September 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

settlement reached in Navy sonar case
by Jasny, Michael 14 Sep '15

14 Sep '15

All, Last year, a number of conservation groups filed litigation in U.S. federal court challenging Navy sonar and underwater explosives activity off Southern California and Hawaii. As I reported last March, the Court ruled in favor of plaintiffs on multiple grounds. Since then, our groups and the Navy have engaged in intensive negotiations to see if we could come to agreement on a court order that protects marine mammals while meeting national security needs. The parties reached agreement in principle last month, and today the Court entered our agreement as an Order. For the first time, notably, the Navy has agreed to restrict and limit mid-frequency sonar (and explosives) activities off the U.S. west coast and to expand restrictions off Hawaii beyond humpback whales. The settlement protects blue whale foraging grounds off San Diego County, beaked whale habitat around California's Channel Islands, and waters around the Big Island, Maui, and Molokai that host numerous small, resident populations of odonocetes. Other provisions are intended to reduce ship-strike risk for large whales and secure research funds for beaked whale populations off Southern California. The settlement is the product of genuinely constructive, good-faith discussions among the parties: the Navy, NMFS, and our organizations. My sincere hope is that we can extend the same constructive effort to other areas where sonar activities are concentrated. Please let me know if you'd like a copy of the settlement. Cheers, Michael Michael jasny Director, Marine Mammal Protection NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, bc v6r1s4 T 604.736.9386 c 310.560.5536 mjasny(a)NRDC.ORG<mailto:mjasny@NRDC.ORG> Please save paper. Think before printing.

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New publication: Habitat overlap between bottlenose dolphins and seabirds: a pilot study to identify high-presence coastal areas in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
by Valentina Cafaro 14 Sep '15

14 Sep '15

Dear MARMAM, my coauthors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication: Habitat overlap between bottlenose dolphins and seabirds: a pilot study to identify high-presence coastal areas in the Tyrrhenian Sea. V. CAFARO, D. ANGELETTI, B. BELLISARIO, A. MACALI, C. CARERE, J. ALESSI. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 2015. doi:10.1017/S0025315415001447 Abstract The identification of foraging hotspots able to support the co-existence of multiple top predators provides a potential approach to addressing protection measures for marine ecosystems. In this study, we conducted visual surveys in the central Tyrrhenian Sea to determine areas with simultaneous presence of bottlenose dolphins, four species of seabirds (Audouin’s gull, Yellowlegged gull, Yelkouan shearwater and Cory’s shearwater), and baitballs occurring at the surface, indicating the presence of potential prey items. We also analysed their occurrence in relation to topography (depth, slope and distance from the shore) and seabed types. Kriging analysis identified areas with simultaneous presence of several marine top predators. Dolphin distribution appeared to be linked to gentle slope (6–10 m) and muddy seabed, possibly associated with prey distribution, whereas the four seabird species were more frequent in areas with a water depth of 100–150 m, gentle slope and muddy seabed, apart from Audouin’s gull, which preferred a depth of 10–20 m. Baitball distribution was linked to depth (20–40 m), gentle slope (6–10 m) and muddy seabed. The overlapping presence of bottlenose dolphins, seabirds and baitballs allowed the identification of foraging areas, presumably representing biodiversity and productivity hotspots, located in waters of 50–100 m depth at the mouths of two rivers. This approach provides a promising tool for identifying highly productive coastal areas, and should also be recommended for wider-scale surveys. For a PDF please email to: cafaro.valentina(a)gmail.com or darioangeletti(a)unitus.it Best wishes. Valentina Cafaro

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Biennial marine mammal conference workshop reminder: mitigation performance standards
by Frances Robertson 14 Sep '15

