July 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper:Local abundance, apparent survival and site fidelity of Bryde’s whales in the Hauraki Gulf (New Zealand) inferred from long-term photo-identification
by Gaby de Tezanos Pinto 23 Jul '17

23 Jul '17

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of all co-authors, I will like to bring to your attention a new article entitled: Local abundance, apparent survival and site fidelity of Bryde’s whales in the Hauraki Gulf (New Zealand) inferred from long-term photo-identificationESR 34:61-73 (2017) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00839 *ABSTRACT* Bryde’s whales *Balaenoptera edeni* in New Zealand are classified as ‘nationally critical’ according to the New Zealand Threat Classification System. In the Hauraki Gulf, Bryde’s whales occur year-round and are subject to ship-strike mortality events. Photo-identification surveys were conducted to estimate local abundance, apparent survival and site fidelity during 2 periods from 2004 to 2006 (261 daily surveys) and from 2011 to 2013 (382 daily surveys). The photo-identification database contained a total of 364 sighting records of 72 Bryde’s whales. Overall, 20 whales were sighted across the 2 survey periods, indicating long-term site fidelity. Local abundance was estimated using the robust design (RD) and POPAN mark-recapture approaches for each period, including upward adjustment for the proportion of unmarked whales. RD seasonal abundance estimates varied from 17 to 43 whales between 2004 and 2006, and from 13 to 31 whales between 2011 and 2013. Temporary emigration followed a random pattern (γ’ = γ’’) and was estimated at 0.557 between 2004 and 2006, and 0.610 between 2011 and 2013. POPAN seasonal abundance ranged from 38 to 74 whales for the 2004 to 2006 period and from 42 to 68 whales for 2011 to 2013. Apparent survival was estimated across periods at 0.878 (95% CI = 0.811-0.923). From the ‘super population’ estimate of the 2011 to 2013 survey period (*N*super = 135 whales, CI = 100-183), we calculated a potential biological removal (PBR) of 1 whale yr-1. Given the impact of ship strikes on this local unit, it is important to continue long-term photo-identification of Bryde’s whales. This technique provides valuable demographic information for a poorly known species. Authors: G.Tezanos-Pinto, K. Hupman, N. Wiseman, S. L. Dwyer, C. S. Baker, L. Brooks, B. Outhwaite, C. Lea, K. A. Stockin. Thank you Gaby (on behalf of all co-authors) Gabriela Tezanos-Pinto Massey University, Albany New Zealand https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gabriela_Tezanos-Pinto

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PAM position for marine mammal vessel survey
by Mari Smultea 22 Jul '17

22 Jul '17

Smultea Sciences is looking to fill a position for a mid-level PAM (passive acoustic monitoring) operator during a vessel-based survey to document the occurrence and distribution of marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico for about 1 month in August. Requirements: --Experience with deploying/monitoring towed arrays for dolphins and whales, PAMGuard, preferably in the Gulf of Mexico. Experience with Mysticetus software a plus. --Must be available August, possibly into early to mid-September. --Must provide proof of up-to-date: (1) offshore marine safety training (e.g., BOSIET), (2) physical fitness, (3) drug-free drug test, (4) U.S. Passport. -- 2 References (names, positions, email, phone number) If interested, please send your CV, confirm your availability for August-mid-Sept, and your phone number and email where you can be reached to: Mari A. Smultea, MSc, PhD Chief Scientist/CEO Smultea Sciences (SES) mari(a)smulteasciences.com<mailto:mari@smulteasciences.com> www.smulteasciences.com<http://www.smulteasciences.com/>

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STILL SOME SPOTS AVAILABLE - SEA ME Sardinia photo-ID course on Mediterranean Cetaceans in La Maddalena National Park, Sardinia, Italy.
by SEAME Sardinia 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

