Marine habitat modelling for harbour porpoises in the German Bight

The harbour porpoise habitat modelling project aims to synthesise the data by long-term analysis and modelling of harbour porpoise distribution in the German Bight, i.e. the alpha ventus area and adjacent waters. This study uses predictive distribution models – a recent development in habitat modelling – to estimate harbour porpoise distributions in the German Bight during the summer season (June to August). The statistical models link observations from aerial surveys to oceanographic conditions and pressures. Oceanographic conditions during porpoise surveys were estimated using hydrodynamic models capable of describing patterns and dynamics of feeding habitats. As the modelling depends on the availability of coherent oceanographic and pressure data for the entire German Bight, the approach used combines hydrodynamic and noise models designed for the purpose.