March 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper: Threshold foraging in sympatric rorqual whales within a fjord system
by Eric Keen 14 Mar '17

14 Mar '17

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the release of the following publication in Ecosphere: Keen, EM. (2017) Aggregative and feeding thresholds of sympatric rorqual whales within a fjord system. Ecosphere 8(3): 10.1002/ecs2.1702. This publication is Open Access; PDFs can be downloaded at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.1702/full Best wishes, Eric Keen Abstract: Rorqual whales (f. Balaenopteridae) supposedly respond to increases in prey supply according to both aggregative and feeding thresholds. With the former, they gather in areas above a minimum prey density set by their basal metabolic needs. With the latter, feeding occurs only above a prey density set by the energetic cost of lunge feeding. To compare prey preferences and the two threshold types in sympatric rorquals, I conducted systematic transect surveys and behavioral observations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in a British Columbia fjord system. While multiple prey features were found to influence whale aggregation and feeding, both threshold types were observed in each species' response to krill volume. Humpback response to prey features was less predictable and influenced by more factors than that of fin whales, which appeared to be exclusively euphausivorous and interested in the deepest high-volume krill patches within the deepest channels. Compared with fin whales, humpbacks found higher-volume krill patches and had higher aggregative thresholds, but had lower feeding thresholds. Findings aligned overall with the expectations that aggregative behavior is responsive to local prey supply, while feeding thresholds are governed by less mutable energetic constraints imposed by body size and feeding mode. Both aggregative and feeding threshold responses appeared to be a function of local conditions: As total krill-like backscatter increased, feeding thresholds stabilized (became more nonlinear and more nonrandom), while aggregative thresholds destabilized. All results emphasized the importance of incorporating observations of feeding effort in studies of prey preference and habitat use.

1 0

Aquatic Mammals Journal 43.2 available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 14 Mar '17

14 Mar '17

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 43, issue 2, 2017) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate… For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 43.1/43.2 will be mailed later in March. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> Please do not contact the listserv editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe <http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe> or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 43, issue 2 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Aquatic Mammals 43.2 Articles Elena Schall and Ilse Van Opzeeland. (2017). Calls Produced by Ecotype C Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) Off the Eskström Iceshelf, Antarctica. Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 117-126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.117 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.117> Ken Inoue, Yumi Terashima, Miki Shirakihara, and Kunio Shirakihara. (2017). Habitat Use by Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Amakusa, Japan. Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 127-138. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.127 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.127> Héctor M. Guzman and Fernando Félix. (2017). Movements and Habitat Use by Southeast Pacific Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Satellite Tracked at Two Breeding Sites. Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 139-155. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.139 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.139> Nicola J. Quick, Barbara Cheney, Paul M. Thompson, and Philip S. Hammond. (2017). Can the Camera Lie? A Nonpermanent Nick in a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 156-161. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.156 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.156> Juliana Lopez-Marulanda, Olivier Adam, Torea Blanchard, Marie Vallée, Dorian Cazau, and Fabienne Delfour. (2017). First Results of an Underwater 360° HD Audio-Video Device for Etho-Acoustical Studies on Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 162-176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.162 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.162> Cathy E. Bacon, Mari A. Smultea, Dagmar Fertl, Bernd Würsig, Elizabeth A. Burgess, and Stefanie Hawks-Johnson (2017). Mixed-Species Associations of Marine Mammals in the Southern California Bight, with Emphasis on Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus). Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 177-184. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.177 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.177> Zhaolong Cheng, Ding Wang, Haiping Wu, Shiang-lin Huang, Matthew K. Pine, Chongwei Peng, and Kexiong Wang. (2017). Stereotyped Whistles May Be First Evidence to Suggest the Possibility of Signature Whistles in an InjuredIndo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis). Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 185-192. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.185 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.185> Kelly Cates and Alejandro Acevedo-Gutiérrez. (2017). Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Tolerance to Vessels Under Different Levels of Boat. Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 193-200. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.193 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.193> Arturo Serrano, Iliana del Carmen Daniel-Rentería, Tania Hernández-Cabrera, Gerardo Sánchez-Rojas, Liliana Cuervo-López, and Agustín Basáñez-Muñoz. (2017). Is the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) at the Brink of Extinction in the State of Veracruz, Mexico? Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 201-207. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.201 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.201> Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken and Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse. (2017). Potential Intersexual Altruistic Behavior in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus). Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 208-212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.208 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.208> Valeria C. D’Agostino, Alexis Fioramonti, Fernando Varsky, Cristian Campos, Juan M. Goity, and Mariana Degrati. (2017). Nonreproductive Sexual Behavior in Baleen Whales: Sexual Harassment by an Adult Male on a Calf in Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis). Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 213-218. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.213 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.213> Haiping Wu, Thomas A. Jefferson, Chongwei Peng, Yongyan Liao, Hu Huang, Mingli Lin, Zhaolong Cheng, Mingming Liu, Jingxu Zhang, Songhai Li, Ding Wang, Youhou Xu, and Shiang-Lin Huang. (2017). Distribution and Habitat Characteristics of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in the Northern Beibu Gulf, China. Aquatic Mammals 43(2), 219-228. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.219 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.219>

