December 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on organochlorine concentrations (PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, HCB and MIREX) in delphinids stranded at the northeastern Brazil.
by Elitieri Neto 16 Dec '13

16 Dec '13

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Santos-Neto EB, Azevedo-Silva CE, Bisi TL, Santos J, Meirelles ACO, Carvalho VL, Azevedo AF, Guimarães JE, Lailson-Brito J. Organochlorine concentrations (PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, HCB and MIREX) in delphinids stranded at the northeastern Brazil. Science of the Total Environment 2014; 472:194 - 203. ABSTRACT: Organochlorine compounds are highly persistent in the environment, causing bioaccumulation and biomagnification through the marine food chain. To verify the bioaccumulation pattern of DDT and its metabolites, as well as PCBs, Mirex, HCHs and HCB, samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue from 25 Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*), two Fraser's dolphins (*Lagenodelphis hosei*), two spinner dolphins (*Stenella longirostris*), one spotted dolphin (*Stenella frontalis*), and one striped dolphin (*Stenella coeruleoalba*) were analyzed. The collected specimens were found stranded in northeastern Brazil between 2005 and 2011. The concentrations were reported in μg.g−1 lip, varying from 0.02 to 17.3 for ΣPCB, from 0.003 to 5.19 forΣDDT, from 0.005 to 0.16 forΣHCH,from 0.002 to 0.16 for HCB, and from 0.02 to 2.38 for Mirex. The PCBs dominated the bioaccumulation pattern for both the Guiana and spinner dolphins; for the other species, DDT was the major compound. A discriminant function analysis revealed the differences in the organochlorine accumulation patterns between the Guiana dolphin (*S. guianensis*) and the continental shelf/oceanic dolphins (*S. frontalis* and *S. longirostris*). The results also show that the concentrations of organochlorine compounds found in the delphinids in northeastern Brazil were lower than the delphinids found in other regions of Brazil, as well as other locations worldwide with intense agroindustrial development and/or a larger population. The full text and PDF is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969713012618 Best regards -- Elitieri Neto Medico Veterinário Mestre em Ciência Animal nos Trópicos Doutorando em Ecologia e Evolução/ Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA) Telefone (21) 8170-4483 Skype: elitieri.neto

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38th Voyagers Announcement for Call for Proposals
by Joe Roman 15 Dec '13

15 Dec '13

I am working with the Mystic Seaport, in Connecticut, on the 38th voyage of the *Charles W. Morgan*. They are looking for a few good voyagers for summer 2014. Mystic Seaport seeks volunteers to participate in an exciting, unprecedented public-history project onboard the 1841 whaleship *Charles W. Morgan*. Beginning December 1, 2013, the Museum will accept project proposals by talented, self-motivated adults from a range of disciplines and backgrounds to document and share their experiences during the ship’s commemorative 38th Voyage. In summer 2014 the *Charles W. Morgan* will sail for the first time in more than 80 years. During its first 37 voyages (1841-1921), this vessel ventured into all the world’s oceans in pursuit of whale oil and baleen, carrying multi-ethnic crews and coming into contact with many different cultures. Now a National Historic Landmark, the *Morgan* will sail to seven New England ports, engaging communities with their maritime heritage, raising awareness of the changing perceptions about whales, and furthering ongoing research into whales, whaling, and whaling peoples. During the day-long passages between ports, Museum staff will examine every aspect of the voyage to better understand the past experiences of those who sailed this ship and others like her. While rooted in history, the 38th Voyage is not a reenactment, but rather an opportunity to add to the ship’s story with contemporary perspectives. We seek additional public participants, with each volunteer sailing aboard one voyage leg (one night plus the following day). These “38th Voyagers” will document and filter this experience through their own perspectives and talents, producing finished products for the Museum to share online and through exhibits, publications, and public programs. For an application please go to http://www.mysticseaport.org/38thvoyagers/ Best, Joe Joe Roman, PhD Mary Derrickson McCurdy Visiting Scholar Duke University Marine Laboratory Fellow, Gund Institute for Ecological Economics <http://www.uvm.edu/giee/> Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources University of Vermont Skype: jromanvt www.joeroman.com phone: 617-312-2241 Author, *Listed: Dispatches from America's Endangered Species Act* *Listed* on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Listed-Dispatches-from-Americas-Endangered-Sp…> | Twitter: roamnjoe <http://twitter.com/#!/roamnjoe> Editor 'n' chef: eattheinvaders.org

