November 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

dolphin communication project and crowdfunding
by Alina Loth 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

Dear all, Our research crowdfunding project about the roots of language and dolphin communication is online and we would love to have your support: www.sciencestarter.de/dolphinlanguage Whether by being interested in our research and subscribing as a supporter, by spreading the word or by helping us fundraising, every helping hand is highly appreciated! The website layout is in German but the video and all the texts are in English. We are looking forward to getting this fascinating project going and are excited to share the process with an interested crowd! So if you want to be part of the team: Become a fan! Signing up just takes 2 minutes and here is a step by step instruction in English: <https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ufefgcgl7jsrlzg/AADk_suMBeZnqWhsARdns9eNa?dl=0> https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ufefgcgl7jsrlzg/AADk_suMBeZnqWhsARdns9eNa?dl=0 Thank you for your support! Kind regards, Alina Loth Beschreibung: 01-university-of-st-andrews-founded-1413 Alina Loth University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, KY16 9LB

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Cetacean bycatch consultancy
by Aimee Leslie 16 Nov '15

16 Nov '15

WWF is seeking a highly qualified cetacean bycatch expert to deliver the following consultancy: Cetacean Bycatch Consultancy ToR Background Incidental capture in fishing operations is the most important threat to whales, dolphins and porpoises worldwide. Catches occur in gillnet, longline, purse seine and trawl gear, in fisheries that range from industrial to artisanal. Several species and many populations can be lost in the next few years without immediate action. A coordinated, co-operative effort is required to address this global issue, although each problem will require a local solution. Direct involvement of the fishing industry is essential at all stages, from recognising the problem to developing solutions. Considerable progress has been made in a few fisheries in the development, testing and implementation of measures designed to reduce the incidental mortality of cetaceans. In general, this information has not been widely disseminated outside specific scientific or conservation communities. Lack of detailed information on the magnitude of the bycatch or the size and biology of particular cetacean populations should not be used as a reason for a lack of action. Default or generalised models of cetacean population dynamics and relative bycatch rates can and should be used as the basis for initiating action. Purpose The purpose of this consultancy is to revise and compile available resources on cetacean bycatch as well as update the content of a website to be developed (cetacean-bycatch.org) as the go-to site for information from different sources that can provide lessons learnt on what has worked and hasn't worked to reduce and mitigate cetacean bycatch on a case-by-case basis. This consultancy is to provide an analysis and comparison of the different alternatives to reduce cetacean bycatch, taking into account the specific circumstances that influenced success or the lack of it. This comparison will consider, but not be limited by, the following criteria: · Location characteristics (social, economic, environmental) · Target species · Bycaught species · Fishing type and gear · Engagement process · When and where the approach might or might not work · Cost · Sources of information Most importantly the consultant will identify the best one or two candidate gear solutions to bycatch that the network should seek to roll-out at an ecological meaningful scale. Scope This consultancy is to look at bycatch deterrents such as, but not limited to: acoustic alarms or pingers, fishing gear modifications, time and area closures, and cetacean release methods. Sources of information include: · The Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS) defined unacceptable levels of incidental mortality of small cetaceans in commercial fisheries; · The Agreement for the International Dolphin Conservation Program for the eastern Pacific, signed by eleven countries, establishment of a complex management system to reduce dolphin bycatches; · The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission extensive work to assess the magnitude of cetacean bycatches and review mitigation measures; · The United States formal system of stock assessment and mitigation to address the incidental mortality of cetaceans and other marine mammals. Timeline and Budget November 2015: Consultant is hired and contract is finalised. January 2015: Consultant submits draft report. February 2015: Based on network feedback consultant delivers final report. Budget to be agreed. Please send letters of interest, quote and CV to aleslie(a)wwfint.org <mailto:aleslie@wwfint.org> no later than November 27, 2015.