1 0

New Publication: Coastal Development & Marine Mammals Best Practice Monitoring Framework
by Liz Hawkins 14 Mar '17

14 Mar '17

Dear Marmam members, Myself and co-authors are very pleased to announce the following article "Best Practice Framework and Principles for Monitoring the Effect of Coastal Development on Marine Mammals" has recently been published in the journal Frontiers In Marine Science and may be of interest to you. The full article can be viewed and downloaded here http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2017.00059/full Abstract: As the world's human population increases along the coastal zone, with major alteration of coastal embayments, increased on-water activities and a plethora of other intrusions into the coastal zone, there is a simultaneous increase in pressures on marine mammals. Growing evidence indicates that many marine mammals are highly susceptible to declines resulting from direct and indirect impacts arising from diverse human activities. Too frequently, assessment of the impact from coastal developments on marine mammals has been inadequate or completely lacking. At worst this has led to catastrophic decline in some populations. Without rigorous ecological assessments along with adaptive management frameworks prior to the initiation of developments, the number of marine mammal populations likely to be adversely impacted will continue to rise. To address these shortcomings, we present a globally applicable best practice framework by; (i) describing guiding principles and; (ii) reviewing appropriate procedures for assessment and monitoring of impacts of coastal developments on marine mammals. The approach outlined is embedded in Environmental Impact Assessment processes as a means by which decision makers and stakeholders can be informed. Recommendations presented are designed to encourage the application of robust scientific evaluation that applies appropriate survey design with sufficient statistical power to detect changes before trigger thresholds are reached. We emphasize that there is an urgent need to ensure assessments are comprehensive, effective and integrated with monitoring and adaptive management actions in order to minimize or effectively mitigate the impacts of human activities on marine mammal populations." Kind Regards Liz Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.com Ph: 0407 646 069 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/> ABN: 42095866467 ** Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a marine conservation, education & research charity -find out more about us & how you can help at www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com **

1 0

Three New Publications on Entanglement in Fishing Gear
by Julie Marie van der Hoop 14 Mar '17

14 Mar '17

My colleagues and I are pleased to announce three new publications on entanglement in fishing gear in North Atlantic right whales. The papers show how fishing gear affects swimming and movement behaviours (Endang Spec Res), that the energetic costs and duration of entanglement are comparable to significant life-history events (pregnancy, migration, lactation; Ecol and Evol), and that this has the potential to affect female reproductive output (Ecol and Evol). Finally, we develop some tools for management to assess the drag and energetic burden of entanglements at the time of their detection (Mar Poll Bull). Two of the three papers are Open Access, so please follow the URLs below. - Endangered Species Research<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v32/p1-17/> [Open Access]: Swimming kinematics and efficiency of entangled North Atlantic right whales - J.M. van der Hoop, D.P. Nowacek, M.J. Moore, M.S. Triantafyllou - Ecology and Evolution<http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.2615/full> [Open Access]: Entanglement is a costly life-history stage in large whales - J.M. van der Hoop, P. Corkeron and M.J. Moore - Marine Pollution Bulletin<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16309808>: Predicting lethal entanglements as a consequence of drag from fishing gear - J.M. van der Hoop, P. Corkeron, A.G. Henry, A.R. Knowlton, M.J. Moore Best, Julie van der Hoop Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow Aarhus University, Aarhus DK jvanderhoop(a)bios.au.dk<mailto:jvanderhoop@bios.au.dk>

