August 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Habitat modelling of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) in the Weddell Sea
by Dominik Nachtsheim 10 Aug '16

10 Aug '16

Dear MARMAM readers, we are very pleased to inform you about the following recent publication, published online in the journal Polar Biology under Open Access: "Habitat modelling of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) in the Weddell Sea using the multivariate approach Maxent" by Dominik A. Nachtsheim, Kerstin Jerosch, Wilhelm Hagen, Joachim Plötz and Horst Bornemann *Abstract*The crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophaga) is the most abundant Antarctic seal and inhabits the circumpolar pack ice zone of the Southern Ocean. Until now, information on important environmental factors affecting its distribution as well as on foraging behaviour is limited. In austral summer 1998, 12 crabeater seals of both sexes and different age classes were equipped with satellite-linked dive recorders at Drescher Inlet (72.85°S, 19.26°E), eastern Weddell Sea. To identify suitable habitat conditions within the Weddell Sea, a maximum entropy (Maxent) modelling approach was implemented. The model revealed that the eastern and southern Weddell Sea is especially suitable for crabeater seals. Distance to the continental shelf break and sea ice concentration were the two most important parameters in modelling species distribution throughout the study period. Model predictions demonstrated that crabeater seals showed a dynamic response to their seasonally changing environment emphasized by the favoured sea ice conditions. Crabeater seals utilized ice-free waters substantially, which is potentially explained by the comparatively low sea ice cover of the Weddell Sea during summer 1998. Diving behaviour was characterized by short (>90 % = 0–4 min) and shallow (>90 % = 0–51 m) dives. This pattern reflects the typical summer and autumn foraging behaviour of crabeater seals. Both the distribution and foraging behaviour corresponded well with the life history of the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), the preferred prey of crabeater seals. In general, predicted suitable habitat conditions were congruent with probable habitats of krill, which emphasizes the strong dependence on their primary prey. The full text can be accessed via the following link:http://rd.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-016-2020-0 For any inquiries or requests do not hesitate to contact me at: d.nachtsheim(a)outlook.de OR dominik.nachtsheim(a)awi.de Best regards, Dominik Nachtsheim & co-authors -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dominik Nachtsheim Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz-Center for Polar and Marine ResearchBiosciences | Bentho-Pelagic Processes Building D-2020Am Handelshafen 12D-27570 Bremerhaven E-mail: d.nachtsheim(a)outlook.de OR dominik.nachtsheim(a)awi.de

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New publication: Detection of Brucella spp. in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) by a real-time PCR using blowhole swabs.
by David Wu - NOAA Affiliate 09 Aug '16

09 Aug '16

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the publication of our article: Qingzhong Wu, Jessica Conway, Kristen M. Phillips, Megan Stolen, Wendy N. Durden, Deborah Fauquier, Wayne E. McFee, and Lori Schwacke. 2016. Detection of *Brucella* spp. in Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) by a Real-Time PCR Using Blowhole Swabs. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 120:241-244. doi: 10.3354/dao03034 http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v120/n3/p241-244/ *Abstract:* Blowhole swabs are a simple and non-invasive method for collecting samples from cetaceans and can be used for screening large numbers of animals in the field. This study reports a real-time PCR assay for the detection of *Brucella* spp*.* using blowhole swab samples from bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) stranded in the coastal region of Virginia, South Carolina and Northern Florida, USA between 2013 and 2015. We used real-time PCR results on lung samples from the same dolphins as the estimation of the relative sensitivity and specificity of real-time PCR of blowhole swabs. *Brucella* DNA was detected in lung tissue of 22% (18/81) and in blowhole swabs of 21% (17/81) of the sampled dolphins. The relative sensitivity and specificity of real-time PCR on blowhole swabs as compared to the real-time PCR on lung samples was 94% (17/18) and 100% (63/63), respectively. These results indicate that real-time PCR on blowhole swabs may be used as a non-invasive test for rapid detection of *Brucella *spp*.* in the respiratory tract of dolphins. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of blowhole swabs for detection of bacterial pathogens by real-time PCR in bottlenose dolphins. Best regards, Qingzhong (David) Wu Molecular microbiologist -- Qingzhong (David) Wu, JHT, Inc. - Contractor Hollings Marine Laboratory National Ocean Service 331 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 Office 843-725-4831 david.wu(a)noaa.gov

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report about offshore piling effects on porpoises
by Miriam Brandt 09 Aug '16

