June 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Management and conservation at the International Whaling Commission: A dichotomy sandwiched within a shifting baseline
by Barbara Galletti 14 Jun '17

14 Jun '17

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Galletti Vernazzani, B., P. Burkhardt-Holm, E. Cabrera, M. Iñíguez, F. Luna, E.C.M. Parsons, F. Ritter, J. Rodríguez-Fonseca, M. Sironi and M. Stachowitsch. 2017. Management and conservation at the International Whaling Commission: A dichotomy sandwiched within a shifting baseline. Marine Policy 83: 164171. <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.06.004> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.06.004 Abstract: The International Whaling Commission's (IWC) Scientific Committee provides important advice to the IWC on a large variety of cetacean species, sub-species and populations and the issues affecting them. Cetaceans are facing increasing, non-whaling-related threats, and the Scientific Committee (SC), in accordance with the Commission's requests, has strengthened its conservation-oriented research work. A selection of the reports of the Scientific Committee from between 1986 and 2012 was assessed for its: (i) fundamental research; (ii) management; (iii) conservation; and (iv) administrative content, and to identify potential trends over time. Recommendations and their urgency were also examined, as implied from the language used by the SC in its reports. The analysis showed that the work of the Scientific Committee has increasingly been oriented towards conservation issues over the period reviewed, but at the same time this conservation work has received little funding. Increased support for conservation-related research projects is warranted to promote the long-term survival of cetaceans. Based on this review of the content and focus of the Committee reports, the analysis suggested that its issued advice be made clearer, whenever possible, and governments are urged to give due consideration to this science based advice particularly when urgent conservation actions are needed. In addition, more consistent funding of the IWC's conservation-related research should be pursued to improve international conservation outputs regarding cetacean populations. The paper is available at: <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.06.004> https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.06.004 Or you can request a PDF copy via email at barbara(a)ccc-chile.org Thank you, Bárbara Galletti V.M. Centro de Conservación Cetacea Casilla 19178, Correo Alonso de Córdoba Vitacura, Santiago - CHILE F/Fax (56 2) 2228 2910 barbara(a)ccc-chile.org www.ccc-chile.org Síguenos en: Facebook <http://on.fb.me/fMUbnC> http://on.fb.me/fMUbnC Twitter <http://bit.ly/jZSZR8> http://bit.ly/jZSZR8 Youtube <http://bit.ly/oEDlod> http://bit.ly/oEDlod Consume Menos, Protege Más. No imprimas este mensaje.

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New publication: female reproductive parameters of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin
by Alessia Rossi 14 Jun '17

14 Jun '17

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our recent publication: Alessia Rossi, Ester Scordamaglia, Michela Bellingeri, Guido Gnone, Silvio Nuti, Francesca Salvioli, Piero Manfredi, Giovanni Santangelo. (2017). Demography of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Mammalia: Delphinidae) in the Eastern Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean): quantification of female reproductive parameters. The European Zoological Journal. 84(1): 294-302. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750263.2017.1334839 Abstract: The reproductive histories of 41 adult bottlenose dolphin females were analysed using photo-identification data collected between 2006 and 2014 in four sub-areas of the eastern Ligurian Sea (northwestMediterranean). The Rapallo sub-area revealed the highest (highly significant) frequency of encounters (per unit effort) of reproductive females in association with young individuals, therefore emerging as a candidate nursery area in the region. The estimated fertility rate of adult females ranged between 290 and 407 births per 1000 individuals per year, higher than that of other known bottlenose dolphin populations, with a calving interval between 2.45 and 3.5 years. These results will be useful for projecting future trends of this (sub)population. This paper is open source and is accessed through the link: https://doi.org/10.1080/24750263.2017.1334839 For any problems, do not hesitate to contact me; I will be glad to send you a pdf copy. Kind regards Alessia Rossi -- PhD Alessia Rossi Biology Department (Zoology - Animal Ecology) - Demography and Conservation Laboratory via A.Volta, 6 - 56126 Pisa, Italy Cell: +393494743502. e-mail: arossi(a)biologia.unipi.it skype: musicale85

