November 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Volunteer field technicians are bad for wildlife ecology
by Gerry Ryan 23 Nov '15

23 Nov '15

Dear Marmammologists, The expectation of unpaid work harms the scientific community systematically excluding participation by those unable to work for nothing. Given the troublingly frequent postings of unpaid volunteer and internship positions to this list, I highlight the below article from the *Wildlife Society Bulletin*. It does not consider marine mammal jobs specifically, but is undeniably apposite to the field. Fournier, & Bond, 2015, Volunteer field technicians are bad for wildlife ecology, *Wildlife Society Bulletin,* DOI: 10.1002/wsb.603 Abstract: Many advertised field-technician positions sound worthwhile, but have no or very low pay. Although these can be valuable experiences, not paying technicians for their work undermines their professionalism and the professionalism of science as a whole. These unpaid technician positions are available to only the privileged few; and the positions exclude minorities, parents, and other groups who cannot afford to work unpaid. By creating such positions, we prevent everyone, regardless of background, from having a chance to get the field experience they need, and this limits the diversity of voices in wildlife ecology and conservation. We recognize finances are often tight, and there is a long tradition of unpaid work, but these are not valid rationalizations for continuing this practice. Unpaid technicians and internships are bad for science, and the conservation of our natural world. We cannot afford to not pay our technicians. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wsb.603/abstract http://www.researchgate.net/publication/283791283_Volunteer_Field_Technicia… Best wishes, Gerry Ryan

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New publication on marine mammal health trends in North America
by Claire Simeone 23 Nov '15

23 Nov '15

Dear Marmammers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Simeone, C.A., Gulland, F.M.D., Norris, T., Rowles, T.K. 2015. A systematic review of changes in marine mammal health in North America, 1972-2012: the need for a novel integrated approach. PLOS ONE DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142105 The paper is available online via open-access PLOS ONE: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0142105 <http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0142105> An abstract is below. Please feel free to forward any questions to claire.simeone(a)noaa.gov <mailto:claire.simeone@noaa.gov> ABSTRACT: Marine mammals are often cited as “sentinels of ocean health” yet accessible, synthesized data on their health changes that could effectively warn of ocean health changes are rare. The objectives of this study were to 1) perform a systematic review of published cases of marine mammal disease to determine spatial and temporal trends in disease from 1972–2012, including changes in regions and taxa affected and specific causes; and 2) compare numbers of published cases of neoplasia with known, hospital-based neoplasia records to explore the causes of discrepancy between numbers of published cases and true disease trends. Peer-reviewed literature was compiled, and data were collected from The Marine Mammal Center database in Sausalito, California for comparison of numbers of neoplasia cases. Toxicoses from harmful algal blooms appear to be increasing. Viral epidemics are most common along the Atlantic U.S. coastline, while bacterial epidemics, especially leptospirosis, are most common along the Pacific coast. Certain protozoal and fungal zoonoses appear to be emerging, such as Toxoplasma gondii in southern sea otters in California, and Cryptococcus gattii in cetaceans in the Pacific Northwest. Disease reports were most common from California where pinniped populations are large, but increased effort also occurs. Anthropogenic trauma remains a large threat to marine mammal health, through direct mortality and indirect chronic disease. Neoplasia cases were under-reported from 2003–2012 when compared to true number of cases, and over-reported in several years due to case duplication. Peer-reviewed literature greatly underestimates the true magnitude of disease in marine mammals as it focuses on novel findings, fails to reflect etiology of multifactorial diseases, rarely reports prevalence rather than simple numbers of cases, and is typically presented years after a disease first occurs. Thus literature cannot guide management actions adequately, nor inform indices of ocean health. A real-time, nationally centralized system for reporting marine mammal disease data is needed to be able to understand how marine mammal diseases are changing with ecosystem changes, and before these animals can truly be considered ‘sentinels of ocean health’.

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Bottlenose dolphin volunteer opporunity New Zealand
by Outhwaite, Blair 23 Nov '15