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New publication on vessel collisions with humpback whales in Hawaiian waters
by Adam Pack 15 Dec '13

15 Dec '13

Aloha Colleagues: We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper documenting historical trends in vessel collisions with humpback whales in Hawaiian waters. The full reference and abstract appear below. The paper has been published online and may be downloaded as a pdf at the following link https://archive.iwc.int/pages/search.php?search=%21collection15&k= For further inquiries, please feel free to contact Marc Lammers at lammers(a)hawaii.edu or Adam Pack at pack(a)hawaii.edu. Lammers, M.O., Pack, A. A, Lyman, E. G. & Espiritu, L. (2013). Trends in collisions between vessels and North Pacific humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Hawaiian waters (1975-2011). Journal of Cetacean Research and Management,13 (1) 73-80. Injury from collisions with vessels is a growing threat worldwide for many species of whales. Thirty seven years of historical records were examined for evidence of vessel collisions with humpback whales in the main Hawaiian Islands. Between 1975 and 2011, 68 collisions between vessels and whales were reported including 59 witnessed collisions and 9 observed whale injuries that were consistent with a recent vessel collision. No collisions were immediately lethal. The waters between Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe, which are known to have one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales in the Hawaiian Islands, had the highest incidence of collisions. Over 63% of the collisions involved calves and subadults, suggesting a greater susceptability towards collisions among younger animals. The rate of collisions increased significantly over the final twelve breeding seasons of the study and was greater than predicted by the estimated annual increase in the whale population, suggesting that the rising number of reported collisions cannot be explained solely by the annual increase in whale abundance. Although the total number of registered vessels and shipping traffic in Hawaii remained relatively constant between 2000 and 2010, there was a significant increase in the number of vessels between 7.9m and 19.8m in length. Vessels within this size range were also the most commonly involved in collisions during the study period, accounting for approximately two thirds of recorded incidents. It is concluded that from 1975–2011, there was a significant increase in reports of non-lethal collisions between vessels and humpback whales, especially calves and subadults, in the main Hawaiian Islands that likely reflects a combination of factors including the recovery of the population of North Pacific humpback whales, increases in traffic of particular vessel types, and increased reporting practices by operators of vessels. Best regards and happy holidays, Adam Pack -- Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Associate Professor Departments of Psychology and Biology University of Hawai'i at Hilo 200 West Kawili Street Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 (Office Voice): 808-933-0827 (Email): pack(a)hawaii.edu "Do or do not; there is no try." Yoda

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Re: [MARMAM] New paper Observations of the walrus in the Barents, Kara, and Laptev seas
by Dmitri Glazov 13 Dec '13

13 Dec '13

Dear Colleagues, The following paper has recently been published: D. M. Glazov, O. V. Shpak, D. M. Kuznetsova, B. A. Solovyev, D. A. Udovik, N. G. Platonov, I. N. Mordvintsev, D. I. Ivanov, V. V. Rozhnov "Observations of the walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) in the Barents, Kara, and Laptev seas in 2010–2012" Biology Bulletin December 2013, Volume 40, Issue 9, pp 783-789 It is available on SpringerLink: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S1062359013090057 Digital Object Identifier (DOI) 10.1134/S1062359013090057 Abstract Data on walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) sightings during four scheduled cruises of the research expedition vessel Mikhail Somov in the Barents, Kara, and Laptev seas (August–November, 2010; September–October, 2011; November–December 2011; and July–October, 2012) and during an expedition on the Poyaris motor ship in August–September, 2012, are presented. The data collected support and expand the existing knowledge on the distribution and abundance of the Atlantic and Laptev walrus subspecies. Please contact me at glazovd(a)gmail.com if you can't get access using the link. -- Dmitry Glazov Deputy head of Russian White Whale Program www.sevin-expedition.ru A.N. Severtsov Institute of the Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences 33 Leninskiy prosp., Moscow, 119071, Russia www.sevin.ru glazovd(a)gmail.com Tel. mob. +79104051823 Tel. + 74959541511 Fax. +74959581260