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New Publication: Comparative physiology of vocal musculature in two odontocetes
by Nicole Thometz 13 Jun '17

13 Jun '17

Dear MarMam Community, We are delighted to announce our most recent publication: Thometz NM, Dearolf JL, Dunkin RC, Noren DP, Holt MM, Sims OC, Cathey BC, Williams TM (2017) “Comparative physiology of vocal musculature in two odontocetes, the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) and the harbor porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*)”. Journal of Comparative Physiology B. doi: 10.1007/s00360-017-1106-5. Abstract: The mechanism by which odontocetes produce sound is unique among mammals. To gain insight into the physiological properties that support sound production in toothed whales, we examined myoglobin content ([Mb]), non-bicarbonate buffering capacity (β), fiber-type profiles, and myosin heavy chain expression of vocal musculature in two odontocetes: the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*; n=4) and the harbor porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*; n=5). Both species use the same anatomical structures to produce sound, but differ markedly in their vocal repertoires. *Tursiops* produce both broadband clicks and tonal whistles, while *Phocoena* only produce higher-frequency clicks. Specific muscles examined in this study included: 1) the nasal musculature around the phonic lips on the right (RNM) and left (LNM) sides of the head, 2) the palatopharyngeal sphincter (PPS), which surrounds the larynx and aids in pressurizing cranial air spaces, and 3) the genioglossus complex (GGC), a group of muscles positioned ventrally within the head. Overall, vocal muscles had significantly lower [Mb] and β than locomotor muscles from the same species. The PPS was predominately composed of small diameter slow-twitch fibers. Fiber-type and myosin heavy chain analyses revealed that the GGC was comprised largely of fast-twitch fibers (*Tursiops*: 88.6%, *Phocoena*: 79.7%) and had the highest β of all vocal muscles. Notably, there was a significant difference in [Mb] between the RNM and LNM in *Tursiops*, but not *Phocoena*. Our results reveal shared physiological characteristics of individual vocal muscles across species that enhance our understanding of key functional roles, as well as species-specific differences which appear to reflect differences in vocal capacities. This manuscript was recently published online through the Journal of Comparative Physiology B, and the article can be accessed here: http://rdcu.be/s9fM <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__em.rdcu.be_wf_click-3Fu…> Best, Nicole Thometz -- Nicole M. Thometz, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Biology University of San Francisco 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

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New publication: Abundance, residency and potential hazards for coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off a productive lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico
by Eduardo Morteo 13 Jun '17

13 Jun '17

Dear MARMAM readers, We are glad to annouce a new publication in Aquatic Mammals: Morteo E., Rocha-Olivares A., Abarca-Arenas L.G. 2017. Abundance, residency and potential hazards for coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off a productive lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals, 43(3):308-319. ISSN: 1996-7292, doi: 10.1578/AM.43.3.2017.308 Abstract: Movements of many cetacean species are commonly related to temporal and spatial variations in food resources and human activities. Worldwide evidence shows that anthropogenic pressures faced by coastal dolphin populations are increasing; however, the lack of reliable baseline information generally prevents the assessment of such interactions. We studied the temporal dynamics in abundance, site fidelity, and residency of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off the productive Alvarado lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico, and we assessed the potential hazards posed by human activities and natural predators. This 2-y study (2006 to 2008) was based on the photographic identification of 174 individuals from 871 high-quality dorsal fin photographs obtained during 41 surveys totaling 225.4 h of observation. Overall monthly abundance averaged 125 (SD = 52) dolphins, whereas naturally marked individuals averaged 106 (SD = 25); abundance values were somewhat consistent within and between years, but the community was composed of different dolphins at any given time. Seasonal site fidelity and residency were higher during the dry (March to June) and rainy (July to October) seasons. Previous studies from Alvarado and elsewhere suggest long-term residency (up to 7 y) but also widespread movements (100 to 300 km) for some individuals. Physical evidence of attacks by large predators was exclusively found in nonresident adult dolphins (3.5%), suggesting a seasonal incursion to the area by individuals from deeper waters. Also, dolphins bearing marks of interactions with fisheries were more common in adult residents (11.5%). Despite these threats, dolphins are recurrent in the area, possibly due to high prey abundance and availability, which may constitute the main factors driving their distribution and abundance. The PDF may be downloaded directly from the Aquatic Mammals web-page: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> Or you may send an email to: eduardo.morteo(a)gmail.com <mailto:eduardo.morteo@gmail.com> to request a full PDF. All best, E. Eduardo Morteo, Dr. Head Researcher Marine Mammal Laboratory Institute of Biological Research Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries Universidad Veracruzana 617 Calle Hidalgo, Col. Río Jamapa, Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico. CP 94290 Ph: +52 (229) 956 72 27 Ext. 114 Fax: +52 (229) 956 70 70 E-mail: emorteo(a)uv.mx http://www.uv.mx/personal/emorteo/ http://uv-mx.academia.edu/EMorteo https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo_Morteo/?ev=hdr_xprf http://scholar.google.com.mx/citations?user=fDUl-IIAAAAJ

