January 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Irrawaddy Dolphin Research Assistants Needed
by Sarah Tubbs 16 Jan '18

16 Jan '18

In September 2017, 'The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project' was established. The initiative was formed through a collaboration between two NGOs, Marine Conservation Cambodia, and the DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association. Now the project is working closely with the Dolphin and Development Division of Cambodia's Fisheries Administration. The project has an initial 18-month timeline, however it is likely a continued monitoring program will be established after this. The initial aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The research team is in the field collecting behavioral data 4 times a week, with the rest of the time spent entering the findings, and turning these findings into reports and publications. There is also an education and outreach focus, trying to engage local scientists and the local community. The project is based within Marine Conservation Cambodia's headquarters, on the isalnd of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. Now, we are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our dolphin research team. The positions are ideal for students or post grads who wish to gain experience in the cetacean research field. The positions are unpaid and require a contribution fee of US$300/week to cover accommodation, food and diving. Spring and Summer placesare available. We are looking for interns who can commit 3 months to the project, however shorter durations may be considered for exceptional candidates. if interested, please send a cover letter and CV to cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com. In your covering letter, please state the dates for which you wish to intern. For more information, please visit https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/ *Sarah Tubbs* Project Coordinator of 'The Cambodian Dolphin Project', Marine Conservation Cambodia +855 97 642 5886 | cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com | https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/ Create your own email signature <https://wisestamp.com/email-install?utm_source=promotion&utm_medium=signatu…>

1 0

Papers on immunotoxicity of pharmaceuticals
by Christine Kleinert 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Greetings all, My co-authors and I are pleased to share three publications that were published during the course of my PhD project on the immunotoxicity of pharmaceuticals on harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) leukocytes. Immunotoxic effects of single and combined pharmaceuticals exposure on a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) B lymphoma cell line C. Kleinert, E. Lacaze, M. Mounier, S. DeGuise, M. Fournier The potential risk of pharmaceuticals in the environment to top-predators is still largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the immunotoxic effects of ten pharmaceuticals individually and as mixtures on a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) B lymphoma cell line. A significant reduction in lymphocyte transformation was observed following an exposure to 12,500 μg/L 17α-ethinyl estradiol and 25,000 μg/L naproxen. Exposure to 12,500 μg/L 17α-ethinyl estradiol decreased the percentage of cell in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle while increasing the percentage of cells in the S phase. Carbamazepine exposure increased the amount of cells in the G2/M phase. Binary mixtures showed synergistic effects in lymphocyte transformation, cell cycle and apoptosis assays. Concentrations inducing toxic effects in the cell line were similar to those affecting fish in previous studies. The reduction of functional activities of the immune system may lead to altered host resistance to pathogens in free-ranging pinnipeds. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X1730156X?via%3Dih… <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X1730156X?via=ihub> T lymphocyte-proliferative responses of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to pharmaceuticals in vitro C. Kleinert, E. Lacaze, M. Fortier, M. Hammill, S. DeGuise, M. Fournier The ubiquity of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment and the accumulation in organisms of lower trophic levels have been documented. The immunotoxicity of these xenobiotics has however been little investigated. This study assessed the effects of pharmaceuticals on the immune responses of harbor seal lymphocytes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from harbor seal pups were exposed to varying concentrations of 17α-ethinyl estradiol (250–50,000 μg/L), naproxen (500–100,000 μg/L), carbamazepine (500–100,000 μg/L), erythromycin (750–150,000 μg/L) and binary mixtures thereof in vitro. All individual compounds and mixtures inhibited lymphocyte proliferation. Mixture effects were non-additive and predictive values overestimated the inhibition of proliferation. Male pups were more sensitive to erythromycin exposure. Comparison with the sensitivity of the 11B7501 cell line showed a higher sensitivity of pups to individual compounds and the inverse trend for mixtures. Based on our results, we hypothesize that pharmaceuticals may have the potential to in- terrupt immune functions in harbor seals. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17310287 <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17310287> Dose-response relationships in gene expression profiles in a harbor seal B lymphoma cell line exposed to 17α-ethinyl estradiol C. Kleinert, M. Blanchet, F. Gagné, M. Fournier The determination of changes in gene expression profiles with xenobiotic dose will allow identifying biomarkers and modes of toxicant action. The harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) 11B7501 B lymphoma cell line was exposed to 1, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000, or 25,000 μg/L 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2, the active compound of the contraceptive pill) for 24 h. Following exposure, RNA was extracted and transformed into cDNA. Transcript expression in exposed vs. control lymphocytes was analyzed via RT-qPCR to identify genes with altered expression. Our analysis indicates that gene expression for all but the reference gene varied with dose, suggesting that different doses induce distinct physiological responses. These findings demonstrate that RT-qPCR could be used to identify immunotoxicity and relative dose in harbor seal leukocytes. http://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/xeno/article/view/6702 <http://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/xeno/article/view/6702> If you have problems accessing the publications, please let me know and I’ll send you the pdfs. Best wishes, Christine Kleinert, Ph.D. NSERC Visiting Fellow in a Canadian Government Laboratory Environment and Climate Change Canada Centre Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC, Canada Aquatic Contaminants Research Division // Division de la recherche sur les contaminants aquatiques

