December 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine mammal marking effects publication
by Kristen Walker 26 Dec '11

26 Dec '11

Dear colleagues, The following article has just been published online in Wildlife Research: Walker, K. A., Trites, A. W., Haulena, M., and Weary, D. M. 2011. A review of the effects of different marking and tagging techniques on marine mammals. Wildlife Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WR10177 Abstract Wildlife research often requires marking and tagging animals to collect data on survival, reproduction, movement, behavior and physiology. Identification of individual marine mammals can be done using tags, brands, paint, dye, photogrammetry, telemetry and other techniques. An analysis of peer-reviewed articles published from January 1980 to April 2011 addressing the effects of marking revealed a preponderance of studies focused on short-term effects such as injuries and behavioral changes. Some marking techniques were reported to cause pain and to change swimming and haul out behavior, maternal attendance, and duration of foraging trips. However, marking has typically not been found to affect survival. No published research has addressed other possible long-term effects of marking related to injuries or pain responses. Studies of the more immediate effects of marking (mostly related to externally attached devices such as radio transmitters) have shown a variety of different types and magnitudes of responses. It is important to note that studies failing to find treatment differences are less likely to be published, meaning that this and any other review based on published literature may be a biased sample of all research conducted on the topic. Publishing results that found no or low impacts (i.e., best practices) as well as those that found significant impacts on animals should both be encouraged. Future research under more controlled conditions is required to document acute effects of marking, including injury and pain, and to better understand longer-term effects on health, reproduction, and survival. We recommend that studies using marked animals standardize their reports with added detail on methodology, monitoring and sampling design and address practices used to minimize the impact of marking on marine mammals. For pdf reprints of the article e-mail walkerkr(a)interchange.ubc.ca Regards, Kristen Walker Kristen A. Walker, PhDUniversity of British ColumbiaAnimal Welfare Program2357 Main Mall, Suite 180Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canadaemail: walkerkr(a)interchange.ubc.ca

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Long-term effectiveness of acoustic pingers on marine mammal bycatch in gillnets
by Jim Carretta 23 Dec '11

23 Dec '11

Dear colleagues, A paper on the long-term effectiveness of acoustic pingers on marine mammal bycatch in gillnets was recently published in the Marine Technology Society Journal: Carretta, J.V. and J. Barlow. 2011. Long-term effectiveness, failure rates, and "dinner bell" properties of acoustic pingers in a gillnet fishery. Marine Technology Society Journal 45(5):7-19. *Abstract* The long-term effectiveness of acoustic pingers in reducing marine mammal bycatch was assessed for the swordfish and thresher shark drift gillnet fishery in California. Between 1990 and 2009, data on fishing gear, environmental variables, and bycatch were recorded for over 8,000 fishing sets by at-sea fishery observers, including over 4,000 sets outfitted with acoustic pingers between 1996 and 2009. Bycatch rates of cetaceans in sets with ≥30 pingers were nearly 50% lower compared to sets without pingers (*p* = 1.2 × 10−6), though this result is driven largely by common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*) bycatch. Beaked whales have not been observed entangled in this fishery since 1995, the last full year of fishing without acoustic pingers. Pinger failure (≥1 nonfunctioning pingers in a net) was noted in 3.7% of observed sets. In sets where the number of failed pingers was recorded, approximately 18% of deployed pingers had failed. Cetacean bycatch rates were 10 times higher in sets where ≥1 pingers failed versus sets without pinger failure (*p* = 0.002), though sample sizes for sets with pinger failure were small. No evidence of habituation to pingers by cetaceans was apparent over a 14-year period of use. Bycatch rates of California sea lions in sets with ≥30 pingers were nearly double that of sets without pingers, which prompted us to examine the potential “dinner bell“ effects of pingers. Depredation of swordfish catch by California sea lions was not linked to pinger use—the best predictors of depredation were total swordfish catch, month fished, area fished, and nighttime use of deck lights on vessels. This article appears in the Sep./Oct. 2011 general issue of Marine Technology Society Journal, which can be purchased at https://www.mtsociety.org/publications/. For pdf reprints of only the article itself, e-mail: Jim.Carretta(a)noaa.gov<Kerri.Danil(a)noaa.gov> .

