October 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper: How citizens can encourage scientific research: the case study of bottlenose dolphins monitoring
by Associazione Me.Ri.S. 11 Oct '18

11 Oct '18

Dear MARMAM readers, On behalf of my co-authors, I'd like to draw your attention to a recently published paper: "*How citizens can encourage scientific research: the case study of bottlenose dolphins monitoring*". Alessi, J., Bruccoleri, F., Cafaro, V. (2019). Ocean & Coastal Management, 167, 9-19. *Abstract* Citizen science projects are an advantageous method to carry out research in the marine environmental field, especially concerning high mobile and often elusive species like cetaceans, allowing the collection of data in wide spatial-temporal scale. This project aims to validate the feasibility and accuracy of cetacean monitoring program through the citizen science approach and to test the efficiency of this method to large scale study area. In this work data obtained by researchers monitoring were compared with data coming from citizen, which followed specifically developed protocol. Data collected were used to investigate the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Sicilian Channel and to evaluate the contribution of citizen scientist to improve knowledge about species, in this case for bottlenose dolphin a vulnerable species listed in the Annex II of Habitat Directive (92/43 CE). The results show that citizen dataset contributes to increase the distribution map of the 22% more than only research data were considered. Citizen science programme results useful to gain information in small areas not monitored by scientific programs, such as in this study, and they would be very useful if applied at large-scale. The promotion of citizen science programs in specified small areas could be helpful to cover unmonitored zones, to gain preliminary results and bridge the gap of knowledge about species occurrence and distribution. For this reason, citizen support might help competent authorities to answer to the environmental policies as Habitat Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. This study is a demonstration of how citizen can encourage scientists to start long-term research project in not regularly monitored areas. Free access to the article will be available until the end of November 2018, via the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569118303880 The "Associazione Me.Ri.S. Mediterraneo Ricerca e Sviluppo" is a no-profit and apolitical Organisation for the protection of marine mammals and their environment. It is engaged in research activities on cetaceans in the Sicily Channel (Mediterranean Sea). Me.Ri.S. starts focusing its researches on bottlenose dolphin population inhabiting the water off Agrigento Province (Mediterranean Sea). It promotes educational activities and scientific training. For more information about Me.Ri.S activities visit our website: *http://associazione-meris.wix.com/associazionemeris* <http://associazione-meris.wix.com/associazionemeris> Or write to: *info.meris(a)gmail.com* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- P.S. We have updated our Privacy Policy to comply with the provisions of EU Regulation 2016/679 also known as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), the new European Regulation on the Protection of Personal Data. We invite you to read the new information published on our website <http://associazione-meris.wixsite.com/associazionemeris/privacy>

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African Bioacoustics Community conference Student/Unwaged Support
by ABC 09 Oct '18

09 Oct '18

*Student support to attend the First African Bioacoustics Community Conference - 2nd to 7th Dec - **Open to Students/ Unwaged based in Africa* *This conference will be **held at The University of Cape Town and is o**rganised by SEEC and Sea Search Research and Conservation. * *The conference has a strong marine mammal focus, including plenaries on underwater noise effects (Prof. Christine Erbe), seal communication (Dr. Isabelle Charrier) and passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales (Dr. Salvatore Cerchio).* Great News - The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is providing financial support for a limited number of students/unwaged persons to attend the First African Bioacoustics Community conference in December 2018. This will include the conference, icebreaker event and associated conference evenings (but not workshops or seal outing). For more info please check out: https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity for further information Application Deadline - 14th October 2018. Please note the following: • This opportunity is open to current students or unwaged scientists/students from Africa or students registered at African Universities. • The opportunities will be provided on a merit basis. • Conference presentation is not a pre-requisite to receiving these awards, however, preference may be given to presenting students. • Supported persons are expected to attend the icebreaker (2nd Dec) and full conference days - 3rd to 6th December 8:30 am to 6pm. • Supported students are expected to write a short blog post about their experiences • To Apply - Please Send a short (300 word) letter of motivation and CV to: africanbioacoustics(a)gmail.com Regards, ABC organising committee