1 0

New paper on stakeholder collaboration for cetacean surveys in Central Africa
by Gianna Minton 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Dear all. We are pleased to share our new paper entitled: *Multi-stakeholder collaboration yields valuable data for cetacean conservation in Gamba, Gabon <http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/1814232X.2017.1398106>. *We hope that this can serve as an inspiration for others working in remote or developing regions where resources for marine mammal research are limited, and combining the forces of private, NGO and government sectors can yield valuable information for conservation and management. *Full citation*: Minton G, Kema Kema JR, Todd A, Korte L, Maganga PB, Migoungui Mouelet JR, Nguema AM, Moussavou E, Nguélé GK. 2017. Multi-stakeholder collaboration yields valuable data for cetacean conservation in Gamba, Gabon. *African Journal of Marine Science*, 39: 423-433. *Abstract: *Private industry, the Government of Gabon and two international NGOs collaborated to conduct marine surveys off the coast of Gabon, Central Africa. Surveys addressed multiple objectives of surveillance and monitoring, the documentation of the distribution of and threats to the marine megafauna, and capacity-building among government agents and local early-career scientists. During 22 days of survey effort over a two-year period, observers documented humpback whales *Megaptera novaeangliae*, bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus*, Atlantic humpback dolphins *Sousa teuszii* and common dolphins *Delphinus delphis*. Humpback whale presence was limited to the months of July to November. Bottlenose dolphins were present year-round and photo-identification of individuals indicated a closed, resident population, with an abundance estimate of 118 (CV = 21.6%, 95% CI 78–180). Small open-decked fishing vessels with gillnets were observed concentrated around river mouths within 2 km of shore, while commercial trawlers were at least 10 km offshore; all were confirmed to be registered and legal. Observations of marine turtles, flocks of marine birds, and floating logs and other debris were sparse. This multi-stakeholder collaboration to conduct a marine survey can serve as an effective model by which funding and logistic support from private industry paired with technical expertise from NGOs and academic institutions can benefit marine and coastal conservation. The paper can be accessed online: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/1814232X.2017.1398106 Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you are unable to access the full text of the paper. -- Gianna Minton Megaptera Marine Conservation Mobile +31 (0) 638325055

1 0

Aquatic Mammals 44.1 available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 14 Jan '18

