Marine Mammal Ecology Lab

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Publications authored or co-authored by lab members

(*WWU undergraduate student, **WWU graduate student)

McKeegan, K.**, Clayton, K.*, Williams, R., Ashe, E., Reiss, S., Mendez-Bye, A., Janik, V. M., Goetz, T., Zinkgraf, M. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2024. The effect of a startle-eliciting device on the foraging success of individual harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Scientific Reports 14: 3719.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Lewis, Z. K.**, Scordino, J. J., Allyn, E. M., Lance, M. M., Brown, S., Schwarz, D. & Akmajian, A. M. 2023. First diet description of the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) in the northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State. Northwestern Naturalist 104: 253-263.

Douglas, A. B., Garita Alpízar, F., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Mahaffy, S. D., Rasmussen, K., Quintana-Rizzo, E., De Weerdt, J., Palacios, D. M., Martínez-Fernández, D., Lazcano-Pacheco, C., Ortega Ortiz, C. D., Ransome, N., Frisch-Jordán, A., Villegas-Zurita, F., Calambokidis, J. & Baird, R. W. 2023. False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens Cetacea: Delphinidae) along the Pacific coast of Central America and Mexico: Long-term site movements, association patterns and assessment of fishery interactions. Revista de Biología Tropical 71: e57189.

Bankhead, K.*, Freeman, G., Heimbichner-Goebel, W.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2023. Effects of anthropogenic noise on haul-out numbers of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Canadian Journal of Zoology 101: 720-728.

Buzzell, B.**, Akmajian, A. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2023. Exploring the biotic resistance of the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) by examining the diet of North American river otters (Lontra canadensis). Fishery Bulletin 121: 30-35.

Freeman, G.**, Matthews, E.*, Stehr, E.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2022. Individual variability in foraging success of a marine predator informs predator management. Scientific Reports 12: 11184.

Thomas, A. C., Deagle, B., Nordstrom, C., Majewski, S., Nelson, B. W., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Jeffries, S., Moore, J., Louden, A., Allegue, H., Pearson, S., Schmidt, M. & Trites, A. W. Data on the diets of harbour seals from DNA metabarcoding. 2022. Data on the diets of Salish Sea harbour seals from DNA metabarcoding. Scientific Data 9: 68.

Amundin, M., Carlström, J., Thomas, L., Carlén, I., Koblitz, J.C., Teilmann, J., Tougaard, J., Tregenza, N., Wennerberg, D., Loisa, O., Brundiers, K., Kosecka, M., Kyhn, L.A., Tiberi Ljungqvist, C., Sveegaard, S., Burt, M.L., Pawliczka, I., Jussi, I., Koza, R., Arciszewski, B., Galatius, A., Jabbusch, M., Laaksonlaita, J., Lyytinen, S., Niemi, J., Šaškov, A. MacAuley, J., Wright, A., Gallus, A., Blankett, P., Dähne, M., Acevedo‐Gutiérrez, A. & Benke, H. 2022. Estimating the abundance of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) population using passive acoustic monitoring. Ecology and Evolution 12: e8554.

Nelson, B. W., Pearson, S. F., Anderson, J. H., Jeffries, S., Thomas, A. C., Walker, W. A., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Kemp, I. M., Lance, M. M., Louden, A., & Voelker, M. R.**. 2021. Variation in predator diet and prey size affects perceived impacts to salmon species of high conservation concern. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 78: 1661-1676.

Hanuscin, D., Donovan, D., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Borda, E., DeBari, S., Melton, J., Le, T., Morrison, W., & Ronca, R. 2021. Supporting the professional development of science teacher educators through shadowing. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education 19 (Suppl. 1):S145-S165.

Voelker, M. R.**, Schwarz, D., Thomas, A., Nelson, B. W. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2020. Large-scale molecular barcoding of prey DNA reveals predictors of intrapopulation feeding diversity in a marine predator Ecology and Evolution 10:9867-9885.

Nikolich, K.**, Frouin-Moury, H. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2018. Clear diel patterns in breeding calls of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) at Hornby Island, British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Zoology 96:1236-1243.

Schwarz, D., Spitzer, S.*, Thomas, A., Kohnert, C.**, Keates, T.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2018. Large-scale molecular diet analysis in a generalist marine mammal reveals male preference for prey of conservation concern. Ecology and Evolution 8:9889-9905.

Carlén, I., Thomas, L., Carlström, J., Amundin, M., Teilmann, J., Tregenza, N., Tougaard, J., Koblitz, J.C., Sveegaard, S., Wennerberg, D., Loisa, O., Dähne, M., Brundiers, K., Kosecka, M., Kyhn, L.A., Ljungqvist, C.T., Pawliczka, I., Koza, R., Arciszewski, B., Galatius, A., Jabbusch, M., Laaksonlaita, J., Niemi, J., Lyytinen, S., Gallus, A., Benke, H., Blankett, P., Skóra, K.E., & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2018. Basin-scale distribution of harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea provides basis for effective conservation actions. Biological Conservation 226:43-53.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2018. Group behavior. In: Würsig, B., Thewissen, J. G. M. & Kovacs, K. K. (eds.) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. pp 428-435. 3rd edition. Academic Press, San Diego, USA.

