November 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Humpback whale photo-identified along the NW coast of Spain
by Bruno Díaz López 17 Nov '17

17 Nov '17

Humpback whale photo-identified along the NW coast of Spain We would like to announce that the BDRI have photo-identified one humpback whale feeding along the NW coast of Spain between 11 and 31 October 2017. We have good pictures of the fluke and colouration patterns. For those colleagues working with this species along the NE Atlantic please contact me and we will send you the pictures in order to match with your catalogue. Kind regards, Bruno Díaz López Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684 248552 This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

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EC Regulation 812/2004 report
by Fiona Read 17 Nov '17

17 Nov '17

Dear Marmam, Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) are pleased to announce the publication of our new report 'Cetacean Bycatch Monitoring and Mitigation under EC Regulation 812/2004 in the Northeast Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic Sea from 2006 to 2014'. The report focuses on 15 EU Member States fishing in the Northeast Atlantic, Baltic and North Seas and their implementation of Regulation 812 over 9 years. All Member States, except one, reviewed their relevant section and table. Overall, we show that more than a decade after implementation of the Regulation, compliance has varied greatly by Members States and also between years. The review also identifies flaws and limitations in the existing Regulation 812 that Member States recognised during their implementation efforts. Recommendations are made towards compliance and improvement of the existing Regulation, or equivalent future measures, when Regulation 812 is repealed. The full report is available at:http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/submissions_bin/EU-Cetacean-Bycatch-Monitoring-Mitigation-Report.pdf Best wishes, Fiona [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/SignatureImages/Vert_Logo2.png]<http://www.whales.org/> Fiona Read Policy officer End Bycatch Telephone: +44 (0)791 869 3023 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Scottish Dolphin Centre Spey Bay Moray IV32 7PJ United Kingdom whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on Instagram] <http://www.instagram.com/whaleanddolphinorg> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> [Registered with Fundraising Regulator] <https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/> [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/CampaignImages/NWF.png]<https://notwhalefood.com/> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC") is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system. ________________________________

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New publication: Indian Ocean humpback dolphin movement patterns in South Africa
by Els Vermeulen 17 Nov '17

17 Nov '17

Dear colleagues, On behalf of all the co-authors, we are pleased to announce the new publication regarding the movement patterns of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in South Africa. Vermeulen E, Bouveroux T, Plön S, Atkins S, Chivell W, Cockcroft V, Conry D, Genarri E, Hörbst S, James BS, Kirkman S, Penry G, Pistorius P, Thornton M, Vargas Fonseca A, Elwen S. 2017. Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (*Sousa plumbea*) movement patterns along the South African coast. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 2017:1-10. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.2836 *Abstract:* The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin was recently uplisted to ‘Endangered’ in the recent South African National Red List assessment. Abundance estimates are available from a number of localized study sites, but knowledge of movement patterns and population linkage between these sites is poor. A national research collaboration, the SouSA project, was established in 2016 to address this key knowledge gap. Twenty identification catalogues collected between 2000 and 2016 in 13 different locations were collated and compared. Photographs of 526 humpback dolphins (all catalogues and photos) were reduced to 337 individuals from 12 locations after data selection. Of these, 90 matches were found for 61 individuals over multiple sites, resulting in 247 uniquely, well‐marked humpback dolphins identified in South Africa. Movements were observed along most of the coastline studied. Ranging distances had a median value of 120 km and varied from 30 km up to 500 km. Long‐term site fidelity was also evident in the data. Dolphins ranging along the south coast of South Africa seem to form one single population at the western end of the species' global range. Current available photo‐identification data suggested national abundance may be well below previous estimates of 1000 individuals, with numbers possibly closer to 500. Bearing in mind the poor conservation status of the species in the country, the development of a national Biodiversity Management Plan aimed at ensuring the long‐term survival of the species in South Africa is strongly recommended. At the same time, increased research efforts are essential, particularly to allow for an in‐depth assessment of population numbers and drivers of changes therein. The present study clearly indicates the importance of scientific collaboration when investigating highly mobile and endangered species. This work has been a collaborative effort of all relevant researchers in the country and has proven to be a great success. To request an electronic copy, please contact me at elsvermeulen5(a)gmail.com. Kind regards, Els On behalf of the South African SouSA Consortium ------------------------------------- Els Vermeulen, PhD Research Manager and Post-doctoral research fellow Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria, South Africa Co-founding director Whalefish -www.whalefish.org PI Sea Search - www.seasearch.co.za Cell: +27 (0)60 9714301 Email: elsvermeulen5(a)gmail.com