14 Jan '18

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 44, issue 1, 2018) of Aquatic Mammals. The current issue is available on the journal home page: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 44.1/44.2 will be mailed in late 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>. Links to a purchase page for each article are included below. Please see list below for Volume 44, issue 1 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 44.1 Articles Lynn Rannankari, Rianna E. Burnham, and David A. Duffus. (2018). Diurnal and Seasonal Acoustic Trends in Northward Migrating Eastern Pacific Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus). Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.1 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.1> Amy L. Willoughby, Megan C. Ferguson, Janet T. Clarke, and Amelia A. Brower. (2018). First Photographic Match of an Anomalously White Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) in the Northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska, and Baja California, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 7-12. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.7 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.7> Stewart D. Redwood and Fernando Félix. (2018). The Most Northerly Record of a Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) in the Pacific Ocean at the Island of Taboga, Gulf of Panama, Panama. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 13-18. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.13 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.13> Arthur W. Wong, Janet M. Lanyon, Helen L. Sneath, Graham R. Leggatt, and Lucy Woolford. (2018). Comparison of i-STAT® with Traditional Laboratory Analysers in the Measurement of Blood Analytes from Field Captured Dugongs (Dugong dugon). Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 19-31. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.19 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.19> Victoria G. Thayer, Craig A. Harms, Keith A. Rittmaster, David S. Rotstein, and John E. Hairr. (2018). A North Carolina Stranding of a White-Beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), Family Delphinidae: A New Southerly Record. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.32 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.32> Jan Haelters, Francis Kerckhof, Marjan Doom, Peter G. H. Evans, Tom Van den Neucker, and Thierry Jauniaux. (2018). New Extralimital Record of a Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) in Europe. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 39-50. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.39 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.39> Gustavo Alves da Costa Toledo, Fabrício Raun Garcia Furni, Alexandre Douglas Paro, Nara Pavan Lopes, Renata Gonçalves Ferreira, and Renata S. Sousa-Lima. (2018). Recurrence of Atypical Coloration in Guiana Dolphins (Sotalia guianensis; Van Bénéden, 1864; Cetartiodactyla: Delphinidae) in Northeastern Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 51-55. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.51 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.51> Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken, Julieta Sandoval-Sierra, Aurora Paniagua-Mendoza, and Roberto Robles-Hernández. (2018). Seasonality and Potential Foraging Grounds of Migratory California Sea Lions from La Paz Bay, Southern Gulf of California, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 56-61. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.56 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.56> Heather Hill, Sarah Dietrich, Rachel Finn Jantea, Selina Garza, and Kristie Lacy. (2018). The Frequency of Contact in Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) Calf Social Interactions. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 62-75. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.62 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.62> Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, and Nancy Jennings. (2018). Seasonal Changes in Food Consumption, Respiration Rate, and Body Condition of a Male Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 76-91. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.76 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.76> Ronald A. Kastelein, Shirley Van de Voorde, and Nancy Jennings. (2018). Swimming Speed of a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) During Playbacks of Offshore Pile Driving Sounds. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 92-99. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.92 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.92> Katrin Baumgartner, Geraldine Lacave, Jay C. Sweeney, and Herman Will. (2018). A Suggested Birth Protocol for Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) – Updated 2015, Zoo Nuremberg. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 100-109. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.100 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.100> Sally Mizroch. (2018). In Memoriam – Dale W. Rice. Aquatic Mammals 44(1), 110-113. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.110 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.44.1.2018.110>

1 0

New paper: Conservationscape - an interdisciplinary approach for studying bycatch
by Tara Whitty 13 Jan '18