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Workshop at the SOLAMAC meeting in Peru: Introduction to Mapping and Spatial Analysis with R
by Alex Zerbini - NOAA Affiliate 08 Oct '18

08 Oct '18

This is an announcement of a workshop that will take place on 4 November 2018, prior the 12th Congress of the Latin American Society for Aquatic Mammals (SOLAMAC) in Lima, Peru. In addition to English, this message is sent in Spanish and Portuguese with the specific goal of reaching colleagues in Latin America. Please, scroll down to read the announcement in these other two languages. English Version ---------------------------------- Dear colleagues, We would like to invite you to participate on the following workshop: “Introduction to Mapping and Spatial Analysis in R: Examples with Marine Mammals”. The workshop will take place on 4 November 2018 prior to the SOLAMAC Conference in Lima, Peru, and will be taught by Dr. Josh London from the Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA. An abstract for the workshop is provided below: Geographic visualization and spatial analysis are essential to understanding the ecology and informing the conservation of marine mammals. There a wide variety of tools that can be used to visualize geographic information, including GIS applications such as ArcGIS and QGIS, and web-based tools like Google Maps. There are advantages and disadvantages to these different types of tools. Programming languages, such as R, have also developed sophisticated tools for advanced spatial analysis and mapping. R has the benefit of enabling approaches to analysis and visualization that are customizable, transparent, and reproducible. The purpose of this workshop is to provide an introduction to mapping and spatial analysis in R. There are a number of packages developed in support of spatial analysis and mapping in R. Examples include the ggplot, ggmap, leaflet, raster, and sf packages. During the workshop, we will use marine mammal data to illustrate creation of publication-quality maps and how to implement spatial analysis commonly performed in other environments. The focus will be on movement analysis from telemetry data and common line-transect survey data. Participants will be encouraged to bring their own datasets for use during the workshop. The workshop will be limited to a maximum of 30 participants at a cost of US$ 50.00 per person. If you are interested in attending it, you can sign up here: http://solamac2018.com/xii-congreso-y-xviii-reunion-de-trabajo-de-la-socied… or contact me directly at alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov for further information. Spanish Version ---------------------------------- Estimados colegas, Nos gustaría invitarlo a participar en el siguiente taller: “Introducción al mapeo y análisis espacial en R: ejemplos con mamíferos marinos”. El taller se llevará a cabo el 4 de noviembre de 2018 antes de la Conferencia de SOLAMAC en Lima, Perú, y será ministrado por el Dr. Josh London del Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA. A continuación se presenta un resumen del taller: La visualización geográfica y el análisis espacial son esenciales para comprender la ecología e informar la conservación de los mamíferos marinos. Existe una amplia variedad de herramientas que se pueden usar para visualizar información geográfica, incluidas aplicaciones GIS como ArcGIS y QGIS, y herramientas basadas en la web como Google Maps. Existen ventajas y desventajas para estos diferentes tipos de herramientas. Los lenguajes de programación, como R, también han desarrollado herramientas sofisticadas para el análisis y mapeo espacial avanzado. R tiene la ventaja de permitir enfoques de análisis y visualización que son personalizables, transparentes y reproducibles. El propósito de este taller es proporcionar una introducción al mapeo y al análisis espacial en R. Hay varios paquetes desarrollados para el análisis espacial y el mapeo en R. Ejemplos incluyen los paquetes ggplot, ggmap, leaflet, raster y sf. Durante el taller, utilizaremos datos de mamíferos marinos para ilustrar la creación de mapas con calidad de publicación y cómo implementar el análisis espacial que se realiza comúnmente en otras aplicaciones. La atención se centrará en el análisis del movimiento a partir de los datos de telemetría y los datos de transectos lineares. Se encoraja a los participantes a traer sus propios conjuntos de datos para usar durante el taller. El taller se limitará a un máximo de 30 participantes a un costo de US $ 50.00 por persona. Si estás interesado en asistir, puedes registrarte aquí: http://solamac2018.com/xii-congreso-y-xviii-reunion-de-trabajo-de-la-socied… o contacterme directamente en el email alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov si necessitas mas detalles. Versão em Português ---------------------------------- Estimados Colegas, Gostaríamos de convidá-lo a participar do seguinte workshop: “Introdução ao Mapeamento e Análise Espacial em R: Exemplos com Mamíferos Marinhos”. O workshop será realizado em 4 de novembro de 2018 antes da Conferência SOLAMAC em Lima, Peru, e será ministrado pelo Dr. Josh London, do Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA. Um resumo para o workshop é apresentado abaixo: A visualização geográfica e a análise espacial são essenciais para entender a ecologia e informar a conservação de mamíferos marinhos. Existe uma grande variedade de ferramentas que podem ser usadas para visualizar informações geográficas, incluindo aplicativos GIS, como ArcGIS e QGIS, e ferramentas baseadas na web, como o Google Maps. Existem vantagens e desvantagens para esses diferentes tipos de ferramentas. Linguagens de programação, como R, também desenvolveram ferramentas sofisticadas para análise e mapeamento espacial avançado. R tem o benefício de possibilitar abordagens de análise e visualização personalizáveis, transparentes e reproduzíveis. O objetivo deste workshop é fornecer uma introdução ao mapeamento e análise espacial em R. Existem vários pacotes desenvolvidos em apoio à análise espacial e mapeamento em R. Exemplos incluem os pacotes ggplot, ggmap, leaflet, raster e sf. Durante o workshop, usaremos dados de mamíferos marinhos para ilustrar a criação de mapas com qualidade de publicação e como implementar análises espaciais comumente realizadas em outros aplicativos. O foco será na análise de movimento a partir de dados de telemetria e dados de transectos lineares. Incentivamos os participantes a trazer seus próprios conjuntos de dados para uso durante o workshop. O workshop será limitado a um máximo de 30 participantes, a um custo de US $ 50,00 por pessoa. Se você estiver interessado em participar, inscreva-se aqui: http://solamac2018.com/xii-congreso-y-xviii-reunion-de-trabajo-de-la-socied… ou entre em contato no email alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov para maiores detalhes. ----------- Alexandre N Zerbini, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115-649, USA Phone: (206) 526.4511 <(206)%20526-4511> Email: alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W 4th Ave Olympia, WA, 98501, USA www.cascadiaresearch.org Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2468 Camp McKenzie Tr NW Seabeck, WA 98380 www.marecotel.org ----------