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Seabird and Dolphin Mortality Associated with Underwater Detonation Exercises
by Kerri Danil 22 Dec '11

22 Dec '11

Hi all, The following article has just been published: *Seabird and Dolphin Mortality Associated with Underwater Detonation Exercises, *Kerri Danil & Judy A. St. Leger*. **Marine Technology Society Journal*, November/December 2011, Volume 45, Number 6, pp. 89–95. We report the details of two wildlife mortality events that were associated with underwater detonations. The detonations occurred as part of military training activities at Silver Strand Training Complex in San Diego, California. In March 2006, an underwater detonation resulted in 70 western grebes (*Aechmophorus occidentalis*) being killed by subsequent sequential detonations in the same training exercise. Ten of the 70 western grebes impacted were necropsied, verifying cause of death as primary blast injury. In March 2011, a time-delayed underwater detonation resulted in the death of three or possibly four long-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus capensis*). While these blast events were unlikely to impact these species on a population level, underwater detonations do have the potential for population-level impacts on wildlife. Both events were accidental mortalities and the ﬁrst ever documented from Navy underwater detonation training in Hawaii, Southern California, and along the U.S. East Coast. The Navy updated its underwater explosive mitigation measures after each of these mortality events to limit the potential of future mortalities by requiring sequential detonations to occur either less than 5 s or more than 30 min apart and by suspending time-delayed detonation training exercises until more robust precautionary measures can be developed. This article is in the first volume of a 2- volume special editition "Legacy Underwater Munitions: Assessment, Evaluation of Impacts, and Potential Response Technologies". Part 1 of this 2 volume edition can be purchased at: https://www.mtsociety.org/publications/. For pdf reprints of only the article itself, e-mail: Kerri.Danil(a)noaa.gov. Cheers, Kerri Danil

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NMFS Draft EIS on the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean Available for Review
by Candace Nachman 22 Dec '11

22 Dec '11

All, The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is pleased to announce the availability of the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The DEIS is now available on the project website: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/arctic.htm. The purpose of the DEIS is to evaluate, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of implementing the alternative approaches for authorizing the take of marine mammals incidental to oil and gas exploration activities in the Arctic Ocean pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is a cooperating agency on this DEIS, and as such, this DEIS also evaluates the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of implementing the alternative approaches for authorizing geological and geophysical surveys and ancillary activities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in the Arctic Ocean. The North Slope Borough is also a cooperating agency on this DEIS. NMFS approved the DEIS for public review, and the Notice of Availability (NOA) will be published in the Federal Register on December 30, 2011. Once published, a link to the NOA can be found on the project website listed above. *Public Comment Period:* Comments on the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean DEIS will be accepted at public hearings and during the public comment period until February 13, 2012, and can be submitted using the methods listed here: - Email: arcticeis.comments(a)noaa.gov - Mail: Director, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 - Fax: (301) 713-0376 We request that you include your name and affiliation in your comments and background documents to support your comments as appropriate. *THE DEADLINE FOR PROVIDING COMMENTS IS FEBRUARY 13, 2012.* *Public Hearings:* Public hearings will be held in late January and early February 2012, in the communities of Barrow, Kaktovik, Kivalina, Kotzebue, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, and Wainwright. Final dates and times have not yet been set. Once the final hearing dates, locations, and times are set, a notice will publish in the Federal Register. Another email will also be posted to this list serve with that information once it is finalized. The DEIS may be viewed online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/arctic.htm. To obtain a paper copy of or a CD containing the Draft PEIS, please send a written request to the project postal or email address noted above with your physical address. The document will be provided within 10 days of processing the request. To read the press release about this DEIS go to: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20111222_arcticenvironmentalimpact… Thank you for your interest and participation in the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean DEIS. -- Candace Nachman Fishery Biologist National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Permits and Conservation Division 1315 East West Highway, Rm 3503 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Ph: (301) 427-8429 Fax: (301) 713-0376 Web: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/