14 Sep '15

Dear Colleagues, The following workshop will be held at the 21st Biennial Conference of Marine Mammals in San Francisco. Incorporating new mitigation technologies into guidelines for seismic surveys and other underwater acoustic activities: Producing performance standards Subject: Seismic survey guidelines, mitigating acoustic exposures, new mitigation technologies Date/Time: Sunday, December 13, 2015; 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Organizers and contact email: Andrew Wright (anwright(a)doc.govt.nz) and Frances Robertson (frances.c.robertson(a)gmail.com) Cost: $80 (Early Bird); $90 (After October 1st, 2015) The aim of this workshop is to discuss ways to include the ability to assess the viability of potential mitigation measures and new sound source technology into seismic survey guidelines and codes of conduct for other underwater producing activities. Current guidelines are reasonably prescriptive in terms of requiring the use of marine mammal observers (MMOs) and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) at the possible expense of other detection technologies. Similarly, the specific mention of airgun array sizes in seismic survey guidelines may limit the commercial use of potentially less impactful survey technologies. The need for a mechanism for allowing the incorporation of new technologies and methodologies into acoustic exposure guidelines is thus clear. Likewise, it seems likely that this could be best achieved through some performance standard that any technology could be assessed against. However, it is not clear what exactly this performance standard should be. One option for mitigation technologies is to use the proportion of animals successfully detected, although this requires establishing thresholds for correct detection, false positive and false negative rates. In contrast, new source technologies may require the establishment of target sound propagation levels before they can be introduced. In both cases, the extent to which current technologies are able to meet these standards would also need to be assessed. Accordingly, this workshop intends to explore the various options for performance standards and discuss potential threshold levels. Methodologies for measuring if new technologies meet any such standards will also be discussed. For more details and to register for this workshop please follow this link: https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/workshops/#seismic2 Best wishes, Frances Robertson and Andrew Wright -- Frances C. Robertson, PhD *Marine Mammal Biologist* Canada (+1) 604 339 4967 frances.c.robertson(a)gmail.com www.distantfin.net

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Call for Abstracts: Biologically-Enabled Ocean Observing session at Ocean Sciences meeting Feb 2016, New Orleans, LA. USA
by Green, Rebecca 14 Sep '15

14 Sep '15

Dear Colleagues, Please consider submitting your abstracts on marine mammal and related LMR observing to our Ocean Sciences 2016 session (Feb. 21-26th, New Orleans). Integration of active and passive acoustics, as well as other types of bio-sensors (as described below) into ecosystem observing systems are encouraged contributions to this session. The deadline for abstract submissions is *Wednesday, 23 September 23:59 EDT.* *Session Topic:* Ocean Observing and Data Management *Session ID:* 9235 *Session Title:* Evolving Biologically-Enabled Ocean Observing Systems: Integrating Biological Observations with Physicochemical Measurements for Informed Ecosystem-Based Decision Making *Chairs:* Rebecca Green (BOEM), Gabrielle Canonico (IOOS), Barbara Kirkpatrick (GCOOS), Heidi Sosik (WHOI), *Coordinated with: *Jay Pearlman (J&F Enterprise), Samantha Simmons (MMC), Francisco Chavez (MBARI) *Session Description:* The rapidly expanding efforts to integrate biological, physical, and chemical measurements into a “whole ecosystem” understanding of coastal and oceanic regimes will play an increasing role in informing conservation and management needs. Sustained, interdisciplinary observing now spans spatial, temporal, and trophic scales, utilizing a wide variety of platforms (e.g., moored observatories, gliders, profiling floats, satellites) and technologies, including rapidly advancing biological observing capability, such as eDNA tools for assessing biodiversity, in-situ bio-optical instrumentation for measuring planktonic assemblages, acoustic telemetry for tracking tagged animals, and passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammal vocalizations. Expanding national and international networks contribute to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON), Animal Telemetry Network (ATN) and Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER), and other programs collecting long-term biological observations. Incorporation of living marine resources into the ocean observing framework is a high priority as we strive toward a long-term understanding of ecosystem trends to inform policy in a world faced by multiple natural and anthropogenic stressors to our coastal and marine environments. This session will address both advances in sensors and in systems necessary to achieve this long-term understanding. We hope you will contribute your research and perspectives to this session! Regards, Session Organizing Team *Rebecca Green, PhD* *Senior Oceanographer* *Environmental Studies Program* *Bureau of Ocean Energy Management* *Gulf of Mexico Region* *phone: (504) 736-2740*

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Final call to assist in Cetacean Research Survey in the Hebrides
by Volunteer Coordinator 12 Sep '15

12 Sep '15

*FINAL BERTHS AVAILABLE ON LIVE ABOARD EXPEDITION* Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conduct cetacean surveys from aboard our research yacht Silurian, collecting visual and acoustic data with the aim to better understand the cetacean populations found in the Hebrides one of the most important areas for cetaceans in Europe with twenty-four species, nearly a third of the world total, reported in this region. 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 onboard please CLICK HERE <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp> . We have produced a short a short video about joining us aboard, please CLICK HERE to watch 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 onboard 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. Rendezvous location is in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where HWDT is based. 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 duration. The income generated allows HWDT to continue this well established research programme, you can be assured that without your contribution the research couldn't be undertaken. There are only a couple of berths remaining on the following survey: * 22nd - 30th September; £525 (50% off original cost of £1,050) For further information about our surveys please CLICK HERE <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 this 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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Hemochromatosis in captive dolphins
by Naomi Rose 11 Sep '15

