November 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on herring as a driver for distributions of harbour porpoises and mackerel
by Signe Sveegaard 17 Nov '12

17 Nov '12

The following paper is now available online on MEPS website (http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v468/) Sveegaard S, Nabe-Nielsen J, Stæhr KJ, Jensen TF, Mouritsen KN, Teilmann J (2012) Spatial interactions between marine predators and their prey: herring abundance as a driver for the distributions of mackerel and harbour porpoise. MEPS 468:245-253 ABSTRACT: The distribution of marine predators is tightly coupled with that of their prey, and may also be affected by interactions between competing predators. In order to adopt an ecosystem approach to the management of a species, it is essential to understand these processes. In this study, we examined whether the distributions of 2 marine predators, harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena and mackerel Scomber scombrus, are related to the distribution of a major prey species, herring Clupea harengus, on a large spatial scale. Porpoise distribution data were obtained from satellite-tracked harbour porpoises (1998 to 2009), while mackerel and herring distribution data were found by the annual ICES acoustic herring surveys providing data with overlapping temporal and spatial scales (2000 to 2009). We found that the 3 species were not evenly distributed within the study area and that harbour porpoise distribution was best explained solely by the distribution of herring, while herring together with depth explained 50% of the mackerel distribution. These results underline the importance of an ecosystem approach in management plans for predatory species by including monitoring and management of main prey species. Please send any enquiries or questions to sign(a)dmu.dk Best regards Signe Sveegaard PhD, researcher Department of Bioscience Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399 4000 Roskilde Denmark

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New publication on auditory temporal summation in a sea lion
by Marla Holt 16 Nov '12

16 Nov '12

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that a new publication is now available: Holt, M.M., Ghoul, A., and Reichmuth, C.J. 2012. Temporal summation of airborne tonal signals in a California sea lion (*Zalophus californianus*). *Journal of the Acoustical Society of America *132: 3569-3575. ABSTRACT: The trade-off between sound level and duration on hearing sensitivity (temporal summation) was investigated in a California sea lion ( *Zalophus californianus*) using airborne pure-tone stimuli. Thresholds were behaviorally measured using the method of constant stimuli at 2.5, 5, and 10 kHz for nine signal durations ranging from 25 to 500 ms. In general, thresholds decreased as duration increased up to 300 ms, beyond which thresholds did not significantly improve. When these data were fitted separately to two versions of an exponential model, the estimated time constants (92–167 ms) were generally consistent between the two fits. However, the model with more free parameters generated fits with consistently higher *R*2 values, while avoiding potential arbitrary decisions about which data to include. The time constants derived for the California sea lion were generally consistent with those reported for other mammals, including other pinnipeds. The current study did not show a clear correlation between time constant and test frequency. The results should be considered when conducting audiometric work, assessing communications ranges, and evaluating potential noise impacts of airborne tonal signals on California sea lions. © 2012 *Acoustical Society of America* The full article can be found online at: http://asadl.org/jasa/resource/1/jasman/v132/i5/p3569_s1 -- __________________________________ Marla M. Holt, Ph.D. Research Wildlife Biologist Marine Mammal & Seabird Ecology Team Conservation Biology Division NOAA/NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd East Seattle, WA 98112 Phone: 206.860.3261 Fax: 206.860.3475 www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/cbd/marine_mammal/marinemammal.cfm <http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/cbd/marine_mammal/marinemammal…>

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New paper: Humpback whales sightings around Trindade Island, Brazil
by Salvatore Siciliano 16 Nov '12