1 0

Workshop on acoustic monitoring of toothed whales
by Jens Koblitz 14 Mar '17

14 Mar '17

Dear MarMam and ECS Communities, We like to invite you to participate in a workshop titled: "Static Acoustic Monitoring (SAM) of toothed whales using echolocation clicks: Loggers, Experience, Advances and Challenges" which will be held on Sunday, April 30th 2017 form 9:00-18:00 in Middelfart, Denmark, a day before the begin of the 31st Conference of the European Cetacean Society. This workshop is organized by Line A. Kyhn, Nick Tregenza, Mats Amundin, Jakob Tougaard and Jens Koblitz The participation fee is 25 € to be paid in cash on site. To register, please e-mail Jens Koblitz at Jens.Koblitz(a)bioacousticsnetwork.org We are excited to have *Armando Jaramillo* talking about acoustic monitoring of the Vaquita population and *Len Thomas* giving an introduction on the estimation of population size based on SAM data. This workshop aims to focus on the issues that impact efforts to use Static Acoustic Monitoring of echolocation clicks. SAM has now been used in several large projects that have produced results that could not be achieved by other methods within realistic budgets, but it is a young method with multiple challenges. The following sessions are scheduled: 1)Equipment. Various companies will present their devices allowing direct comprison. Devices to be presented: PODs, SM4s, SoundTraps, Decimus, icListens, Middelfart Listening Station 2)Classifier performance, species ID, next generation SAM devices, effect of noise 3)Density Estimation, comparability of methods, detection functions, cue production 4)SAM projects: design, logistics, managing, analyzing and presenting large date sets We have limited time for few contributed presentations and welcome submission of abstracts for short presentations on any of the topics covered in this workshop. Please submit your abstract with your registration by e-mail until April 1^st . We are looking forward to seeing you in Middelfart, Jens (on behalf of all organizers) -- Jens C. Koblitz BioAcousticsNetwork Eichenallee 32 a 41469 Neuss Germany Home: +41 (0) 56 55 876 20 Cell: +49 (0) 1512-2236452 www.BioAcousticsNetwork.org

1 0

New paper: "Whale wave": shifting strategies structure the complex use of fjord critical habitat by humpback whales
by Eric Keen 13 Mar '17

13 Mar '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the release of the following publication in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Keen EM, Wray J, Meuter H, Thompson KL, Barlow JP, Picard CR (2017) ‘Whale wave’: shifting strategies structure the complex use of critical fjord habitat by humpbacks. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 567:211-233. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12012 <https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12012> Journal access is available at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v567/p211-233/ PDF copies are also available upon request to: ekeen(a)ucsd.edu Best wishes, Eric Keen Abstract: A decade of visual surveys (2005-2014) revealed that humpbacks *Megaptera novaeangliae* occupy a temperate fjord system in British Columbia, Canada, in a wave pattern that propagates from outer channels in the summer to deep inland channels in late fall. Monte Carlo randomization confirmed this apparent pattern statistically. ‘Before’ and ‘after’ shift phases were most evident in July and October, respectively. We hypothesized that the ‘whale wave’ was being driven by (1) prey following, (2) the tracking of environmental proxies, (3) fine-scale philopatry, or some combination of these three factors. To evaluate these hypotheses, we collected new data in 2015, including visual and hydroacoustic surveys and oceanographic sampling. To both full-season and monthly datasets, we fit generalized additive models (GAMs) in a stepwise procedure, using variable sets that represent our hypotheses. Prey models were generally the worst predictors of humpback distribution, while the most complex habitat models were the best. The Prey model performed best in June but increasingly poorly in remaining months. The performance of all models declined throughout the season, suggesting not only that this whale wave is being driven by needs other than food, but also that untested variable(s) inform late-season distribution. Alternative explanations of the wave include physiological maintenance and social habitat partitioning. Our findings demonstrate that marine predators can use complex spatial strategies not only to navigate vast areas of ocean but also to exploit specific habitats thoroughly. Though annually persistent and specific in structure, the whale wave would go (and has gone) unnoticed in typical marine mammal surveys. -- Eric M Keen <http://www.emkeen.org> PhD student, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Captain, *RV Bangarang <http://www.rvbangarang.org>* Instagram: @rvbangarang

1 0

Mixed-Species Associations of Marine Mammals in the Southern California Bight, with Emphasis on Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus)
by Cathy Bacon 13 Mar '17