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Job opportunity Development Manager at MARINElife
by tom.brereton＠marine-life.org.uk 22 Dec '11

22 Dec '11

Development Manager Organisation: MARINElife Salary: £36,000 - £38,000 +3% pension contribution Location: Home based (easy access to Dorset, UK) Hours: Full Time Position type: Paid Contract: Fixed Term Contract Closing date: Mon 16 January 12 Website: www.marine-life.org.uk Contact name: Tricia Dendle Contact telephone: +44 (0) 1308 425615 Contact email: tricia.dendle(a)marine-life.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARINElife is a young and creative UK charity carrying out scientific research and educational work on whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine animals in the oceans of North-west Europe. We are looking for a full-time Development Manager to lead the organisation through a strategic period of growth. The post will initially be for one year, with a view to an enhanced salary and longer-term position subject to performance. Key activities will include managing day to day operations, delivering MARINElifes development strategy, securing significant new funding to facilitate growth, and acting as lead contact point. We are looking for a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader, with a strong track record in fund-raising, business management and development. Ideally, the candidate will have experience of working in the environmental field, preferably in marine biodiversity conservation. You will be well-organised and self-motivated work and able to work with limited direct supervision. You will be part of a small professional team working nationally but largely based in Dorset, and will work with and help motivate a wider network of volunteers. Responsible To: Chairman of Trustees Location: Based at home initially Duration: One year full-time contract in the first instance Weekly hours: 37 hours (flexible to include weekends and evenings) For a job description and an application pack please email tricia.dendle(a)marine-life.org.uk Interview Date: Week commencing 30th January 2012 Start Date: As soon as possible after interview --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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New publication: Review: Marine Mammals and DCS
by Sascha Hooker 22 Dec '11

22 Dec '11

The following open access article has just been published: Deadly diving? Physiological and behavioural management of decompression stress in diving mammals. SK Hooker, A. Fahlman, MJ Moore, N. Aguilar de Soto, Y Bernaldo de Quiros, AO Brubakk, DP Costa, AM Costidis, S. Dennison, KJ Falke, A Fernandez, M Ferrigno, JR Fitz-Clarke, MM Garner, DS Houser, PD Jepson, DR Ketten, PH Kvadsheim, PT Madsen, NW Pollock, DS Rotstein, TK Rowles, SE Simmons, W Van Bonn, PK Weathersby, MJ Weise, TM Williams, PL Tyack. Proceedings of the Royal Society, London – Biological Sciences doi: 10.1098/rspb.2011.2088 Available online via: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/12/15/rspb.2011.2…<http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/12/15/rspb.2011.2…> With data supplement at: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/12/15/rspb.2011.2… Abstract: Decompression sickness (DCS, 'the bends') is a disease associated with gas uptake at pressure. The basic pathology and cause are relatively well known to human divers. Breath-hold diving marine mammals were thought to be relatively immune to DCS owing to multiple anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations that reduce nitrogen gas (N2) loading during dives. However, recent observations have shown that gas bubbles may form and tissue injury may occur in marine mammals under certain circumstances. Gas kinetic models based on measured time-depth profiles further suggest the potential occurrence of high blood and tissue N2 tensions. We review evidence for gas-bubble incidence in marine mammal tissues and discuss the theory behind gas loading and bubble formation. We suggest that diving mammals vary their physiological responses according to multiple stressors, and that the perspective on marine mammal diving physiology should change from simply 'minimising N2 loading' to 'management of the N2 load'. This suggests several avenues for further study, ranging from the effects of gas bubbles at molecular, cellular and organ function levels, to comparative studies relating the presence/absence of gas bubbles to diving behaviour. Technological advances in imaging and remote instrumentation are likely to advance this field in coming years. Keywords: diving physiology, marine mammals, gas bubbles, embolism, decompression sickness. -- Dr Sascha K. Hooker Lecturer, School of Biology Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, FIFE, KY16 8LB, UK Website: www.smru.st-and.ac.uk/skh/ Email: s.hooker(a)st-andrews.ac.uk __ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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A New Context-Based Approach to Assess Marine Mammal Behavioral Responses to Anthropogenic Sounds
by Brandon Southall 21 Dec '11