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Fin whale Research Assistant Program or Internship Opportunity - Barcelona (EDMAKTUB)
by Info Edmaktub 15 Nov '15

15 Nov '15

*RESEARCH ASSISTANT OR INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY* *EDMAKTUB ASSOCIATION* <http://www.edmaktub.com/> *7-Day Fin whale Research Assistant Program * *or * *Internship opportunity (mid-February to mid-June)* *Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona (SPAIN)* *Want to be part of a pioneer research project to study fin whales’ remarkable presence near Barcelona’s coast?* *Interested in joining a scientific campaign while you enjoy seeing many other cetacean species and seabirds in Mediterranean waters?* *We are seeking volunteers to assist in next year’s research campaign in the catalan coast, *between Barcelona and Tarragona (NW Mediterranean basin), which will take place *from March to May 2016*, to study fin whales’ use of Catalan waters in the area of Garraf (central-south Catalonia) as a potential feeding station during their migrations across the Mediterranean Sea. This is the *first dedicated study that has ever been conducted in this area*, which includes the* use of new non-invasive techniques such as drones *(used to obtain blow samples for genetic studies). Last two-year research we have sighted 92 fin whales and we photo-identified 58 individuals. Volunteers will have the chance to enjoy the *high marine biodiversity found in the area*, including: bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*), striped dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba*) and Risso’s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*); many seabird species, some of which are endangered such as the Balearic shearwater (*Puffinus mauretanicus*), Mediterranean shearwater (*Puffinus yelkouan*), Cory's shearwater (*Calonectris diomedea)*, Atlantic puffin (*Fratercula arctica*), and Northern gannet (*Morus bassanus*); different fish species (such as sunfish, manta ray and blue-fin tuna); many invertebrates; and sometimes even Loggerhead turtles (*Caretta caretta*)! *FIN WHALE PROJECT* <http://www.edmaktub.com/150-2/> Our research campaigns focus on the *monitoring of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus),* the second largest species on earth and the only regular whale in the Mediterranean, *presence in Catalan waters (NW Mediterranean basin) *using visual vessel-based surveys. We offer the opportunity to learn about marine species and habitats in the study area; gain experience in field work and monitoring techniques (including non-invasive techniques such as the use of drones to obtain blow samples for genetic studies and the use of hydrophones for passive acoustic studies), data processing and analysis. Assistants will also be able to listen to vocalizations recorded in the field and help in the processing of photos taken from sightings for photo-id. Volunteering with EDMAKTUB you will *learn about the rich marine fauna found in the Garraf area and cetaceans’ census techniques while you enjoy full-day survey trips on our catamaran along the Catalan coast*. Data collected by volunteers during the surveys will contribute to our long running research studies on fin whales habitat usage, abundance, photo-identification, feeding behaviour and acoustic studies. We offer a fantastic opportunity for you to *make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation* and also meet new people who share your interests! During their free time and when weather conditions are unfavorable for boat surveys, volunteers will be able to visit Barcelona and enjoy its vibrant cultural offer, as well as to enjoy a huge variety of wildlife while doing some trekking and nature expeditions in Garraf’s Natural Park (beautiful location where we’re based). *Here * <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUjpZWQZzlk>*you will find a short video about the ‘Fin whale Project’.* *We invite you to join **EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>*’s research. * *We offer to two options:* *Option 1. Research Assistant Program: participate in our ongoing research for 7 days * The campaign period will be divided into one-week sessions. A maximum of 6 assistants will be able to join each session, and priority will be given to volunteers who can join more than one session. *We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students *who require field work support and office space *to conduct their research projects* (please contact us by email to discuss project ideas). No previous experience, nor specific knowledge, is required as EDMAKTUB staff will provide all the necessary information and training. *Option 2. Internship program: be part of EDMAKTUB team during the whole study period * Edmaktub is currently accepting internship applications for our research project. A maximum of 3 internships will be accepted to work with us from mid-February and mid-June. We are seeking for motivated and qualified people who want to obtain field training in cetaceans’ research. ------------------------------ *EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>* is a non-profit organization* that relies on its volunteers’ and collaborators’ donations to cover the costs and support the work of the project. *Volunteers are an essential part of the association* and play a vital role in our work. Join us in this *unforgettable experience* which will allow you to stay in direct contact with the marine environment and its fascinating inhabitants! *If you are interested and would like more information on dates and prices, please fill up the following form: * *http://goo.gl/forms/uU3fYmrTSh <http://goo.gl/forms/uU3fYmrTSh>* *If you are interested in Option 2 (internship), please send us your CV and cover letter to info(a)edmaktub.org <nfo(a)edmaktub.org>* *EDMAKTUB Association: for the study and disclosure of the marine environment * *www.edmaktub.org* <http://www.edmaktub.org/> Facebook: *Edmaktub* <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edmaktub/130721510320401>