13 Mar '17

Dear All, On behalf of my co-authors, I am please to announce the new publication (short note) of the following article: Bacon, Cathy E., Mari A. Smultea, Dagmar Fertl, Bernd Würsig, Elizabeth A. Burgess, and Stefanie Hawks-Johnson. Mixed-Species Associations of Marine Mammals in the Southern California Bight, with Emphasis on Risso’s Dolphins (*Grampus griseus*). Aquatic Mammals 43(2): 177-184. doi: 10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.177 Mixed-species associations are temporary associations of individuals of two or more animal species involved in similar activities. Among marine mammals, mixed-species associations are relatively uncommon and appear to vary by such factors as region, season, prey availability, and behavioral state. While mixed-species associations occasionally are reported for marine mammals in portions of the Southern California Bight (SCB), little attention has been given to understanding the broader extent and context of these interactions within the larger SCB. Over a 6-y period, we conducted line-transect aerial surveys throughout much of the SCB and became interested in the mixed-species associations we observed. Herein, we examine the relative frequency of species and behaviors found in marine mammal mixed-species associations, and describe those involving Risso’s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*) since it was the most common species among mixed-species associations. We review and compare our observations with other data on mixed-species associations of marine mammals from California waters. A pdf may be obtained from the following link: http://aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category… Best regards, Cathy -- Cathy Bacon Marine Mammal Scientist

1 0

ECS 2017 - Early registration reminder
by Jonas Teilmann 11 Mar '17

11 Mar '17

Dear All Please remember to register for the ECS 2017 conference before 15 March to get the low registration prices. The workshops and draft program are now available on the conference website. http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/31st-annual-conference-den… We look forward to welcome you to Denmark and the beautiful city of Middelfart. We will do all we can to make this a memorable event, both with regard to science and social networking. The conference will be at the most beautiful time of year in Denmark, in an old renovated castle at the seaside where there will be porpoise guarantee. On behalf of the organizers, Jonas Teilmann MORE INFORMATION<http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/31st-annual-conference-den…> Click on More Information to visit out webpage [cid:image001.jpg@01D29A83.DD9F8CE0] ECS, Danish Marine Mammal Society and Aarhus University invites you to attend the 31st Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society at Hindsgavl Castle, Middelfart, Denmark Main conference will be on 1-3 May, 2017 Workshops will take place on 29-30 April, 2017 This year's theme is: CONSERVATION IN THE LIGHT OF MARINE SPATIAL USE INVITED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Professor Lars Bejder, Murdoch University, Cetacean Research Unit, Australia Dr. Asha De Vos, Post-doctoral scholar, University of California, Santa Cruz Dr. Len Thomas, University of St. Andrews, Scotland IMPORTANT DATES Early registration deadline: 15 March 2017 (23:45 CET) Late registration deadline and: 1 April 2017 (23.45 CET) [cid:image002.jpg@01D29A83.DD9F8CE0]

1 0

DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 11 Mar '17

11 Mar '17

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2017. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collection of photo to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2017 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!internship-aimm/cw7b After the confirmation e-mail, send your Resume/CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 2017”. Applicants will be contacted to arrange internship dates and details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org

1 0

Link to new article on cetacean mother-calf behavior
by Mari Smultea 10 Mar '17

10 Mar '17

Smultea Sciences is pleased to announce and share a PDF link to our recent publication entitled "Cetacean Mother-calf Behavior Observed from a Small Aircraft off Southern California" in the journal Animal Behavior and Cognition, based on observations, video and photos taken from our circling research aircraft during 2008-2013. Abstract During early developmental stages, cetacean calves are dependent on their mothers for survival. Protection of young whales engaged in behaviors that are biologically important is critical for population recovery, so that appropriate management actions can be taken to minimize human disturbance. However, the occurrence and frequency of whale nursing and calves back-riding their mothers (both considered important to calf survival) have rarely been observed nor adequately quantified or defined. Therefore, it may not always be clear when disruption is occurring. We used extended behavioral observations, still photography, and video camera footage obtained during aircraft surveys in the Southern California Bight in 2008 – 2013 to characterize cetacean mother-calf interactions. Based on observations of four mother/calf pairs (two gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus, one fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus, and one blue whale, B. musculus) and one killer whale presumed mother/yearling pair (Orcinus orca), we describe bouts of nursing and calves riding on the backs of their presumed mothers, including activity duration, frequency, and relative body positioning. We conclude with specific definitions useful to wildlife conservation agencies authorizing and establishing restrictions to certain human activities when they might constitute behavioral disruptions. This article is open access and can be downloaded at: http://animalbehaviorandcognition.org/uploads/journals/14/01%20Smultea%20et… <http://animalbehaviorandcognition.org/uploads/journals/14/01%20Smultea%20et…> We strongly encourage those with especially drone video and other data on cetacean-mother calf potential nursing, back riding etc. to build on this article to refine and quantify such critical parameters needed for conservation and management. Mari Smultea, PhD Chief Scientist/CEO Smultea Sciences (SES) mari(a)smulteasciences.com www.smulteasciences.com (707) 362-5376

1 0