23 Nov '15

Bottlenose Dolphin Behavioural Volunteer Position at Great Barrier Island, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with a MSc study investigating the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Great Barrier Island (GBI) and part of the Auckland coastline, New Zealand. This MSc project is part of the ongoing research of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz<https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=QIoA5pdRuUCToTWBw5X7lA6HAVO4K9EIs…>). The primary aim of this study is to assess the behaviour and acoustic repertoire of nationally endangered bottlenose dolphins in an area of zero tourism pressure. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed from January 2016 – April 2016. A minimum commitment of three months is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of bottlenose dolphin behavioural videos and photo-identification (photo-id). The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-id, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills. Fieldwork can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants therefore need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. During GBI trips, we will be based on the island for an average of 4 days, once a month. Coastal surveys will be conducted over 4 non-consecutive days of each month. Both GBI trips and coastal surveys are weather dependent. All surveys will be conducted from a 4.8m Stabicraft vessel. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with; boat-based photo-id surveys from a small vessel and collecting environmental/video based behavioural data (25% of the time). DISCLAIMER: while it is highly likely that the participant will gain field work experience, due to the nature of the project, time in the field cannot be guaranteed. . Analysis of photo-id and behavioural video data in the lab; including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching of photos, maintenance of a long-term photo-id catalogue, identifying behavioural events on video, and data entry. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. Accommodation and travel expenses to/from GBI will be covered. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on small boats . Participants must be comfortable living out of a small backpack (with the exception of food) for several days (during GBI trips) QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) Preferred qualifications but not required: . Prior experience working on small vessels . Field research including photo-id experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . First AID/CPR certification APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz>, using “volunteer position” as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, Blair ---------------------------------- Blair Outhwaite MSc Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800 Ext: 43791(office) Cell: +64 (0)21 062 2794 Email: B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/

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New paper: Occurrence, distribution and behaviour of Bryde's whales (Cetacea: Mysticeti) off south-east Brazil
by Leandra Gonçalves 23 Nov '15

23 Nov '15

Dear all, We are glad to announce the following publication on Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom Occurrence, distribution and behaviour of Bryde's whales (Cetacea: Mysticeti) off south-east BrazilLeandra Regina Gonçalves, Mabel Augustowski and Artur Andriolo Abstract Bryde's whales are among the lesser known balaenopterids found in Brazilian waters, as well as globally. At the beginning of this project, only occasional sightings of this species were identified off the coast of São Paulo State. In this paper, we present the results of our investigations into the occurrence and behaviour of Bryde's whales along the São Paulo coast, both inside and outside the Marine State Park of Laje de Santos, as a contribution to biological and behavioural knowledge of Bryde's whales under the conservation scope. Sighting surveys were conducted from January 2003 to July 2005 in coastal and oceanic areas. During the survey, 42 sightings were made, totalling 71 individuals, between the isobaths of 20 and 3000 m. Sightings and individual rates were higher in coastal areas during the summer season. Different kinds of behaviour were observed in coastal and oceanic areas. At the 1200 m isobath, notable social interactions were observed in which four adult individuals performed breaching – the first report of this behavioural pattern for Brazil. Results suggest that Bryde's whales possibly use coastal areas for feeding and may migrate to oceanic areas for breeding, thus providing important aspects that must be considered for the proper management of Marine Protected Areas and for oceanic areas, especially considering the intensive and continuous increase of oil and gas exploitation activities in those areas. Data reported here, therefore, constitute a significant contribution in Bryde's whale research and to cetacean conservation efforts in Brazil. Requests, please, contact goncalvesleandra(a)gmail.com http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=10… Best regards Leandra Gonçalves

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ORCA ID CATALOGUE ICELAND
by Marie-Thérèse Mrusczok 23 Nov '15

23 Nov '15

Dear MARMAMers, We are proud to announce the publication of our new orca ID catalogue: “North Atlantic Killer Whales of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Photo-Identification Catalogue Iceland, 2016 Winter Edition.” This catalogue includes identification images of 192 North Atlantic Killer Whales sighted off the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from January 2014 to October 2015. The catalogue is publicly available to enhance observations and facilitate further research. We hope that this catalogue will help us follow the seasonal movements of the Icelandic orca population as it can be used by the whale-watching public to identify killer whales all over Iceland. This is an ongoing, non-invasive research project, running all year round – missing pictures will be added in upcoming seasons as sightings allow, and the catalogue will be expanded to include additional pictures of individuals not yet photographed. If you would like to contribute to the project (e.g. if you have taken pictures of orcas in Icelandic waters or the North Atlantic in general) or for further inquiries please send an e-mail to: marie.mrusczok(a)googlemail.com The catalogue is freely available for download at: http://www.lakitours.com/research-and-conservation.html Best regards Marie Mrusczok Láki Research

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Aquatic Mammals Issue 41.4 - ESOMM-2014 Special Issue - available online!
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 23 Nov '15