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POST: Veterinary Lab and Clinical Research Internship, San Diego, CA
by Celeste Parry 08 Oct '18

08 Oct '18

U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program Veterinary Lab and Clinical Research Internship - Internship Description The animal care staff of the U.S Navy Marine Mammal Program (MMP) and National Marine Mammal Foundation are looking for individuals enthusiastic about the care of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions to participate in a 15-week internship. The internship will focus on the two key elements of Vetlab’s daily work; the daily veterinary care of Navy marine mammals and the record keeping and biological sample submission in support of the animal’s care. The internship will be held in San Diego, CA. Work performed in support of record keeping and biologic sample submission. Responsibilities include: Assist in the daily maintenance and clean-up of the marine mammal hospital and medical equipment. Assist in preparation and performance of animal care procedures. Assist in processing and archiving of biologic specimens such as blood, urine, feces, etc. Assist in medical data entry. Assist in preparing specimens for lab analysis and shipment. Assist in the collection, processing, and recording of environmental data. Assist with on-going research projects as assigned. Research scientific articles. Prepare and deliver a presentation regarding some aspect of the interns stay at the MMP. Applicants for this position should have the following qualifications: *Passion and enthusiasm for animal care, strong attention to detail, and a creative can-do attitude while working in a team environment. *Personal computer skills including data entry and word processing. *Applicants for the position must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver’s license, have proof of health insurance, be able to carry 25 lbs, and be comfortable working on piers or boats and around the water. Applicants should submit the following materials: 1) A cover letter/statement outlining the applicant's goals and interests in the area of marine mammal care 2) A current resume 3) Three references with email and phone numbers If you would like to learn more about the NMMP, I encourage you to visit our website at www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/technology/mammals/. Please forward all application materials to the address listed below or fax it to (619) 553-2678. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Erika Putman at (619) 767-4100, or email at nmmp_intern(a)spawar.navy.mil -- Celeste Benham Parry Research Coordinator and Laboratory Manager National Marine Mammal Foundation U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program celeste.parry(a)nmmf.org Office phone: (619) 553-1346 (main) or (619) 767-4004 (lab) Cell phone: (858) 775-2365 <http://www.facebook.com/nmmf.org>