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2018 Northcoast Marine Mammal Center Internship Announcement
by Karen Helms 16 Nov '17

16 Nov '17

2018 Northcoast Marine Mammal Center Internship Announcement The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded Marine Mammals. These positions are unpaid, and no housing is provided. Applicants will be living and working in Crescent City, CA. Program Description: The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center has an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammals and their behavior. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues, releases and other field responses as available. In addition, interns will assist in animal care duties (animal intake, feed preparations, medical charting, medication administration, wound care, pen cleaning and other animal husbandry duties as needed) for on-site patients. Interns will also assist with events, fundraising and other administrative duties. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be available to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include evenings, weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: cleaning, lifting, restraining and moving animals. Season 2017 Internship Term Application deadline Spring March 1st - June 8th January 15, 2018 Summer June 1st - September 30th April 1, 2018 Notes: The spring term is the busiest and most "hands-on" season at NMMC as this is when we see many new born Pacific Harbor Seal pups. We offer flexible end dates and extensions for excellent candidates. Time off must be arranged in advance. To Apply: To apply, please send a résumé that includes the names of three professional references, and a cover letter detailing your experience, and availability. Include the Internship period for which you are applying in the subject line. Please forward all application materials electronically to Volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org

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New publication: Year-round algal toxin exposure in free-ranging sea lions
by Adrianne Akmajian 16 Nov '17

16 Nov '17

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent Open Access publication in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Akmajian AM, Scordino JJ, Acevedo-Gutiérrez A (2017) Year-round algal toxin exposure in free-ranging sea lions. *Marine Ecology Progress Series* 583:243-258. *Abstract* Harmful algal bloom toxins cause illness and mortality in marine mammals worldwide, yet the potential for year-round exposure to these toxins has not previously been studied. We measured concentrations of domoic acid and saxitoxin in scats from Steller sea lions *Eumetopias jubatus* (n = 383 scats) and California sea lions *Zalophus californianus* (n = 125 scats) over a 2 yr period. Toxin concentrations in the scats were compared to the prey remains in the scats and to concentrations in nearshore bivalves. Saxitoxin was detected in 45% and domoic acid was detected in 17% of all scats tested, and both toxins were detected in all seasons and months of the year. A variety of benthic and pelagic fish were significantly associated with toxins in sea lion scats, including prey with low occurrence in the sea lions’ diet. Toxins detected in winter scats confirm that US West Coast marine mammals are exposed to domoic acid and saxitoxin through their prey outside of the expected algal bloom seasons. The publication can be downloaded from: http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m583p243.pdf Thank you, Adrianne ----------------------------------------- Adrianne Akmajian Marine Ecologist Makah Fisheries Management marine.ecologist(a)makah.com

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New publication: Spatial avoidance to experimental increase of intermittent and continuous sound in two captive harbour porpoises
by Kok, A.C.M. 16 Nov '17