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New publication : Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) post breeding dispersal and southward migration in the western Indian Ocean.
by Sabrina Fossette 13 Dec '13

13 Dec '13

Dear all, We are pleased to announce our recent publication: Fossette, S., Heide-Jørgensen, M. P., Jensen, M. V., Kiszka, J., Bérubé, M., Bertrand, N., & Vély, M. (2014). Humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) post breeding dispersal and southward migration in the western Indian Ocean. *Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology*, *450*, 6-14. Abstract: Investigating movement patterns of marine migratory species is critical to understand habitat use and population structure, and help inform conservation and management planning. Little is known about humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) dispersal and migration in the western Indian Ocean. In October 2011 and 2012, eleven satellite transmitters were deployed on wintering humpback whales from the south-western Indian Ocean breeding stock at the Comoros islands (Mohéli, n=6 and Mayotte, n=5). Eight individuals were successfully tracked for 24.3±12.4 days (range=8–49 days) and travelled between 146 km and 5804 km in total. Whales either remained at their wintering site for several weeks (n=3) or dispersed along the west coast (n=4) or east (n=1) coast of Madagascar where two main stop-over sites were identified. In addition, two individuals travelled along straight paths to distant, potential, foraging areas. One whale reached the French sub-Antarctic islands while the other travelled to one of the supposed Antarctic foraging areas for humpback whales of this breeding stock. This is the first time movements of humpback whales from this area are being described and their potential foraging areas in the Southern Ocean identified. Identification of these dispersal patterns is important for delineation of breeding regions and for allocating abundance estimates to stocks. A pdf copy can be obtained upon request to: *s <parranz(a)st-andrews.ac.uk>abrina.fossette(a)googlemail.com <abrina.fossette(a)googlemail.com>* -- Dr Sabrina Fossette NRC Post-doctoral fellow NOAA - Southwest Fisheries Science Center 1352 Lighthouse Avenue Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 Tel (work): 001 831 648 9038 Tel (mobile): 001 831 717 7361 Email:sabrina.fossette@googlemail.com / s <s.fossette(a)swansea.ac.uk> abrina.fossette(a)noaa.gov

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42nd Annual Symposium of the EAAM
by Javier Almunia 13 Dec '13

13 Dec '13

Dear Colleagues, good morning. I trust this message finds you very well. As per the request of Dr. Arlete Sogorb, President-Elect of the EAAM - European Association for Aquatic Mammals, and Chair of the Association's 2014 Annual Symposium, we would appreciate if you could help us disseminate the announcement of the upcoming international meeting of the EAAM The final “call for papers” regarding the EAAM’s Annual Symposium is fast approaching. As such, should you wish to be a presenting author at the upcoming 42nd Annual Symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals (in Tenerife, Spain - March 14th through 17th), please note that the deadline to submit an abstract will be December 19, 2013. The “early bird” registration is open until January 14, 2014. Should you wish more information, you can browse the Symposium's website: www.loroparque.com/eaam/ Kind regards, Javier Almunia

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Advanced course in acoustic data management and analysis using PAMGuard
by Jamie Macaulay 13 Dec '13

13 Dec '13

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is a key survey and mitigation tool in cetacean research. PAMGuard is the leading research and industry software for real-time data collection and offline analysis. PAMTech (pamtech.eu) is offering a two-day classroom-based course which will enable those with previous PAMGuard experience to get to grips with more advanced features, in particular offline analysis and data management. The course will include some core analysis modules, but participants will also be able to tailor training to their particular needs by selecting from a range of optional modules (including Whistle Detection and Classification, High Resolution Localisation, Target Motion Localisation, Data Management, Noise Monitoring, and MATLAB library (participants must MATLAB installed on their laptop for this module)). PAMTech is a small UK-based company made up of PAMGuard developers and experienced field acousticians who can enable you to get the most out of PAM applications. A high tutor-to-student ratio on our courses ensures participants can get individual assistance with their training requirements. Booking early will also help us to tailor courses appropriately. Date: 18 and 19 January 2014 Venue: The course will take place in St Andrews, Scotland Cost: 300 GBP. Course costs do not include accommodation, travel or food. Participants need to bring their own laptops running Windows XP or above, and, if possible, their own data which they would like to analyse. To find out more, contact: pamtech.acoustics(a)gmail.com To book go to: http://pamtechadvanced.eventzilla.net/ (50% non-refundable deposit required)