13 Jan '18

Dear MARMAM community, I am happy to share the online publication of my paper on Conservationscapes: an interdisciplinary framework to link species-focused conservation to human systems <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.1750/full> in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment! Bycatch of Irrawaddy dolphins is used as an illustrative example of how to apply this framework. Abstract and citation below. A big "thank you" to all who contributed to this work! If you are unable to access the full articles, please contact me. --- *Abstract: *Effective conservation of species requires an understanding of both the ecological characteristics of threats to the species in question, as well as the social and governance context of those threats. However, data on such characteristics and context are often lacking. This paper proposes the “conservationscape” framework as a guide for filling these data gaps, through interdisciplinary research that links species-focused conservation to a broader, human-inclusive understanding of threats and possible solutions. This framework, adapted from other social–ecological system frameworks, outlines (1) basic characteristics of species and the threats they face, (2) social factors (including economic and cultural factors) that influence human activities linked to these threats, and (3) governance context, or how human activities are managed (eg through regulations or institutions). The accidental capture, or bycatch, of marine mammals – specifically, Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) – by small-scale fisheries offers a practical example of how this framework can be used to develop a holistic understanding of conservation threats and possible solutions. For many conservation issues, this framework could help provide critical information, elucidate patterns and priorities through cross-site comparisons, and reduce the gap between research and effective conservation by informing solutions that integrate the human dimension. *Citation: *Whitty, T.S. 2018. Conservation-scapes: an interdisciplinary framework to link species-focused conservation to human systems. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment doi:10.1002/fee.1750 ---- This framework was developed through my dissertation research on bycatch of marine mammals (specifically, Irrawaddy dolphins) in small-scale fisheries. Other previously published products from the application of the conservationscape include the following two papers: - Governance potential for cetacean bycatch mitigation in small-scale fisheries: A comparative assessment of four sites in Southeast Asia - Applied Geography, 2015 <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0143622815000077?via%3Dih…> - Multi-methods approach to characterizing the magnitude, impact, and spatial risk of Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) bycatch in small-scale fisheries in Malampaya Sound, Philippines <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12322/abstract> - Marine Mammal Science, 2016 cheers, Tara -- Tara Sayuri Whitty, PhD *tswhitty.com <http://tswhitty.com>* +95 9429045540, +95 9767517114 *(Note: I have cancelled my US #)*

1 0

new paper on electronic monitoring and observers in small-scale fisheries
by Jeffrey C. Mangel 12 Jan '18

12 Jan '18

Greetings all, We are pleased to share with you our new paper: Bartholomew, D. C., J. C. Mangel, J. Alfaro-Shigueto, S. Pingo, A. Jimenez & B. J. Godley (2018). "Remote electronic monitoring as a potential alternative to on-board observers in small-scale fisheries." Biological Conservation 219: 35-45. Abstract: Small-scale ﬁsheries can greatly impact threatened marine fauna. Peru's small-scale lasmobranch gillnet ﬁshery captures thousands of sharks and rays each year, and incidentally captures sea turtles, marine mammals and seabirds. We assessed the ability of a dedicated ﬁsheries remote electronic monitoring (REM) camera to identify and quantify captures in this ﬁshery by comparing its performance to on-board observer reports. Cameras were installed across ﬁve boats with a total of 228 ﬁshing sets monitored. Of these, 169 sets also had on-board ﬁsheries observers present. The cameras were shown to be an eﬀective tool for identifying catch, with > 90% detection rates for 9 of 12 species of elasmobranchs caught. Detection rates of incidental catch were more variable (sea turtle = 50%; cetacean = 80%; pinniped = 100%). The ability to quantify target catch from camera imagery degraded for ﬁsh quantities exceeding 15 individuals. Cameras were more eﬀective at quantifying rays than sharks for small catch quantities (x ≤15 ﬁsh), whereas size aﬀected camera performance for large catches (x > 15 ﬁsh). Our study showed REM to be eﬀective in detecting and quantifying elasmobranch target catch and pinniped bycatch in Peru's small-scale ﬁshery, but not, without modiﬁcation, in detecting and quantifying sea turtle and cetacean bycatch. We showed REM can provide a time- and cost-eﬀective method to monitor target catch in small-scale ﬁsheries and can be used to overcome some deﬁciencies in observer reports. With modiﬁcations to the camera speciﬁcations, we expect performance to improve for all target catch and bycatch species. The paper is freely available for a limited time at this <https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1WMlG1R~e71-x> LINK. This work, led by David Bartholomew, is part of an ongoing collaboration between ProDelphinus and University of Exeter. Kind regards, Jeffrey C. Mangel, PhD ProDelphinus Enrique Palacios 630-204 Lima 18, Peru Tel: <tel:+51%201%202413081> +51-1-2413081 www.prodelphinus.org <http://www.prodelphinus.org/> ProDelphinus on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/ProDelphinus> <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jeffrey_Mangel> ResearchGate profile