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CETACEAN REASEARCH ASSISTANT POST .
by Sarah Tubbs 12 Jun '17

12 Jun '17

*CAMBODIAN CETACEAN RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITIONS AVAILABLE* Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is Cambodia's longest running volunteer marine conservation organisation, pioneering and leading ocean conservation in Cambodia. MCC have new internship positions available on cetacean research. The Cambodia Dolphin Project was established for the purpose of contributing to scientific knowledge on cetaceans for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity. Despite high cetacean biodiversity in the region, no long-term studies have taken place here. Therefore, the project aims to fulfill the gaps of missing long-term studies by collecting data on cetacean abundance, distribution and residency patterns in order to delineate critical habitats within Cambodia’s Kep Archipelago. The project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in gaining more experience and knowledge in the field of cetacean research. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our team. The minimum commitment is one month, although for a fuller experience we recommend two or more. A biology background is not mandatory but advantageous, as well as an ability to dedicate yourselves to the study. We will be in the field early in the morning or late into the evening, boat trips can be day long (12 hours), and there is a large amount of data to process and enter. A good level of endurance is necessary as well as the ability to live and work in a multicultural team, living on a basic camp. You will learn about different software used in cetacean research, boat and land survey techniques and photo identification methods amongst other things. There will also be the opportunity for you to contribute to publications we might be working on, get involved in other MCC projects such as our coral garden or sea horse project and various scientific outreach events. This position is unpaid and requires a contribution fee of US$300/week from the volunteers which covers accommodation, food and project related activities. MCC does not take any profits from this sum, with all money being fed directly back into the project. We have positions available year round and for people staying longer than 3 months there is a discounted price available. To apply please send a cover letter and CV to sarahtubbs123(a)gmail.com

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Help with the National Whale & Dolphin Watch 2017!
by Kathy James 12 Jun '17

12 Jun '17

Can you help? The UK's National Whale & Dolphin Watch starts next month (29th July - 6th August) and we'd love for as many people as possible to be involved! We're looking for people to run watches from the land and sea. You can read more about it here: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw. Last year we received reports of 1424 sightings all around the UK and people conducted watches from 79 sites, totalling 1200 hours of observation. Please help us continue to build the event by reporting your sightings and by organising your own watch. The National Whale and Dolphin Watch not only provides us with very important data, but it also enables us to spread awareness of cetaceans around the UK. If you'd like advice on setting up watches or to provide details of watches you intend to conduct please email nwdw(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk. Thank you! Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 (Tues, Weds, Thurs) 01970 623906 (Mon & Fri only) www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk <https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation/C:/Users/Sea%20Watch%20Foundati on/Documents/ADMIN%20MISC> facebook <https://twitter.com/SeaWatchersUK> twitter Ever shop online? Sign up for <https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/seawatch/> Easy Fundraising and raise money for the Sea Watch Foundation while you shop at no cost to you! All your donations directly support our research!