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Marine Rescuer
by Peter Wallerstein 08 Oct '18

08 Oct '18

JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH MARINE ANIMAL RESCUE SPECIALISTS Marine Animal Rescue Specialists (MAR), www.marspecialists.org <http://www.marspecialists.org/>, is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service for pinniped and dolphin rescues, and whale disentanglement calls. Over the past three decades MAR has conducted over 6,000 marine mammal rescues. POSITION: MARINE ANIMAL RESCUE SPECIALIST MAR is looking for committed individuals who would like to make rescuing marine animals a career. You must have pinniped, especially sea lion rescue experience to apply. Training will be provided by MAR to ensure continued high-level response to any marine animal calls. MAR will not consider candidates looking for a temporary position. JOB DESCRIPTION: Part-time. Must be available 2-3 days a week, 8 hours per day for response, rescue and transportation from jetties, docks, and both common and uncommon stranding locations. Must be able to learn the proper use of specialized marine animal rescue, transportation and safety equipment. Must be able to work in cooperation with local agencies and volunteers and be familiar with all local, state and federal laws pertaining to the rescuing of marine animals. LOCATION: MAR’s authorized territory is Los Angeles County, from Pacific Palisades to Long Beach and west to Catalina, California. HOURS: Approximately 8 hours per day, 2-3 days per week. Be prepared to work long days from January to June. SALARY: Commensurate with experience and skills START: Within a couple of months REFERENCES AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS · Provide background/references · A valid driver’s license with no points · Minimum one year experience in rescuing seals and sea lions · Must correctly identify local marine animal species and demonstrate knowledge of birthing seasons and natural behaviors of marine animals · Some animal-related emergency medical experience · Must meet challenging physical fitness requirements · Must possess 24-hour Hazwhoper certificate · Skill in small boat handling · Able to drive 4WD Pickup truck OTHER REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITIES: · Maintain rescue and transportation equipment · Responsible for school visits · Must be enthusiastic with good communication skills and be able to work with others, including Coast Guard, Lifeguards, Police, etc. · When on-call, must answer calls promptly · Must pass County Beach Safety Driving Course · Coordinate volunteers Send your cover letter, resume and references to the email address below: Contact: Peter Wallerstein, pw(a)marspecialists.org <mailto:pw@marspecialists.org> www.marspecialists.org <http://www.marspecialists.org/>

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2018 Clearwater Marine Aquarium Stranding Conference
by Kerry Sanchez 08 Oct '18

08 Oct '18

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be hosting our 2018 CMA Stranding Conference on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. On Oct. 27 a lecture series will be conducted including presentations from Dr. Katie McHugh; Chicago Zoological Society; Dr. Robert Bonde, USGS; Dr. Michael Walsh, University of Florida; George Biedenbach, Georgia Aquarium Conservation Field Station; Dr. Stefanie Gazda, University of Florida; Dr. Lauren Smith, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park; Rebeccah Hazelkorn, Mote Marine Laboratory; personnel from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and more! Lunch and snacks are provided throughout the day. On Oct. 28 please join us for concentrated breakout sessions. Lunch and snacks are provided. Undergraduate and Graduate students interested in careers in marine mammology, conservation, and research are encouraged to attend and network. CMA staff will be available on Oct 28th to review resumes and provide feedback and to answer questions regarding volunteer and internship opportunities. https://www.seewinter.com/2018-stranding-conference-registration/ If you have any questions please contact Kerry Sanchez at Ksanchez(a)cmaquarium.org<mailto:Ksanchez@cmaquarium.org> or 727.441.1790 ext 301 Kerry Sánchez Senior Rescue Biologist /Education Specialist Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, FL 33767 727-441-1790 ext 301 www.SeeWinter.com<http://www.seewinter.com/> [cid:3CC8C79C-80D8-41B4-846D-9591EEFEB493]

