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SC/69B/EM/02
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Resource ID
22088
Access
Open
Document Number
SC/69B/EM/02
Full Title
Progress Update for Ecosystem Functioning Work, 2021-2024
Author
Katie Hunter, Fabian Ritter And Ed Goodall
Authors Summary
The paper summarises progress outside of the Committee on the work to understand the contribution of cetaceans to ecosystem functioning. Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) conducted a literature review to assess the current state of the science following on from the IWC-CMS expert workshop held in 2021. Results were matched against the research and development needs identified during the workshop (SC/68C/REP/03), and areas of commonality, as well as topics in need of further prioritisation, were identified. The report highlights the multiple scientific papers published within the cetacean ecosystem functioning area of work over the last years (2021-2024). These publications were found to vary by focal species, subject area, and geographic location, yet collectively started to address the knowledge gaps recognised during the IWC-CMS workshop. For example, scientific understanding on whale falls, plankton blooms, the impact of climate change and the seasonal timing of whale migrations has progressed. However, gaps on topics such as the bioavailability of nutrients, moulting, and the impact of key nutrients and other limiting (co)factors on phytoplankton growth and/or bacterial communities require further input. Many of the papers identified within the review were noted to fall within the periphery of the work area and targeted research was suggested to fully address IWC Resolutions 2016-03 and 2018-02. The paper recommends the IWC also considers further prioritisation of topics, species, populations and ecosystems to identify priority knowledge gaps, in addition to increased consideration of the roles of small cetaceans in ecosystem functioning within this area of work.
Publisher
IWC
Publication Year
2024
Abstract
Whales, dolphins and porpoises make significant contributions to ecosystems that benefit the natural environment and people. In 2021, the IWC and CMS co-hosted a workshop on cetacean ecosystem functioning to consider existing research studies and identify knowledge gaps. This area of work has received increasing focus in recent years and, in the three-year period since the workshop was held, multiple peer-reviewed studies have been published on this topic. A rapid review of literature was therefore conducted to assess the state of the science on cetacean ecosystem functioning considering recent publications. Results were matched against the research and development needs identified in the IWC-CMS workshop to identify progress across each knowledge gap. The review identified numerous studies published over the last years that contribute to our understanding of cetacean ecosystem functioning. Many of the research needs identified during the IWC-CMS workshop have progressed, however substantial gaps remain, and further effort is required to fully address the relevant IWC resolutions.