The Detection of Amazonian Manatees

130 Pages·2016·6.12 MB·English

Nova Southeastern University
NSUWorks
Theses and Dissertations HCNSO Student Work
5-1-2014
The Detection of Amazonian Manatees
(Trichechus inunguis) Using Side-Scan Sonar and
the Effect of Oil Activities on Their Habitats in
Eastern Ecuador
Caitlin E. Brice
Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center,[email protected]
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Caitlin E. Brice. 2014.The Detection of Amazonian Manatees (Trichechus inunguis) Using Side-Scan Sonar and the Effect of Oil Activities on
Their Habitats in Eastern Ecuador.Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Oceanographic Center.
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NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER

THE DETECTION OF AMAZONIAN MANATEES (TRICHECHUS
INUNGUIS) USING SIDE-SCAN SONAR AND THE EFFECT OF OIL
ACTIVITIES ON THEIR HABITATS IN EASTERN ECUADOR

By

Caitlin E. Brice

Submitted to the Faculty of
Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Master of Science with a specialty in:

Marine Biology

Nova Southeastern University

May 2014
Thesis of
Caitlin E. Brice

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Masters of Science:

Marine Biology

Nova Southeastern University
Oceanographic Center
May 2014

Approved By:
Thesis Committee

Major Professor :_________________________________
Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D.

Committee Member :______________________________
Donald S. McCorquodale, Ph.D.

Committee Member :______________________________
Roger Reep, Ph.D.

Committee Member :______________________________
Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske, Ph.D.
iii

ABSTRACT
Substantial hunting pressure and habitat destruction caused by oil
extraction has critically endangered the Amazonian manatee in Ecuador. The current
population status is unknown because an effective method to observe them in the wild
has yet to be developed. This study explored whether the Amazonian manatee persists or
has been extirpated in the eastern Ecuadorian Amazon utilizing side-scan sonar to
increase odds of detection. Spatial differences in probability of detection were quantified
if manatees were observed. The level of chemical contamination was determined and
compared spatially and temporally against historical data. Data were collected using
opportunistic transect surveys and grab sampling of surface water in Yasuni National
Park, Lagartococha, and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Surveys confirmed that the manatee
population is extant. Manatees were encountered more often in Cuyabeno Wildlife
Reserve than in Lagartococha and Yasuni. Side-scan sonar detected more manatees than
previously reported in 1996-1999. Side-scan sonar is a viable method for detection of
manatees in the Ecuadorian Amazon system and resulted in greater detection as a
function of effort. All future population studies should incorporate side-scan sonar. Lead,
arsenic, mercury, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], and volatile organic
compounds [VOCs] were not detected in the waters of the study region. High total
petroleum hydrocarbon [TPH] levels were measured in 7 samples from Yasuni National
Park. The concentrations of TPH were higher in Yasuni National Park than in
Lagartococha and Cuyabeno. TPHs were detected only in the study region with a recent
oil spill; there was no evidence that TPHs were higher near oil production wells and
pipelines. The concentrations of TPH were significantly different than those measured in
1998 (z =3.01710, p=0.0026). A dedicated study should be performed to develop a
protocol for monitoring persistent oil contaminants in the Ecuadorian Amazon and
determine their sink.
Keywords: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Yasuni National Park, Lagartococha, manatee
population survey, elusive megafauna, surface water pollution, environmental
assessment, persistent petroleum contaminants
iv