11 Sep '15

Dear MARMAMers: A recent paper (Mazzaro et al. 2012) has come to my attention, regarding iron indices in dolphins: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3527756/pdf/cm2012000508.pdf The authors conclude that “Compared with those in managed collections, wild dolphins were 15 times more likely to have low serum iron (100 μg/dL or less), and this measure was associated with lower haptoglobin. In conclusion, bottlenose dolphins in managed collections are more likely to have greater iron stores than are free-ranging dolphins.” In addition, the authors note that a “25-y retrospective study of one population [the dolphins in the Navy Marine Mammal Program] demonstrated that 67% of dolphins [who had died] had excessive hepatic hemosiderin deposition at time of death, 92% of which had hemosiderin deposition in Kupffer cells; hemolytic anemia, anemia of chronic disease, and viral infections were not associated with hemosiderin deposition, and the primary hypothesis is that dolphins in managed collections may be susceptible to iron storage disease,” and “A total of 25% (28 of 115) of samples [from living dolphins] from managed collections had high serum iron (exceeding 300 μg/dL).” They point out that “determining why this situation occurs among some dolphin populations [presumably those in captivity] and not others [presumably those in the wild] may improve the treatment of hemochromatosis in dolphins.” I was unaware of the prevalence of hemochromatosis and related indices in captive dolphins until some days ago, when it was brought to my attention that two dolphins in a facility in Finland are suffering from the disease. Mazzaro et al. (2012) conclude that the “primary hypothesis” is that captive dolphins may be more susceptible to the disease, but from my perspective, that hypothesis seems to be supported by the data in Mazzaro et al. (2012) itself (which looked at two separate captive populations, as well as two separate free-ranging populations). The next step, therefore, would be to consider hypotheses as to why captive dolphins are more susceptible to this disease than free-ranging dolphins – and also to ask the question of whether cetacean species other than bottlenose dolphins (in captivity or free-ranging) are susceptible to the disease or its related indices. I have inquired with colleagues on this point and apparently no one is yet looking into these questions. There is some research ongoing with free-ranging dolphins regarding numerous health issues (including conditions related to iron indices) that may be associated with or exacerbated by climate change, oil spills and so on, but no one appears to be looking into the question as to why such a large percentage of captive dolphins suffer from some degree of hemochromatosis, a disease that can lead to diabetes, chronic pain, organ failure, etc. I know of at least one instance where a captive dolphin was euthanized as a result of suffering from hemochromatosis. The first idea I had was that the inability of captive dolphins to dive deeply and the general lack of the need to breath-hold might make iron-based adaptations to breath-holding (i.e., greater amounts of hemoglobin and myoglobin) a liability in captivity, in terms of contributing to excessive iron loads. The fact that phlebotomy appears to be a relatively successful treatment for hemochromatosis in captive dolphins seems to bear this idea out. I am not a physiologist, but regardless of the likelihood of that etiology, it seems that this relatively recent discovery of what amounts to a significant welfare concern for captive dolphins should be a primary research question among public display facilities holding cetaceans. I am concerned that this does not appear to be the case and would welcome feedback from the marine mammal community, including anyone who can point me to evidence that I am wrong about the lack of ongoing research into this question. Naomi Rose ____________________________ [13_AWILogo_ONLY] NAOMI A. ROSE, PH.D. Marine Mammal Scientist ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE 900 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003 naomi(a)awionline.org<mailto:naomi@awionline.org> T: +1 202 446 2120 ~ F: +1 202 446 2131 ~ C: +1 240 401 4269 www.awionline.org<http://www.awionline.org/> P Please consider the animals and their habitat before printing.

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Internship - Right Whale Research Program, Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 11 Sep '15

11 Sep '15

Internship - Right Whale Research Program Provincetown, MA - USA The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking right whale interns for the upcoming 2016 winter/spring season (approximately January 1st to May 15th, 2016). This person will work with both the aerial and habitat survey teams documenting the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay. The intern will assist staff members in the field with photographing right whales and collecting behavioral and environmental data while on the waters of Cape Cod Bay. The successful applicant will also be responsible for a number of lab-based tasks including database entry, downloading and cataloging images, and photo-identification matching of images to known animals. Interns are required to work a minimum of four full days per week and must be available for the full field season. *Requirements:* - A degree: preferably in biological/environmental sciences. - Experience with digital SLR cameras. - Data entry: basic computer skills in programs such as Office. - Detail-oriented. - Experience working on boats and ability to withstand harsh elements. - Must work and live well in a team. - Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods. - A valid US drivers license and personal transportation would be beneficial but is not essential. Shared housing will be provided along with a small stipend to cover general living expenses. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with a critically endangered cetacean species, the North Atlantic right whale. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, matching, data entry, and analysis. Experience in oceanographic sampling will also be gained. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale, information about the CCS Right Whale Research Program is available at: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research <http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/population-monitoring/> Please submit cover letter, resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and contact information for two professional references together in one PDF document by October 15, 2015 to: Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Email: srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495

