July 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Gray whale still in Namibia
by Simon Elwen 03 Jul '13

03 Jul '13

Dear colleagues. I thought you might be interested to hear that the gray whale is still in Walvis Bay, 2 months after it was first reported. For photos and details please see our project blog: http://namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com Regards, Simon Elwen -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. Research Fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Based in: Walvis Bay - Namibia. Phone: +264 81 421 4968 (mob Namibia) Namibian Dolphin Project: www.namibiandolphinproject.com

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Fin whale recordings available from Ocean Networks Canada
by kristenk＠uvic.ca 03 Jul '13

03 Jul '13

Ocean Networks Canada has just deployed a low frequency hydrophone between the Papa Bare, Mama Bare and Baby Bare seamounts in the abyssal plain of the Northeast Pacific Ocean, and we are picking up Fin Whales on this hydrophone. We have recordings from June 30th, July 1st and July 2nd, and are continuing to pick them up. All of these recordings are available for free from dmas.uvic.ca (register for free to access the data, and navigate to ODP 1027>ODP1026>hydrophone). A sample has been uploaded to the highlight's page, and can be found here: http://www.ece.uvic.ca/~jdorocic/nept-featured/iclf224/index.html Please contact John Dorocicz at jdorocic(a)uvic.ca if you have any questions or would like more information.

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Field assistants needed for research on Burrunan Dolphins in Coffin Bay, South Australia
by Fernando Diaz Aguirre 02 Jul '13

02 Jul '13

Dear MARMAMers, Field assistants needed for research on Burrunan Dolphins in Coffin Bay, South Australia Fieldwork dates: Volunteers are needed from 9th September to 30th November 2013. Application deadline: 30th July 2013 Project title: Population size, spatial ecology and socio-genetic structure of the Burrunan dolphins (Tursiops australis) in Coffin Bay, Thorny Passage Marine Park (TPMP), South Australia. Institution: Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL); Flinders University; South Australia www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> Overview: We are seeking experienced field assistants to help two PhD students during spring season with boat-based photo-ID of Burrunan dolphins (Tursiops australis) in Coffin Bay, one of the most beautiful marine parks of South Australia. * Commitment to the full duration of this time will be highly favoured. Project aim: provide baseline information on the ecology, habitat use, social and genetic population structure of Burrunan dolphins in the TPMP in South Australia. This research is part of a larger research program into this species lead by the Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab at the School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research and contribute to a project with very high conservation and management value. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving the boat, photo-identification, recording field observations, equipment cleaning and data entry (incl. fin matching). Expectations: Field assistants need to be adaptable and patient as weather is highly dependent. We will be committed to go sampling everyday whenever weather allows us. If not, we'll be working in data entry and fin matching of identified individuals. Assistants will need to be prepared for early morning departures (6-7AM) and long days (6-8 hours) on the water for multiple consecutive days. Expect up to a week between days off, as field work is weather dependent. Prerequisites: ü Experience of working on a small boat (highly desirable, Coxswain certificate will be highly favoured); ü Experience of photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); ü Experience of field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable); ü Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field (desirable) ü No history of debilitating seasickness (essential); ü Be team-oriented, patient, and have an enthusiastic attitude to hard work and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); ü Fluent English or Spanish (highly desirable) We'll provide accommodation during the entire field season in Coffin Bay. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation. Assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Port Lincoln, South Australia, and will have to pay for their own food. We'll share house duties including cooking and cleaning. If you are interested, please send a CV, a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact details of two relevant referees to Cecilia.passadore(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:Cecilia.passadore@flinders.edu.au> and fernando.diaz(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:fernando.diaz@flinders.edu.au> by 30th July 2013. Kind Regards, Cecilia and Fernando ____________________________________ Fernando Diaz-Aguirre Marine Biologist (MSc), PhD Candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab School of Biological Sciences Flinders University of South Australia GPO Box 2100/Adelaide SA 5001 Mobile: +61 4 98189090 fernando.diaz(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:fernando.diaz@flinders.edu.au> www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/>

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Request for audio visual material for digital field guide
by Daniel Gonzalez 02 Jul '13