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SMM Conference Student Travel Fundraiser - Seal Clubbing II: Beachmaster's Ball
by Charles Littnan 14 Nov '15

14 Nov '15

Attention! Seal Clubbing II: Beachmaster’s Ball is almost here. Time to get ready! We are just about one month away from the 21st Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in San Francisco. By all accounts this is shaping up to be an epic conference. The plenaries look impressive. The science is going to be better than ever. So to keep in line with this high standard, we are making sure that the student travel fundraiser is the best party yet. This is an opportunity to dance, to mingle, to turn off your brain for a bit, and help support our student scientists. We have been receiving some emails asking for more information so here is almost everything you need to know for the party that you can’t miss. The Venue: Mezzanine (444 Jessie St.) http://mezzaninesf.com/private-events/ This is a great space with lounge areas upstairs and plenty of room on the dance floor. A world-class sound system will ensure the best dance experience all night. Best of all, the venue is a 9-minute walk from the conference hotel! The Music: We know you love to dance. We are bringing on a professional DJ who has been briefed on the musical wants and needs of our marine mammal colleagues. You will be moved to dance! The Date: The party is Wednesday Dec 16. Doors will open at 8 PM and things are shutting down at 2AM. That gives you 6.5 hours of sleep before the Thursday morning poster session. We are here for sciences so don’t miss the poster session! Ticket Prices: Tickets gain you entry into the party and provide a long-lasting warm fuzzy feeling that you are helping our next generation of marine mammal scientists make it to the Halifax conference in 2017. Student $15 (comes with 1 free raffle ticket) Non-Student $25 (comes with 1 free raffle ticket) Raffle Ticket $2 (or 12 for $20) The Raffle: As always we are selling raffle tickets to help raise funds and give you the opportunity to take home some excellent prizes. We are changing things a little this year and having two drawings. The first drawing for most of the prizes will be at the party and YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. The second drawing will happen at the closing of the conference and you don’t need to be there to win. We will make sure you get your prize. So what are the prizes? Well just to name a few: iPads, GoPros, gift certificates, schwag from The Marine Mammal Center, tacky marine mammal items and more! The more tickets you buy, the better your chances, and the more students get to travel in 2017! Where to Purchase: At this point you are probably asking yourself where you can get these tickets. Tickets to the party can be purchased while registering for the conference. We will make sure that they are part of your registration packet when you check in. Otherwise, we will have a small station set up near registration where you can purchase all the tickets you desire. Cash only!! ESSENTIAL INFORMATION: 1. Must be 21 years old or older. 2. Must have valid ID. For our foreign guests, that means bring a passport! 3. Dress code. Don’t wear your field clothes. Hawaiians, no slippahs (flip flops). 4. Drink Prices: Standard prices for San Francisco. Cocktails between $9-11. So we recommend a few beverages beforehand and enjoying at least a couple at the venue (we do have a minimum bar tab we need to reach people!). Stash away a little extra cash in the next month to make sure you help put a dent in the bar bill! Have any questions? Hit us up on the Seal Clubbing II: Beachmaster’s Ball FB Page! https://www.facebook.com/Seal-Clubbing-II-Beachmasters-Ball-143979186633828… Cheers, Charles and Ari

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Collaboration with Sotalia sound recordings (Gabriel Melo-Santos and Laura May-Collado)
by Gabriel Melo Alves dos Santos 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