16 Nov '17

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Environmental Pollution. Annebelle C.M. Kok, J. Pamela Engelberts, Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Shirley Van de Voorde, Fleur Visser, and Hans Slabbekoorn (2017). Spatial avoidance to experimental increase of intermittent and continuous sound in two captive harbour porpoises. Environmental Pollution, DOI: 10.1016 The continuing rise in underwater sound levels in the oceans leads to disturbance of marine life. It is thought that one of the main impacts of sound exposure is the alteration of foraging behaviour of marine species, for example by deterring animals from a prey location, or by distracting them while they are trying to catch prey. So far, only limited knowledge is available on both mechanisms in the same species. The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a relatively small marine mammal that could quickly suffer fitness consequences from a reduction of foraging success. To investigate effects of anthropogenic sound on their foraging efficiency, we tested whether experimentally elevated sound levels would deter two captive harbour porpoises from a noisy pool into a quiet pool (Experiment 1) and reduce their prey-search performance, measured as prey-search time in the noisy pool (Experiment 2). Furthermore, we tested the influence of the temporal structure and amplitude of the sound on the avoidance response of both animals. Both individuals avoided the pool with elevated sound levels, but they did not show a change in search time for prey when trying to find a fish hidden in one of three cages. The combination of temporal structure and SPL caused variable patterns. When the sound was intermittent, increased SPL caused increased avoidance times. When the sound was continuous, avoidance was equal for all SPLs above a threshold of 100 dB re 1 mPa. Hence, we found no evidence for an effect of sound exposure on search efficiency, but sounds of different temporal patterns did cause spatial avoidance with distinct dose-response patterns. The article is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.001, or can be requested from the corresponding author (email: a.c.m.kok(a)biology.leidenuniv.nl<mailto:a.c.m.kok@biology.leidenuniv.nl>). Kind regards, Annebelle Kok, MSc. PhD candidate IBL, Leiden University Sylviusweg 72, Leiden, the Netherlands e-mail: a.c.m.kok(a)biology.leidenuniv.nl<mailto:a.c.m.kok@biology.leidenuniv.nl>

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New paper: Pilot whale silence and dinner talk (Fleur Visser)
by fvisser＠kelpmarineresearch.com 16 Nov '17

16 Nov '17

We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper in BEAS: Vocal foragers and silent crowds: context-dependent vocal variation in Northeast Atlantic long-finned pilot whales, by Fleur Visser, Annebelle CM Kok, Machiel G Oudejans, Lindesay AS Scott-Hayward, Stacy L DeRuiter, Ana C Alves, Ricardo N Antunes, Saana Isojunno, Graham J Pierce, Hans Slabbekoorn, Jef Huisman and Patrick JO Miller The paper is published open access and available at: http://rdcu.be/yac2 ABSTRACT Vocalisations form a key component of the social interactions and foraging behaviour of toothed whales. We investigated changes in calling and echolocation behaviour of long-finned pilot whales between foraging and non-foraging periods, by combining acoustic recordings and diving depth data from tagged individuals with concurrent surface observations on social behaviour of their group. The pilot whales showed marked vocal variation, specific to foraging and social context. During periods of foraging, pilot whales showed more vocal activity than during near surface non-foraging periods (rest, travel). In addition to the expected increase in echolocation activity, call rates also increased, suggesting that pilot whales communicate more during foraging. Furthermore, calls with multiple inflections occurred more often immediately before and after foraging dives and during the early descent and late ascent phases of foraging dives. However, these calls were almost never detected at diving depths of the tagged whale beyond 350 m. Calls with no or few inflections were produced at all times, irrespective of diving depth of the tagged whale. We discuss possible explanations for the distinct vocal variation associated with foraging periods. In addition, during near surface periods, the pilot whales were found to be more silent (no calling or echolocation) in larger, more closely spaced groups. This indicates that increased levels of social cohesion may release the need to stay in touch acoustically. Best regards, Fleur Visser fvisser(a)kelpmarineresearch.com

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NOAA Fisheries releasable rehabilitated marine mammal draft procedural directive, open for comment until 12/15/17
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 15 Nov '17

15 Nov '17

Hello MARMAM, NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments through December 15, 2017 <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/11/15/2017-24642/requests-fo…> on a draft procedural directive that would require applicants who want to obtain a *releasable* rehabilitated marine mammal for public display purposes to first apply for a permit to take (*i.e.,* collect) animals from the wild under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In the event NMFS would decide to grant such a permit, the NMFS OPR Director may then, at his or her discretion, require that a releasable rehabilitated marine mammal be substituted for capturing an animal from the wild, in accordance with 50 CFR 216.27. The draft procedural directive is available on our NOAA Fisheries website <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/publicdisplay_permit.htm>. Comments can be submitted two ways through December 15, 2017: 1) Through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov/#! docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0096 2) By mail - Send comments to: Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226, Attn: Releasable Rehabilitated Marine Mammal Procedural Directive. Thank you, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources U.S. Department of Commerce jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov o: 301.427.8431 <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/> www.fisheries.noaa.gov/opr <http://www.facebook.gov/usnoaafisheriesgov> <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries> <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>

