Peruvian Fur Seals as Archivists of El Niño Southern Oscillation Effects

Authors

Mickie Rae Edwards, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Susana Cardenas-Alayza, University Peruana Cayetano Heredia - Lima, Peru
Michael Adkesson, Chicago Zoological Society
Mya Daniels-Abdulahad, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Amy Hirons, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

ORCID

0000-0002-4383-7076

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Fronters In Marine Science

ISSN

2296-7745

Publication Date

11-15-2021

Keywords

Peruvian fur seal, Stable isotope ratio, El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), δ 13C and δ 15N, Sea surface temperature anomalies, SECLER

Abstract

Peru’s coastal waters are characterized by significant environmental fluctuation due to periodic El Niño- La Niña- Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. This variability results in ecosystem-wide food web changes which are reflected in the tissues of the Peruvian fur seal (Arctocephalus australis). Stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in Peruvian fur seal vibrissae (whiskers) are used to infer temporal primary production and dietary variations in individuals. Sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) recordings from the Niño 1+2 Index region captured corresponding ENSO conditions. Fluctuations in δ¹⁵N values were correlated to SSTA records, indicating that ENSO conditions likely impact the diet of these apex predators over time. Anomalous warm phase temperatures corresponded to decreased δ¹⁵N values, whereas cold phase anomalous conditions corresponded to increased δ¹⁵N values, potentially from upwelled, nutrient-rich water. Vibrissae δ¹³C values revealed general stability from 2004 to 2012, a moderate decline during 2013 (La Niña conditions) followed by a period of increased values concurrent with the 2014–2016 El Niño event. Both δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values were inversely correlated to each other during the strongest El Niño Southern Oscillation event on record (2014–2016), possibly indicating a decline in production leading to an increase in food web complexity. Lower δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values were exhibited in female compared to male fur seal vibrissae. Findings suggest ENSO conditions influence resource availability, possibly eliciting changes in pinniped foraging behavior as well as food web of the endangered Peruvian fur seal.

DOI

10.3389/fmars.2021.651212

Volume

8

First Page

651212

Comments

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.651212/full#supplementary-material

Additional Comments

These data contributed to the completion of Master of Science thesis by ME Nova Southeastern University’s President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant (PFRDG) provided funding to AH. The Southern Florida Chapter of the Explorers Club provided field work funding to ME. J. Coley and L. Alfino provided laboratory assistance. R. Milligan provided analytical assistance. C. France from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Support Center provided stable isotope analyses. Chicago Zoological Society and the Punta San Juan Consortium funded the field research and all associated field operations. We thank G. Jankowski, J. Meegan, M. Allender, and the veterinary and field biologist staff that assisted with sample collection. We further acknowledge SERNANP for access to the RNSIIPG-PSJ reserve and AGRORURAL for use of field facilities. All samples were collected in accordance with the SERNANP research permits Resolución Jefatural Nos. 009-2010, 023-2011, 022-2012, and 008-2015-SERNANP-RNSIIPG.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

NSUWorks Citation

Mickie Rae Edwards, Susana Cardenas-Alayza, Michael Adkesson, Mya Daniels-Abdulahad, and Amy Hirons. 2021. Peruvian Fur Seals as Archivists of El Niño Southern Oscillation Effects .Fronters In Marine Science : 651212 . https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/1228.