Dear all, My name is Gabriel Melo-Santos and I am a PhD student from Universidade Federal do Pará, Brazil. The focus of my thesis is the acoustic behavior of *Inia *and *Sotalia* dolphins. I am working under the advisement of Dr. Laura May-Collado and Dr. Maria Luisa da Silva. Now Dr. May-Collado and I are working on how *Sotalia *vocalizations may vary along the distribution of the genus as well as intra-population variations. For the time being we have various collaborators along the Brazilian coast and Mexico, but we still need collaborators in French Guiana, Guyana, Nicaragua, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. We are asking our collaborators for 10-15 hours of recordings (if possible), selected from their database in order to obtain a more representative sample on group sizes and behaviors, collaborators will be acknowledged as co-authors on the publication. We are going to run the analysis on Beluga and ARTwarp these tools allow us to extract and compare the whole contour of the sounds, and have showed excellent results on the differentiation of calls from bottlenose dolphins and orcas. If you are in one of the countries listed above, or another country, but willing to collaborate please contact me (botogabriel(a)gmail.com) or Dr. May-Collado (lmaycollado(a)gmail.com) Best regards, Gabriel Melo-Santos -- Gabriel Melo Alves dos Santos Doutorando em Teoria e Pesquisa do Comportamento (Ecoetologia) Universidade Federal do Pará BioMA - Biologia e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos da Amazônia LOBio - Laboratório de Ornitologia e Bioacústica (91)8077-2763 "(...) As we bandy round solution celebrate our evolution That antidotes our stations today And as we activate our nation As we're joined by our companions we ignite our generation today (...)"

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2016 Hebridean Cetacean Research Surveys Announced
by Volunteer Coordinator 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

*Call for Volunteers for 2016 Field Season* Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season (April Oct) from aboard our fully-equipped research yacht, Silurian. Survey length ranges between 7 12 days, living aboard Silurian for the duration. Every year we welcome aboard enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute directly to our research work. Volunteers, in effect, become marine mammal scientists for the duration of the survey; living and working aboard Silurian, assisting with day-to-day running, as well as working together as a team to carry out visual and acoustic surveys. To find out more about the research on board please follow this link <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp> . We have produced a short a short video about joining us aboard, please CLICK HERE to watch it. Volunteers will assist fully in the collection of data, with mega-fauna and sea bird identification training provided. Acoustic and visual methods are combined to produce comprehensive data sets. During encounters photographs are taken of dorsal fins to try and identify the individual, gaining a better understanding of species movements and interactions with each other. The data collected, and subsequent information produced is essential when monitoring the distribution, relative abundance and habitat preference of cetacean species in the Hebrides. Only with coherent data can effective conservation and management strategies be designed to enable long-term protection of the amazing species found in Hebridean waters. As a volunteer on board Silurian, you will have the opportunity to see first-hand the amazing variety of marine wildlife the UK has to offer including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks and seabirds. You will explore some of the remotest, wildest parts of the British Isles - anchoring each night in a different secluded bay off one of the many Hebridean islands, venturing ashore to explore if you wish. The opportunity to gain sailing experience is also available, although no certificates are issued. Come and do this if you feel it is something that stirs within you, and if you want to contribute in a small but lasting way to something that is real, concrete and tangible: something that advances our understanding of an ecosystem that, while barely understood, remains crucial to the survival and prosperity of everyone. Rob Clother, Silurian volunteer 2015 Rendezvous location is either Tobermory (on the Isle of Mull, where HWDT is based), Kyle of Lochalsh or Ullapool. More information on specific surveys will be provided on request. There is a monetary value attached to participating which includes accommodation (aboard) and food throughout the expedition. The income generated allows HWDT to continue this well established monitoring programme, you can be assured that without your contribution our research couldn't be undertaken. 2016 Standard Survey dates, rendezvous and cost: * 1st - 7th May; Tobermory Rendezvous; £895 * 11th - 19th May; Tobermory Rendezvous; £1,075 (Limited Availability) * 7th - 15th June; Kyle of Lochalsh Rendezvous; £1,175 * 16th - 27th June; Kyle of Lochalsh Rendezvous; £1,395 * 11th - 22nd July; Tobermory Rendezvous; £1,395 * 5th - 13th August; Tobermory Rendezvous; £1,175 * 17th - 28th August; Tobermory Rendezvous; £1,395 * 2nd - 10th Sept; Ullapool Rendezvous; £1,075 * 18th - 29th Sept; Ullapool Rendezvous; £1,295 Joint Warrior Surveys (monitoring the massive military exercise that occurs bi-annually in the Hebrides): <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/news_article.asp?news_id=446> * 3rd - 11th April; £895 * 4th - 12th October; £895 For further information about our surveys please go online to: http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/get-involved-join-us-onboard.asp For Further information about HWDT please go online to: www.hwdt.org Or contact HWDTs volunteer coordinator Morven Russell Email: volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> Telephone: 01688 302620 Thank you, and hope to see you aboard next season! Morven Russell Volunteer Coordinator Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org Please note my standard working days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

