July 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Paper: Mammary gland development in primiparous and multiparous grey seals
by Shelley Lang 26 Jul '12

26 Jul '12

Lang, S. L. C., S. J. Iverson, and W. D. Bowen. 2012. Primiparous and multiparous females differ in mammary gland alveolar development: implications for milk production. Journal of Experimental Biology 215:2904-2911. doi: 10.1242/jeb.067058 http://jeb.biologists.org/content/215/16/2904.abstract Abstract: Mammary gland capacity is influenced by the number of secretory cells in the gland, the activity of those cells and the size and arrangement of the alveoli that they form. Although reproductive experience has been shown to affect the total number of secretory cells in the gland, its potential effect on the structural development of lobulo-alveolar tissues has not been directly investigated. To examine whether reproductive experience affects lobulo-alveolar development, we took mammary gland biopsies at early and peak lactation from primiparous and multiparous grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) females and used histological techniques to compare cell density, alveolar density and alveolar size within secretory lobules. Primiparous females had a significantly higher cell density compared with multiparous females throughout lactation, suggesting that primiparous females have smaller, less-developed secretory cells. Primiparous females had a significantly smaller average alveolar size compared with multiparous females throughout lactation. Although alveolar density was higher in primiparous females compared with multiparous females at early lactation, there was no significant difference between the groups at peak lactation. These results suggest that the mammary gland of primiparous females may have both a lower secretory capacity and a lower storage capacity on a relative basis than those of multiparous females and demonstrate, for the first time, that reproductive experience has a significant effect on both the rate and pattern of mammary gland alveolar development and, potentially, on a female's capacity for milk production. For reprint requests please contact shelley.lang(a)dal.ca

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Seeking field assistants for research on tropical dolphins in north-west Australia
by Alexander Brown 25 Jul '12

25 Jul '12

Seeking experienced field assistants for research on tropical dolphins in north-west Australia Dates: September - November 2012. Project title: Abundance estimation, residency and genetic connectivity of snubfin and humpback dolphins in the Kimberley region, Western Australia. Institution: Cetacean Research Unit, Murdoch University - www.mucru.org Overview: I am seeking two experienced field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-ID and biopsy sampling in north-west Australia over the period September-November 2012. *I require one assistant for the 3 month duration of the project, and one assistant from late October to the end of November only (~ 5 weeks)* This project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, residency and genetic connectivity of Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in northern Western Australia. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research, while contributing to a project with a high conservation and management value. Location: Two different sites on the tropical northern coast of Western Australia, with approximately one month spent at each location. These are remote locations far from urban areas and amenities. Accommodation will comprise shared basic cabins or tents, with camp kitchen and bathroom facilities. The team departs from/returns to the city of Perth. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving the boat, taking photos, making and recording field observations, equipment cleaning and basic maintenance, data entry, a fair share in communal cooking and housekeeping duties, and generally working hard and having a great time. Expect up to 11 hours on the water for multiple consecutive days, and up to a week between days off. Prerequisites: Experience of working on and driving a small boat (essential); experience of photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); no history of debilitating seasickness (essential); be team-oriented, have a good sense of humour, patience, and an enthusiastic attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); experience of field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable). Expenses: This is an unpaid position. However, food and accommodation at field sites are provided at no cost to assistants. Assistants are responsible for their own travel costs to Perth (or Broome, if joining the project mid-season). Please send a CV, a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact details of two relevant referees to alex.brown(a)murdoch.edu.au by Friday 03 August 2012. Many thanks, Alex Brown alex.brown(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:*j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University, South Street, Perth WA 6150 www.mucru.org Blogs: http://mucru.org/blogs/kimberley-dolphin-research-project/kimberley-insh ore-dolphin-fieldwork-underway/ <http://mucru.org/blogs/kimberley-dolphin-research-project/kimberley-ins hore-dolphin-fieldwork-underway/> http://mucru.org/blogs/a-productive-month-on-the-dampier-peninsula/ <http://mucru.org/blogs/a-productive-month-on-the-dampier-peninsula/>

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New papers: community structure in Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins
by Cindy Elliser 25 Jul '12