09 Aug '16

Dear all, we recently finalized a comprehensive report on the effects of offshore pile driving during the construction of the first eight offshore wind farms in the German North Sea between 2009 and 2013 on acoustic detections and densities of harbour porpoises. The report can be found here in case you are interested: http://bioconsult-sh.de/en/news-archive/ <http://bioconsult-sh.de/en/news-archive/the-final-report-of-the-research-pr…> With kind regards Miriam Brandt -- Miriam J. Brandt, PhD BioConsult SH GmbH & Co.KG Schobüller Str. 36 25813 Husum Germany ph.: (+49) 04841-6632928 fax: (+49) 04841-6632919 email: m.brandt(a)bioconsult-sh.de www.bioconsult-sh.de www.miriambrandt.de BioConsult SH GmbH & Co.KG. Sitz der Gesellschaft: Husum. Amtsgericht Flensburg: HRA 6160 FL. Geschäftsführer: BioConsult SH Verwaltungs-GmbH. Sitz der Gesellschaft: Husum. Amtsgericht Flensburg: HRB 7148 FL. Geschäftsführer: Dr. Georg Nehls.

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Re: [MARMAM] Postdoc opportunity - mark-recapture and spatial analyses
by Amanda Bradford - NOAA Federal 08 Aug '16

08 Aug '16

Aloha all - A reminder that we will begin reviewing applications in one week (15 August) for the JIMAR Postdoctoral Fellow position that involves estimating demographic parameters of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands using mark-recapture methods and assessing species-specific biases in survey effort using available satellite tag data. More information about the position and application process can be found here < http://workatuh.hawaii.edu/Jobs/NAdvert/23301/3895494/1/postdate/desc>. Thank you, amanda On Wed, Jun 29, 2016 at 11:06 AM, Amanda Bradford - NOAA Federal < amanda.bradford(a)noaa.gov> wrote: > Aloha MARMAM community - > > The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) is seeking > a Postdoctoral Fellow to estimate demographic parameters of odontocetes > around the main Hawaiian Islands using mark-recapture methods and to assess > species-specific biases in survey effort using available satellite tag > data. The Postdoc will join the Franklin Lab > <https://sites.google.com/a/hawaii.edu/franklinlab/> at the Hawaii > Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), University of Hawaii (UH), although the > project is a collaborative effort with investigators from UH HIMB, NOAA > Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), and Cascadia Research > Collective. > > The position is full-time for one year and is extendable upon mutual > agreement and availability of funds. Given that the Postdoc will be housed > primarily at the NOAA PIFSC facility, we are only able to consider > applicants who are US Citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens. Please see > the following link for more information about the opportunity, including > instructions on how to apply: <http://workatuh.hawaii.edu/ > Jobs/NAdvert/23301/3895494/1/postdate/desc>. > > Please direct any inquiries to me <amanda.bradford(a)noaa.gov> or Dr. Erik > Franklin <erik.franklin(a)hawaii.edu>. > > Kind regards, > amanda > > -- *Amanda L. Bradford, Ph.D.* Research Ecologist, Cetacean Research Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries (808) 725-5714 Mailing address: NOAA IRC NMFS/PIFSC/PSD/Amanda Bradford 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818

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New Publication - Correlations among mercury concentrations in different tissues of northern elephant seals
by Sarah Peterson 08 Aug '16

08 Aug '16

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following article: Peterson, S.H., J.T. Ackerman, D.P. Costa. (2016). Mercury correlations among blood, muscle, and hair of northern elephant seals during the breeding and molting fasts. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 35(8): 2103-2110. *Abstract:* Mercury (Hg) biomonitoring and toxicological risk assessments for marine mammals commonly sample different tissues, making comparisons with toxicity benchmarks and among species and regions difficult. Few studies have examined how life-history events, such as fasting, influence the relationship between total Hg (THg) concentrations in different tissues. The authors evaluated the relationships between THg concentrations in blood, muscle, and hair of female and male northern elephant seals (*Mirounga angustirostris*) at the start and end of the breeding and molting fasts. The relationships between tissues varied among tissue pairs and differed by sampling period and sex. Blood and muscle were generally related at all time periods; however, hair, an inert tissue, did not strongly represent the metabolically active tissues (blood and muscle) at all times of year. The strongest relationships between THg concentrations in hair and those in blood or muscle were observed during periods of active hair growth (end of the molting period) or during time periods when internal body conditions were similar to those when the hair was grown (end of the breeding fast). The results indicate that THg concentrations in blood or muscle can be translated to the other tissue type using the equations developed but that THg concentrations in hair were generally a poor index of internal THg concentrations except during the end of fasting periods. Please contact me if you do not have access to this article and would like a pdf (sepeterson(a)ucsc.edu) Best regards, Sarah Peterson -- Sarah Peterson, PhD Wildlife Biologist

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New publication: The occurrence of pulse, “knock” sounds amidst social/sexual behavior of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) off Vancouver Island
by Benj Youngson 06 Aug '16