21 Dec '11

MARMAM subscribers, We would like to bring to your attention the following recent publication: *A New Context-Based Approach to Assess Marine Mammal Behavioral Responses to Anthropogenic Sounds* *W.T. ELLISON, B.L. SOUTHALL, C.W. CLARK, AND A.S. FRANKEL* Conservation Biology, Volume **, No. *, 1--8 2011, Society for Conservation Biology published online: DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01803.x The link to the full article is http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01803.x/full The link to the abstract is http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2011.01803.x/abstract and the abstract text is given below: _Abstract_: Acute effects of anthropogenic sounds on marine mammals, such as from military sonars, energy development, and offshore construction, have received considerable international attention from scientists, regulators, and industry. Moreover, there has been increasing recognition and concern about the potential chronic effects of human activities (e.g., shipping). It has been demonstrated that increases in human activity and background noise can alter habitats of marine animals and potentially mask communications for species that rely on sound to mate, feed, avoid predators, and navigate. Without exception, regulatory agencies required to assess and manage the effects of noise on marine mammals have addressed only the acute effects of noise on hearing and behavior. Furthermore, they have relied on a single exposure metric to assess acute effects: the absolute sound level received by the animal. There is compelling evidence that factors other than received sound level, including the activity state of animals exposed to different sounds, the nature and novelty of a sound, and spatial relations between sound source and receiving animals (i.e., the exposure context) strongly affect the probability of a behavioral response. A more comprehensive assessment method is needed that accounts for the fact that multiple contextual factors can affect how animals respond to both acute and chronic noise. We propose a three-part approach. The first includes measurement and evaluation of context-based behavioral responses of marine mammals exposed to various sounds. The second includes new assessment metrics that emphasize relative sound levels (i.e., ratio of signal to background noise and level above hearing threshold). The third considers the effects of chronic and acute noise exposure. All three aspects of sound exposure (context, relative sound level, and chronic noise) mediate behavioral response, and we suggest they be integrated into ecosystem-level management and the spatial planning of human offshore activities. _Keywords_: behavioral context, noise, received level, signal-to-noise ratio Thanks and wishing everyone has a wonderful holidays, William Ellison, Brandon Southall, Chris Clark, Adam Frankel Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D. President, Senior Scientist, SEA, Inc. Research Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA 831.332.8744 (mobile); 831.661.5177 (office); 831.661.5178 (fax) Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net; www.sea-inc.net

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new Australian sea lion publication
by Lowther, Andrew (PIRSA-SARDI) 21 Dec '11

21 Dec '11

Hi all, Latest publication on Australian sea lion foraging ecology is now available in MEPS. Any questions, dont hesitate to ask. Have a good break ! A.D. Lowther, R.G. Harcourt, D.J. Hamer, S.D. Goldsworthy. (2011). Creatures of habit: foraging habitat fidelity of adult female Australian sea lions. Marine Ecology Progress Series 443: 249-263 ABSTRACT: We examined the movement characteristics and seasonality of feeding behaviour for an endemic Australian otariid, the Australian sea lion Neophoca cinerea. By combining tracking data and stable isotope analysis of serially subsampled vibrissae from 20 adult females at 7 colonies, we were able to characterise individual foraging specialisation across 80% of the species range. Adult females expressed long-term temporal consistency in both foraging site (offshore vs. inshore) and prey selection. When seasonality in foraging behaviour was detected (n = 7), there was no consistency in variation of isotope ratios between individuals or colonies. Offshore-foraging sea lions fed at higher trophic levels than inshore foragers. Potentially, inshore foragers could be subdivided into those which targeted heterogeneously distributed seagrass meadows or calcarenite reef systems for different payoffs. This data highlights the importance of understanding individual specialisation and the dangers of generalising behaviour at the colony level. Individual specialisation in foraging behaviour may be a mechanism that reduces intra-specific competition, but its effectiveness will be a function of the temporal stability of individual differences. The present study is the first to identify multi-season consistency of individual foraging behaviour for any otariid. Given the long-term stability of adult female foraging behaviour, categorising individuals using a proxy measure such as whisker isotopic signature appears robust, economical, and appropriate. Such data is critical to modelling population response to anthropogenically driven fine-scale habitat modification. Andrew Lowther Senior Research Officer (Pinniped Ecology) Threatened, Endangered & Protected Species (TEPS) South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI) - Aquatic Sciences 2 Hamra Avenue West Beach SA 5024 AUSTRALIA

