Telemetry is a key, widely used tool to understand marine megafauna distribution, habitat use, behavior, and physiology; however, a critical question remains: “How many animals should be tracked to acquire meaningful data sets?” This question has wide‐ranging implications including considerations of statistical power, animal ethics, logistics, and cost. While power analyses can inform sample sizes needed for statistical significance, they require some initial data inputs that are often unavailable. To inform the planning of telemetry and biologging studies of marine megafauna where few or no data are available or where resources are limited, we reviewed the types of information that have been obtained in previously published studies using different sample sizes. We considered sample sizes from one to >100 individuals and synthesized empirical findings, detailing the information that can be gathered with increasing sample sizes. We complement this review with simulations, using real data, to show the impact of sample size when trying to address various research questions in movement ecology of marine megafauna. We also highlight the value of collaborative, synthetic studies to enhance sample sizes and broaden the range, scale, and scope of questions that can be answered.
History
Publication title
Ecological Applications
Volume
29
Issue
6
Pagination
e01947
ISSN
1051-0761
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
Ecological Soc Amer
Place of publication
1707 H St Nw, Ste 400, Washington, USA, Dc, 20006-3915
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems