October 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Genital interactions during simulated copulation among marine mammals
by Dara Orbach 15 Oct '17

15 Oct '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Genital interactions during simulated copulation among marine mammals We will also be presenting the data at the upcoming Society for Marine Mammalogy conference on Wednesday Oct 25th at 17:00 (Cetacean and pinniped Kama Sutra: Copulatory fit amongst marine mammals) Authors: Dara Orbach, Diane Kelly, Mauricio Solano, and Patricia Brennan Abstract: Genitalia are morphologically variable across many taxa and in physical contact during intromission, but little is known about how variation in form correlates with function during copulation. Marine mammals offer important insights into the evolutionary forces that act on genital morphology because they have diverse genitalia and are adapted to aquatic living and mating. Cetaceans have a fibroelastic penis and muscular vaginal folds, while pinnipeds have a baculum and lack vaginal folds. We examined copulatory fit in naturally deceased marine mammals to identify anatomical landmarks in contact during copulation and the potential depth of penile penetration into the vagina. Excised penises were artificially inflated to erection with pressurized saline and compared with silicone vaginal endocasts and within excised vaginas in simulated copulation using high-resolution, diffusible iodine-based, contrast-enhanced computed tomography. We found evidence suggestive of both congruent and antagonistic genital coevolution, depending on the species. We suggest that sexual selection influences morphological shape. This study improves our understanding of howmechanical interactions during copulation influence the shape of genitalia and affect fertility, and has broad applications to other taxa and species conservation. Citation: Orbach DN, Kelly DA, Solano M, Brennan PLR. 2017 Genital interactions during simulated copulation among marine mammals. Proc. R. Soc. B 284: 20171265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2017.1265 Feel free to e-mail me at dnorbach(a)gmail.com for a PDF of the article. Cheers, Dara Orbach, PhD Izaak Walton Killam Postdoctoral Fellow Whitehead Lab Department of Biology Dalhousie University Research Associate Brennan Lab Department of Biological Sciences Mount Holyoke College

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New publications
by burnhamr＠uvic.ca 14 Oct '17

14 Oct '17

For those following the Whale Lab at the University of Victoria, and colleagues interested in whale geography, a couple of new publications First record of the marine mysid Hippacanthomysis platypoda Murano & Chess, 1987 in coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada Rianna E Burnham Kenneth Meland David A Duffus Journal of Crustacean Biology, 37(4): 496498, https://doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/rux047 Mysids are key components of marine ecosystems, and changes in abundance or range may be indicative of a wider ecological condition. We report for the first time the collection of the mysid Hippacanthomysis platypodaMurano & Chess, 1987, previously known from California, in samples taken at a study site on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The record may represent a growth in population number, or perhaps a range extension northward. Drivers for this increased recruitment or expansion may include an opening of niche space following reduction of sympatric species by predation and ocean warming from El Niño effect. Whale geography -Acoustics, biogeography and whales Rianna E Burnham Progress in Physical Geography, 41(5): 676-685, https://doi.org/10.1177/0309133317734103 Typically, organism-based biogeographic studies consider distribution and abundance over time on various scales. However, to be comprehensive, factors of environment and habitat, energetics, morphology, and population dynamics should also be included. In addition, these studies should consider not only the spatial extent that an individual or species occupies or can roam within, but also the space over which an animal can extract and interpret information, a less well-defined element of niche space which largely shapes its movements or distribution. Understanding the processes that inform patterns of species distribution, both intrinsic and external to the animal, is key to understanding a species ecology. Here, we consider the biogeography of whales, given these ideas, with a particular focus on the acoustical components of their biology and landscape. Cetaceans use of sound to communicate, navigate and forage, and so interpret the soundscape, is a central consideration. It has important implications in a changing ambient environment and will increasingly influence species survival. Rianna

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 13 Oct '17

13 Oct '17

MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AVAILABLE ¡VIVAVaquita! (a non-profitorganization) has many marine mammal books, reprints, monographs, and journalsthat are available for a donation to the organization. All funds raised will be actively used forresearch and conservation work on the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world’s most endangered marine mammal species. The global population of this species nownumbers less than 20 individuals and is declining at about 50%/year. To see the titles available, and photos of the covers of the books, go to: http://www.vivavaquita.org/assets/vv-bookstore.pdf If you would like to obtain any of these,please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com. Purchased books can be picked up from the VIVA Vaquita exhibitor booth at the upcoming Halifax marine mammal conference.

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Invitation to Marine Mammal Bycatch Workshop at SMM
by Aimee Leslie 13 Oct '17

13 Oct '17

Dear colleagues,Bycatch and entanglement in fishing gear is the greatest threat to cetaceans today. We need to join efforts to better understand and mitigate the threat working collaboratively with fishers and authorities, as well as make the most of the policy opportunities (such as the new MMPA regulations) to leverage action. We would like to cordially invite you to the SMM marine mammal bycatch workshop organized by WWF, NOAA, and the Marine Mammal Commission on Saturday October 28. For more information please contact my colleague Leigh Henry (leigh.henry(a)wwfus.org) SMM Marine Mammal Bycatch Workshop DRAFT AGENDA Saturday, October 28th HalifaxWorld Trade & Convention Center 8:30-8:45 Welcomeand Overview– Randy Reeves, Chair, IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group 8:45-10:30PANEL 1 Addressing the Challenges– Case Studies in Assessments and Mitigation of Marine Mammal Bycatch (Presentations andQ&A/Discussion) o Models and toolkits in datapoor situations - Ellen Hines, San Francisco State University o Using predictive habitatmodels to help reduce marine mammal bycatch - Nicholas B. Sisson, Old Dominion University o New tools for confronting marinemammal bycatch in fixed gear fisheries—Tim Werner, New England Aquarium o Zanzibar dolphin bycatchassessment and mitigation – Per Berggren, Newcastle University o Bycatch Assessment &Mitigation in Peruvian Small-Scale Fisheries - Elizabeth Campbell, ProDelphinus Peru o Cambodia –Not Confirmed 10:30-11:00 Break 11:00-11:30 Understanding the New MMPA Import Rule, the Implications& the Opportunities – Carolyn Doherty, NOAAFisheries 11:30-12:30 PANEL 2 Incentivizing Solutions to the Challenges (Presentations andQ&A/Discussion) · Overviewof incentivizing tools: transferable bycatch quotas, payments for ecosystemservices, market access, labeling schemes – Rebecca Lent, U.S. MarineMammal Commission · Casestudies: o Marketincentives for Vaquita Conservation – Sarah Mesnick, NOAA SouthwestFisheries Science Center o Lessonsfrom the Alaska pollock and Atlantic pelagic longline bluefin tuna fisheries –Rebecca Lent, U.S. Marine Mammal Commission 12:30-2:00 Lunch 2:00-3:00 PANEL3Mandating and Supporting Solutions to the Challenges through InternationalAgreements (Presentationsand Q&A/Discussion) · Whatis and should be done by RFMOS and other intergovernmental organizations toreduce marine mammal bycatch o IOTC/IndianOcean Bycatch - JeremyKiszka, Universityof Florida o CMS/ACCOBAMS-Simone Panigada, Chair, ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee and President,Tethys Research Institute o IWC– David Mattila, International Whaling Commission 3:00-3:30-Break 3:30-4:30 PANEL 4 – Solving the Puzzle: How Have We Put All the Pieces Together to Drive Meaningful Progress? (Presentationsand Q&A/Discussion) · TunaDolphin – Kate O’Connell, Animal Welfare Institute · DriftnetBan – Mike Gosliner, U.S. Marine Mammal Commission · DrivingPolitical Will: Wildlife Crime Model– Leigh Henry, WWF 4:30-5:00 Wrap Up Discussion andBrainstorm – How Can We Put All the Pieces Together toDrive Meaningful Progress on Maine Mammal Bycatch?

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In honor of Dale W. Rice 1930-2017
by Sally Mizroch 13 Oct '17

13 Oct '17

Dear colleagues, Dale Rice passed away peacefully in his own home on September 13th, 2017. He had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and advanced prostate cancer in January. Dale had planned to live at least 100 years, so he (and we) were surprised and disappointed that his life was cut short at age 87. He remained his youthful vital self until the end and enjoyed a lovely spring and summer in his house on Lake Washington. Dale was a born naturalist. He was that kid (many of us are) who studied birds and insects. He published his first paper (Rice, D. W. 1946. Notes on the birds of Marion County. Indiana Audubon Society Yearbook 24: 40-41) when he was 16 years old. His MS thesis from the University of Florida was his first "Life History and Ecology" paper (Rice, D. W. 1955. Life history and ecology of Myotis austroriparius. M.S., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 74 pp.) Dale Rice's first job as a professional research biologist was for the Denver Wildlife Research Laboratory, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. He was assigned to study and mitigate interactions between albatrosses and naval aircraft on Midway Island. Dale worked closely with Chandler Robbins and was part of the team which tagged "Wisdom, The Albatross", to-date the oldest known albatross. During his time on Midway, Dale and Karl Kenyon produced three landmark papers on albatross (all well worth a read): Kenyon, K. W., and D. W. Rice. 1958. Homing of Laysan albatrosses. Condor 60: 36. Rice, D. W., and K. W. Kenyon. 1962. Breeding cycles and behavior of Laysan and black-footed albatrosses. Auk 79: 517-567. Rice, D. W., and K. W. Kenyon. 1962. Breeding distribution, history and populations of North Pacific albatrosses. Auk 79: 365-386. In 1958, Karl recruited Dale to work at the newly formed marine mammal lab in Seattle. Dale's first assignment was to develop a research program studying the large whales that were caught at the California whaling stations. Here's a quote from the publication summarizing fisheries research in Seattle from 1931-1981 (Fifty Years of Cooperation and Commitment: The Northwest and Alaska Fisheries Center. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS F/NWC 34) "At the time Rice began whale studies, two whaling stations were in operation on San Francisco Bay at Richmond, California--one by the Del Monte Fishing Company and the other by Golden Gate Fishing Company. Much of Rice's program involved examination of whales brought into these shore stations, and this whale research continued until 1971 when the large commercial species were declared endangered and the last remaining U. S. whaling station, Del Monte, was closed. Other parts of the whale research program involved tagging [marking] animals from chartered catcher boats, observing living whales from vessels and from shore, and analyzing catch statistics. In addition to the commercial species taken at these whaling stations, gray whales were taken under special permit. An annual census of the southward migration of the gray whales was conducted near Monterey, California, beginning 1967-68. A monograph on the life history and ecology of the gray whale was published by Rice and Wolman in 1971." Starting in 1960, Dale represented the US at the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) Scientific Committee. Dale was also appointed as the US representative for the IWC's North Pacific Working Group, which was tasked with advising the IWC on management of whaling. Scientists from the North Pacific whaling nations, i.e., Canada, Japan, the US and the USSR, collaborated on whale marking studies and shared data freely. Dale conducted whale marking and sightings cruises from 1962-1969. The cruises ranged from northern California (where the whaling stations were located) down to the southern tip of Baja California, and in some years out west to the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Young researcher Ken Balcomb began working with Dale on these marking cruises in 1965. Dale's monograph on the "Life History and Ecology of the Gray Whale" was his first "magnum opus". Gray whale biology was mostly unknown until Dale proposed his gray whale research program. Dale's monograph provided baseline information about gray whale seasonal migrations, morphology, food habits and reproduction Rice, D. W., and A. A. Wolman. 1971. The life history and ecology of the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). American Society of Mammalogists Special Publication, No. 3. 142p. Illus. Maps. Stillwater, OK. The papers below are just a few other important studies that Dale produced during this time period: Rice, D. W. 1968. Stomach contents and feeding behavior of killer whales in the eastern North Pacific. Norsk Hvalfangst-Tidende 57(2): 35-38. Rice, D. W. 1974. Whales and whale research in the eastern North Pacific. Pages 170-195 in W. E. Schevill ed. The whale problem: a status report. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. Rice, D. W. 1979. Bryde's whales in the equatorial Eastern Pacific. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 29: 321-324. Rice, D. W. 1977. Sperm whales in the equatorial Eastern Pacific: population size and social organization. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 27: 333-336. Rice, D. W. 1977. Synopsis of biological data on the sei whale and Bryde's whale in the eastern North Pacific. Reports of the International Whaling Commission (Special Issue 1): 92-97 Rice, D. W., and A. A. Wolman. 1982. Whale census in the Gulf of Alaska, June to August 1980. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 32: 491-497. Rice, D. W. 1983. Gestation period and fetal growth of the gray whale. Reports of the International Whaling Commission 33: 539-544. After the whaling stations closed, Dale continued to do whale surveys in many oceans. Dale's whale surveys in Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska helped initiate photo-identification studies on humpback whales. In 1975, Dale recruited and funded Ken Balcomb to conduct killer whale surveys in Washington State. Ken began working closely with Mike Bigg and this helped launch killer whale photo-identification studies over a broad region in the Pacific Northwest. In his later years, Dale wrote a series of scholarly works, including a number of chapters in the Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, edited by W. F. Perrin, B. Wursig and J. G. M. Thewissen. Dale was one of the foremost experts on sperm whales. His chapter on sperm whales in Ridgeway's Handbook of Marine Mammals is one of the leading works on sperm whales: Rice, D. W. 1989. Sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758. Pages 177-233 in S. H. Ridgway and R. Harrison eds. Handbook of marine mammals, Vol. 4. River dolphins and the larger toothed whales. Academic Press, London and San Diego. Dale's other "magnum opus" is his Special Publication on marine mammal systematics and distribution. This is our marine mammal "bible". Dale served on the Society for Marine Mammalogy's Taxonomy Committee until his death. Rice, D. W. 1998. Marine mammals of the world: systematics and distribution. Society for Marine Mammalogy Special Publication Number 4. 231p. On a personal note, Dale was a wonderful mentor to me when I started working at the Marine Mammal Lab in 1979. I remain inspired by the elegance and precision in his writing. His attention to detail and his reverence for careful evaluation and citation of historical and current marine mammal literature helped shaped me as a scientist. In recent years, Dale and I have been writing comprehensive and complex papers on distribution and movements of large whales in the North Pacific. Our papers on fin whale and sperm whales are already published and we are still revising (I guess I should say that "I" am still revising) a fairly controversial paper on North Pacific sei whales. We also have a draft in progress on distribution and movements of North Pacific humpback whales. In his final months, Dale enjoyed visits with his old friend Ken Balcomb, his super fan Jorge Urban, and another super fan Uko Gorter, as well as from Murray Johnson's son and daughter-in-law. Dale was a very shy person, but once he got to know you, he was a witty and entertaining conversationalist. I've been friends with Dale since the early 1980s (we first published together in 1984) and I feel so extremely lucky to have spent these final months enjoying his company. Sonja Kromann (Marine Mammal Librarian at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center) and I will be managing Dale's amazing library once the dust settles. We also plan to set up at least one memorial fund in Dale's honor and we will be discussing logistics of this during the biennial in Halifax. For those coming to Halifax, let's plan a lunch or dinner to talk about Dale and his legacy. Email me (sally.mizroch(a)bluesearesearch.org) if you'd like to participate. Best regards Sally Sally A. Mizroch Blue Sea Research PO Box 15805 Seattle, WA 98115, USA sally.mizroch(a)bluesearesearch.org

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Job Opening
by Maya Bott 12 Oct '17

12 Oct '17

Hospital Director, Ke Kai Ola Job Description Overview In 2014, The Marine Mammal Center opened Ke Kai Ola ("The Healing Sea") a hospital and education center dedicated to caring for injured, ill, and orphaned Hawaiian monk seals and returning them to the wild and to be a place where children and the community learn to care for this beautiful marine mammal. The goal of Ke Kai Ola is to promote Hawaiian monk seal recovery through 1) a science-based rehabilitation program; 2) a highly trained and well-managed volunteer stranding response network; and 3) coordinated community efforts and partnerships to inspire the local community to protect, care for, and ensure the future of this endangered species. The Hospital Director of Ke Kai Ola works as an integrated member of the Kailua Kona community and the broader conservation and education communities in Hawaii, and across departments at The Marine Mammal Center to ensure that Ke Kai Ola is tightly integrated into the Center's planning and operations by closely liaising with directors and staff of the Veterinary Science, Life Support System and Facilities, Education and Guest Experience, Development and Marketing, Finance, and People and Culture departments. The hospital director is responsible for the strategy<https://www.thebalance.com/the-manager-s-guide-to-understanding-strategy-pa…>, structure, budgets, people, financial outcomes and agreed metrics of Ke Kai Ola. S/he administers and manages veterinary care of Hawaiian monk seal patients, manages the day-to-day operations of the hospital and works to ensure the growth and sustainability of the program. The person in this role works quite closely with colleagues at NOAA Fisheries, and directly manages a team of two staff and many volunteers. This position reports to the Executive Director, is a part of the Management Team, and works between Kona, HI and Sausalito, CA. Primary Responsibilities Community Engagement * Invest in building relationships, fostering community, representing The Marine Mammal Center and Ke Kai Ola to Hawaiian partners, colleagues and supporters, and listening and learning to members of those same groups to encourage the continued positive embrace of the community and to identify pathways towards further strengthening rich and mutually beneficial relationships. Management * Serve as a member of Management Team, the Marine Mammal Center's leadership body, and work alongside department directors to set strategy and guide the organization in the achievement of its mission. * Develop an annual budget and manage revenue and expenses in compliance with Center policies and procedures and in coordination with the Chief Financial Officer. * Liaise with department leads to ensure coordinated planning, collaborative work efforts, integrated programming and shared success towards agreed goals. * Manage direct reports including partnering with the Human Resource function to support individuals through their employee life cycle. Responsibilities include setting goals and ensuring accountability, providing timely and routine feedback, counseling, and managing employment transitions. * Support education program staff and integrate into Ke Kai Ola workforce community. Coordinate with TMMC-based supervisor to ensure close communication, guidance and support. * Lead, supervise and support a dynamic and growing facility and animal care volunteer corps, in coordination with the Director of People and Culture and the Volunteer Services Manager. Veterinary Care * Manage veterinary care and provide a lead role in direct veterinary support for Hawaiian monk seals in rehabilitation at Ke Kai Ola. * Implement communication strategies that engage external partners (NOAA Fisheries, chief among them) on matters of short- and long-term consequence (including individual patient treatment and diagnostic plans, policies and procedures as they relate to patient care, coordination of patient transportation, etc.) * Direct the management of the hospital to ensure facility operation, equipment and supply readiness, and adequate staffing. * Ensure compliance with all required permitting and record-keeping. Communication * Lead and coordinate communication amongst Ke Kai Ola staff and volunteers. * Liaise with Center staff outside of Hawaii to ensure that Ke Kai Ola community is integrally connected with other TMMC staff and volunteers via multiple communication vehicles. * Foster and develop community engagement and awareness in Kona and the broader Main Hawaiian Islands. * Chair the Ke Kai Ola advisory council. * Represent TMMC and Ke Kai Ola on the Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Team. * Collaborate with Media team and Education team to promote communication of Ke Kai Ola clinical care, science and research. * Represent TMMC and its mission before a spectrum of audiences; press, professional associations, donors, staff, volunteers, the public. Development * Partner with development colleagues to support and lead efforts to raise revenue through major donor cultivation, donor events, and pursuit of foundation, public (federal, state, and local) and corporate funding opportunities. * Prospect Development: Work with community members and other leadership volunteers to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward appropriate donors. Implement programs/activities to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors at the $2,500 level or higher, with an emphasis on maximizing revenue for TMMC. Update donor records in TMMC database. * Relationship Development: Develop ongoing relationships with major donors for the benefits of TMMC. Accountable for cultivating relationships for individual and institutional fundraising, as outlined below: o Individuals: Cultivate relationships with individual donors personally and by supporting volunteer leaders in peer-to-peer outreach. o Organizations: Cultivate, solicit and steward support from corporations and foundations to meet annual fundraising goals within the Region * Partner with TMMC research staff and external colleagues to maximize funding opportunities dedicated to Hawaiian monk seal research. Research * Encourage and support internal and external collaborations to advance clinical science in support of Hawaiian monk seal conservation. * Collaborate and/or lead studies and secure funding for research that furthers the TMMC mission; analyze data and publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Additional TMMC Responsibilities * As assigned (but may include limited contract work, or other marine mammal conservation projects. Knowledge + Abilities * The successful applicant must be well-versed in fundamental and applied clinical veterinary medicine in marine mammal species, and possess an in-depth knowledge of current conservation strategies as they relate to the Hawaiian monk Seal. * Experience with phocid medicine and rehabilitation required. * Experience and familiarity with global marine conservation issues and skill in managing cross-functional, inter-agency, domestic and international programs required. * A strong aptitude and disposition for teaching and training required. * Very strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to advance the mission of TMMC. * An appreciation for Hawaiian culture and a passion and humility for learning from local leaders and colleagues to best integrate people and programs into Hawaii communities. * Highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong ability to prioritize and deliver against responsibilities and duties. * Strong management experience. * Ability to represent and promote TMMC on both a local and global scale. * Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team through shared mission and goals. * Ability to thrive in a multi-tasking, high energy environment with shifting priorities. * Ability to excite and engage prospective supporters of the organization through public speaking, one-on-one meetings, and personal outreach. * Track record of success in solicitation of funds from a diverse range of philanthropic support, or capacity to develop same. Qualifications * Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent, with additional post-graduate degree or experience in fields preferred. * Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in California and Hawaii, and possession of a DEA license. * Effective oral and written communication skills and ability and experience communicating in varied settings in front of diverse audiences. * Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to supervise and motivate volunteers and team members * A proven track record for publishing in well-respected scientific journals. * Ability to travel, nationally and internationally, for long periods. * Committed to spend as much as 60 - 70% of time in Kona and 30 - 40% of time in Sausalito. (This ratio to shift based on program needs and other factors.) * Comfort with various modes of travel including small watercraft, small planes. * Comfort working in field conditions and extreme environments. * Ability to carry up to 50 pounds. TO APPLY: Please send your Resume and a Cover Letter to https://tmmc.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk0fuzq

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Reminder: Comments on the US Government's Draft List of Foreign Fisheries Are Due October 23
by Smith, Zak 11 Oct '17

11 Oct '17

Hello, MARMAMers: I want to call your attention to the publication of the US government's draft List of Foreign Fisheries<http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ia/species/marine_mammals/mmpaloff.html>, which is open for public comment through October 23, 2017. The draft List of Foreign Fisheries is an important step in implementing the import provisions of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, which requires that fish and fish products imported into the United States meet U.S. standards for marine mammal protection applicable to commercial fisheries. If you know of fisheries exporting to the United States that have particularly problematic marine mammal bycatch issue or otherwise represent a significant threat to marine mammal populations, please consider reviewing the draft List of Foreign Fisheries and, as necessary, submitting comments here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/08/22/2017-17671/fish-and-fi…. Thank you, Zak Zak Smith Senior Attorney Director, Wildlife Trade Initiative Natural Resources Defense Council 1314 Second Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 T 310.434.2334 zsmith(a)nrdc.org<mailto:zsmith@nrdc.org> @smithzak<http://twitter.com/smithzak> NRDC.ORG<http://www.nrdc.org/> Please save paper. Think before printing.

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announce of recent publication
by renae sattler 11 Oct '17

11 Oct '17

Dear all We are happy to announce our recent publication: Serum estradiol and progesterone profiles during estrus, pseudopregnancy, and active gestation in Steller sea lions. Sattler R, Polasek L. Zoo Biology. 2017; 36:323–331. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21381 Abstract: While the proximate driver behind the decline of the Westernstock of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus, >80% since 1970s) is likelymultifactorial, the population reduction may have been powered by a decrease infecundity. A harvest of Steller sea lions in the 1970s and 80s revealed a 30%reduction in the proportion of pregnant females from early (October–November)to late gestation (April–May). Identification and quantification of thesereproductive failures are difficult when we lack species-specific data onendocrinology associated with discrete stages of the reproductive cycle (i.e.,estrus, implantation, and gestation). We tracked changes in serum estradiol andprogesterone in three adult female Steller sea lions from 2011 to 2015. In allyears and most females, a discrete increase in estradiol was observed duringthe breeding season (June–August), indicative of estrus. Estradiolconcentrations from October to May in a pregnant female compared to hercorresponding values when non-pregnant did not consistently differ throughgestation. An elevation in progesterone was observed in all females and allyears beginning approximately in June and lasting through November. This likelyresults from progesterone production by the corpus luteum in both pregnant and pseudopregnantfemales. Serum progesterone shows promise as a diagnostic tool to identifypregnancy during months 3–5 (December–February) of the 8-month active gestationfollowing embryonic implantation. This study provides ranges of key hormonesduring estrus, embryonic diapause/pseudopregnancy, and gestation in pregnantand non-pregnant females for studying reproduction in Steller sea lions. A pdf can be obtained at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/zoo.21381/ Or email renaes(a)alaskasealife.org to request a pdf. Best wishes, Renae

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Sirenian Workshop Reminder
by nicole adimey 11 Oct '17

11 Oct '17

Reminder: Please join us for the International Sirenian Symposium on *Saturday, October 28, 2017 from **8:00 am - 5:00 pm*. The Sirenian Symposium is an all-day meeting to foster communication between researchers, managers, and policy makers on all aspects of Sirenian Conservation. Individuals are invited to present novel research on Sirenian conservation and management, stranding response and medical assessment, monitoring applications, and general biology and research. The symposium will include presentations, a poster session, and a panel discussion. Sirenian items will be available for purchase to raise funds for travel grants. The cost of this workshop has been supplemented by outside ** funding sources, therefore, participants will only be charged $ 3 5 USD. Those interested can register via the conference website at: http://www.smmconference.org/WorkshopDescriptions

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PhD opportunity: song and sexual selection in humpback whales
by Ellen Garland 11 Oct '17

11 Oct '17

We are seeking to recruit a PhD student for the following project: The relationship between song characteristics and reproductive success in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): does song fulfill an intersexual function? Male humpback whales sing a long and complex vocal display. Thousands of males can rapidly and synchronously change their population-specific song to a new version in as little as two months, a feat which is unparalleled in any other animal except humans. Despite our advances in understanding the cultural aspects of song, the underlying function(s) of humpback whale song are still debated. Using acoustic and genetic data, this PhD project seeks to understand the relationship between song characteristics and reproductive success to assess the contribution of inter-sexual drivers on the function of humpback whale song. The student will be based at the University of St Andrews under the supervision of Dr Ellen Garland, and co-supervised by Dr Luke Rendell (St Andrews), and Dr Emma Carroll (St Andrews), in collaboration with Dr Claire Garrigue (IRD UMR ENTROPIE), and Assoc. Prof. Mike Noad (University of Queensland). Candidates should have a strong background in behavioural ecology or evolutionary biology. Knowledge or experience in bioacoustics or laboratory genetic analysis is essential, and experience of both desirable. Given the broad nature of the project and the expectation that the candidate will undertake both the acoustic analysis and genotyping of samples, training in molecular or acoustic techniques will be tailored to the candidate’s experience. The student will be expected to participate in annual fieldwork lasting two to three months in semi-remote locations. Previous field experience involving small boats, marine mammals, and remote locations would be advantageous. The candidate should have strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills given the collaborative nature of the project and extended fieldwork. The ability to speak French would also be desirable (but not essential). General requirements include a background in evolutionary and behavioural biology, and a BSc (Hons) or MSc degree (first class) in a relevant discipline. This 3.5-year School of Biology studentship (stipend and fees) will be provided at UK/EU citizen rates. International students may apply but will be responsible for the difference in fees; a fee waiver scholarship may be available for outstanding candidates. Enquiries from Chinese nationals are particularly welcomed as the University of St Andrews has additional funding opportunities for Chinese students. For more information see: https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=89429&LID=1443 or https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/phd-study/phd-study-projects/phd-…. Applications close on 3 December 2017. Please send any enquiries to Dr Ellen Garland at ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.ukn> with the subject line: PhD studentship - paternity. Kind regards, Ellen ----------------------------------------------------- Ellen C. Garland, Ph.D. University Research Fellow Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Centre for Social Learning & Cognitive Evolution (SLaCE) Centre for Biological Diversity (CBD) Postal Address: Sir Harold Mitchell Building School of Biology University of St. Andrews St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TH, UK Ph: +44 (0)7478-649964 Email: ecg5(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ecg5@st-andrews.ac.uk> SLaCE: https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/solace/ Twitter: @_SMRU_ ----------------------------------------------------- The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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