02 Jul '13

Dear MARMAM community, I'm currently teaching a marine mammal class in Puguet Sound and the class project is to create an eBook Field guide to the Marine Mammals of the Salish Sea. We are requesting your assistance for images, short video clips, audio clips, or other interesting material of the species listed below. The eBook will be free of charge (we will not profit from your images) and we will give full credit for any material used. Minki Whale Balaenoptera acutorostra Grey Whale Eschrichtius robustus Pacific White-sided Dolphin Lagenorhynchus obliquidens Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae Harbor Porpoise Phocoena phocoena Killer Whale Orcinus orca Dall’s Porpoise Phocoenoides dalli Northern or Steller Sea Lion Eumetopias jubatus California Sea Lion Zalophus californianus Northern Elephant Seal Mirounga angustirostris Harbor Seal Phoca vitulina Sea Otter Enhydra lutris --- Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske Assistant Professor of Biology Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 gonzalezd(a)andrews.edu

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New paper on narwhal foraging behaviour (Watt, C.)
by Cortney Watt 02 Jul '13

02 Jul '13

New paper on narwhal foraging behaviour (Watt, C.) We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on narwhal foraging behaviour "How adaptable are narwhal? A comparison of foraging patterns among the world's three narwhal populations" by Cortney A. Watt, Mads Peter Heide-Jorgensen, and Steven H. Ferguson. Ecosphere 4(6):71. AbstractHow organisms will fare in the face of climate change depends on their behavioral adaptability to changing conditions. Adaptability in foraging behavior will be particularly critical as food web changes are already occurring in Arctic regions. Stomach contents from narwhals (Monodon monoceros) in the Baffin Bay (BB) population have suggested that narwhals are dietary specialists with little behavioral flexibility, but there are two other narwhal populations in the world, the Northern Hudson Bay (NHB) and East Greenland (EG) populations, of which very little is known about diet. We investigated whether plasticity in foraging behaviors existed among the world’s narwhal populations and between sexes by comparing their stable isotope values and niches, and running stable isotope mixing models to determine primary prey. Stable isotope analysis was conducted on skin collected by Inuit hunters during their subsistent narwhal hunt in Canada and Greenland. Stable isotope analysis on carbon (d13C) and nitrogen (d15N) revealed the three populations have distinct stable isotope values that are not expected based on geographic differences and that males in all populations had significantly higher d13C. Stable isotope mixing models revealed narwhals in EG forage more on pelagic prey, particularly capelin, while those in NHB typically forage in the benthos. Males, probably because of their size and enhanced diving ability, likely feed more intensively on benthic organisms, resulting in their higher d13C. Stable isotopic niches were similar between males and females in each population, and between NHB and BB, but EG narwhals had a significantly larger niche, suggesting they either forage across a larger geographical expanse, or whales within the population employ individual dietary specialization. This is the first study to use stable isotopes to evaluate and compare diet in all three narwhal populations, which is vital for understanding how they will fare in the face of changing climate.We discuss how narwhal are adaptable in their preferred prey and how there is potential for narwhal to adjust foraging behavior in the face of the dramatic ecosystem shifts occurring with climate warming. The paper is avalable online at http://www.esajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1890/ES13-00137.1 Thank you. Cortney WattPhD Candidate - University of Manitoba501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, ManitobaR3T 2N6

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REMINDER: ANNOUNCING A T-SHIRT / POSTER COMPETITION FOR THE 20TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE ON THE BIOLOGY OF MARINE MAMMALS IN DUNEDIN
by Coralie D'Lima 02 Jul '13

02 Jul '13

Hi Everyone, This a reminder that the SMM conference committee is organizing a T-shirt / poster competition for the 20th Biennial conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Dunedin. Here are the details of the competition: Theme: "Marine Mammal Conservation ? Science Making a Difference" (and possibly keep in mind that the conference location is in New Zealand) The winner will get a prize pack including a whale watching ticket, a book and authorship of your very own illustration on the conference T-shirts / posters! Images should be sent as .jpg or .tiff files to biennialnzcompetition(a)gmail.com The competition is open to anyone who registers for the conference Deadline: 8th of July, 2013 NOTE: Please send in your ORIGINAL illustrations Feel free to send in as many entries as you like! Good luck! Coralie D'Lima Student Member at Large Society of Marine Mammalogy