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Under the sea ice: Exploring the relationship between sea ice and the foraging behaviour of southern elephant seals in East Antarctica
by Sara Labrousse 12 Jun '17

12 Jun '17

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to bring to your attention the following publication : Sara Labrousse, Jean-Baptiste Sallée, Alexander D. Fraser, Robert A. Massom, Phillip Reid, Michael Sumner, Christophe Guinet, Robert Harcourt, Clive McMahon, Frédéric Bailleul, Mark A. Hindell, Jean-Benoit Charrassin, *Under the sea ice: Exploring the relationship between sea ice and the foraging behaviour of southern elephant seals in East Antarctica*, Progress in Oceanography, Volume 156, August 2017, Pages 17-40, ISSN 0079-6611, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2017.05.014. Abstract: Investigating ecological relationships between predators and their environment is essential to understand the response of marine ecosystems to climate variability and change. This is particularly true in polar regions, where sea ice (a sensitive climate variable) plays a crucial yet highly dynamic and variable role in how it influences the whole marine ecosystem, from phytoplankton to top predators. For mesopredators such as seals, sea ice both supports a rich (under-ice) food resource, access to which depends on local to regional coverage and conditions. Here, we investigate sex-specific relationships between the foraging strategies of southern elephant seals (*Mirounga leonina*) in winter and spatio-temporal variability in sea ice concentration (SIC) and coverage in East Antarctica. We satellite-tracked 46 individuals undertaking post-moult trips in winter from Kerguelen Islands to the peri-Antarctic shelf between 2004 and 2014. These data indicate distinct general patterns of sea ice usage: while females tended to follow the sea ice edge as it extended northward, the males remained on the continental shelf despite increasing sea ice. Seal hunting time, a proxy of foraging activity inferred from the diving behaviour, was longer for females in late autumn in the outer part of the pack ice, ~150 - 370 km south of the ice edge. Within persistent regions of compact sea ice, females had a longer foraging activity (i) in the highest sea ice concentration at their position, but (ii) their foraging activity was longer when there were more patches of low concentration sea ice around their position (either in time or in space; 30 days & 50km). The high spatio-temporal variability of sea ice around female positions is probably a key factor allowing them to exploit these concentrated patches. Despite lack of information on prey availability, females may exploit mesopelagic finfishes and squids that concentrate near the ice-water interface or within the water column (from diurnal vertical migration) in the pack ice region, likely attracted by an ice algal autumn bloom that sustains an under-ice ecosystem. In contrast, male foraging effort increased when they remained deep within the sea ice (420 - 960 km from the ice edge) over the shelf. Males had a longer foraging activity (i) in the lowest sea ice concentration at their position, and (ii) when there were more patches of low concentration sea ice around their position (either in time or in space; 30 days & 50km) presumably in polynyas or flaw leads between land fast and pack ice. This provides access to zones of enhanced resources in autumn or in early spring such as polynyas, the Antarctic shelf and slope. Our results suggest that some seals utilized a highly sea ice covered environment, which is key for their foraging effort, sustaining or concentrating resources during winter. The article can be download from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079661116300441 or you can email me for a copy. Best regards, Sara Labrousse -- Sara Labrousse, Dr. UPMC - LOCEAN 4 place Jussieu Boite 100 - 45-55 4ème étage 75252 Paris cedex 05

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ringed seal isotopes, Spitsbergen and marine food web shifts
by Andrew Lowther 12 Jun '17