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New paper on sperm whale ontogeny
by Pernille Helene Tønnesen 08 Oct '18

08 Oct '18

Dear all at MARMAM I am very happy to announce that our paper on the ontogeny of echolocation, diving, and communication in sperm whales has just been published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. Below you can find the abstract and a link to the full text. I am very happy to answer any questions or send out a pdf version of the paper, just contact me at: pernille-t(a)bios.au.dk. Best Pernille Tønnesen Aarhus University, Denmark First year sperm whale calves echolocate and perform long, deep dives Pernille Tønnesen1, Shane Gero1, Michael Ladegaard1, Mark Johnson2, and Peter T. Madsen1,3 1 Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark. 2 Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK. 3 Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Abstract Deep diving sperm whales have a complex social structure and the biggest brains on the planet, but very little is known about the ontogeny of their diving, foraging, echolocation, and communication skills. In large brained terrestrial species, social skills develop earlier than locomotor abilities; but this may not be feasible for sperm whales, which require locomotor skills from birth to breathe, swim, and suckle. Here we show the first evidence in any wild toothed whale for the relative development of social and locomotor capabilities. Sound and movement recording tags deployed on three first-year sperm whale calves for a total of 15 hours revealed that these calves rarely produced codas for communication with adult whales, but likely tracked the ample passive acoustic cues emitted by clicking adults. The calves' diving capabilities were well developed (maximum dive depth: 285, 337, and 662 m, maximum dive time: 11, 31, and 44 min) and they all produced clicks in a way that is consistent with echolocation. The calf performing the longest and deepest dives additionally emitted two echolocation buzzes, suggesting that it attempted to forage. Thus, sperm whales calves may supplement their milk diet with food caught independently at depth much earlier than previously believed. Contrary to terrestrial mammals, we propose that the maturation of locomotor, diving, and echolocation skills are favored over investment in developing social communication skills at an early age in sperm whales. Link to full text: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-018-2570-y

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LAST CALL- RESEARCH INTERNSHIP FALL 2018
by Davide Ascheri 07 Oct '18

07 Oct '18

*BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERSHIP IN ITALY – last call NOVEMBER 2018* *The project* The dolphins research project “Delfini del Ponente” is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for this species and historically, sightings have a been more rare and sporadic than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with depth not exceeding 200 m. Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change has been noted in recent years in the area. Reports of bottlenose dolphins by boats, fishermen and whale watching vessels are almost tripled compared to previous seasons. Therefore, the project aims to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. It is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only on the distribution during the summer, but also changes during the different seasons. *WHERE:* Imperia, Italy *WHEN:* 1 November – 30 November Minimum required: *30 days* Number of interns per month: *2* *Programme**:* Interns are invited to assist the biologists of Costa Balenae in different activities of the research project on bottlenose dolphins: · Boat-based surveys (10-12 per month) · Collect data on species, group size, interaction with boats.. · Take pictures to photo-identification · Photo-id matching/classwork · Data entry · Opportunistic surveys · land base surveys This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Liguria region while supporting cetacean research and conservation. Fieldwork will be made in coastal waters (Western Ligurian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard dedicated vessels (5-6 m inflatable boat) 10-12 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Fieldwork will help participants gaining first-hand experience in collecting data on free-ranging cetaceans and improve skills on cetaceans boat-based surveys as well as on the use of the photo-ID technique. Surveys are weather dependent and they can change during the period. Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or labwork) During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums, sailing. *Skills/qualification:* · Minimum age of 18 · Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required, but preferred · Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) · Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research · Speak, read and write in fluent English · Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent · Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun · Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team · Boat driving licence or experience in handling small boats (preferred) *Internship fee* Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy), own insurances, and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. *Information about Costa Balenae* Costa Balenae is a cooperative organization founded by a group of biologists and naturalists with twenty years of experience in the fields of scientific research, environmental education, territorial development and sustainable tourism. The passion for nature, its conservation and the development of commercial tourism activities that make knowledge, awareness and sustainability a point of strong entrepreneurial imprinting are the main characteristic of the cooperative. *How to apply: * Send your CV with a letter of interest (please indicate the preferred period, date of arriving and departure) to *info(a)costabalenae.it <info(a)costabalenae.it>* addressed to Davide Ascheri *no longer than the 15th of October.* Successful applicants could be contacted for a skype interview. For any further enquiry and detail, please send an email to *info(a)costabalenae.it <info(a)costabalenae.it>* Davide Ascheri Marine Biologist - Costa Balenae Whale and Nature Watching *info(a)costabalenae.it <info(a)costabalenae.it>*