06 Aug '16

Dear MARMAM readers, We are pleased to announce the publication (available via early view) of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: "The occurrence of pulse, “knock” sounds amidst social/sexual behavior of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) off Vancouver Island" Benj Youngson, Jim Darling DOI: 10.1111/mms.12325 *Abstract* We report an unusual level of gray whale social/sexual behavior on Vancouver Island feeding grounds during mid-summer 2013, and the production of knock-like (S1/N1) sounds (Dahlheim et al. 1984, Moore and Ljungblad 1984) by individuals in these groups. On 15 d between 15 July and 16 August 2013 a total of 33 encounters observed gray whales exhibiting social/sexual behavior, more for these months than for the previous 10 years combined. Knock (S1/N1) sounds were heard in 24 (86%) of the 28 recordings made in the presence of the social/sexual groups (Table S1). The function of the social/sexual behavior is not known. To date, the knock sounds have not been linked to a specific behavior pattern. Full text available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12325/abstract PDFs may be requested from benjyoungson(a)gmail.com Regards, Benj Youngson Student at the University of Victoria

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MARINE MAMMAL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS IN THE SOUTH ADRIATIC IS AVAILABLE NOW
by ersin bas 05 Aug '16

05 Aug '16

Marine Mammals Research Association and National History of Montenegro is currently seeking for volunteers in Montenegro. The project will be running year round, starting from September 2016 and is focused on the conservation of marine mammals through combining research and education. Therefore, while marine mammal abundance, distribution, behaviour and threats will be monitored through boat and land surveys, active involvement of stakeholders to the projects will also be supported. This project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in getting more experience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research. VOLUNTEERS are primarily responsible for behavioural data collection, theodolite operation, photographing cetacean individuals and cataloguing dolphin/monk seal pictures, data entry. Training will be provided beforehand. In addition, there will be ArcGIS and SPSS courses running which will be free for volunteers during their stay. The land surveys will be min of twice a week and boat surveys will be once a week, depending on the weather. There will be an opportunity to undertake a personal research project and write a publication supervised by the project director. REQUIREMENTS Applicant are expected to be graduates or students of a BSc degree in biology, marine biology or zoology and able to demonstrate previous experience in the field of research and conservation. Knowledge on marine mammal species is advantage. Practical experience of photo-identification (both photography and matching) and theodolite operation is desirable. The applicant must be fluent in English, proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Volunteers must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly, and with a true interest in marine conservation. The minimum duration of the placements is normally 2 complete months. We may make exceptions for potential participants to apply for a shorter placement. PROJECT FEE This position is unpaid and requires a contribution fee of 500 euro per month, which covers the accommodation, equipment, training and working expenses for the participants. Participants should cover their own travel expenses to Montenegro where all projects start/end. TO APPLY Send CV and cover letter by e-mail to akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com Deadline for Applications: *Wednesday 31th August 2016.* Dr. Aylin Akkaya Bas Project Director of Marine Mammals Research Association *info(a)dmad.org.trt* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>*

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REMINDER: 2016 Cetacean Research Assistant Program (Barcelona- Spain)
by Info Edmaktub 05 Aug '16