STILL SOME SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR THE PHOTO-ID COURSE ON MEDITERRANEAN CETACEANS IN LA MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO NATIONAL PARK, SARDINIA, ITALY. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear MARMAMers, SEA ME Sardinia (http://www.seame.it/en/) SEA ME Sardinia (http://www.seame.it/en/) is currently accepting the last applications for a one week- course (September 15th - September 22nd, 2017), in the beautiful location of La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Sardinia, Italy.(http://www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.arcip.maddalena/Eindex.php) SEA ME Sardinia is a non-profit organization based in La Maddalena (Italy) with a mission to protect cetaceans in the waters off Sardinia (central Tyrrhenian Sea) through education, research and conservation. The main goals include year-round outreach/school activities and boat-based research. PROGRAMME The programme will include classwork, practical lab sessions and fieldwork, offshore and along North-eastern Sardinian coast. Classwork will introduce all participants to the diversity, behaviour, ecology and conservation of Mediterranean cetaceans. Lectures on Sardinian coastal and offshore ecosystems will also be provided, in order to deepen the knowledge on different cetacean habitats. Lab sessions will be propaedeutic to the fieldwork, and they will focus on how to correctly identify whales and dolphins recorded at sea. Training on photo-ID technique (sorting, grading, and matching) adjusted to the different species will be provided. This will help assisting researchers in maintaining long-term photo-ID catalogues. Special attention will be given to the Cuvier's beaked whale, a rather common species in the study area. A short training in survey design will also be provided, as well as on the main issues of collecting data from opportunistic platforms (e.g. whale watching boats). Fieldwork will be made both in coastal (La Maddalena archipelago) and pelagic waters (Caprera Canyon, central-western Tyrrhenian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard whale watching and dedicated vessels (11 m power catamaran and 6 m inflatable boat) and divided in two offshore and two coastal surveys in order to be trained in both different habitats and species-related techniques. Fieldwork training will focus on collecting photo-ID, environmental, geographical (GPS) and behavioural data of each encountered whale and dolphin group. Fieldwork will help participants to gain first-hand experience in collecting data on free-ranging cetaceans and improve your skills on cetacean boat-based survey and in the use of the photo-ID technique. Fieldwork and course schedules are weather dependent and they can change during the course. GOALS: Participants will assist researchers while working onboard whale watching and dedicated research vessels. They will also be directly involved in contributing to our long-term studies on several cetacean species in the wild. This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Island of Sardinia and the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, enjoying the outdoors of the beautiful Emerald Coast (Sardinia Island, Italy) and helping supporting cetacean research and conservation. During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums and the amazing islands such as Caprera (with Garibaldi's house, tomb and memorial) or Budelli with its famous pink beach. PROJECT BACKGROUNDS: - The _SEA ME Coastal bottlenose dolphin project_ is an ongoing research project on _Tursiops truncatus_ inhabiting the waters of La Maddalena archipelago National Park and Bonifacio Strait, between the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, which has got a strong interest in the interactions between bottlenose dolphins and human activities. - The _Caprera Canyon Cetacean Project_ is the first scientific survey aimed at studying whale and dolphin occurrence, abundance, distribution and habitat preferences in the submarine Canyon of Caprera. Since 2010, SEA ME Sardinia, in collaboration with University of Sassari, is investigating the species occurring in this area: striped dolphin, Risso's dolphin, fin whale, Cuvier's beaked whale (which is the main target species of this project), sperm whale and short-beaked common dolphin. This is an important region of the central Tyrrhenian Sea, thought a hot spot for marine life (e.g. cetaceans, marine birds, mobula rays, sea turtles, red fin tunas, swordfish and basking sharks). LANGUAGE: Course will be held in English/Italian. REQUIREMENTS: Prior experience is not required. Participants are expected to: - Be 18 or older, - Speak English or Italian, - Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent, - Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team. _ This course will have a certificate of completion._ Since SEA ME Sardinia is a non-profit and self-funded organization, we rely on donation from our members, volunteers and participants. Thus, Participation in this course requires a tuition fee. APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE: To apply or for any further enquiries and details, please send an email to: info(a)seame.it All applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is August 1st, 2017 Dr Luca Bittau Course Coordinator, PhD in Environmental Biology SEA ME Sardinia www.seame.it [1] Via delle Ginestre Nº6 07024 La Maddalena (OT) Italy mail: info(a)seame.it Skype: luca.bittau -- Mobile: +39 3494712348 E-mail: info(a)seame.it Web: www.seame.it ------------------------- SEA ME Sardinia Onlus - Scientific Education & Activities in the Marine Environment [C.F. 91052810909 - Legal Head Office: Via delle Ginestre 6 (Vil. Piras), 07024 La Maddalena (OT), Italy] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seame.it

