Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) are a widely studied species in marine habitats, however, information on estuarine populations in Australia is very limited. To fully understand the importance of estuaries as habitats for dolphins there needs to be clear quantitative data on dolphin populations and their habitat use in estuaries. This study provides the first published data on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) abundance estimates, site fidelity, individual ranging patterns, habitat use, flood impacts and sexual segregation patterns over a 3- year period in the Clarence River (CR) and Richmond River (RR) estuaries in northern New South Wales, Australia.The results indicate that, at present, the CR estuary is sustaining a larger dolphin community with a predominantly resident population compared to the RR estuary, which supports a smaller community with lower site fidelity. The CR estuary dolphin abundance estimate of 71 (62-81 95% CI, CV = 0.07) is more than twice the size of the RR estuary abundance estimate of 34 (19- 49 95% CI, CV = 0.23). Differences in site fidelity were observed between the estuaries with 60% and 37% of identified dolphins determined as residents, 26% and 21% as occasional visitors, and 14% and 42% as transients for the CR and RR, respectively. Resource partitioning was apparent in both estuaries with the mean distance resident dolphins were found upstream from the River mouth being greater than for the occasional visitors and transients.Tursiops aduncus was seen all year round in the CR and RR estuaries, with peak sightings occurring in spring at both sites. In the CR the dolphin population showed consistent seasonal fluctuations, whereas this did not occur in the RR population. In the CR the largest spatial distribution of dolphins in the estuary was observed in spring and winter, while in summer they were primarily restricted to the main estuary channel. Different behaviours that were observed; feeding, socialising, travelling, and milling and resting, were found to be influenced by season, tidal phase and tidal range. In both estuaries the core habitat areas used by the population for feeding consisted of areas with considerable slope near the edge of tidal sand banks, adjacent to deeper channels at the entrances of canals, creeks or artificial breakwalls. In addition, the core habitat areas used by the population for milling and resting behaviour in both estuaries occurred in shallow, sheltered areas, often associated with seagrass beds. Socialising occurred more frequently in the CR throughout most of the deeper waters of the estuary, whereas in the RR it was primarily restricted to a small area of medium depth in the estuary.The major determinant of T. aduncus occupancy in the two estuaries was the flood events that occurred, which resulted in the dolphins abandoning the estuary. The mean predicted probabilities for sighting dolphins during non-flood periods were 0.87 and 0.71, during a flood 0.21 and 0.04, and during a post-flood recovery period 0.83 and 0.80 in the CR and RR, respectively. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed that when the dolphins were absent from the estuaries, three components were extracted from the water quality parameters in the CR, and two components in the RR. High loadings from the PCA were associated with the changing salinity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature associated with the flood events. The return of the dolphins to the estuary following a flood depended on the length and severity of the flood event, but generally the dolphins seemed to prefer waters with salinity levels above 29 ‰. This could be associated with higher salinities being important for their physiological health, or because their prey returned to the estuaries during these higher salinity conditions, more likely a combination of both of these factors.Sexual segregation patterns were observed in T. aduncus populations with mixed gender and female groups mainly recorded in the CR, whereas in the RR female groups dominated the estuary. In the CR, significant differences occurred in sightings between the mixed and female groups in relation to water depth and behaviour. Mixed gender groups were sighted predominantly in deeper water and were involved in social behaviour including sexual behaviour and male herding of females. In contrast, the female groups were observed across all water depths, predominately feeding and also participating in more milling and resting behaviours.The high occurrence of aggressive herding behaviour by males in the CR was significantly different at varying depths, tides and seasons, occurring more often in deeper water, at higher tides and in non-breeding seasons. Female groups were found to utilise the small, shallow tributaries and travel for longer distances up these smaller tributaries than the mixed groups, which were concentrated in the deeper main channel of the estuary.The deeper water of the channels may facilitate the males in herding the females, while the female groups’ habitat selection of shallow estuary areas may provide a sanctuary from aggressive males, access to suitable prey items or prey density for mothers and their calves, or a combination of these factors.This study has provided the first detailed research on T. aduncus dolphin population dynamics, habitat use, occupancy and sexual segregation patterns in two Australian subtropical estuaries. To ensure the long-term survival of both of these dolphin populations, management of future increased anthropogenic disturbances from boat traffic, pollution, dolphin watching, industrial or urban development, over-fishing and habitat degradation of the catchment is needed. Good quality water conditions, the protection of the core feeding areas and small shallow tributaries for females and their calves, and sheltered areas for resting behaviour all need to be maintained for the continued conservation of these important dolphin populations.