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Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life - Budapest August 11-16, 2013
by Arthur N. Popper 02 Jul '13

02 Jul '13

Third International Conference Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life August 11-16, 2013 BUDAPEST, Hungary www.an2013.org An International Conference is taking place in Budapest Hungary on August 11-16, 2013. The meeting follows very successful and well-attended meetings held in Nyborg Denmark (2007) and Cork, Ireland (2010). With increasing offshore development there has never been stronger interest in the effects of man-made noise on aquatic animals. This conference provides an opportunity for those engaged in marine research, offshore development, and the regulation of offshore activities to learn more about the effects of noise on aquatic animals and the aquatic environment. Aquatic Noise 2013, like its predecessors, is intended to introduce participants to the most recent research in this field. Presentations will focus on the most recent findings, discuss regulatory and other current issues and identify data gaps. The meeting itself will promote contact between researchers and between scientists, engineers and regulators and allow opportunities for collaboration. Effects of noise on a wide range of animals will be considered, including marine mammals, turtles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. If you are interested in attending the meeting you should visit the website at www.an2013.org/<http://www.an2013.org/> <http://www.an2013.org/> The latest iteration of the program is available on the website _______________________________________ Arthur N. Popper Professor, Department of Biology University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742 Email: apopper(a)umd.edu<mailto:apopper@umd.edu> Phone: (301) 405-1940 Fax: (301) 314-9358 Web: popperlab(a)umd.edu<mailto:popperlab@umd.edu> Program: www.ccebh.umd.edu

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1st California Student Chapter Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy
by Sarah Peterson 01 Jul '13

01 Jul '13

We are happy to announce the dates for the first annual student conference for the newly created California SMM Student Chapter. Our first annual meeting will be held on Saturday October 26th and Sunday October 27th at the University of California Santa Cruz. Registration/abstract submission is now open and we welcome submissions from both undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6JLLKXDto register/submit an abstract. Click here<http://smm.pbsci.ucsc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/California-Student-SMM…>, or check out our website <http://smm.pbsci.ucsc.edu/meetings/> for more information on the meeting. Please email us at californiastudentsmm(a)gmail.com if you have any questions! Cheers, Sarah and Liz -- Sarah Peterson and Liz McHuron California Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy

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New paper on distribution and movements of sperm whales in the North Pacific
by Sally Mizroch - NOAA Federal 01 Jul '13

01 Jul '13

Hello everyone, Dale Rice and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper on distribution and movements of sperm whales in the North Pacific. Mizroch, S. A. and Rice, D. W. 2013. Ocean nomads: Distribution and movements of sperm whales in the North Pacific shown by whaling data and Discovery marks. Marine Mammal Science 29 (2):E136-E165. DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00601.x Members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy can download a pdf copy of the paper from the Marine Mammal Science website: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00601.x/full or you may contact me directly at sally.mizroch(a)noaa.gov. ABSTRACT We investigated the distribution and movements of sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) in the North Pacific by analyzing whaling data and movement data of whales marked with Discovery marks. Prior studies suggested that there were discrete “stocks” of sperm whales, assuming that the intervals between historical areas of concentration indicated subpopulation boundaries. Our analyses clearly refute this assumption: whaling and marking data suggest no obvious divisions between separate demes or stocks within the North Pacific. Sperm whales appear to be nomadic and show widespread movements between areas of concentration, with documented movements of over 5,000 km, time spans between marking and recovery over 20 yr, and ranges that cover many thousand km2. Males appear to range more widely than females. Sperm whales likely travel in response to geographical and temporal variations in the abundance of medium- and large-sized pelagic squids, their primary prey. Our analyses demonstrate that males and females concentrated seasonally in the Subtropical Frontal Zone (*ca*. 28ºN–34ºN) and the Subarctic Frontal Zone (*ca*. 40ºN–43ºN), and males also concentrated seasonally near the Aleutian Islands and along the Bering Sea shelf edge. It appears that the sperm whales targeted by the pelagic whalers range widely across this ocean basin. Best regards, Sally -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- Sally A. Mizroch Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Mammal Laboratory 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg 4 Seattle, WA 98115, USA voice: (206) 526-4030 fax: (206) 526-6615 e-mail: Sally.Mizroch(a)noaa.gov The contents of this message are mine personally and do not necessarilyreflect any position of NOAA.