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New publication on the metabolic cost of echolocation in dolphins
by Dawn Noren - NOAA Federal 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper on the metabolic cost of echolocation in dolphins in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Free access to the article is valid until September 01, 2017 at the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1VNIP51aURf05 Noren D.P., Holt M.M., Dunkin R.C., Williams T.M. (2017) Echolocation is cheap for some mammals: Dolphins conserve oxygen while producing high-intensity clicks. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 495:103-109. Highlights • Metabolic rates of clicking bottlenose dolphins were measured using respirometry. • The metabolic cost of dolphins producing echolocation clicks is low. • The metabolic cost of click production increases with acoustic energy produced. • The metabolic cost of echolocation in dolphins is much lower than that of bats. • The low metabolic cost of echolocation helps foraging dolphins conserve oxygen. Abstract: Toothed whales use echolocation to sense their environment and capture prey. However, their reliance on acoustic information makes them vulnerable to sound exposure. Odontocetes modify echolocation signals in response to ambient noise levels, yet the metabolic cost of producing and modifying echolocation signals are unknown. Studies on bats found that the metabolic cost of producing echolocation signals and modifying sonar parameters is high. Unlike terrestrial mammals, however, the conservation of oxygen is paramount for odontocetes that echolocate underwater on a breath-hold. Flow-through respirometry was used to determine the metabolic costs of producing and modifying echolocations signals in two trained bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) that produced echolocation clicks with variable sound energy levels. Unlike bats, the metabolic cost of echolocation was negligible in dolphins. On average, the metabolic rate of submerged dolphins producing clicks was 1.1 times greater than the metabolic rate of submerged, silent dolphins. Similar to bats, the metabolic cost of producing echolocation signals increased significantly with acoustic energy in dolphins. Yet, for the sound energy levels produced, metabolic rates of dolphins producing clicks were within the range of metabolic rates measured when the dolphins were silent. These results can be used to better understand some of the energetic costs associated with dolphin foraging behavior as well as assess the relative energetic impacts of different delphinid behavioral responses to anthropogenic disturbance. Best, Dawn Noren -- Dawn P. Noren, Ph.D. Research Fishery Biologist NOAA NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd. East Seattle, WA 98112 (206) 302-2439 http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/contact/display_staffprofile.cfm?staffid=1112

