Francois-Xavier Lecomte: Relationships between top marine predators and oceanographic features in the Southern Ocean

In this episode of the Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium we are joined by Francois-Xavier Lecomte (MSci Marine Biology with Oceanography) to discuss his dissertation 'Relationships between top marine predators and oceanographic features in the Southern Ocean'. In the dynamic Southern Ocean, marine predators movement behaviours are intricately shaped by oceanographic conditions. This study utilized data from 17 top marine predators in the RAATD dataset spanning from 1991 to 2016 to investigate how environmental variables—including sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll a concentration (Chl), sea level anomalies (SLA), and sea ice—affect their spatial dynamics and habitat preferences. Using a Generalized Additive Mixed Model, we assessed how these factors influence predator interactions with ocean currents. Additionally, an integrated step-selection function analysis elucidated habitat preferences across species and their various breeding stages. Our findings highlight a significant correlation between movement directions and current dynamics, with species-specific preferences for oceanographic features such as eddies and frontal systems. While SST, SLA, and Chl consistently influence habitat selection across all species, only SST significantly impacts habitat selection across all breeding stages. Moreover, some species demonstrate avoidance behaviour toward areas with sea ice. These results underscore the importance of considering individual species ecological needs and behaviours in marine conservation strategies, especially given the rapidly changing conditions of the Southern Ocean. Our study emphasizes the critical role of sophisticated modelling techniques in understanding predator-prey dynamics and habitat utilization, which are essential for creating effective marine protected areas and management plans. Future research should focus on enhancing model resolution and integrating more comprehensive environmental data to better predict and manage marine predator populations within shifting global ocean conditions, thereby ensuring their long-term survival and ecological balance. Additionally, adaptive management strategies are needed to respond to unpredicted changes in habitat conditions and predators responses.The Meliora Podcast Student Research Symposium is part of the 2024 Student Takeover Season where we celebrate the fantastic sustainability research work of our Undergraduate Students.Episode Guest: Francois-Xavier Lecomte Episode Host: Prof Simon KempEpisode Editor: Libby KaleEngage with us on instagram and X: @meliorapodcast