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Entry and Elimination of Marine Mammal Brucella spp. by Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata) Alveolar Macrophages In Vitro
by Nymo Ingebjørg Helena 13 Dec '13

13 Dec '13

New article: Entry and Elimination of Marine Mammal Brucella spp. by Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata) Alveolar Macrophages In Vitro Abstract A high prevalence of Brucella pinnipedialis serology and bacteriology positive animals has been found in the Northeast Atlantic stock of hooded seal (Cystophora cristata); however no associated gross pathological changes have been identified. Marine mammal brucellae have previously displayed different infection patterns in human and murine macrophages. To investigate if marine mammal Brucella spp. are able to invade and multiply in cells originating from a presumed host species, we infected alveolar macrophages from hooded seal with a B. pinnipedialis hooded seal isolate. Hooded seal alveolar macrophages were also challenged with B. pinnipedialis reference strain (NCTC 12890) from harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), B. ceti reference strain (NCTC 12891) from harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and a B. ceti Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) isolate (M83/07/1), to evaluate possible species-specific differences. Brucella suis 1330 was included as a positive control. Alveolar macrophages were obtained by post mortem bronchoalveolar lavage of euthanized hooded seals. Phenotyping of cells in the lavage fluid was executed by flow cytometry using the surface markers CD14 and CD18. Cultured lavage cells were identified as alveolar macrophages based on morphology, expression of surface markers and phagocytic ability. Alveolar macrophages were challenged with Brucella spp. in a gentamicin protection assay. Following infection, cell lysates from different time points were plated and evaluated quantitatively for colony forming units. Intracellular presence of B. pinnipedialis hooded seal isolate was verified by immunocytochemistry. Our results show that the marine mammal brucellae were able to enter hooded seal alveolar macrophages; however, they did not multiply intracellularly and were eliminated within 48 hours, to the contrary of B. suis that showed the classical pattern of a pathogenic strain. In conclusion, none of the four marine mammal strains tested were able to establish a persistent infection in primary alveolar macrophages from hooded seal. Available online: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0070186 Citation: Larsen AK, Nymo IH, Boysen P, Tryland M, Godfroid J (2013) Entry and Elimination of Marine Mammal Brucella spp. by Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata) Alveolar Macrophages In Vitro. PLoS ONE 8(7): e70186. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0070186 Ingebjørg Helena Nymo DVM PhD Post Doctoral Researcher Norwegian School of Veterinary Science Section of Arctic Veterinary Medicine Stakkevollveien 23b 9010 Tromsø Norway Tlf: +47 77 66 54 00/+47 77 66 54 13 Mob: +47 918 38 421 Skype: ingebjorg.helena.nymo http://scholar.google.no/citations?user=p6qrTTkAAAAJ&hl=no&oi=ao https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/312107208925825/ The new e-mail domain name for The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science is @nvh.no. The former domain address @veths.no will still be in use, but it will be discontinued within 1-2 years. Please update your e-mail records. This message verifies that the e-mail has been scanned for virus, and deemed virus-free according to our scanengines.

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Passive Acoustic Technician Training Course - Second Announcement
by Julie Oswald 12 Dec '13

