Decreasing fractal dimensions as a strategy for oceanic wildlife conservation: Application to species with large migration patterns

• Main Author: Flores, J.C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Arctic; Monodon monoceros; narwhal*
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030438001830200X

Wildlife dispersion patterns are responses of populations confronting variable environmental conditions. Additionally, industry depredation in oceans develops spatial patterns to optimize wildlife capture. Soft scaling conditions between protected and exploited marine zones define operative fractional dimensions for industry and wildlife. When reduction of the fractional dimension of industry ship trajectories is suitably established, the chances for wildlife to survive are increased. Accordingly, a protection strategy is proposed focusing on trajectory patterns rather than uniform areas. As a specific case, narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in the Arctic are considered. This approach best suits species with large-scale migratory patterns. Parameters are evaluated using current oceanic data. Wildlife protection; Fractional dimension; Power-law scaling; Nonlinear systems; Factory-ship trajectories;