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Internships/volunteers for cetaceans surveys in Madeira Island
by Museu da Baleia da Madeira 21 Dec '11

21 Dec '11

The Madeira Whale Museum (MBM) is seeking internships/volunteers for the year 2012 to collaborate within the project CETACEOSMADEIRA II ( <http://www.cetaceos-madeira.com> www.cetaceos-madeira.com) This is a research project being conducted at Madeira Island (Portugal) that aims to identify areas of importance for the bottlenose dolphin and propose mangement measures to a sustainable development , making the human activities compatible with this purpose. The establishment of these areas will reinforce the ecological importance of the marine areas of the Natura 2000 Network in the Atlantic, especially in the Macaronesia region. To achieve this goal, systematic nautical surveys are being carried out in the coastal waters of Madeira archipelago. Besides these surveys, the sea effort also includes random nautical surveys in areas previously identified as potentially important for the bottlenose dolphin. The surveys are carried out on board the 18-meter MBM research yacht Ziphius and all the sightings of cetaceans and other relevant information, is recorded on a computer linked to a GPS. Duties include: - Learn all research protocols; - Entry data in real time; - Working for long hours at sea (sometimes from sunrise to sunset); - Entry data while in the office; - Assist with photo-id work; - Assist with strandings; - Land based surveys. Candidates must be available for at least two months and need to provide for their own accommodation, travel and food expenses. Previous experience in the field is preferred but not required. To apply, send an email to <mailto:geral@museudabaleia.org> geral(a)museudabaleia.org with name, contact information, availability and an updated CV. Best Regards, -- Serviços Administrativos Museu da Baleia da Madeira Rua da Pedra D Eira 9200-031 Caniçal Telef. 291 961 858/9 Fax: 291 961 861 <http://www.museudabaleia.org/> www.museudabaleia.org

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Study killer whale conservation in 2012
by Scott Veirs, Beam Reach 20 Dec '11

20 Dec '11

Please forward this under/graduate field research opportunity to your students and peers: Get off-campus for 10 weeks next spring or fall to study endangered killer whales, their ecosystem, and marine conservation. Apply now to conduct your own research with the Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School. Beam Reach is for you if you want to: -- study endangered orcas and their ecosystem, from salmon to phytoplankton -- use advanced bioacoustic and genetic tools in your own project -- network with experts in killer whale conservation -- learn to sail a biodiesel-electric catamaran -- explore the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest -- earn 18 credits from the University of Washington Learn more (audio/video/photos) at our web site: http://www.beamreach.org/?mrm12/20/2011 Or hear all about it from the student blogs: http://beamreach.org/blog?mrm12/20/2011 We are currently accepting applications for spring and fall 2012, as well as spring 2013. To apply you should have completed your first year of college, be interested in the marine environment, and want to spend 10 weeks off-campus in an intensive field research experience. To start your adventure just complete this simple application form -- http://www.beamreach.org/apply?mrm12/20/2011 Upcoming application reviews are January 2 and February 6. Let us know if you have any questions! Dr. Scott Veirs info(a)beamreach.org Recent publications and presentations: 2011 Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference talks and student posters 2011 spring Acoustical Society of America Killer Whale Acoustics session Holt, et al. (2009) Killer whales increase their call amplitude in response to vessel noise

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