Chasco, B. E., Kaplan, I. C., Thomas, A. C., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Noren, D. P., Ford, M. J., Hanson, M. B., Scordino, J. J., Jeffries, S. J., Marshall, K. N. Shelton, A. O., Matkin, C., Burke, B. J. & Ward, E. J. 2017. Competing tradeoffs between increasing marine mammal predation and fisheries harvest of Chinook salmon. Scientific Reports 7:15439.

Akmajian, A. M.**, Scordino, J. J. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2017. Year-round algal toxin exposure in free-ranging sea lions. Marine Ecology Progress Series 583:243-258.

Olson, J.** & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2017. Influence of human exposure on the anti-predatory response of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Aquatic Mammals 43:673-681.

Chasco, B., Kaplan, I. C., Thomas, A., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Noren, D. P., Ford, M. J., Hanson, M. B., Scordino, J., Jeffries, S. J., Pearson, S. F., Marshall, K. & Ward, E. J. 2017. Estimates of Chinook salmon consumption in Washington State inland waters by four marine mammal predators from 1970 - 2015. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 74:1173-1194.

Rothstein, A. P.**, McLaughlin, R.**, Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Schwarz, D. 2017. WISEPAIR: a computer program for individual matching in genetic tracking studies. Molecular Ecology Resources 17:267-277.

Cates, K.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2017. Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) tolerance to vessels under different levels of boat traffic. Aquatic Mammals 43:193-200.

Moreno, K.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2016. The social structure of Golfo Dulce bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the influence of behavioural state. Royal Society Open Science 3:160010. (big file)

Nikolich, K.**, Frouin-Mouy, H. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2016. Quantitative classification of harbor seal breeding calls in Georgia Strait, Canada. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 140:1300-1308.

Adams, J., Kaplan, I., Chasco, B., Marshall, K. N., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Ward, E. J. 2016. A century of Chinook salmon consumption by marine mammal predators in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Ecological Informatics 34:45-51.

Bjorkland, R. H., Pearson, S. F, Jeffries, S. J, Lance, M. M., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Ward, E. J. 2015. Stable isotope mixing models elucidate sex and size effects on the diet of a generalist marine predator. Marine Ecology Progress Series 526:213-225. (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Wilson, K.**, Lance, M., Jeffries, S. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2014. Fine-scale variability in harbor seal foraging behavior. PLoS ONE 9:e92838. (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Buzzell, B.*, Lance, M. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2014. Spatial and temporal variation in river otter (Lontra canadensis) diet and predation on rockfish (Genus Sebastes) in the San Juan Islands, Washington. Aquatic Mammals 40:150-161. (big file) (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Bessesen, B. L., Oviedo, L., Hart, L. B., Herra-Miranda, D., Pacheco-Polanco, J. D., Baker, L.*, Saborio-R., G., Bermudez-Villapol, L. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2014. Lacaziosis-like disease among bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus photographed in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 107:173-180.

Luxa, K.** & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2013. Food habits of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in two estuaries in the central Salish Sea. Aquatic Mammals 39:10-22.  (big file) (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Bromaghin, J. F., Lance, M. M., Elliott, E. W., Jeffries, S. J., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Kennish, J. M. 2013. New insights into the diets of harbor seals in the Salish Sea of western North America revealed by quantitative fatty acid signature analysis. Fishery Bulletin 111:13-26. (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Howard, S.**, Lance, M., Jeffries, S. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2013. Fish consumption by harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the San Juan Islands, WA. Fishery Bulletin 111:27-41. (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Lance, M. M., Chang, W.-Y., Jeffries, S. J., Pearson, S. F. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2012. Harbor seal diet in northern Puget Sound: implications for the recovery of depressed fish stocks. Marine Ecology Progress Series 464:257-271. (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Peterson, S.**, Lance, M. M., Jeffries, S. J. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2012. Long distance movements and disjunct spatial use of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the inland waters of the Pacific Northwest. PLoS ONE 7:e39046. (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Ward, E. J., Levin, P. S., Lance, M. M., Jeffries, S. J. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2012. Integrating diet and movement data to identify hot spots of predation risk and areas of conservation concern for endangered species. Conservation Letters 5:37-47. (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Thomas, A.**, Lance, M. M., Jeffries, S. J., Miner, B. G. & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2011. Harbor seal foraging response to a seasonal resource pulse, spawning Pacific herring. Marine Ecology Progress Series 441:225-239. (NSF #OCE-0550443)

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Acevedo, L. & Boren, L. 2011. Effects of the presence of official-looking volunteers on harassment of New Zealand fur seals. Conservation Biology 25:623-627.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Cendejas-Zarelli, S.* 2011. Nocturnal haul-out patterns of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) related to airborne noise levels in Bellingham, Washington, USA.  Aquatic Mammals 32:167-174.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Acevedo, L., Belonovich, O. & Boren, L. 2011. How effective are posted signs to regulate tourism? An example with New Zealand fur seals. Tourism in Marine Environments 7:39-41.