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2018 Education/Museum Internships with MMSC
by education mmsc.org 15 Nov '17

15 Nov '17

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine is seeking interns for the education & museum program for summer of 2018. Internship duties include assisting with programs in both classrooms and on the beach, giving museum tours, and attending fairs/festivals to help share our mission with the public. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be in good physical condition, including being able to lift 40 lbs. Interns must be available for at least 2 days per week, and will work with the education coordinator to develop a schedule. This summer internship runs from May - Labor Day Weekend. All internships are unpaid. However, students may apply with their college/university to receive college credit. No lodging is provided, and interns must have their own transportation. Experience is not required. Both undergraduates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply for the summer internship is March 2nd. Please send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional and/or academic references to education(a)mmsc.org with "Spring Internship" or "Summer Internship" in the subject line. For additional information, contact Dr. Lauren Harshaw at education(a)mmsc.org. Lauren Harshaw, PhD Education Coordinator Marine Mammal Stranding Center 3625 Brigantine Blvd. Brigantine, NJ 08203 Phone:609-266-0538 Fax:609-266-6300 www.mmsc.org

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New paper on variations in habitat preferences by individual humpback whale mother-calf pairs in the Hawaiian breeding grounds
by Adam Pack 14 Nov '17

14 Nov '17

Aloha Colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to inform you about the publication of our latest paper *"**Habitat preferences by individual humpback whale mothers in the Hawaiian breeding grounds vary with the age and size of their calves," *in the journal *Animal Behaviour*. The full citation and abstract appear below. The following link may be used to download a pdf of the full paper from *Animal Behaviour* through January 02, 2018. https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1W33FmjLiiNH Alternatively, you can email me for a pdf copy of the paper at pack(a)hawaii.edu. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. Best, Adam Pack, A. A., Herman, L. M., Craig, A. S., Spitz, S. S., Waterman, J. O., Herman, E. Y. K., Deakos, M. H., Hakala, S. & Lowe, C. (2017). Habitat preferences by individual humpback whale mothers in the Hawaiian breeding grounds vary with the age and size of their calves. Animal Behaviour, 133, 131-144. We investigated whether calf age and calf size influence habitat choice by humpback whale mother-calf pairs in their breeding grounds. During 1997-2008, we conducted focal follows of mother-calf pairs in Hawaiian waters. Tail-fluke identification photographs and calf lengths (measured through videogrammetry) were obtained. Water depth and sea-bed terrain type were derived from GPS data. Identification photographs were matched so that the habitat choices could be established within breeding seasons. Across 72 mother-calf pairs resighted over various intervals within a breeding season, magnitude of depth change between initial and final sightings increased significantly with resighting interval. There was a significant increase from initial depth to final depth for relatively long resighting intervals (27-51 days), but no significant difference for relatively short resighting intervals (2-26 days). Although there was no preference for sea-bed terrain type by mother-calf pairs at their initial sighting, there was a preference for rugged terrain at their final resighting. A resource selection model indicated that the relative probability of a location being used by a mother-calf pair increased (as a function of water depth and rugged sea-bed terrain type) from initial to final sighting; a finding supported by subsequent tests of habitat preference versus availability. For 96 measured calves, calf length and water depth were positively correlated, even when ordinal day of measurement was controlled for statistically; a finding confirmed by a general linear model that simultaneously investigated the relationship between water depth, sea-bed terrain type, number of escorts, ordinal day and calf size. Thus, both calf age and size influence habitat choice by mother-calf pairs in their breeding grounds. The movement of mothers and their maturing calves into deeper waters where they favour rugged sea-bed terrain appears to be part of a suite of behavioural changes during the pre-migratory phase of residency in the breeding grounds. -- Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Professor and Chair (Psychology) Departments of Psychology and Biology University of Hawai'i at Hilo 200 West Kawili Street Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 (Office Voice): 808-932-7076 <(808)%20932-7076> (Email): pack(a)hawaii.edu (Webpage): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/faculty/adam-a-pack/ "Do or do not; there is no try." Yoda

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