25 Jul '12

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of 2 papers: *Community structure and cluster definition of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Bahamas. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, 00(0): 1–17 (2012) DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00576.x* And *Replacement dolphins? Social restructuring of a resident pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, after two major hurricanes. 2011 MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE 27:39–59, online early publication 2010: DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00403.x* Find the abstracts below. Please email me at cindy.elliser(a)gmail.com for pdf copies. Thanks for your interest, Cindy Elliser PhD *Community structure and cluster definition of Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Bahamas *Abstract: Fission-fusion dynamics typical of many delphinid populations allow for a variety of social grouping patterns. Identifying these groupings is crucial before conducting a detailed social structure analysis. This study analyzed the structure of a population of Bahamian spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis. Through long-term observations and preliminary analysis, three clusters were defined: Northern, Central, and Southern. To quantitatively investigate these delineations, we conducted analysis on 12 yr of sighting data using SOCPROG 2.3. Coefficients of association (CoA) were calculated using the half-weight index, with individuals sighted six or more times per pooled period (3 yr each). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MD), hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis and Mantel tests were conducted to determine if any divisions were present. Mantel tests and MD plots analysis supported the delineations into the three clusters. Cluster analysis showed cluster groupings, but with less clear distinctions between the clusters. The amount and strength of associations were significantly higher within clusters than between clusters. Based on behavioral and geographic overlap, these clusters did not meet the definition of separate communities and thus were termed social clusters. These fine scale, within community divisions, are biologically and socially important aspects of their community and are crucial in understanding the dolphins’ social structure. *Replacement dolphins? Social restructuring of a resident pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, after two major hurricanes* Abstract: Environmental variations can influence the structure of ecological communities that in turn alter the grouping and association patterns of social communities. This study compares the social structure of bottlenose dolphins in the Bahamas before and after two major hurricanes. Approximately 30% of regularly seen individuals disappeared after the hurricanes, with an equal number of immigrants arriving afterwards. The primary goal of this study was to quantitatively describe social structure changes occurring after this large-scale emigration (or death) and subsequent immigration of individuals using the social analysis program, SOCPROG 2.3. The pre-hurricane results revealed one community with association patterns that were consistent with previous work on this population as well as other welldocumented populations. Post-hurricane associations revealed that the community split into two distinct units, whose members associated highly within, but rarely between units. Association patterns varied between units. Immigrants assimilated well into the population, especially males. Over half of the post-hurricane associations involved immigrants, the majority between residents and immigrants, and primarily involving immigrant males. The costs/benefits of choosing to associate with an immigrant individual differ between males and females and may have been the driving force for the changes in social structure that occurred.

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Bio-Logging Symposium 5 - 1st announcement
by Cécile Vincent 25 Jul '12

25 Jul '12

Dear all, This is the first announcement for the 5th Bio-logging Science Symposium, which will be held in Strasbourg, 20-26 September 2014. Please pay a visit to our website http://bls5.sciencesconf.org/ where you will find the possibility to add your contact address and name to our database, which will serve for further information about the symposium. Please take the time to fill up your information in the "pre-registration" page. This will give us an idea of the number of people potentially interested in attending the symposium and thus help us best organize it. And spread the word around you. If you have any enquiry please do not reply to this email but use bls5(a)iphc.cnrs.fr <mailto:bls5@iphc.cnrs.fr> instead. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Strasbourg. The organizing committee -- --------- Yan Ropert-Coudert (PhD) Secretary of the SCAR-EGBAMM Academic editor at PLoS ONE / Associate editor at Marine Ornithology Editor of the Penguiness Book: http://penguinessbook.scarmarbin.be/ Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien - DEPE Universite de Strasbourg - CNRS 23, rue Becquerel 67087 Strasbourg FRANCE Tel: +33(0)388106936 / Fax: +33(0)388106906 Email: docyaounde(a)gmail.com <mailto:docyaounde@gmail.com> / Webpage: http://docyaounde.free.fr/ "So long... and thanks for all the fish" D. Adams "On abat que les arbres qui genent les plus forts. La loi est la meme que pour les hommes" J. Fournier ----------

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Humpback Whale Fluke Matchers Requested
by Fred Sharpe 25 Jul '12

25 Jul '12

Hello All, We are currently seeking the assistance of several individuals willing to commit at least 20 hours matching humpback whale flukes from SE Alaska. Previous experience is preferred but not necessary; we will provide full instructions and remote access to our catalog via Dropbox. Thanks, Fred Sharpe Alaska Whale Foundation fsharpe(a)alaskawhalefoundation.org

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New paper: Guiana dolphin social network
by Mauricio Cantor 24 Jul '12

