of mainland Europe, or an individual within their natural range in habitat that is not optimal for their health or survival due to a lack of suitable conditions and/or because of potential conflict with humans. As the number of OOH marine mammals appears to be increasing, and following on from two international workshops, here we define what constitutes an OOH marine mammal and provide a detailed assessment of potential drivers. Climate change, habitat loss and/or degradation, disturbance, changes in prey distribution, and morbidity may all be reasons for a marine mammal being OOH. Appropriate management of OOH marine mammals is considered. This may simply involve monitoring to better understand the situation, to protect the welfare of the animal(s) and to ensure that members of the public are kept safe. However, on occasion, further intervention may be required, such as providing safe areas for the OOH marine mammal(s), encouraging the animal(s) to move, capture and translocation, or euthanasia. Regardless of the action taken, educating and communicating with the public are key elements of OOH marine mammal management. Lessons can be learned from human-wildlife conflict and rewilding scenarios. The potential for OOH marine mammals to be pioneers seeking new habitat, contributing to species resilience in the face of rapidly changing environments, and how to include them in conservation legislation and management planning are considered.