Tara_Stevens_16_October_2017 |
Stevens_16October_2017
Graduate School of Oceanography - OCG 695
16 October, 3:30 PM, Coastal Institute Auditorium
16 October, 3:30 PM, Coastal Institute Auditorium
Tara Stevens
Using citizen science to study killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the Northwest Atlantic
The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a large, social, carnivorous cetacean known to occupy both nearshore and offshore areas worldwide. Globally, killer whales are separated into discrete allopatric populations that are geographically isolated, non-interacting, and non-interbreeding. While some populations, notably those in the Northeast Pacific, are well researched, many others remain comparatively understudied. Killer whales in the Northwest Atlantic constitute a relatively difficult population to study given their low population density, as well as the remote and harsh conditions found over much of their range. In order to effectively research the behavior and ecology of this population, we must rely in part on a team of trained observers to gather and share data of their interactions with killer whales from regions that would otherwise be inaccessible to us. In addition, crowdsourcing provides useful sighting data and imagery that, once verified, is instrumental toward our overall understanding of this population. Contributors are often very receptive to learning about research practices, killer whale biology, and science in general. Since 2006, more than 75% of sighting and photographic data has originated from these “citizen science” sources. Technological advances of smartphones and social media has effectively led to a proliferation of eyes and ears on the water documenting chance interactions with killer whales. Not all data obtained via citizen science is accurate or complete, which necessitates confidence rankings; only data that pass the high threshold standard is used in analysis. These sources undeniably contribute toward understanding the distribution, movement patterns, feeding behaviors, and social affiliations of killer whales in this study region while also increasing the public’s awareness and appreciation of science.
Tara Stevens received her Bachelor’s Degree at College of the Atlantic in May 2008. She entered GSO as a Ph.D. student in January 2013. Her major professor is Dr. Robert Kenney.
Tara Stevens received her Bachelor’s Degree at College of the Atlantic in May 2008. She entered GSO as a Ph.D. student in January 2013. Her major professor is Dr. Robert Kenney.