23 Nov '15

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 41, issue 4, 2015) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate… Issue 41.4 is a special issue associated with the ESOMM-2014 international meeting held in September 2014, in Amsterdam. This issue is the largest ever for Aquatic Mammals at 176 pages! This special issue contains articles on topics related to the effects of sound in the ocean on marine mammals (ESOMM), especially behavioral responses of marine mammals to sonar and other underwater noise sources and noise management. We are also pleased to be able to include an Historical Perspectives article by Dr. Walter Munk. For individuals with a print subscription, the joint print copy of 41.3/41.4 will be mailed in early December. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserv editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 41, issue 4 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com ******* Introduction Lam, F-P.A., Kvadsheim, P.H. 2015. Introduction: Effects of Sound in the Ocean on Marine Mammals. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 355-356. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.355 Research Articles Dolman, S.J., and Jasny, M. 2015. Evolution of Marine Noise Pollution Management. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 357-374. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.357 Leaper, R., Calderan, S., and Cooke, J. 2015. A Simulation Framework to Evaluate the Efficiency of Using Visual Observers to Reduce the Risk of Injury from Loud Sound Sources. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 375-387. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.375 Kastelein, R.A., Helder-Hoek, L., Janssens, G., Gransier, R., and Johansson, T. 2015. Behavioral Responses of Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) to Sonar Signals in the 25-kHz Range. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 388-399. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.388 Kastelein, R.A., van den Belt, I., Gransier, R., and Johansson, T. 2015. Behavioral Responses of a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) to 25.5- to 24.5-kHz Sonar Down-Sweeps With and Without Side Bands. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 400-411. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.400 Dunlop, R.A., Noad, M.J., McCauley, R.D., Kniest, E., Paton, D., and Cato, D.H. 2015. The Behavioural Response of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) to a 20 Cubic Inch Air Gun. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 412-433. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.412 Erbe, C. 2015. The Maskogram: A Tool to Illustrate Zones of Masking. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 434-443. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.434 Miksis-Olds, J.L., Vernon, J.A., and Heaney, K.D. 2015. The Impact of Ocean Sound Dynamics on Estimates of Signal Detection Range. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 444-454. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.444 Paiva, E.G., Salgado K., Chandra P., Gagnon, M.M., McCauley, R., and Finn, H. 2015. Reduced Detection of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in an Inner Harbour Channel During Pile Driving Activities. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 455-468. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.455 Sivle, Lise D., Kvadsheim, Petter H., Curé, Charlotte, Isojunno, Saana, Wensveen, Paul J., Lam, Frans-Peter A., Visser, Fleur, Kleivane, Lars, Tyack, Peter L., Harris, Catriona M., and Miller, Patrick J. O. 2015. Severity of Expert-Identified Behavioural Responses of Humpback Whale, Mike Whale, and Northern Bottlenose Whale to Naval Sonar. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 469-502. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.469 von Benda-Beckmann, A.M., Aarts, G., Sertlek, H. Ö., Lucke, K., Verboom, W.C., Kastelein, R.A., Ketten, D.R., van Bemmelen, R., Lam, F-P.A., Kirkwood, R.J., and Ainsle, M.A. 2015. Assessing the Impact of Underwater Clearance of Unexploded Ordnance on Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the Southern North Sea. Aquatic Mammals 41(4), 503-523. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.503 Historical Perspectives Munk, W. 2015. Historical Perspectives: Acoustic Monitoring of Global Ocean Warming: The Very First Encounters with Concern About Marine Mammals and Sound: A Brief Personal Historical Narrative. Aquatic Mammals 41(1), 524-528. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.4.2015.524

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New publication: The human dimension of the conflict between fishermen and South American sea lions in southern Brazil
by Rodrigo Machado 23 Nov '15

23 Nov '15

Dear colleagues, *I am pleased to announce the publication of 1 paper about **The human dimension of the conflict between fishermen and South American sea lions in southern Brazil* *Abstract: *We analysed the fishermen’s perceptions on the South American sea lions (*Otaria flavescens*) and its interactions with the local fishery close to the Wildlife Refuge of Ilha dos Lobos, a marine protected area in southern Brazil. Sea lions prey upon the same resources targeted by the fishermen. They repeatedly hunt on the nets and consequently damage them. In response, fishermen persecute sea lions. However, in conflicts with high-profile animals, the perceived damage often exceeds the actual evidence. Results from 100 interviews revealed that fishermen’s perception of damage and their attitudes were affected by age, hierarchical position in the crew, if fishing was the only source of income, and level of formal education. Greater perception of damage and more negative attitude were found among older, less educated sailor fishermen who had no other source of income besides fishing. The average fisherman had a relatively good knowledge about sea lions, but also a negative attitude towards them. We recommend actions addressing these negative attitudes through environmental education, with emphasis on adjusting exaggerated perceptions of impact and the potential of the species for wildlife tourism, as a vital step towards the conciliation of sustainable fisheries and *O. flavescens* conservation in the Brazilian coast. Full text is available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10750-015-2576-7 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283755080_The_human_dimension_of_t… Best regards, Rodrigo Machado ______________________________________________________________________ Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS). www.gemars.org.br https://www.facebook.com/gemarsong/?fref=ts Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Av. Bento Gonçalves n° 9500, Bloco IV, Prédio 43435, Porto Alegre, RS 91509-900, Brasil ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rodrigo_Machado2 Skype: ecomachado