05 Aug '16

*EDMAKTUB ASSOCIATION <http://www.edmaktub.org>* 7-Day Cetacean Research Assistant Program | Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona (SPAIN) *Want to be part of a research project to study cetacean population in the Balearic Sea?* *Interested in joining a scientific campaign while you enjoy seeing many cetacean species and seabirds in Mediterranean waters?* *We invite you to join **EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.org/>*’s research team for 7 days to participate in our ongoing research.* EDMAKTUB association is a non profit organization for the study and disclosure of aquatic environment. We are specially focused in the study of cetaceans, and since 2012 we develop the “BCNCET <http://www.edmaktub.org/en/bcncet-project/>” project. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species in the Balearic Sea (between Catalan coasts and the Balearic Islands), including the* use of new non-invasive techniques such as drones.* *We are seeking volunteers to assist in our 2016 *BCNCET one-week summer campaigns *in the Balearic Sea, *in which we study the presence and distribution of all cetacean species found in the Balearic Sea, between Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. Survey Dates: From* 4th **September **to 11th **September **2016* The Maktub, our catamaran will sail around the Balearic Sea, between the Catalan coast and the Balearic Islands. It will departure from Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona) harbor and arrive to the same harbor. Visual and acoustical surveys, for the study of the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 7 days on board. The assistants will be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, use of hydrophones for passive acoustic studies, and basic marine navigating skills. Moreover an innovative and non-invasive methodology based on the use of remote control model airplanes or drones (multicopters) for the cetacean study is going to be used, as they transmit real-time images of animals and allow to capture these images, as well as, use it to obtain blow samples for possible biological-sampling in order to develop genetic studies. Volunteers will have the chance to learn about the *high marine biodiversity found in the area*, including: Spermwhales (*Physeter macrocephalus*), bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*), striped dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba)*, fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*), Cuvier’s beaked whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*), common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*), long-finned pilot whale (*Globicephala melas*) 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*), Scopoli's Shearwater (*Calonectris diomedea)*, and Northern gannet (*Morus bassanus*); different fish species (such as sunfish and blue-fin tuna); many invertebrates; and sometimes even Loggerhead turtles (*Caretta caretta*). No previous experience, nor specific knowledge, is required as EDMAKTUB staff will provide all the necessary information and training. 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! *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! *More information about this project in our website**: **http://www.edmaktub.org/en/bcncet-project/ <http://www.edmaktub.org/en/bcncet-project/>* *More information about the Research Assistant Program**: <https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/goog_1633820420>* *http://www.edmaktub.org/en/rap/* <http://www.edmaktub.org/en/rap/> *If you are interested and would like to apply or want to be informed on further campaigns, please fill up the following form: * *http://goo.gl/forms/Z3X4UYoWHhIFXNy13 <http://goo.gl/forms/Z3X4UYoWHhIFXNy13>* *EDMAKTUB Association: **for the Study and Dissemination of Information about the Marine Environment* *www.edmaktub.org <http://www.edmaktub.org/> * Facebook: *Edmaktub <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edmaktub/130721510320401>* -- EDMAKTUB Mailto: info(a)edmaktub.org www.edmaktub.org

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New publication on combining cetacean soundscape ecology and niche modeling in the mapping of the Brazilian continental shelf
by Marcos Rossi-santos 05 Aug '16

05 Aug '16

Dear colleagues, I would like to share with you a recent publication: Rossi-Santos, M.R and Oliveira, G. (2016). Combining Cetacean Soundscape Ecology and Niche Modeling to contribute in the Mapping of the Brazilian Continental Shelf, p. 141-166. In: C.W. Finkl, C. Makowski (eds.), Seafloor Mapping along Continental Shelves, Coastal Research Library 13, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-25121-9_6 Abstract: This chapter will introduce readers to the marine soundscape ecology through a cetaceanstudy perspective. Unravelling the behavioral ecology of whales and dolphins in the south-western Atlantic Ocean provides information about the marine habitat in which they live, inthis case, the continental shelf. The study also describes methods for underwater mappingsuch as bioacoustics, photo-video recordings, GIS and behavioral observations. This chapter can be downloaded at: Combining Cetacean Soundscape Ecology and Niche Modeling to Contribute | | | | | | | | | Combining Cetacean Soundscape Ecology and Niche Modeling to ContributeThis chapter will introduce readers to the marine soundscape ecology through a cetacean study perspective. Unravelling the behavioral ecology of whales and dolphins in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean | | | | Visualizar em link.springer.com | Visualizado por Yahoo | | | | | Best regards, Marcos Rossi-Santos, PhDAcoustic Ecology and Animal Behavior LaboratoryUniversidade Federal do Recôncavo da BahiaBrazil

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New publication: Effects of whale watching vessels on sperm whales
by A. Mel Cosentino 05 Aug '16

05 Aug '16

Dear Marmamers I am excited to announce the publication of my new paper in Tourism in Marine Environments. Cosentino AM. (2016) Effects of whale watching vessels on adult male sperm whales off Andenes, Norway. Tourism in Marine Environments 11(4) 215-227. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/154427316X14580612748560 Abstract This study investigated the effects of whale-watching vessels (WWV) on solitary sperm whales off Andenes in northern Norway. The presence of WWV did not have a significant effect on the duration of the surface and foraging dive periods or on the respiration pattern and dynamics. However, the presence of WWV made sperm whales almost seven times more likely to perform a near-surface event (NSE). NSEs are submersions without fluking for short periods of time that take place during the surface phase. The occurrence of NSEs led to a significant increase of 75% in surface time, which is 6 min more at the surface that were not compensated with longer foraging dives. Additionally, the occurrence of NSEs was associated with changes in the animals' respiration pattern and dynamics. Data collection concerning NSEs and respiration dynamics (both parameters assessed here for the first time) is strongly recommended in future impact studies on this species. NSEs may be indicators of disturbance and are reasonably easy to identify, and thus identifying and better understanding the causes of this behavior have management implications. The paper is accesible here: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/tme/2016/00000011/00000004/art000… Kind regards Mel -- *A. Mel Cosentino* *"*The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing*" - *E. Burke GNU Terry Pratchett

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