Species’ ranges arise from the interplay between environmental preferences, biotic and abiotic environmental conditions, and accessibility. Understanding of – and predictive models on – species distributions often build from the assumption that these factors apply homogenously within each species, but there is growing evidence for individual variation. Here, I use movement data to investigate individual-level decisions and compromises regarding the different costs and benefits influencing individuals’ geographic locations, and the species-level spatial patterns that emerge from these. I first developed a new method that uses tracking data to quantify individual specialisation in geographic space (site fidelity) or in environmental space (environmental specialisation). Applying it to two species of albatrosses, I found evidence of site fidelity but weak environmental specialisation. My results have implications for how limited research efforts are best-targeted: if animals are generalists, effort are best spent by understanding in depth individual patterns, i.e., better to track fewer individuals for long periods of time; whereas if animals tend to be specialists, efforts should be dedicated to tracking as many individuals as possible, even if for shorter periods. I then investigated individual migratory strategies and their drivers in nine North American bird species, using ringing/recovery data. I found latitudinal redistribution of individuals within the breeding and non-breeding ranges that generally did not follow textbook patterns (‘chain migration’ or ‘leapfrog migration’). Migratory individuals tend to trade off the benefits of migration (better tracking of climatic niche; better access to resources) and its costs (increasing with migratory distance). I found that birds are more likely to remain as residents in areas with warmer winter temperatures, higher summer resource surpluses and higher human population densities (presumably because of a buffering effect of urban areas). Overall, my results highlight the importance of considering individual variation to understanding the ecological processes underpinning species’ spatial patterns.

O comportamento territorial é exibido por animais que competem por recursos dentro de uma área específica defendida. Ao excluir competidores potenciais desta área através de comportamentos agressivos, os indivíduos territoriais garantem acesso prioritário aos recursos essenciais para sua sobrevivência e reprodução. Em anfíbios anuros, a territorialidade tem sido relacionada principalmente com espécies de reprodução prolongada, cujos sítios reprodutivos estão disponíveis durante todo o ano. O presente trabalho foi realizado em um trecho de riacho na Floresta da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. Foram realizadas quatro visitas consecutivas a área de amostragem em cada mês (abril/2009 à agosto/2010). O objetivo foi responder questões sobre a territorialidade dos indivíduos da espécie Hylodes nasus: (área de vida, fidelidade ao sítio, comportamentos agonísticos e combates físicos). As áreas de vida dos machos apresentaram relação significativa com o número de recapturas. O tamanho da área de vida das fêmeas foi ligeiramente maior do que dos machos. Os machos apresentaram maior fidelidade do que as fêmeas. A fidelidade apresentou resultado significativo com o CRC e a massa corporal dos indivíduos. Foram observadas 50 interações agonísticas entre machos, sendo exibidos 11 comportamentos agressivos. Foram observados 19 combates físicos, sendo os machos envolvidos classificados como residente, intruso, vencedor ou perdedor. Todas as disputas foram vencidas por indivíduos residentes. Informações a respeito da influência de fatores ambientais sobre a população de H. nasus, aspectos da estrutura populacional e descrição do microhábitat também são fornecidos. / The territorial behavior is exhibited by animals that compete for resources within a specific defended area. By excluding potential competitors in this area through aggressive behavior, territorialist individuals ensure priority access to essential resources for their survival and reproduction. In anuran amphibians, territoriality has been mainly related to prolonged-breeding species, whose breeding sites are available throughout the year. This study was conducted in a portion of the river in the Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro. There were four consecutive visits to the sampling area in each month (April/2009 to August/2010). The objective was to answer questions about the territorial behavior of Hylodes nasus (home range, site fidelity, agonistic behaviors and physical fighting). The males home range showed a significant relation with number of recapture. The home range estimated for females was slightly larger than males. Males have higher site fidelity than females. The site fidelity showed a significant relation with individuals' SVL and body mass. There were observed 50 agonistic encounters between males, showing 11 aggressive behaviors. There were observed 19 physical fights with males being classified as resident, intruder, winner or loser. All contests were won by resident individuals. Information about the influence of environmental factors on the population of H. nasus, aspects of population structure and description of microhabitat are also provided.

Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) were surveyed and photographed during the Spring/Summer of 2004-2007 in the Southern Tañon Strait region of the Philippines. Over 17,000 images of dorsal fins were taken during the study period for photoidentification purposes. The study area (approximately 100 Km2) is a popular site for cetacean-watching and more recently underwent oil exploration and drilling. A photographic database of 329 unique spinner dolphin dorsal fins was produced, and used to assess abundance and life history characteristics using DARWIN software. An overall abundance estimate (2004-2007) of 1118 individuals (990-1246 with a 95% confidence interval) was obtained using the POPAN feature of MARK software. These mark-recapture results reveal that approximately 28% (n= 92) of the identified individuals (n= 329) were present in the study area in at least two of the four study years. This information is necessary to gain a better understanding of the ecology and life history characteristics of small cetaceans in the Tafton Strait, and in the development of conservation, education, and habitat protection programs designed to protect these cetaceans from human impacts. This project is part of a long-term ongoing study of the small cetaceans in the Southern Tañon Strait.

Minke whales, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, are the most abundant species of mysticetes in the North Atlantic Ocean; however, little is known about their site fidelity and population size in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Field work was conducted off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada, mostly during the summer months of 1997 to 2000 and 2002 to 2005 with some field seasons starting as early as April and ending as late as October. During 218 days of boat-based surveys, 614 photographs (black and white film and digital) of minke whales were collected. All photographs were assigned a qualitative quality value (Q1-Q4, best to poor, respectively), and 321 were assigned Q3 or better. A total of 111 individuals were identified, although only 80 individuals had at least one high quality photograph (Q3 and higher). While many individuals were re-identified on the same day, only five individuals were resighted on separate days. Two individuals were resighted within the same year (up to 90 days apart), and three individuals were resighted in separate years (a little over three years apart). Additional photographs collected opportunistically in 2007 yielded two additional resightings of the same individual sighted four years earlier. A discovery curve that failed to reach an asymptote indicated that new individuals continued to enter the study area, thereby classifying the study area as open. Using the POPAN module available in SOCPROG 2.3, abundance was estimated to be 454 individuals (Jackknife s.e. = 398) with an estimated mortality rate of 26% per year (Jackknife s.e. = 27%). It is likely that permanent emigration and mark-loss account for much of this estimated mortality rate. Continued long term photo-identification within the study area is required to improve the abundance estimate and properly assess the degree of site fidelity. A lack of site fidelity could signify either unreliable or low density prey distribution, a limited sample size or a much larger home range than the study area. Therefore, expansion of both the study area and field effort is recommended.

I conducted demographic and behavioral studies of Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim River Delta, Alaska (1998-2005). In chapter one, I estimated apparent annual survival (product of true survival and site fidelity) while correcting for the probability of encounter for 237 males and 296 females. Overall return rates (individual returned to the site in a subsequent season) were lower for females (40%) than males (65%), as was apparent annual survival (± SE, females = 0.65 ± 0.05, males = 0.78 ± 0.03), and encounter rate (females = 0.51 ± 0.07, males = 0.74 ± 0.04). In chapter two, I examined the effects of mate and site fidelity on nesting success (N = 430 nests). Annual divorce rate ranged between 37-83%, with 17-63% of pairs reuniting annually. Reuniting pairs initiated clutches earlier than newly formed pairs, and clutches that were initiated early in the season had higher nest success rates compared to late-season nests. When I controlled for clutch-initiation date, nests tended by individuals with prior breeding-site experience had higher daily survival rates compared to birds breeding at the site for the first time. The effect of site experience was greater for males than females. In chapter 3, I reported that Western Sandpipers exhibited aggregated breeding behavior on a 36 ha plot. Breeding aggregations occurred when dominant and/or older individuals excluded younger, subordinate individuals from preferred habitat. The pattern of habitat occupancy conformed to an ideal despotic distribution with aggregated nesting birds in less preferred habitat experiencing lower reproductive success. In chapter 4, I described and demonstrated the form and function of parent-chick communication in the Western Sandpiper. Through experimental playback of adult vocalizations to chicks in the field, I demonstrated: (1) chicks respond to the alarm call by vocalizing relatively less often and moving away from the signal source, (2) chicks respond to the gather call by vocalizing relatively more often and moving toward the signal source, (3) and chicks respond to the freeze call by vocalizing relatively less often and crouching motionless on the substrate for extended periods of time. I also describe two distinct chick vocalizations (chick-contact and chick-alarm calls). / Ph. D.