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New publication on the Status, biology, threats and conservation priorities of the Mediterranean monk seal
by Alexandros A. Karamanlidis 21 Nov '15

21 Nov '15

Dear Marmammers, my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Karamanlidis, A. A., P. Dendrinos, P. Fernández De Larrinoa, A. C. Gücü, W. M. Johnson, C. O. Kiraç and R. Pires. 2015. Status, biology, threats and conservation priorities of the Mediterranean monk seal. Mammal Review. DOI: 10.1111/mam.12053 The paper is available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mam.12053/abstract Abstract is below, pdf requests can be sent to: akaramanlidis(a)gmail.com Best regards *Abstract* 1. The Mediterranean monk seal *Monachus monachus* is the most endangered seal species. In this review we summarize the status, ecology and behaviour of the Mediterranean monk seal, and identify the main threats that currently affect the species and the conservation priorities for securing its survival. 2. Once abundant throughout the Black Sea and Mediterranean as well as off the Atlantic coasts of northwestern Africa and Macaronesia, the Mediterranean monk seal has recently suffered dramatic declines, both in abundance and geographical range. It is now estimated that fewer than 700 individuals survive in three or four isolated subpopulations in the eastern and western Mediterranean, the archipelago of Madeira and the Cabo Blanco area in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. 3. Mediterranean monk seals are coastal marine mammals. When resting and pupping on land, individuals generally seek refuge in inaccessible marine caves; this behaviour is, in part, believed to be an adaptation to increased disturbance by humans. Larger aggregations or colonies of the species can now be found only at Cabo Blanco in the Atlantic Ocean and on the island of Gyaros in the eastern Mediterranean. 4. The main threats to the survival of the Mediterranean monk seal are habitat deterioration; deliberate killing, mainly by fishermen; and accidental entanglement and drowning in fishing gear. Limited availability of food sources and stochastic and unusual events have occasionally also contributed to Mediterranean monk seal mortality. 5. Based on a common consensus among scientists and conservationists, the main conservation priorities for the monk seal are: habitat protection; mitigating negative interactions between seals and fisheries; scientific research and monitoring of local seal populations; education and public awareness campaigns; and rescue and rehabilitation of wounded, sick and orphaned seals. greetings from Greece, *Αλέξανδρος Καραμανλίδης* *Βιολόγος **PhD* *Επιστημονικός Συντονιστής* *MOm**/Εταιρεία Μελέτης & Προστασίας της Μεσογειακής Φώκιας* *Alexandros Karamanlidis* *Biologist PhD* *Scientific Coordinator* *MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal* *www.mom.gr <http://www.mom.gr/>* *tel: 00302105222888 <00302105222888>, fax: 00302105222450 <00302105222450>, mob: 00306942439175 <00306942439175>* [image: MOmsimablueDiafano copy]

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New publication on cardiac responses before and after exercise in dolphins
by Fahlman, Andreas 21 Nov '15

21 Nov '15

Dear marmers, We are proud to announce our new publication in cardiac function in bottlenose dolphins published in Journal of Experimental Biology. Title: Evaluating cardiac physiology through echocardiography in bottlenose dolphins: using stroke volume and cardiac output to estimate systolic left ventricular function during rest and following exercise Authors: Stefan Miedler, Andreas Fahlman, Mónica Valls Torres, Teresa Álvaro Álvarez, Daniel Garcia-Parraga Journal: Journal of Experimental Biology 2015 218: 3604-3610; doi: 10.1242/jeb.131532 Abstract: Heart-rate (fH) changes during diving and exercise are well documented for marine mammals, but changes in stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) are much less known. We hypothesized that both SV and CO are also modified following intense exercise. Using transthoracic ultrasound Doppler at the level of the aortic valve, we compared blood flow velocities in the left ventricle and cardiac frequencies during rest and at 1, 3 and 4 min after a bout of exercise in 13 adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, six male and seven female, body mass range 143–212 kg). Aortic cross-sectional area and ventricle blood velocity at the aortic valve were used to calculate SV, which together with fH provided estimates of left CO at rest and following exercise. fH and SV stabilized approximately 4–7 s following the post-respiratory tachycardia, so only data after the fH had stabilized were used for analysis and comparison. There were significant increases in fH, SV and CO associated with each breath. At rest, fH, SV and CO were uncorrelated with body mass, and averaged 41±9 beats min−1, 136±19 ml and 5514±1182 l min−1, respectively. One minute following high intensity exercise, the cardiac variables had increased by 104±43%, 63±11% and 234±84%, respectively. All variables remained significantly elevated in all animals for at least 4 min after the exercise. These baseline values provide the first data on SV and CO in awake and unrestrained cetaceans in water. For reprints please e-mail Andreas Fahlman: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu<mailto:andreas.fahlman@tamucc.edu> or download at: http://jeb.biologists.org/jexbio/218/22/3604.full.pdf Andreas Fahlman Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Dr Unit 5892 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Ph. +1-361-825-3489 Fax +1-361-825-2025 mail: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu<mailto:andreas.fahlman@tamucc.edu> web: http://www.comparative-physiology.tamucc.edu/