1 0

2018 Marine Bioacoustics Summer School (SeaBASS)
by Susan E Parks 12 Jan '18

12 Jan '18

We are pleased to announce this year's Marine Bioacoustics Summer School program (SeaBASS 2018). The application period will be closing on Feb 28, 2018. SeaBASS provides the opportunity for currently enrolled graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation of both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one university. The topics covered in the course include: Introduction to Underwater Sound, Sound Propagation, Marine Mammal Biology & Behavior, Fisheries Acoustics/Fish Behavior, Hearing, Effects of Noise, Echolocation, Passive Acoustic Monitoring & Signal processing, and Acoustic Density Estimation. WHEN: July 8 - 13, 2018 WHERE: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH COSTS: The costs of student attendance (room and board, based on double occupancy for students) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time participation of all participants is required. Travel costs are the responsibility of the student, but travel assistance can be requested during the application process. APPLICATION: On-line application is available at https://marine.unh.edu/seabass Applications deadline is February 28,2018. Please direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds (J.MiksisOlds(a)unh.edu<mailto:jlm91@arl.psu.edu>) or Dr. Susan Parks (sparks(a)syr.edu<mailto:sparks@syr.edu>).

1 0

New paper: Bioeconomic impacts of grey seal predation on fisheries
by Vanessa Trijoulet - NOAA Affiliate 12 Jan '18

12 Jan '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the online publication of the following paper: Trijoulet, V., Dobby, H., Holmes, S. J., and Cook, R. M. 2018. Bioeconomic modelling of grey seal predation impacts on the West of Scotland demersal fisheries. ICES Journal of Marine Science, doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsx235 The paper is available in open access at: https://academic.oup.com/ icesjms/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsx235/4803069 *Abstract*: The role grey seals have played in the performance of fisheries is controversial and a cause of much debate between fishers and conservationists. Most studies focus on the effects of seal damage to gears or fish and on prey population abundance but little attention is given to the consequences of the latter for the fisheries. We develop a model that quantifies the economic impact of grey seal predation on the West of Scotland demersal fisheries that traditionally targeted cod, haddock and whiting. Three contrasting fishing strategy scenarios are examined to assess impacts on equilibrium fleet revenues under different levels of seal predation. These include status quo fishing mortality (SQF, steady state with constant fishing mortality), open access fishing (bioeconomic equilibrium, BE) and the maximum economic yield (MEY). In all scenarios, cod emerges as the key stock. Large whitefish trawlers are most sensitive to seal predation due to their higher cod revenues but seal impacts are minor at the aggregate fishery level. Scenarios that consider dynamic fleet behaviour also show the greatest effects of seal predation. Results are sensitive to the choice of seal foraging model where a type II functional response increases sensitivity to seal predation. The cost to the fishery for each seal is estimated. Best regards, Vanessa Trijoulet ------------------------------ * Please cc my personal email address "vanessatrijoulet(a)gmail.com" for important communications, I have occasional problems with receiving or sending emails with my NOAA address Vanessa Trijoulet, PhD. Postdoctoral Fisheries Biologist Contractor with Integrated Statistics in support of NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center U.S. Department of Commerce *Population Dynamics Branch* *166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA* *Office*: +1 508-495-2018 *Fax*: +1 508-495-2335 *Email*: *vanessa.trijoulet*(a)noaa.gov <vanessa.trijoulet(a)noaa.gov> *Website*: https://vanessatrijoulet.wordpress.com <http://vanessatrijoulet.wordpress.com/> www.fisheries.noaa.gov

1 0

New Publication: Putative origin and maternal relatedness of male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) recently stranded in the North Sea
by Marijke Autenrieth 12 Jan '18