16 Nov '12

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the availability of a new publication on the presence of humpback whales around Trindade Island, located 1,140 km off southeast Brazil, in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Pdf can be downloaded at http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjoce/v60n3/16.pdf Salvatore Siciliano, Jailson F. de Moura, Henrique R. Filgueiras, Paulo P. Rodrigues and Nilamon de Oliveira Leite Jr. 2012. Sightings of humpback whales on the Vitoria-Trindade chain and around Trindade Island, Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, vol. 60 no.3 Sao Paulo jul./set. 2012 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1679-87592012000300016 Summary We report on two sets of opportunistic sightings of humpback whales off the southeast coast of Brazil between 2003 and 2007. Sightings were made onboard a longline fishing boat operating along the Vitoria-Trindade Chain from 27 October to 10 November 2003. A second set of sightings was collected during a trip to Trindade Is. from July to August 2007. Observations of humpback whale groups during 2007 were made from cliff-top vantage points on the mainland. Whenever possible, a description of the general behavior of the whales was recorded ad libitum. Our results and the previous published information suggest that the region around the Trindade and Martim Vaz archipelago may represent a migratory route for humpbacks that visit Brazilian waters. Furthermore, the frequency of groups of whales in this oceanic region during migration may be increasing due to population growth and the reoccupation process on the part of the stock of whales that have been using Brazilian waters after the cessation of whaling activities. Best regards to all, Salvatore ------------------------------------------------------- Salvatore Siciliano Escola Nacional de Saude Publica/FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil & IMMAR/GEMM-Lagos

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New paper on South American sea lion by-catch
by Juan Pablo Torres Florez 15 Nov '12

15 Nov '12

Dear Colleagues, We would like to inform you of a new publication now available at Journal of the marine biological association of the United Kingdom P. Reyes; R. Hucke-Gaete & J.P. Torres-Florez. First observation of operational interactions between bottom-trawling fisheries and South American sea lion, Otaria flavescens in south-central Chile. Abstract This paper presents results of a study conducted on the trawling industrial fishery fleet of Merluccius gayi in south-central Chile, and the resulting interactions with the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens). This study is based on observations made during September 2004, when incidental sea lion catch in the trawls was 6.3 sea lions/working day (1.2 sea lions/trawl−1). A total of 82 animals were incidentally caught, of which 12 were found dead, and the 70 remaining suffered from internal bleeding and/or fractures as a result of their capture. 83.3% of the fatalities occurred during nocturnal trawls, which comprise 30% of all observed trawls. Possible mechanisms of sea lion take are discussed. This note presents the first records of sea lions incidental by-catch by the trawler fleet along the south-east Pacific coast of Chile. A PDF file is available at: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=86… Or by emailing me at: jptorresflorez(a)uach.cl Best regards, Juan Pablo Torres Florez, Dr. Postdoctoral researcher Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas Universidad Austral de Chile Casilla 567 - Valdivia, CHILE Phone: +56 9 78769167 http://www.ballenazul.org http://www.ecolevol.cl Pd. En este mensaje las tildes han sido omitidas con el fin de evitar problemas de recepcion y lectura

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Proceedings Available from Int'l Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas, ICMMPA 2, Martinique
by Erich Hoyt 15 Nov '12