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SMM2017 Art Exhibit Application Forms
by Sarah McComb 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Hi all, This years art exhibition for the marine mammal conference held in October, 22nd-26th, 2017 is currently acceptation applications. Anyone interested in displaying artwork at the conference please send the attached application form and any questions to exhibitors(a)marinemammalscience.org <mailto:exhibitors@marinemammalscience.org> (list “Art exhibit” in the email subject). The initial deadline for the art exhibit is Monday July 24 to be processed and notified of acceptance by Monday, July 31st. Applications may not be reviewed once this deadline is past if space fills. At a glance, science and art may appear rather divergent fields of study. A closer look, however, will show these two fields are merging driven by the rise in social media, and greater accessibility to digital photography and video through mobile phones, compact cameras and drones. But how can the artisan and the scientist benefit each other? Artists have a different view of the world and can provide new interpretations of old ideas and thoughts. As technology has advanced scientists have become more reliant on remote data collection to study ecology, while the artist continues to observe the life around them. Artists cultivate new work through inspiration and the scientist plays a key role here, conveying new facts and perspectives. Artists provide dissemination through avenues not accessible by scientists. The SMM2017 will attract international marine mammal scientists, managers and policy makers from more than 30 countries to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue on the world’s most pressing marine science and conservation issues. This is a unique opportunity to blur boundaries and bring artists and scientists together to inspire new ideas, directions and most importantly celebrate the life of the ocean. Attached documents give information on the opportunities for artists to participate in this one-off event and share their work and view of the marine world with marine mammal scientists. If you wish to sell work please see application on pages 2-3; if you wish to exhibit work please see application on pages 4-5. Thanks, Sarah Dier-McComb Art Exhibit Co-coordinator for the Society of Marine Mammalogy exhibitors(a)marinemammalscience.org <mailto:exhibitors@marinemammalscience.org>

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New article about infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in bottlenose dolphins
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that our latest article about infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) has been published. Díaz López, B., López, A., Methion, S., & Covelo, P. (2017). Infanticide attacks and associated epimeletic behaviour in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417001266 Infanticide is considered a conspicuous expression of sexual conflict amongst mammals, including bottlenose dolphins. Although reported previously in this species, confirmed cases of infanticide and associated epimeletic behaviour are very rare and their socio-behavioural context remains poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence of epimeletic and infanticide behaviours in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Galicia, NW Spain. After describing the observed events, we include a complete description of the post-mortem examinations (where the carcasses were recovered) in order to confirm the cause of death. With evidences of blunt trauma in two of the presented cases, we confirm that the calves were intentionally killed by adult individuals. The aggressive interaction between adult individuals and the neonates together with the observed ante-mortem injuries bore a strong resemblance to the behaviours and traumatic injuries described in other cases of violent dolphin interactions in other parts of the world. The circumstances under which these infanticides occurred at our site fit the conditions proposed under the sexual selection hypothesis. The difficulties for researchers to observe this type of behaviour in the field and to find carcasses in good enough condition to determine the cause of death, emphasizes the importance of this type of study. You can access the article at: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025315417001266 If you cannot download the publication, you can request a pdf by emailing to: bruno(a)thebdri.com Best wishes, Bruno Díaz López Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684248552 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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New publication on cetacean hormone analysis using LC-MS/MS
by Hayden, Mary 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Dear Marmam, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper: Nanospray liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis of steroids from gray whale blubber. Mary Hayden, Ruchika Bhawal, John Escobedo, Clinton Harmon, Todd M. O��Hara, David Klein, Susan San-Francisco, Masoud Zabet-Moghaddam and C��line A. J. Godard-Codding Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 2017, 31, 1088�C1094 Abstract: RATIONALE: Analysis of steroids from precious blubber biopsies obtained from marine mammals, especially endangered species, can provide valuable information on their endocrine status. Challenges with currently used ELISA methodology include lack of absolute quantitation and incompatibility with multiple steroids analysis due to limited biopsy mass. Development of a sensitive, accurate analytical method for this purpose is critical. METHODS: A nanospray liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC/MS/MS) method was validated for sensitive, specific and quantitative analysis of three steroid hormones, without derivatization, extracted from 50 mg blubber samples. Data was acquired with an LTQ XL ion trap mass spectrometer in positive ion mode, using single reaction monitoring. All three steroids were analyzed in a single run. Cholic acid was used as a surrogate internal standard for quantitation due to its steroidal structure and lack of measurable endogenous levels in blubber. RESULTS: The lowest limits of quantitation for progesterone, testosterone, and hydrocortisone were significantly improved compared to previous studies using conventional LC/MS/MS. The lowest limit of detection was 7 fg/��L using a 1 ��L injection volume. Calibration curves for steroid quantification showed good linearity (r2>0.99) between 14 and 3620 fg/��L, and accuracy was <20% for interday and<10% for intraday. After validation, the method was successfully applied to quantification of steroids in gray whale blubber samples. CONCLUSIONS: The nanoLC/MS/MS method is more sensitive than traditional LC/MS/MS for steroid analysis. It is also compatible with other important biopsy analyses due to its small blubber mass requirement. This will benefit the reproductive and stress assessments for all marine mammals, particularly endangered populations. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The paper is available here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.7884/full Please make any requests for copies to: mary.hayden(a)ttu.edu Cheers, Mary J Hayden Ph.D. Candidate Department of Environmental Toxicology The Institute of Environmental and Human Health 1207 S. Gilbert Dr. | Lubbock, TX 79416 Ph: 806-885-4567