12 Dec '13

This is the second announcement for the Bio-Waves, Inc.Passive Acoustic Technician training course (www.bio-waves.com/education) scheduled to occur Monday, February 10th through Friday February 14th, 2014. Places are filling up quickly, so register soon! This 4.5 day course combines lectures covering concepts, theory and methods with hands-on demonstrations and computer training. The aim of the course is to give participants a working knowledge of passive acoustic hardware, software and methods used to monitor marine mammals. The training course will familiarize individuals with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) equipment and best practices, as well as offer instruction for troubleshooting and field repairs. We will teach the basic skills required to prepare individuals for work as passive acoustic field and post processing technicians. It will be held at the San Diego Supercomputer Center on the University of California, San Diego campus in La Jolla, California. The training course will include the following: · An introduction to the physics of underwater sound (lectures) · An introduction to marine mammal acoustics (lectures) · An introduction to PAM hardware such as hydrophones, sonobuoys and autonomous recorders (lectures and demo) · Instruction on the design, setup, troubleshooting and repair of towed hydrophone array systems (Demo and hands-on training) · Training in software used to detect, localize, and classify sounds produced by marine mammals (lectures, computer laboratory work and demos) · Training in software used to review and post-process acoustic data (lectures and computer laboratory work) · Lectures on the role of passive acoustic methods in mitigation and marine mammal monitoring · Lectures on best practices for effective acoustic data collection and management · Guest lectures from subject area experts (e.g., scientists from local research institutes such as UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography presenting current research projects) At the conclusion of the course, participants will have gained a working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of passive acoustic system design, operations, and maintenance. They will have had hands-on experience with a variety of software programs commonly used during real-time field operations and for data review and analysis. Additionally, participants will have performed specific tasks (e.g. repairing cables, troubleshooting acoustic systems etc.), and will receive a set of materials for reference in the field. For those participants that are interested, we are pleased to offer course credit for the training course through the University of California, San Diego's Extension Program. Four quarter units are available to those who are interested via a separate UCSD application and fees. To register or obtain more information about the course please visit ( www.bio-waves.com/education) A $300 non-refundable deposit towards $1,450 total fee will be required to secure your position in the course, and a minimum number of participants must be registered by Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 (deposits will be refunded if the minimum is not met prior to this date and we will notify all registrants). Limited space is available at a discounted rate for groups or graduate students; discounts are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact education(a)bio-waves.net with any questions. We look forward to seeing you this coming winter! -- "If you have the desire for knowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore" -Apsley Cherry-Garrard

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New Publication: Perceptions and attitudes of stakeholders towards the wildlife refuge of Ilha dos Lobos, a marine protected area in Brazil
by Rodrigo Machado 12 Dec '13

12 Dec '13

Dear colleagues, *I am pleased to announce the publication of 1 paper about Perceptions and attitudes of stakeholders towards the wildlife refuge of Ilha dos Lobos, a marine protected area in Brazil* Engel, M.T.; Marchini, S.; Pont, A.C.; Machado, R. and Oliveira, L.R.. 2014. Perceptions and attitudes of stakeholders towards the wildlife refuge of *Ilha dos Lobos,* a marine protected area in Brazil. *Marine Policy <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/0308597X>*. 45: 45-51. *Abstract: *At the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazilian coast, the Wildlife Refuge of *Ilha dos Lobos*(29°20′S; 49°43′W), is a full protection area and a seasonal resting refuge for South American sea lions (*Otaria flavescens*). The regular presence of sea lions on the island is not only a touristic attraction in the region, but also a problem to the fishery community. This community faces economic impacts in its activities due to fish depredation caused by sea lions. Because of this issue, the perceptions and attitudes of different stakeholders from the region are important to be considered by managers, so that a realistic and decentralized action plan can be designed. The goal of this study was to analyze how different local stakeholders perceived the Wildlife Refuge of *Ilha dos Lobos*. Additionally, how these stakeholders differed from each other in terms of attitudes, knowledge and perceptions. In October 2011, January and March 2012, face-to-face interview surveys were conducted with fishermen and tourists, and drop-off questionnaires surveys with business, and tourism professional and teachers, in a total of 150 questionnaires, 30 for each group. The results indicated existence of differences across the five stakeholder groups. It was also suggested that non-direct stakeholders had a more favorable view of the Wildlife Refuge of *Ilha dos Lobos*and the sea lion, whereas direct stakeholder (the fishermen) saw it as an obstacle to their fisheries activities. Full text is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X13002674 Best regards. -- Rodrigo Machado ______________________________________________________________________ Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS). Av: Tramandaí, 976, Imbé, RS 95625-000 Brasil. Laboratório de Sistemática e Ecologia de Aves e Mamíferos Marinhos. Departamento de Zoologia - UFRGS/IB. Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil Skype: ecomachado CV Google: http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=tcTA5BAAAAAJ&view_op=list_wo…

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