Farrer, J.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2010. Use of haul-out sites by harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Bellingham: implications for future development. Northwestern Naturalist 91:74-79.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2009. Group behavior. In: Perrin, W. F., Würsig, B. & Thewissen, J. G. M. (eds.) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. pp 510-520. 2nd edition. Academic Press, San Diego, USA.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2009. Habitat use. In: Perrin, W. F., Würsig, B. & Thewissen, J. G. M. (eds.) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. pp 525-529. 2nd edition. Academic Press, San Diego, USA.

Patterson, J.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2008. Tidal influence on the haul-out behavior of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) at a site available at all tide levels. Northwestern Naturalist 89:17-23.

Johnson, A.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2007. Regulation compliance and harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) disturbance. Canadian Journal of Zoology 85:290-294.

Myhre, S.* & Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2007. Recovery of sea urchin Diadema antillarum populations is correlated to increased coral and reduced macroalgal cover. Marine Ecology Progress Series 329:205-210.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., DiBerardinis, A., Larkin, S., Larkin, L. & Forestell, P. 2005. Social interactions between tucuxis and bottlenose dolphins in Gandoca-Manzanillo, Costa Rica. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 4:49-54.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Stienessen, S. C. 2004. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) increase number of whistles when feeding. Aquatic Mammals 30:357-362.

Pre-Western Alejandro's Publications

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2002. Interactions between marine predators: dolphin food intake is related to number of sharks. Marine Ecology Progress Series 240:267-271.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 2002. Group behavior. In: Perrin, W. F., Würsig, B. & Thewissen, J. G. M. (eds.) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. pp 537-544. Academic Press, San Diego, USA.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Croll, D. & Tershy, B. 2002. High feeding costs limit dive time in large whales. The Journal of Experimental Biology 205:1747-1753.

Croll, D., Clark, C. W., Acevedo, A., Tershy, B., Flores, S., Gedamke, J. & Urban, J. 2002. Only male fin whales sing loud songs. Nature 417:809.

Croll, D., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Tershy, B. & Urban-Ramirez, J. 2001. The diving behavior of blue and fin whales: is dive duration shorter than expected based on oxygen stores? Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A 129:797-809.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Parker, N. 2000. Surface behavior of bottlenose dolphins is related to spatial arrangement of prey. Marine Mammal Science 16:287-298.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 1999. Aerial behavior is not a social facilitator in bottlenose dolphins hunting in small groups. Journal of Mammalogy 80:768-776.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Burkhart, S. 1998. Seasonal distribution of bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and pan-tropical spotted (Stenella attenuata) dolphins in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Revista de Biologia Tropical 46,S6:91-101.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A., Brennan, B., Rodriguez, P. & Thomas, M. 1997. Resightings and behavior of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in Costa Rica. Marine Mammal Science 13:307-314.

Acevedo, A. 1996. Lista de mamiferos marinos en Golfo Dulce e Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. Revista de Biologia Tropical 44:933-934.

Fertl, D., Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. & Darby, F. 1996. A report of killer whales (Orcinus orca) feeding on a carcharhinid shark in Costa Rica. Marine Mammal Science 12:606-611.

Acevedo, A. & Smultea, M. 1995. First records of humpback whales including calves at Golfo Dulce and Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, suggesting geographical overlap of northern and southern hemisphere populations. Marine Mammal Science 11:554-559.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 1994. First record of a sea lion (Zalophus californianus) at Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. Marine Mammal Science 10:484-485.

Acevedo-Gutiérrez, A. 1994. First records of occurrence and nesting of three bird species at Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, Revista de Biologia Tropical 42:762.

Brager, S., Würsig, B., Acevedo, A. & Henningsen, T. 1994. Association patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Galveston Bay, Texas. Journal of Mammalogy 75:431-437.

Tershy, B., Acevedo-G., A., Breese, D. & Strong, C. 1993. Diet and feeding behavior of fin and Bryde's whales in the central Gulf of California, Mexico. Revista de Investigacion Cientifica (No. SOMEMMA) 1:31-37.

Acevedo, A. 1991. Behaviour and movements of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the entrance to Ensenada de La Paz, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 17:137-147.

Acevedo, A. 1991. Interactions between boats and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the entrance to Ensenada de La Paz, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 17:120-124.

Acevedo, A. & Würsig, B. 1991. Preliminary observations on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. Aquatic Mammals 17:148-151.