24 Jul '12

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to inform the publication of our recent work: Cantor M, Wedekin LL, Guimarães Jr PR, Daura-Jorge FG, Rossi-Santos MR, Simões-Lopes PC. in press. Disentangling social networks from spatiotemporal dynamics: the temporal structure of a dolphin society. Animal Behaviour dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.06.019 Abstract Social networks are static illustrations of dynamic societies, within which social interactions are constantly changing. Fundamental sources of variation include ranging behaviour and temporal demographic changes. Spatiotemporal dynamics can favour or limit opportunities for individuals to interact, and then a network may not essentially represent social processes. We examined whether a social network can embed such nonsocial effects in its topology, whereby emerging modules depict spatially or temporally segregated individuals. To this end, we applied a combination of spatial, temporal and demographic analyses to a long-term study of the association patterns of Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis. We found that association patterns are organized into a modular social network. Space use was unlikely to reflect these modules, since dolphins' ranging behaviour clearly overlapped. However, a temporal demographic turnover, caused by the exit/entrance of individuals (most likely emigration/immigration), defined three modules of associations occurring at different times. Although this factor could mask real social processes, we identified the temporal scale that allowed us to account for these demographic effects. By looking within this turnover period (32 months), we assessed fission–fusion dynamics of the poorly known social organization of Guiana dolphins. We highlight that spatiotemporal dynamics can strongly influence the structure of social networks. Our findings show that hypothetical social units can emerge due to the temporal opportunities for individuals to interact. Therefore, a thorough search for a satisfactory spatiotemporal scale that removes such nonsocial noise is critical when analysing a social system. For pdf requests, please contact me at m.cantor(a)ymail.com Best regards, Mauricio Cantor

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New paper on North Atlantic Right whales in Massachusetts
by Aaron N. Rice 21 Jul '12

21 Jul '12

Dear Colleagues- We wanted to draw your attention to our recently published manuscript on the seasonal presence of right whales in Massachusetts Bay: Morano, J. L., A. N. Rice, J. T. Tielens, B. J. Estabrook, A. Murray, B. Roberts, and C. W. Clark. 2012. Acoustically detected year-round presence of right whales in an urbanized migration corridor. Conservation Biology 26:698-707. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01866.x/abstract Abstract: Species' conservation relies on understanding their seasonal habitats and migration routes. North Atlantic right whales (/Eubalaena glacialis/), listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, migrate from the southeastern U.S. coast to Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, a federally designated critical habitat, from February through May to feed. The whales then continue north across the Gulf of Maine to northern waters (e.g., Bay of Fundy). To enter Cape Cod Bay, right whales must traverse an area of dense shipping and fishing activity in Massachusetts Bay, where there are no mandatory regulations for the protection of right whales or management of their habitat. We used passive acoustic recordings of right whales collected in Massachusetts Bay from May 2007 through October 2010 to determine the annual spatial and temporal distribution of the whales and their calling activity. We detected right whales in the bay throughout the year, in contrast to results from visual surveys. Right whales were detected on at least 24% of days in each month, with the exception of June 2007, in which there were no detections. Averaged over all years, right whale calls were most abundant from February through May. During this period, calls were most frequent between 17:00 and 20:00 local time; no diel pattern was apparent in other months. The spatial distribution of the approximate locations of calling whales suggests they may use Massachusetts Bay as a conduit to Cape Cod Bay in the spring and as they move between the Gulf of Maine and waters to the south in September through December. Although it is unclear how dependent right whales are on the bay, the discovery of their widespread presence in Massachusetts Bay throughout the year suggests this region may need to be managed to reduce the probability of collisions with ships and entanglement in fishing gear. -- Aaron N. Rice, Ph.D. Science Director Bioacoustics Research Program Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Cornell University 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850-1999 Tel: 607.254.2178 Fax: 607.254.2460 Email: arice(a)cornell.edu Web: http://www.nbb.cornell.edu/neurobio/aaronrice

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New manuscript on venous anatomy of the dolphin head
by Costidis,Alexander M 21 Jul '12

21 Jul '12

Dear Marmamers, I am writing to make you aware of the following recent publication regarding the venous anatomy in the head of the bottlenose dolphin: Vascularization of air sinuses and fat bodies in the head of the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): morphological implications on physiology. by Alex Costidis & Sentiel A Rommel, published in Frontiers in Aquatic Physiology. Abstract Cetaceans have long been considered capable of limiting diving-induced nitrogen absorption and subsequent decompression sickness through a series of behavioral, anatomical, and physiological adaptations. Recent studies however suggest that in some situations these adaptive mechanisms might be overcome, resulting in lethal and sublethal injuries. Perhaps most relevant to this discussion is the finding of intravascular gas and fat emboli in mass-stranded beaked whales. Although the source of the gas emboli has as yet to been ascertained, preliminary findings suggest nitrogen is the primary component. Since nitrogen gas embolus formation in divers is linked to nitrogen saturation, it seems premature to dismiss similar pathogenic mechanisms in breath-hold diving cetaceans. Due to the various anatomical adaptations in cetacean lungs, the pulmonary system is thought of as an unlikely site of significant nitrogen absorption. The accessory sinus system on the ventral head of odontocete cetaceans contains a sizeable volume of air that is exposed to the changing hydrostatic pressures during a dive, and is intimately associated with vasculature potentially capable of absorbing nitrogen through its walls. The source of the fat emboli has also remained elusive. Most mammalian fat deposits are considered poorly vascularized and therefore unlikely sites of intravascular introduction of lipid, although cetacean blubber may not be as poorly vascularized as previously thought. We present new data on the vasculature of air sinuses and acoustic fat bodies in the head of bottlenose dolphins and compare it to published accounts. We show that the mandibular fat bodies and accessory sinus system are associated with extensive venous plexuses and suggest potential physiological and pathological implications. You can view the manuscript on-line or download a PDF for free. There is also a supplemental movie of a 3D angiographic reconstruction available on the website, however it is rather large and therefore takes quite some time to download. To view and/or download the online publication, please click here: http://www.frontiersin.org/Journal/Abstract.aspx?s=54&name=aquatic_physiolo… Kind regards, Alex Costidis Aquatic Animal Health Program & Department of Physiological Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida

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New paper on ship strikes between sailing vessels & cetaceans worldwide
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 21 Jul '12

21 Jul '12

Dear fellow Marmamers, we are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the latest volume of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: Ritter, F. (2012). Collisions of sailing vessels with cetaceans worldwide: First insights into a seemingly growing problem. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, 12(1): 119-127. ABSTRACT: Vessel-whale collisions are of growing concern worldwide, but information about collisions involving sailing vessels is especially scarce. This study represents the first global quantification of this kind. A total of 111 collisions and 57 near misses were identified, spanning from 1966 until 2010; 75% of cases was reported for the period from 2002–2010, suggesting an increasing trend. Reported collisions and near misses occurred on all oceans, often during ocean races and regattas, and were most frequent in the North Atlantic. Vessel type and speed as well as circumstances of the incident varied widely, but most often monohulls were involved, predominantly sailing at speeds between 5 and 10 knots. Most reports referred to ‘large whales’ as opposed to ‘small whales’ or ‘dolphins’. The species could be identified in 54 cases. Most recognised animals were humpback or sperm whales. Injuries to the whales varied strongly from ‘not visible’ to ‘dead after collision’, but mostly could not be determined. Sailing crew members were hurt in several cases, including collisions occurring at low speeds, and collisions often damaged vessels, including major impairment and seven cases of vessel loss. The findings presented here suggest that elevated vessel speed contributes to a higher risk of collisions. Conversely, the outcome of a collision (e.g. injury to whale or crew, damage to vessel) appears not to be a direct function of vessel speed. Several measures are discussed which potentially can contribute to mitigating the problem, including placing watchposts, an open dialogue with regatta organisers, changes in the design of regattas and ocean races and public outreach initiatives. Please let us know if you are interested in receiving a pdf copy by sending an email to: info(a)m-e-e-r.de Best greetings, Fabian -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail: info(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ M.E.E.R. is a registered charity. (German tax ID): 27/672/54225

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Nuevo paper: Mortalidad incidental de franciscanas
by María Fernanda Negri 20 Jul '12

20 Jul '12

Estimados: En el siguiente link encontrarán el último artículo de mortalidad incidental de franciscanas de Argentina: http://www.io.usp.br/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=242 Negri, M. F.; Denuncio, P.; Panebianco, M. V.; Cappozzo, H. L. 2012. Bycatch of franciscana dolphins Pontoporia blainvillei and the dynamic of artisanal fisheries in the species' southernmost area of distribution. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography 60(2):151-160. A B S T R A C T In Argentina, the franciscana dolphin is one of the most vulnerable cetaceans regularly entangled in coastal artisanal fishery nets. The aim of this paper is to estimate the species' incidental mortality on the Southern coast of Buenos Aires province through interviews with the captains of artisanal fishing vessels, in the period 2006-2009. Franciscana bycatch was reported for gillnets and shrimper gear all year round but it occurred more frequently between October and February, at 5 km offshore and 10-20 m depth. The estimated mean annual incidental mortality was 107 dolphins (CI 95% = 87-129), 92 caught in gillnets (CI 95% = 73-112) and 15 in shrimpers' gear (CI 95% = 8-25) with a capture per unit effort of 0.029 dolphins per km of gillnet (CI 95% = 0.023-0.036) and 0.022 per shrimper net (CI 95% = 0.012-0.035). Annual fluctuations were due to differences in the number of gillnetting fishing days. If mortality estimates for the Northern coast are also taken into account, values attain a maximum of 360-539 dolphins bycaught in the entire Buenos Aires province, representing 2.5-3.7% of the species' abundance in Argentina. This will inevitably lead to the decline of franciscana dolphin populations in the near future unless alternative fishing grounds are identified and alternative gear adopted. Saludos cordiales. María Fernanda Negri Dr. en Ciencias Biológicas Laboratorio de Ecología, Comportamiento y Mamíferos Marinos Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" (CONICET) Av. Ángel Gallardo 470 C1405DJR Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Tel: 54-11-4982-9410/6595 int. 211 Fax: 54-11-4982-5243/4494 mariafernandanegri(a)gmail.com

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