15 Nov '12

Dear Colleagues, Proceedings from the International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas (ICMMPA 2 - Martinique) are released today, including recommendations for a third conference in 2014. Complete proceedings are available for free download at http://second.icmmpa.org. The 103-page publication includes summaries of the individual talks, discussions, workshops and side events, and contact details for all participants. The ICMMPA 2 proceedings call for an enhanced mission for the International Committee on Marine Mammal Protected Areas. Recommendations include the use of marine mammal science to inform decision-making, a guide for best practices on marine mammal spatial planning, and the formation of a task force to develop guidelines to engage with the shipping industry, International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other sectors. Two themes emerged from the conference discussions and recommendations: the need to engage stakeholders and local communities, and the need for sustained funding for recovery of threatened and endangered species. Among other plans by the Committee is a third International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas, proposed to be held in Australia in late 2014. Full conference proceedings can be found online at: http://second.icmmpa.org. ICMMPA 2 was convened on the Caribbean island of Martinique in November 2011 to share the experiences, good practices and emerging scientific work contributing to greater knowledge and improved levels of protection for marine mammals, particularly focusing around the theme of endangered species and endangered spaces. This theme was explored in panel presentations, keynote addresses, workshops and side events, followed by discussions and recommendations agreed upon by all participants. “We had a great turnout for this second conference,” said Erich Hoyt, ICMMPA steering committee member and editor of the proceedings. “We attracted more than 150 marine mammal protected area researchers and managers as well as government and conservation group representatives from 42 countries and overseas territories. These conferences are proving to be a unique forum for addressing solutions to shared problems related to marine mammal protected areas, including site design, creation, management and scientific monitoring.” The conference was co-hosted by the French MPA Agency (Agence des aires marine protégées) and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Australian Government and 14 other international and regional sponsors, as well as a dozen supporting organizations, were actively involved, most either based in Martinique or with representation and activities in the Caribbean. Hosting ICMMPA 2 in the Caribbean also provided an opportunity to promote the Agoa Sanctuary for Marine Mammals declared in the French West Indies; to inform stakeholders, marine mammal scientists and the wider public about the Caribbean’s environmental and marine conservation efforts; and to create synergies and networking opportunities for the Wider Caribbean. On the Conference’s final day, a marine mammal protected area partnership, the “Martinique Declaration”, was forged between France, Dominican Republic, the USA, The Netherlands and the Regional Activity Center (RAC) of the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol. Representatives of these countries and agencies recently met in St. Maarten to reaffirm their intention to work together under the SPAW Protocol’s Marine Mammal Action Plan. To learn more about the International Committee on Marine Mammal Protected Areas visit: http://icmmpa.org For more information, contact: Erich Hoyt, ICMMPA Steering Committee and Editor of the Proceedings Email: Erich.Hoyt(a)mac.com or Naomi McIntosh, Chair, ICMMPA Steering Committee. ____________________________________________ Erich Hoyt Research Fellow WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Programme Lead, Critical Habitat/ Marine Protected Areas email: Erich.Hoyt(a)mac.com

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4th Annual Right Whale Festival- Saturday, November 17, 2012- Jacksonville Beach, Florida
by Cheryl Bonnes 14 Nov '12

14 Nov '12

*4th Annual Right Whale Festival- Saturday, November 17, 2012- Jacksonville Beach, Florida* The 4th Annual Right Whale Festival will be held this Saturday, November 17, 2012, at the Sea Walk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Come celebrate the endangered right whales annual return to Northeast Florida! This free event features over 50 exhibitors, live music, a beach clean-up, kids activities including a right whale obstacle course, a beach 5K run/walk, great food and much more! Below is the schedule for the speakers tent, where attendees can learn more about local marine mammals directly from the scientists that study them. Visit www.rightwhalefestival.org for a complete schedule of events or find us on Facebook! Speakers tent schedule: 10:30am Kids Activity: Can you hear me now? - Mayport Elementary Coastal Science Academy 11:00am Picture Perfect: Right Whale Photo ID - Katie Jackson 11:30am Waltzes with Giants - Peter Stone 12:00pm Welcome: Stella’s Whale Migration - Wyland Foundation 12:30pm WILD & FREE, Bottlenose dolphins - Peach Hubbard 1:00pm Meet the Mighty Manatee - Nadia Gordon 1:30pm Right Whale Advocacy - Tom Larson 2:00pm High in the Sky: Right Whale Aerial Surveys - Jen Jakush 2:30pm Protecting Wild Dolphins and Florida Whales - Stephen D. McCulloch 3:00pm Kids Activity: How big is your whale? - Mayport Elementary Coastal Science Academy 3:30pm Sea Shepherd: Defending Ocean Wildlife Worldwide - Jennifer Mishler 4:00pm Not Just Snowbirds: Get to know your St. Johns River Dolphins - Quincy Gibson Posted by Cheryl Bonnes (cheryl.bonnes(a)noaa.gov)

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CRP Harbour Seals
by Antje Kakuschke 14 Nov '12

14 Nov '12

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North Pacific Humpback Song Recordings
by kristenk＠uvic.ca 13 Nov '12

13 Nov '12

Dear all, Throughout this fall, Ocean Networks Canada has been receiving recordings of humpback whale songs from their hydrophone in Barkley Canyon off of Vancouver Island. They would like to make this data available to any researchers interested. If you would like to view this data, please email Tom Dakin and John Dorocicz at tdakin(a)uvic.ca and jdorocic(a)uvic.ca.