Sotalia guianensis is listed as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN and as “Vulnerable” in Colombia. This study aimed to advance understanding of the ecology of this species and its habitats, and to provide information to conservation management in the southern Gulf of Morrosquillo, Colombia. Systematic boat-based surveys were conducted during 395 days in 2002-2006 and 2009-2010, following established routes. Total survey effort was 15,199 km in an area covering ~ 310km². Fine scale habitat use and behavioural modelling, photo-identification and mark-recapture techniques were used to analyze the ecological patterns for this species. The most recent abundance estimate of dolphins using the study area during dry and rainy seasons, varied from 225 (CV = 0.34; 95% CI: 118-426) to 232 (CV = 0.32; 95% CI: 127-246). Annual survival rate is estimated at 0.948 (95% CI = 0.876-0.980). Overall density was 0.74/km². Dolphins were present year-round in the whole study area. Results indicate that they do not use the study area uniformly and that the use of particular zones is related to eco-geographic variables. Dolphins showed a preference for waters greater than 3m in depth with a slightly increased preference for waters about 5m and 15-25m deep. The average group size was nine individuals. Some individuals show long-term high site fidelity to some zones within the study site boundaries. Even though the site fidelity to feeding areas varied individually, all the individuals focused primarily on one specific area. Foraging was among one of the most predominant behaviours observed. The individual movements show that some dolphins use both bay and gulf waters. Dolphins show a range of surface cooperative foraging and feeding strategies. These cooperative behaviours were influenced by zone, group size and prey type. Based on these results an area of special management for the species will be created in Colombia.

La perchaude (Perca flavescens) constitue une ressource socioéconomique de grande importance dans le Lac Saint-Pierre (Québec, Canada). Bien que ce lac fluvial soit désigné réserve de la biosphère par l’UNESCO, le statut de la perchaude est préoccupant. Afin de permettre à l’espèce de persister en fonction des diverses pressions anthropiques, il est important de comprendre sa dynamique populationnelle et les mécanismes qui en sont responsables. La perchaude est connue pour sa philopatrie ; le fait de toujours se reproduire à son site de naissance peut entraîner la subdivision d’une espèce en de multiples populations, où chacune pourra être pourvue d’adaptations locales distinctes. Il est possible d’étudier ces processus à l’aide des signaux génétiques associés à la reproduction des individus. Toutefois, une faible différentiation génétique entre les populations du Lac Saint-Pierre est envisagée en raison de la colonisation récente du système (moins de 8000 ans). L’objectif de cette étude est de déterminer s’il existe plusieurs populations de perchaude dans le Lac Saint-Pierre. Les simulations réalisées ont révélé que l’utilisation de marqueurs AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism), permettant une analyse globale du génome, affiche une meilleure détection de la différentiation des populations que celle des marqueurs microsatellites. Afin d’associer les individus à leur site de naissance, la méthode d’AFLP et des microsatellites ont été utilisées sur des larves capturées suite à l’éclosion des oeufs. Trois analyses distinctes d’AFLP ont indiqué une corrélation entre la composition génétique des individus et des sites géographiques, confirmant ainsi la présence de plusieurs populations sympatriques dans le Lac Saint-Pierre, découlant vraisemblablement de la philopatrie de l’espèce. L’absence de différentiation génétique relatée par les marqueurs microsatellites vient confirmer l’importance du choix des marqueurs génétiques. Bien que la différentiation génétique observée soit relativement faible, la gestion de la perchaude devrait tenir compte de la dynamique des populations distinctes dans ce système. / Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) is a commercially-exploited freshwater fish species in Lake Saint-Pierre (Quebec, Canada). Even if this fluvial lake is designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the yellow perch status is of concern. To ensure the persistence of species facing to anthropogenic pressures, understanding dynamics and mechanism that structure populations are of major importance. Because the habitat characteristics are spatially structured and this species is known to display natal site fidelity, a subdivision of the species in multiple populations and local adaptations may occur. It is possible to detect these processes according to genetic signal associated with individuals’ reproduction. However, low genetic differentiation is hypothesised due to the recent colonization of the system (< 8 K years). This study aims at determining if there are multiple populations of yellow perch in Lake Saint-Pierre. Simulations was first performed to confirm that population differentiation is better depicted by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) than microsatellite markers. In order to associate individuals to their site of birth, larvae captured after hatching were used. A survey of the variation throughout the entire genome was then performed by using the AFLP approach and variations at microsatellite loci were used to further investigate the organization of these populations. Three distinct AFLP analyses indicated a correlation between genetic composition of individuals and spawning sites, and thus confirmed the presence of multiple sympatric populations in Lake Saint-Pierre, resulting likely from natal site fidelity. At the opposite, the lack of genetic differentiation reported by microsatellites markers confirms the importance of the choice of genetic markers. While the genetic differentiation is very low, the management of this species should take into account the existence of distinct population structures in this system.