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Fwd: Definition (or there lack of) of residency / site fidelity
by Áine O'Shea 01 Jul '13

01 Jul '13

Hello everyone Following a request I submitted to MARMAM last week regarding a definition for residency / site fidelity, I have received some information which I would like to share with the MARMAM site. Here are the main points & recommendations I received from respondents: (Please note, these are the respondants opinions & I am very grateful for everyone who contributed) - It varies and there is no standard definition - The term "site fidelity" is *borrowed* from studies of terrestrial taxa, and in many cases those animals (whether they're mammals, lizards etc.) have very narrow ranges and/or territories that are easily defined. This isn't the case with most cetaceans - Residency is in the eye of the beholder - There's no easy place to draw the line - Residency suggests that animals are almost always present within a specific area, while site fidelity means that animals always return to the same location. Animals can show both residency and site fidelity, or they can show site fidelity without residency (as is the case in many migratory species) - In both cases, the terms are scale-dependent; that is, whether you define an animal as showing residency or site fidelity will depend on the size of the area you are using as your sampling units (usually defined as a study area) e.g. an individual might not be resident in a study area that consists of a single bay, while it may be resident in a wider region - Similarly, for site fidelity, an animal may not repeatedly return to the exact same bay, but may return to the same general area each year, e.g. a humpback whale might not show site fidelity to the island of Maui, but may show site fidelity for the entire Hawaiian archipelago - Both site fidelity and residency may be interpreted as somewhat human constructs imposed on animals based on how we view a specific area of interest, and in all cases, they should be accompanied by a specific definition of the spatial area to which they are being applied - Residency, and to a lesser extent site fidelity, are not particularly useful ecological concepts (the fact that there are no clear definitions is also an indicator of this). Instead, it would be better to use more ecologically-meaningful terms like home range (which captures all areas where an individual occurs and is based on its own distribution and not any human construct of a study area at a specific spatial scale) - Levels of site fidelity can also be captured within the home range concept by looking at core areas within the total home range (for example, areas where an animal spends 50% of its time), and these can be identified using kernel density estimates (KDEs) - There is no natural division between residents and visitors in the Bottlenose population, Adelaide - some are almost always seen, some seen many times, some quite a lot, some only occasionally, some rarely, etc. - The terms may be defined by the conductor of the study - The term residency depends on your research question and hypothesis - Read studies outside the taxon which may or may not shed more light on definition - There is no consistency in the definitions, as in most cases the definitions are based on the duration of the study and not in what the animals are doing - The re-sighting pattern of dolphins will vary with time and if the study is short, their definition is not going to be very rigorous - The best definition of the terms, have been defined for dolphins studies conducted in Sarasota Bay, Florida, and Shark Bay, Australia – as they are the two longest running projects of wild dolphins in the world - One must be careful with definitions and understand that different species have different re-sighting patterns based on the way that their societies are organized - The site fidelity or residency is dependent of the frequency and amount of individuals surveyed - The terms vary also, like residence time (occupancy), annual return rate (recapture rate) and site fidelity - they are not the same, but reflect a tendency of animals coming back / using a particular area, in a certain period - Specify individuals within the species, so you should document your identification process and results - Specify GPS coordinates of location you are proving fidelity. For example, resident Orcas may be loyal to a particular bay, cove, inlet while still being characterized by residents - Specify dates/time of year so you can connect with migration patterns and/or all other known factors for the species and individual - Specify criteria, i.e. how often does the animal return? With what other animals does s/he aggregate? For what duration? - The method of residency / site fidelity is only a tool, not the truth - Figure out if your definition is close to someone else’s and why - Be careful not to miss factors that can drive the coincidence and determine if the pattern is biologically meaningful - Explain also the meaning of any level of variability you observe and how it may overlap with someone else’s definition and why you stick to one or the other - Regardless of the definitions used, the level of understanding of site fidelity for any particular species/population depends both on the actual movement patterns of the animals and the methods used to study them Hope this information is of use Best Regards, Áine -- ** -- *Á**ine* **

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