DEDICATION
I dedicate this thesis to Edward O. Keith, Ph.D., who devoted his life to research
and education and left this world during my journey – without his continuing vision,
support, and mentoring I would not be who I am today and the valuable research
contained in this thesis would not have been possible; to my Mom, Mary—amazing role
model of female scientific intellect, and Sister, Madeline, who were always there to love,
encourage, guide, and believe in me, even when I doubted myself; to my best friend,
Yesenia, who was there to listen to my complaints and frustrations even when she had no
idea what I was talking about—always responding with “you are Superwoman!”; to
Grandma Sally and Grandpa Fred, for their love and financial support; to Mr. Fred
Fotsch—my high school chemistry teacher, who introduced me to the rewarding world of
marine biology. Words cannot express the gratitude I hold in my heart for these beautiful
souls, my extended family. The staircase I climbed to complete this project was full of
innumerable long, unexpected, educational, and difficult steps. You have all been a part
of this unbelievable journey through the Amazon leading to the discovery of my soul and
my role in scientific research.
v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost, I am grateful to Dr. Edward O. Keith for choosing me to assist
on this research project. He provided the theoretical design, Humminbird® side-scan
sonar system, and funding through his Chancellor’s Faculty Research and Development
Grant and personal accounts. He gave me freedom to add my own interests to the project.
I thank the country of Ecuador for allowing Dr. Keith and I to conduct this research in
Yasuni National Park, Lagartococha, and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. I thank the
Government of Ecuador, Ministry of the Environment for approval of our research design
and granting of research permits.
For their essential experience and guidance in the field work, I thank Victor
Utreras and Galo Zapata Rios, M.Sc. from the Wildlife Conservation Society, Quito,
Ecuador [WCSE]. Without their valuable knowledge and assistance, this research project
would not have been possible. I thank Utreras and Rios for assisting with obtaining
research permits in Ecuador. I thank them for helping us navigate the extensive labyrinth
of rivers and tributaries in the Amazon River System in Ecuador. I thank them for
providing their familiarity with citizens and knowledgeable native guides, specifically the
Kichwa guide “Beli”. Finally, I thank Utreras and Rios for providing the WCSE boats
and captains, for purchasing the food and supplies necessary to sustain us during the
research expeditions, and for their hundreds of hours of paddling.
For their shelter from the admittedly scary Amazon Jungle, I thank the ranger
stations of WCSE for providing housing, knowledgeable campmates, and cooking
facilities. In addition, I thank the WCSE rangers for answering questions, offering
guidance and experience, and for helping me to learn more Spanish. I also thank the
citizens of the Oriente region of Ecuador who, without a second thought, took us in and
fed us when we were in unfamiliar territory. Without the people who assisted along the
Amazon River, this research would not have been possible.
For analyzing the water samples collected during this study, I thank Florida
Spectrum Environmental Services, Inc., president, Lyle Johnson, and the experienced
EPA environmental analysts who work there. Without their discounted pricing to assist
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the research project and flexibility in terms of sample receiving, log-in, analysis,
reporting, and payment terms, this research project would not have been possible. Not to
mention, Lyle Johnson is my boss and at risk of losing my job, he cannot be omitted as a
major contributor through his unending guidance and support. Additionally, I
acknowledge the contribution of Richard Vicchiarelli, M.Sc., supervisor of the Wet
Chemistry and HPLC departments at FSES and close, personal friend. I thank Richard for
his experiential advice and wisdom throughout all of the stages of this project.
Finally, I thank Dr. Self-Sullivan for taking on the role of committee chair after
Dr. Keith left this world. Without her unwavering support, willingness to take the lead of
this project when Dr. Keith could no longer do so, and adaptation to a project in its
middle stages, this research most certainly could not have continued to be presented as
my master’s thesis. She took on a tough position, at a difficult time, and made the best of
it. For her advice, different perspectives on my work, and valuable feedback on my
numerous manuscripts, I am eternally grateful. Dr. Gonzalez-Socoloske, with his plate
already full up with research and academic projects, provided essential advice regarding
the side-scan sonar research presented in Chapter II. I thank Dr. Gonzalez-Socoloske for
offering his unique understanding of the side-scan sonar system in relation to manatee
surveys and willingness to provide assistance with my project. Drs. McCorquodale and
Reep have always been available, supportive, and provided valuable alternative
perspectives on my research activities and manuscripts.
vii

NOMENCLATURE
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
NELAC National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature
CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species
CPPMA Centro de Preservação e Pesquisa de Mamíferos Aquáticos
SOTE Sistema Oleoducto Trans-Ecuatoriano
OCP Oleoducto Crudo Pesado
CESR Center for Economic and Social Rights
FMRI Florida Marine Research Institute
WCSE Wildlife Conservation Society Ecuador
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
PAH Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon
TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon
MDL Minimum Detection Limit
PQL Practical Quantitation Limit
FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection
MCL Maximum Contaminant Level
BWCC Black and White Color Contrast
viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
ABSTRACT............................................................................................. iii

DEDICATION......................................................................................... iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..................................................................... v

NOMENCLATURE................................................................................. vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................... viii

LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................. x

LIST OF TABLES................................................................................... xi

CHAPTER

I. INTRODUCTION........................................................... 1

Purpose of the Study.................................................. 1
Statement of the Problem............................................ 3
Background Information and Endangered Status...... 4

II. SONAR SURVEYS AND SIDE-SCAN DATA............. 11

Objectives and Hypotheses........................................ 11
Introduction and Background..................................... 11
Study Areas................................................................ 18
Methods and Design................................................... 23
Results........................................................................ 34
Discussion................................................................... 60
Conclusions................................................................. 64
ix

CHAPTER Page
III. WATER SAMPLES AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.... 66

Objectives and Hypotheses......................................... 66
Introduction and Background..................................... 66
Methods and Design................................................... 71
Results........................................................................ 73
Discussion................................................................... 85
Conclusions................................................................. 91

IV. Executive Summary.......................................................... 93

LITERATURE CITED............................................................................ 96

APPENDIX I GARMIN® SURVEY MAPS.......................................... 104

APPENDIX II HUMMINBIRD® SONAR RECORDING MAPS.........108

APPENDIX III HUMMINBIRD® RECORDINGS AND IMAGES..... 112

VITA........................................................................................................ 116