La perchaude (Perca flavescens) constitue une ressource socioéconomique de grande importance dans le Lac Saint-Pierre (Québec, Canada). Bien que ce lac fluvial soit désigné réserve de la biosphère par l’UNESCO, le statut de la perchaude est préoccupant. Afin de permettre à l’espèce de persister en fonction des diverses pressions anthropiques, il est important de comprendre sa dynamique populationnelle et les mécanismes qui en sont responsables. La perchaude est connue pour sa philopatrie ; le fait de toujours se reproduire à son site de naissance peut entraîner la subdivision d’une espèce en de multiples populations, où chacune pourra être pourvue d’adaptations locales distinctes. Il est possible d’étudier ces processus à l’aide des signaux génétiques associés à la reproduction des individus. Toutefois, une faible différentiation génétique entre les populations du Lac Saint-Pierre est envisagée en raison de la colonisation récente du système (moins de 8000 ans). L’objectif de cette étude est de déterminer s’il existe plusieurs populations de perchaude dans le Lac Saint-Pierre. Les simulations réalisées ont révélé que l’utilisation de marqueurs AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism), permettant une analyse globale du génome, affiche une meilleure détection de la différentiation des populations que celle des marqueurs microsatellites. Afin d’associer les individus à leur site de naissance, la méthode d’AFLP et des microsatellites ont été utilisées sur des larves capturées suite à l’éclosion des oeufs. Trois analyses distinctes d’AFLP ont indiqué une corrélation entre la composition génétique des individus et des sites géographiques, confirmant ainsi la présence de plusieurs populations sympatriques dans le Lac Saint-Pierre, découlant vraisemblablement de la philopatrie de l’espèce. L’absence de différentiation génétique relatée par les marqueurs microsatellites vient confirmer l’importance du choix des marqueurs génétiques. Bien que la différentiation génétique observée soit relativement faible, la gestion de la perchaude devrait tenir compte de la dynamique des populations distinctes dans ce système. / Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) is a commercially-exploited freshwater fish species in Lake Saint-Pierre (Quebec, Canada). Even if this fluvial lake is designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the yellow perch status is of concern. To ensure the persistence of species facing to anthropogenic pressures, understanding dynamics and mechanism that structure populations are of major importance. Because the habitat characteristics are spatially structured and this species is known to display natal site fidelity, a subdivision of the species in multiple populations and local adaptations may occur. It is possible to detect these processes according to genetic signal associated with individuals’ reproduction. However, low genetic differentiation is hypothesised due to the recent colonization of the system (< 8 K years). This study aims at determining if there are multiple populations of yellow perch in Lake Saint-Pierre. Simulations was first performed to confirm that population differentiation is better depicted by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) than microsatellite markers. In order to associate individuals to their site of birth, larvae captured after hatching were used. A survey of the variation throughout the entire genome was then performed by using the AFLP approach and variations at microsatellite loci were used to further investigate the organization of these populations. Three distinct AFLP analyses indicated a correlation between genetic composition of individuals and spawning sites, and thus confirmed the presence of multiple sympatric populations in Lake Saint-Pierre, resulting likely from natal site fidelity. At the opposite, the lack of genetic differentiation reported by microsatellites markers confirms the importance of the choice of genetic markers. While the genetic differentiation is very low, the management of this species should take into account the existence of distinct population structures in this system.