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New publication on Feeding ecology of dusky dolphins Lagenorhynchus obscurus: evidence from stable isotopes
by Rocio Loizaga De Castro 20 Nov '15

20 Nov '15

Dear Marmammers, my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Loizaga de Castro, R*, Saporiti F., Vales D. G., García N. A., Cardona L., Crespo E. A. (2015) Feeding ecology of dusky dolphins *Lagenorhynchus obscurus*: evidence from stable isotopes. Journal of Mammalogy, xx(x):1–11, 2015 DOI:10.1093/jmammal/gyv180 Abstract is below. The paper is available online at *http://jmammal.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/06/jmammal.gyv180 <http://jmammal.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/06/jmammal.gyv180>* or PDF requests can be sent to *rocio(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar <vales(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar> Best regards, The dusky dolphin *Lagenorhynchus obscurus *occurs in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is restricted to coastal temperate areas. This study aimed to characterize the feeding ecology of dusky dolphins inhabiting northern and central Patagonia by using δ13C and δ15N stable isotope ratios in skin samples. We searched for evidence of geographical and seasonal variation in diet and we explored dietary differences between sexes. Significant differences in the stable isotope ratios of dusky dolphins were found among the 4 gulfs under study. Skin samples from Golfo San Matías and Golfo San Jorge were 13C-enriched and 15N-depleted compared to those from Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José. There was no seasonality in the diet at Golfo Nuevo, and no differences in the diet between sexes in any gulf. Furthermore, Bayesian ellipses of males and females were similar in size and the overlap was mostly symmetrical in Golfo San José and Golfo San Jorge, while in the Golfo San Matías and Golfo Nuevo, females had wider ranges of δ15N, suggesting the exploitation of a wider trophic niche. Finally, pelagic fishes and demersal pelagic squids were identified as the main prey for this species of dolphin, although the proportion of each prey varied regionally. El delfín oscuro *Lagenorhynchus obscurus *se distribuye ampliamente en el Hemisferio Sur, donde prefiere áreas templadas costeras. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la ecología trófica de delfines oscuros que habitan en el norte y centro de la Patagonia mediante el uso de isótopos estables de δ13C y δ15N en muestras de piel. Específicamente, buscamos evidencia de variación geográfica y estacional en la dieta de los delfines y exploramos la diferencia de dieta entre sexos. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en los valores de isótopos estables de los delfines entre los cuatro golfos bajo estudio. Las muestras de piel de Golfo San Matías y Golfo San Jorge se encuentran enriquecidas en 13C y deprimidas en 15N en comparación con las muestras del Golfo Nuevo y Golfo San José. No hubo estacionalidad en la dieta en el Golfo Nuevo, y no hay diferencias en la dieta entre sexos en ningún golfo. Además, las elipses bayesianas de machos y hembras fueron similares en tamaño y la superposición fue mayormente simétrica en el Golfo San José y el Golfo San Jorge, mientras que en el Golfo San Matías y el Golfo Nuevo, las hembras tienen rangos más amplios de δ15N, lo que sugiere la explotación de un nicho trófico más amplio. Por último, los peces pelágicos y los calamares demersales pelágicos fueron identificados como la presa principal de esta especie de delfín, aunque la contribución de cada presa varió regionalmente. -- Dra. Rocío Loizaga de Castro Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Centro Nacional Patagónico (CENPAT) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) Boulevard Brown 2915, (9120)Puerto Madryn, Argentina Tel: 54 (280) 4883184 Int 1252 Fax: 54 (280) 4883543 website: www.cenpat.edu.ar E-mail: rocio(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar

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