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New Publication: Killer whales harassing sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico
by Amy Whitt 11 Sep '15

11 Sep '15

Dear colleagues, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our new publication: Whitt, A.D., M.A. Baran, M. Bryson, and L.E. Rendell. 2015. First report of killer whales harassing sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 41(3): 252-255. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.252 In this short note, we describe an interesting and prolonged interaction between five killer whales and 19 sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico. This encounter provides a rare insight into the lives of the cryptic Gulf of Mexico killer whales and their potential predation on the sperm whale population in the northern Gulf. To obtain a PDF, please go to http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.252 or contact Amy Whitt (amy(a)azuraco.com) for a reprint. -- *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* CEO, Senior Scientist amy(a)azuraco.com Azura Consulting LLC WOSB | EDWOSB www.azuraco.com <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/amy-whitt/6/4b/25a/> <https://twitter.com/AzuraConsulting>

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Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) Criteria Consultation - Autumn 2015
by Michael Tetley 11 Sep '15

11 Sep '15

*Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) Criteria Consultation* *- Autumn 2015* The IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force (MMPATF) has developed a classification scheme for the identification of Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs). The aim of the IMMA classification is to identify and delineate discrete habitat areas that are judged to be important for one or more marine mammal species and that have the potential to be managed for conservation. This will require the application of a standardized process for the collation and categorization of evidence, using a consistent protocol and agreed methodology. The MMPATF is now seeking initial consultation with the marine mammal science and conservation community on the IMMA selection criteria. The consultation will last from September until the end of October. The results of the consultation will be used to assist the IMMA development team and will inform MMPATF presentations at the Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference in San Francisco this December. If you would like to contribute to the IMMA consultation please follow the link below to access the online IMMA survey. Please read through the information carefully and provided responses to the questions provided. *Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) criteria survey - Autumn 2015* <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PL3F3FH> For additional information about the development process of the IMMA classification please use the following link below: *IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force* <http://icmmpa.org/iucn-task-force/> Any assistance or information you can provide the MMPATF regarding the development of the IMMA classification scheme would be most helpful and appreciated. *Michael J. Tetley - **IMMA Coordinator* *IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas **Task Force* *Email - m.j.tetley(a)gmail.com <m.j.tetley(a)gmail.com>* *Erich Hoyt and **Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara - Co-Chairs* *IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas **Task Force*

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New publication: Vocalisations of Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) in the Bremer Canyon, Western Australia.
by Bec Wellard 10 Sep '15

10 Sep '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following publication in PLoS ONE: Wellard, R., Erbe, C., Fouda, L., Blewitt, M., (2015),* Vocalisation of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the Bremer Canyon, Western Australia*. PLoS ONE 10(9). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136535 Abstract: To date, there has been no dedicated study in Australian waters on the acoustics of killer whales. Hence no information has been published on the sounds produced by killer whales from this region. Here we present the first acoustical analysis of recordings collected off the Western Australian coast. Underwater sounds produced by Australian killer whales were recorded during the months of February and March 2014 and 2015 in the Bremer Canyon in Western Australia. Vocalisations recorded included echolocation clicks, burst-pulse sounds and whistles. A total of 28 hours and 29 minutes were recorded and analysed, with 2376 killer whale calls (whistles and burst-pulse sounds) detected. Recordings of poor quality or signal-to-noise ratio were excluded from analysis, resulting in 142 whistles and burst-pulse vocalisations suitable for analysis and categorisation. These were grouped based on their spectrographic features into nine Bremer Canyon (BC) “call types”. The frequency of the fundamental contours of all call types ranged from 600 Hz to 29 kHz. Calls ranged from 0.05 to 11.3 seconds in duration. Biosonar clicks were also recorded, but not studied further. Surface behaviours noted during acoustic recordings were categorised as either travelling or social behaviour. A detailed description of the acoustic characteristics is necessary for species acoustic identification and for the development of passive acoustic tools for population monitoring, including assessments of population status, habitat usage, migration patterns, behaviour and acoustic ecology. This study provides the first quantitative assessment and report on the acoustic features of killer whales vocalisations in Australian waters, and presents an opportunity to further investigate this little-known population. The article can be downloaded from: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0136535 Alternatively, if you are unable to download the article please email me for a pdf at: becwellard(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Rebecca Wellard. *PhD Candidate* *Centre for Marine Science and Technology* Curtin University GPO Box U1987 Perth, Western Australia 6845 *Email *becwellard(a)gmail.com

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