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new paper: Foraging behavior of lactating South American sea lions and overlap with the Uruguayan fisheries
by Federico Riet 13 Nov '12

13 Nov '12

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper in Deep Sea Research Part II that may be of your interest. *Foraging behavior of lactating South American sea lions (**/Otaria flavescens/**) and spatial-temporal resource overlap with the Uruguayan fisheries* Federico G. Riet-Sapriza, Daniel P. Costa, Valentina Franco-Trecu, Yamandú Marín, Julio Chocca, Bernardo González, Gastón Beathyate, B. Louise Chilvers, Luis A. Hückstadt http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2012.09.005 ABSTRACT The negative impacts of the resource competition between fisheries and marine mammal continue to raise concern worldwide. In order to measure the impact, data on spatial and dietary overlap of marine mammal and fisheries are needed. In Uruguay the South American sea lions population has been dramatically declining over the past decade. The reasons for this population decline are unknown but may include the following: (1) direct harvesting; (2) reduced prey availability and distribution as a consequence of environmental change; or (3) biological interaction with fisheries or with the sympatric South American fur seal. Understanding the extent of the impact of the fisheries overlap or competition for finite food resources on the sea lion population recovery is necessary for effective sea lion conservation efforts and fisheries management. This study aims to determine resource overlap and competition between South American sea lions (SASL, Otaria flavescens) and the artisanal fisheries (AF), and the coastal bottom trawl fisheries (CBTF). This is conducted by integrating sea lions diet (scat analysis), spatial and annual consumption estimates; and foraging behavior-satellite-tracking data from lactating SASL with data on fishing effort areas and fisheries landings. Lactating females (n =10) were fitted with satellite tags and Time-depth recorders. We used kernel (KR) and peeled minimum convex polygon (95% MCP) methods for estimating the foraging utilization distribution of lactating SASL. Lactating SASL are benthic divers and are restricted to forage in shallow waters within the continental shelf. SASL's foraging areas overlapped with CBTF (15%) and AF (>1%) fisheries operational areas. In contrast, SASL dietary analysis indicated a high degree of overlap between the diet of SASL and the AF and CBTF fisheries catch. The results of this work show differing degrees of spatial resource overlap with AF and CBTF, highlighting a) differences in potential impact from each fishery; and b) that different management/conservation approaches may need to be taken to solve the fisheries-SASL conflict.

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New paper: Humpback whales wintering at Pitcairn Island, South Pacific
by Horswill, Catharine 13 Nov '12

13 Nov '12

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new publication extending the known easterly range of humpbacks within Oceania (western South Pacific Ocean). Please contact me if you do not have access to the PDF (catrsw(a)bas.ac.uk) Catharine Horswill and Jennifer A. Jackson (2012). Humpback whales wintering at Pitcairn Island, South Pacific. Marine Biodiversity Records, 5, e90 doi:10.1017/S1755267212000693 Abstract Here we present the first documentation of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Pitcairn Island region. Land-based surveys were conducted from Pitcairn Island from June 2007 to August 2007 in order to monitor the presence of humpback whales in the surrounding near-shore waters. The highest sighting frequencies occurred in late August, with mother and calf pairs also becoming more prevalent during this period. Observation effort lasted 80.56 hours, totalling 35 sightings of 49 whales. There is no anecdotal history of humpback whales at Pitcairn Island previous to 1990 which may suggest a recent geographical shift in the easterly range of Oceania humpbacks. Our findings extend the known easterly range of humpbacks within Oceania (western South Pacific Ocean). Keywords: humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, Pitcairn Island, Oceania ---------------------------- Catharine Horswill PhD researcher British Antarctic Survey High Cross, Madingley Road Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK email: catrsw(a)bas.ac.uk -- This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored in an electronic records management system.

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