The New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) is the most abundant fur seal species in the Australian-New Zealand region. Approximately 85 % of Australia’s population of New Zealand fur seals reside in the state of South Australia. As a result of their abundance and size, it has been estimated that the New Zealand fur seal population in South Australia consumes the greatest biomass of resources of all marine mammal and seabird species. However, despite the importance of New Zealand fur seals as top predators, our understanding of their foraging ecology in South Australia is limited. In order to better understand the habitat utilized and the diet of New Zealand fur seals, this study explores the foraging ecology of lactating seals from four primary colonies in South Australia, which account for ~ 78 % of the Australian population. These colonies are Cape Gantheaume (36о04’S, 137о27’E) and Cape du Couedic (36о03’S, 136о42’E) on Kangaroo Island; North Neptune Island (35о13’S, 136о03’E) and Liguanea Island (34о59’S, 135о37’E). I start this study by assessing the seasonal variation in foraging location and dive behaviour of lactating New Zealand fur seals from Cape Gantheaume. 18 seals were fitted with satellite transmitters and time depth recorders (TDRs). The presence of thermoclines (derived from TDRs), were used as a surrogate measure of upwelling activity in continental shelf habitats. During the austral autumn 80 % of lactating fur seals foraged on the continental shelf (114 ± 44 km from the colony), in a region associated with a seasonal coastal upwelling system, the Bonney upwelling. In contrast, during winter months seals predominantly foraged in oceanic waters (62 %), in a region associated with the Subtropical Front (460 ± 138 km from the colony). Results suggested that lactating New Zealand fur seals shift their foraging location from continental shelf to oceanic habitats, in response to a seasonal decline in continental shelf productivity, attributed to the cessation of the Bonney upwelling in autumn. To study inter-colony differences in foraging locations, 21 New Zealand fur seals were satellite tracked from four colonies within close proximity (46 km – 200km apart). Seals initiated foraging trips on a colony-specific bearing (Cape Gantheaume 141 ± 33º, Cape du Couedic 186 ± 12º, North Neptune Island 200 ± 23º and Liguanea Island 234 ± 69º), and recorded little overlap between colony-specific foraging areas. The distribution of colony-specific foraging grounds appeared to be influenced by the proximity of colonies to predictable local upwelling features, as well as a distant oceanic frontal zone, the Subtropical Front. Foraging site fidelity and route-choice was further assessed by comparing site fidelity between continental shelf and oceanic habitats. Data from 31 lactating females, satellite tracked over 107 consecutive foraging trips indicated that females foraging on the continental shelf recorded a significantly greater overlap in foraging area between consecutive foraging routes, when compared to females that foraged in oceanic waters (55.9 ± 20.4 % and 13.4 ± 7.6 %, respectively). Findings suggest that seals learn the direction of travel to a predictable foraging region, and initiate a foraging trip on that bearing. However, actual foraging routes are likely to be influenced by a number of factors including previous foraging trip experience and prey encounter rate, which is related to prey density and the spatial scale of the patch exploited. The final chapter integrates scat analysis with milk fatty acid (FA) analysis to investigate dietary differences between continental shelf and oceanic waters. Milk FA composition was determined for 29 satellite-tracked fur seals, that were known to forage in either shelf or oceanic habitats. Based on FA compositions, I predicted the likelihood that milk samples collected at random (n = 131) represented individual seals having foraged either on the continental shelf or in distant oceanic waters. FA analysis and satellite tracking results contrasted with scat analyses, from which only 6 % of scats by frequency of occurrence contained prey remains from oceanic waters. The results suggest that scats were biased toward females foraging on the continental shelf. This study highlights the importance of two predictable ocean features utilised by New Zealand fur seals; (1) a nearby and seasonally predictable coastal upwelling system, the Bonney upwelling and; (2) a distant but permanent oceanic front, the Subtropical Front. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1347312 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Studies, 2008