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New publication on marine debris in harbour porpoises and seals from German waters (Bianca Unger)
by Unger, Bianca 21 Jul '17

21 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new article: Marine debris in harbour porpoises and seals from German waters Bianca Unger, Helena Herr, Harald Benke, Michel Böhmert, Patricia Burkhardt-Holm, Michael Dähne, Miriam Hillmann, Kornelia Wolff-Schmidt, Peter Wohlsein, Ursula Siebert Abstract: Records of marine debris in and attached to stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were studied comprising information on 6587 carcasses collected along the German coast between 1990 and 2014, the decomposition state allowed for necropsy in 1622 cases. Marine debris items were recorded in 31 carcasses including 14 entanglements (5 harbour porpoises, 6 harbour seals, 3 grey seals) and 17 cases of ingestion (4 harbour porpoises, 10 harbour seals, 3 grey seals). Objects comprised general debris (35.1%) and fishing related debris (64.9%). Injuries associated with marine debris included lesions, suppurative ulcerative dermatitis, perforation of the digestive tract, abscessation, suppurative peritonitis and septicaemia. This study is the first investigation of marine debris findings in all three marine mammal species from German waters. It demonstrates the health impacts marine debris can have, including severe suffering and death. The results provide needed information on debris burdens in the North and Baltic Seas for implementing management directives, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The full article is available online at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113617302350 or email me directly for a PDF copy Bianca.Unger(a)tiho-hannover.de<mailto:Bianca.Unger@tiho-hannover.de> Best, Bianca **************************************************** Dipl.-Biologin Bianca Unger Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6 / 25761 Büsum / Germany Tel +49 511 856 8176 Fax +49 511 856 8181 http://www.tiho-hannover.de/index.php?id=5388

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Request for leopard seal sighting records/collections from New Zealand waters
by Krista Hupman 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Request for leopard seal sighting records/collections from New Zealand waters On behalf of all authors currently writing a review of leopard seals in New Zealand waters, we would like to make a request for leopard seal sighting records or locations of specimen collections from this region. We are primarily seeking unpublished and anecdotal accounts, and would be grateful for any information. Any observations and images/footage shared will of course be fully credited to the observer and photographer. In instances where substantial unpublished data collections are shared, it may warrant co-authorship. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Krista Hupman Dr Krista Hupman Cetacean Biologist/Ecologist Krista.hupman(a)niwa.co.nz +64-4-386-0527<tel:+64%204-386%200527> | 301 Evans Bay Parade, Greta Point, Wellington | www.niwa.co.nz<http://www.niwa.co.nz/> Dr Krista Hupman Cetacean Biologist/Ecologist +64-4-386-0527 | 301 Evans Bay Parade, Greta Point, Wellington | www.niwa.co.nz<http://www.niwa.co.nz> [NIWA]<http://www.niwa.co.nz> To ensure compliance with legal requirements and to maintain cyber security standards, NIWA's IT systems are subject to ongoing monitoring, activity logging and auditing. This monitoring and auditing service may be provided by third parties. Such third parties can access information transmitted to, processed by and stored on NIWA's IT systems.

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Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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