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Academic post opportunity!
by Per Berggren 13 Nov '15

13 Nov '15

Dear MARMAMers, We have an opportunity here at Newcastle University, UK, for a permanent academic post: D24048A - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology/Ecology. This is a very broad position involving marine science teaching, supervision of student projects and conducting research. It is a great opportunity for a marine mammologist who would like to establish him/herself after having done a postdoc. A good publication record is essential and some teaching experience. Newcastle University has excellent research facilities (http://www.ncl.ac.uk/marine/) including the Dove Marine Laboratory, an 18m research vessel, hydrodynamics lab, cavitation tunnel and several ongoing marine megafauna projects. Here is a link to the advert (go to page 6): https://vacancies.ncl.ac.uk/LoginV2.aspx. Deadline for applications is 27 November 2015. I am happy to answer any questions regarding the post and working at Newcastle University. Cheers, Per -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr Per Berggren Senior Lecturer, School of Marine Science and Technology Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, UK Phone:+44 191 208 5676 Email: per.berggren(a)ncl.ac.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit us on http://www.facebook.com/newcastlemarine Follow us on http://www.Twitter.com/newcastlemarine And watch us on http://www.YouTube.com/newcastlemarine -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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INTERNSHIPS WITH MANGROVE AND MARINE CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN BAJA MEXICO
by colin＠ravenadventures.com 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

MANGROVE MONITORING PROJECT Dates: January 21st - 30th, 2015 Mangrove monitoring interns will be directly assisting in marine conservation by conducting an in depth study of mangrove forests located in Magdelena Bay, Baja Mexico. The program is open to those wishing to gain valuable field experience while contributing to an important study in some of the most pristine mangrove areas left on earth. Using sea kayaks to navigate the dense labyrinth of mangrove forests, participants will collect samples, note climate and water conditions, photograph and film insects, birds, reptiles, mollusks and mammals that use the dense vegetation for food and cover. Species counts will also be conducted on barrier islands found along the Pacific coast. Using GPS systems, the density and distribution of each individual sighting will be added to a catalog of all species encountered over a five-year period. Participants will learn skills such as animal tracking techniques, GPS data collection, wildlife photography, desert and mangrove natural history, sea kayaking and other wilderness skills. No previous kayaking or field research experience is needed and all kayaking is done in protected bays. Due to weather, tides and other factors that affect navigation, interns assisting us will want to have a “go with the flow attitude”, be willing to share a small tent with another participant, possibly ride in the back of pick up trucks, wade into deep mud, and participate in camp life such as cooking, cleaning, and logistical chores. The internship cost is $950 per person for the 10 day session and includes all food, lodging, camping / kayak rentals etc. Volunteers will be responsible for their flight/bus to/from Loreto, Mexico. We have years of experience traveling to Baja and may be able to give you some pointers on how to save some money with plane or bus tickets. http://ravenadventures.com/mangrove-project/ MARINE CONSERVATION SURVEY: CETACEAN, PINNIPED, AND SEABIRD MONITORING February 5th - 13th, 2016 The Marine Conservation Survey is an international effort to gather much needed scientific data regarding present environmental / biological conditions found in the Loreto area of the Sea of Cortez. Research interns will assist our Mexican conservation partner GEA (Grupos Ecologistas Antares) with multiple marine transects (above and below the surface) as well as other biological investigations in an effort to better understand the fragile ecosytem of the Sea of Cortez. Research interns may be exposed to an abundant number of marine life including whale species such as the blue, sperm, brydes, humpback, finback, orca and pilot whale. Dolphins and sea lions can also be found in high numbers throughout the study site. All data collected will be available to the local Marine Park of Loreto as well as various nature conservation programs operating in the area. No previous field research experience is needed and interns of all ages are welcome. Interns assisting us will want to have a “go with the flow attitude”, be willing to share a small tent with another participant, possibly ride in the back of pick up trucks, and participate in camp life such as cooking, cleaning, and logistical chores. The internship cost is $950 per person for the 9 day session and is limited to 4 participants. The cost includes food, camping accommodations, camping gear, and safety equipment such as PFDs. Volunteers will be responsible for their flight/bus to/from Loreto, Mexico. We have years of experience traveling to Baja and may be able to give you some pointers on how to save some money with plane or bus tickets. http://ravenadventures.com/marine-conservation/