12 Jun '17

Hi all, Happy to announce the publication of our most recent offering: Lowther, A. D., Fisk, A., Kovacs, K. M., and Lydersen, C. 2017. Interdecadal changes in the marine food web along the west Spitsbergen coast detected in the stable isotope composition of ringed seal (Pusa hispida) whiskers. Polar Biology: 1-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00300-017-2122-3. Recent influxes of warm Atlantic water into the fjords of west Spitsbergen have led to concomitant influx of more temperate and boreal fish species. The changes in the water masses within the fjords naturally affect all trophic levels of the sympagic, benthic, and pelagic food chains in the area. The most abundant marine mammal species in the fjords of west Spitsbergen is the ringed seal (Pusa hispida), which feeds, breeds, and moults in this area. In this study, we used isotopic data from whiskers of two cohorts of adult ringed seals (sampled in 1990 and 2013) to determine whether signals of ecosystem changes were detectable in this top marine predator. Acknowledging the limitations to our understanding of whisker growth in phocid seals, we interpreted the isotopic data from whiskers under two alternate hypotheses of whisker replacement dynamics and the dietary periods that might be represented. Even under the most conservative hypothesis, it is clear from our data that changes in the marine food web of the west Spitsbergen coast have occurred over the last 20 years, and that these are detectable in the isotopes incorporated into higher trophic predators. Concluding which aspect of the food web has been modified is complicated by a lack of recent ringed seal dietary studies, a knowledge gap that should be prioritised as the climate continues to change. You can get a copy from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-017-2122-3 cheers Andy -- Dr Andy Lowther Research Scientist Norwegian Polar Institute Troms? Norway t: +47 7775 0542

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HWDT is recruiting a Hebridean Whale Trail Manager
by gemma.paterson＠hwdt.org 11 Jun '17

11 Jun '17

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is seeking a new member of staff to take the lead on managing an exciting new project, the Hebridean Whale Trail. The Hebridean Whale Trail Manager will be responsible for developing a network of 25 fantastic whale-watching and whale heritage sites across the west coast of Scotland to further promote the area as one of Europe’s best whale-watch destinations. Salary: £24,000 per annum gross. Conditions: This is a full-time post. Length of contract: Fixed term contract until 31st December 2019. Start Date: The ideal starting date is late July-early August 2017. Place of work: HWDT is based on the Isle of Mull, and the appointee will work both from its offices in Tobermory and Hebridean communities included in the project. The role will require occasional travel and some overnight stays in Argyll and Bute, Western Isles, Highlands and Islands, Skye and Lochaber. Application Procedure: Send CV and Covering Letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to Gemma Paterson gemma.paterson(a)hwdt.org or post to: HWDT, Clydesdale Bank Buildings, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU. Closing date for applications: 5pm on Tuesday 27th June 2017. Interviews will take place during the first two weeks of July. The full Job Description and Person Specification are available at www.hwdt.org/about-vacancies.asp The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

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New publication on the social structure and home range of bottlenose dolphins around Sein Island (Brittany, France, North-East Atlantic)
by Marie Louis 11 Jun '17

11 Jun '17

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following note: Louis M., Buanic M., Lefeuvre C., Le Nilliot P., Ridoux V. and Spitz J. 2017. Strong bonds and small home range in a resident bottlenose dolphin community in a Marine Protected Area (Brittany, France, North-East Atlantic). Marine Mammal Science. (doi: 10.1111/mms.12419). Short summary: Environmental variation such as the availability of suitable habitat or food resources may shape social variability in terrestrial and marine mammals. Bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, usually form temporary associations with other individuals but they may have, in some populations, a few long-term companions. Our study focused on a small bottlenose dolphin community, around Sein Island, Brittany, France in the Iroise Sea Marine Protected area. The objective of the study was to update census size, investigate social structure, and estimate the home range of this community using photo-identification data collected from August 2014 to October 2015. The mean association index of 0.5 (SD = 0.27) in this community of 31 dolphins, including 24 adults, is one of the highest ever recorded. We suggest that this uncommon social structure with strong associations among individuals may be the result of a combination of a small group size, low trophic competition, and environmental conditions. The core area of 5.6km² used by the dolphins was one of the smallest recorded, and it is thus essential to protect their habitat. The article can be download from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12419/full or you can email me for a copy. Best wishes, Marie

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