12 Jan '18

Dear Colleagues, my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our work in Mammalian Biology: Autenrieth, M., Ernst, A., Deaville, R., Demaret, F., IJsseldijk, L.L., Siebert, U. and Tiedemann, R. (2018) Putative origin and maternal relatedness of male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) recently stranded in the North Sea. Mammalian Biology 88 (156–160); doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2017.09.003 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2017.09.003> The paper is available online here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1616504717301337 It can be access for free (for the next 50 days) here: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1WN795lZFLSzPP Abstract: The globally distributed sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) has a partly matrilineal social structure with predominant male dispersal. At the beginning of 2016, a total of 30 male sperm whales stranded in five different countries bordering the southern North Sea. It has been postulated that these individuals were on a migration route from the north to warmer temperate and tropical waters where females live in social groups. By including samples from four countries (n = 27), this event provided a unique chance to genetically investigate the maternal relatedness and the putative origin of these temporally and spatially co-occuring male sperm whales. To utilize existing genetic resources, we sequenced 422 bp of the mitochondrial control region, a molecular marker for which sperm whale data are readily available from the entire distribution range. Based on four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the mitochondrial control region, five matrilines could be distinguished within the stranded specimens, four of which matched published haplotypes previously described in the Atlantic. Among these male sperm whales, multiple matrilineal lineages co-occur. We analyzed the population differentiation and could show that the genetic diversity of these male sperm whales is comparable to the genetic diversity in sperm whales from the entire Atlantic Ocean. We confirm that within this stranding event, males do not comprise maternally related individuals and apparently include assemblages of individuals from different geographic regions. Kind regards, Marijke Autenrieth -- Marijke Autenrieth, M.Sc. PhD student phone: 0049-(0)-331-977-5586 email: marauten(a)uni-potsdam.de web: https://mammalsevolve.wordpress.com/ Universität Potsdam Evolutionsbiologie Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25 14476 Golm

1 0

Blue Ocean Society- Now hiring for summer Internships
by Dianna Schulte, Blue Ocean Society 11 Jan '18

11 Jan '18

Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is currently accepting applications for Summer 2018 Interns. Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is a nonprofit organization based in Portsmouth, NH, USA with a mission to protect marine life in the Gulf of Maine through research, education and inspiring action. We achieve our goals primarily through our core programs which involve studying whales from commercial whale watch boats, collecting data on debris found during beach cleanups and offshore, and interacting with thousands of people each year during programs and events. Blue Ocean Society's Internship Program is structured and designed to provide undergraduates and recent post-grads with hands-on experience in the field of whale research, education and marine conservation. Interns will be directly involved in a variety of programs, including contributing to our long-term studies of several wild cetacean species (humpback, fin, minke whales, etc.) in the Gulf of Maine while working aboard commercial whale watching vessels departing from NH and northern MA. Interns will also assist with marine education through our outreach programs, beach cleanups and at our Blue Ocean Discovery Center in Hampton Beach, NH. Responsibilities: . Collect detailed data (environmental and behavioral) on local marine species and marine debris . Interact with program participants of all ages and backgrounds . Assist with beach cleanups and school/outreach programs . Educate visitors at our Blue Ocean Discovery Center . Enter data . Attend weekly meetings and lectures . Complete weekly reading assignments Qualifications: . Must possess a strong work ethic, have high attention to detail and the ability to work with limited supervision . Must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, friendly and able to communicate effectively . Must be 18 or older . Must have reliable transportation . Must be available on weekends and holidays . Must be available to start by May 30, 2018 Prior experience is not required and all training is provided. This is an unpaid position. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Those who can work full-time hours for at least 10 weeks will be given preference. Please visit http://www.blueoceansociety.org/internships/ for full Internship information and application instructions. Application deadline is March 1, 2018. Dianna Schulte Research and Intern Coordinator Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation Gov. John Langdon House 143 Pleasant Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 Office: 603-431-0260 <http://www.blueoceansociety.org> www.blueoceansociety.org Connect with us on social media! Facebook | <http://www.twitter.com/BlueOceanSoc> Twitter | Instagram

1 0