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New publication: Detecting surface-feeding behavior by rorqual whales in accelerometer data
by Ms Kylie Owen 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

We are pleased to announce a new publication describing a method to detect surface-feeding behavior by rorqual whales in accelerometer data. Owen, K., Dunlop, R. A., Monty, J. P., Chung, D., Noad, M. J., Donnelly, D., Goldizen, A. W. and Mackenzie, T. (2015) Detecting surface-feeding behavior by rorqual whales in accelerometer data. Marine Mammal Science. doi: 10.1111/mms.12271 Abstract: The movement of marine animals feeding at the sea surface is restricted by wave drag and a reduction in propulsive efficiency. Many rorqual whale species lunge feed at the surface, yet existing methodologies for detecting lunges in accelerometer data have not been applied to surface-feeding behavior. Our study aimed to develop a method to detect surface-feeding behavior in accelerometer data and in doing so, determine whether wave drag influences the detection of surface-feeding behavior. A new acceleration parameter is described that considers the forward acceleration of the animal relative to its pitch. The new parameter, along with information on the deceleration and pitch angle, was then used in an automatic lunge detecting algorithm followed by a visual classification method that detected approximately 70% of the lunges observed during focal follow sampling. The forward acceleration of lunges decreased significantly with increasing proximity to the surface. This lower acceleration at the surface may influence the ability to detect lunge feeding behavior close to the surface. Future research should attempt to determine the cause of this relationship, which may be the influence of changes in the forces acting on the whale or behavioral flexibility by the whale. The article can be accessed here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12271/abstract Kind Regards Kylie Owen, PhD Alaska SeaLife Center 301 Railway Avenue Seward, Alaska, USA, 99664 Email: kylie.owen(a)uqconnect.edu.au

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New publication: Testing the Two Species of Delphinus Hypothesis
by Haydee Cunha 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

Dear Marmammers, my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Cunha HA, Loizaga de Castro R, Secchi ER, Crespo EA, Lailson-Brito J, Azevedo AF, Lazoski C, Solé-Cava AM (2015) Molecular and Morphological Differentiation of Common Dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the SouthwesternAtlantic: Testing the Two Species Hypothesis in Sympatry. PLoS One 10(11):e0140251. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0140251 Abstract: Thetaxonomy of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) has always been controversial, withover twenty described species since the original description of the typespecies of the genus (Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758). Two species and foursubspecies are currently accepted, but recent molecular data have challengedthis view. In this study we investigated the molecular taxonomy of commondolphins through analyses of cytochrome b sequences of 297 individuals frommost of their distribution. We included 37 novel sequences from theSouthwestern Atlantic Ocean, a region where the short- and long-beakedmorphotypes occur in sympatry, but which had not been well sampled before.Skulls of individuals from the Southwestern Atlantic were measured to test thevalidity of the rostral index as a diagnostic character and confirmed thepresence of the two morphotypes in our genetic sample. Our genetic results showthat all common dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean belong to a single species,Delphinus delphis. According to genetic data, the species Delphinus capensis isinvalid. Long-beaked common dolphins from the Northeastern Pacific Ocean mayconstitute a different species. Our conclusions prompt the need for revision ofcurrently accepted common dolphin species and subspecies and of Delphinusdelphis distribution. The pdf can be downloaded from: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0140251. Alternatively, pdf requests can be addressed to haydeecunha(a)yahoo.com.br. Cheers, Haydée ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Haydée A. Cunha, PhD MAQUA - Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (UERJ) Faculdade de Oceanografia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 / Sl. 4002-E Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brasil CEP 20.550-013 Tel: +55 (21) 2334-0065+55 (21) 2334-0065 / 99981-8382CallSend SMSCall from mobileAdd to SkypeYou'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

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