Spatial Dynamics of Harbour Porpoise Phocoena phocoena Relative to Local Hydrodynamics and Environmental Conditions

Understanding the spatial dynamics of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is crucial for effective conservation and management. The study presents a multidisciplinary approach to modelling and analysing the site occurrence and habitat use of Phocoena phocoena within the Skerries and Causeway Special Area of Conservation (SAC), identifying areas where they were seen surfacing and/or spending the most time. Using data derived from multibeam echosounders (MBES), particle size analysis of sediments, hydrodynamic modelling, and theodolite tracking observations, the study examines the influence of local hydrodynamics and environmental conditions on the spatial distribution of harbour porpoises. Kernel density analysis of 451 porpoise sightings over an 11-day survey demonstrated that dense clusters and higher aggregations occurred within ~500 m of the shoreline. Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) identified slope, aspect, backscatter intensity and sediment grain size as the most significant environmental predictors, accounting for 47.6% of the deviance in harbour porpoise distribution. Porpoises' occurrence was particularly spatially coincident with coarser sediments (4.25–5 mm), and their distribution was highly concentrated around headlands, shoreline and within a 3-h window before and after high water. Overall, these findings highlight the dynamic nature of harbour porpoises' use of habitat in space and time, with models predicting a high probability of porpoise encounters (> 0.6) nearshore, particularly in headland areas characterised by local flow acceleration and coarser seabeds. The study presents a robust workflow for developing a porpoise-specific monitoring program. By leveraging multidisciplinary methodological approaches, the study provides a scientific basis for refining marine conservation measures, delivering long-term protection for harbour porpoise habitats under existing legal and management frameworks both within and beyond the SAC boundaries.