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LOOKING FOR THE JOURNAL Norsk Hvalfangst-Tidende
by Thomas Jefferson 06 Oct '18

06 Oct '18

Dear MARMAMers, We are looking for a set of the journal, Norsk Hvalfangst-Tidende (Norwegian Whaling Gazette), which someone would be willing to donate or sell to us. We are making arrangements to scan the entire journal as hi-res PDFs, which would then be available to the person who provided the copies, as well as others in the field. If you have a set you might be interested in providing, or know someone who might, please contact me. Thanks very much. Tom Jefferson VIVA Vaquita (non-profit) sclymene(a)aol.com

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New publications: Use of Autometallography to Localize and Semi-Quantify Silver in Cetacean Tissues
by Wen-Ta Li 06 Oct '18

06 Oct '18

Dear Colleague, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the new publication of the following article in Journal of Visualized Experiments. *Use of Autometallography to Localize and Semi-Quantify Silver in Cetacean Tissues* Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used in commercial products, including textiles, cosmetics, and health care items, due to their strong antimicrobial effects. They also may be released into the environment and accumulate in the ocean. Therefore, AgNPs are the major source of Ag contamination, and public awareness of the environmental toxicity of Ag is increasing. Previous studies have demonstrated the bioaccumulation (in producers) and magnification (in consumers/predators) of Ag. Cetaceans, as the apex predators of ocean, may have been negatively affected by the Ag/Ag compounds. Although the concentrations of Ag/Ag compounds in cetacean tissues can be measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), the use of ICP-MS is limited by its high capital cost and the requirement for tissue storage/preparation. Therefore, an autometallography (AMG) method with an image quantitative analysis by using formalin-fixed, paraffin- embedded (FFPE) tissue may be an adjuvant method to localize Ag distribution at the suborgan level and estimate the Ag concentration in cetacean tissues. The AMG positive signals are mainly brown to black granules of various sizes in the cytoplasm of proximal renal tubular epithelium, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells. Occasionally, some amorphous golden yellow to brown AMG positive signals are noted in the lumen and basement membrane of some proximal renal tubules. The assay for estimating the Ag concentration is named the Cetacean Histological Ag Assay (CHAA), which is a regression model established by the data from image quantitative analysis of the AMG method and ICP-MS. The use of AMG with CHAA to localize and semi-quantify heavy metals provides a convenient methodology for spatio-temporal and cross-species studies *You can get more information in https://www.jove.com/video/58232/ <https://www.jove.com/video/58232/> or by email: heerolee1104(a)gmail.com <heerolee1104(a)gmail.com>* This method has been used in another article previously published in environmental pollution: Investigation of silver (Ag) deposition in tissues from stranded cetaceans by autometallography (AMG) <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117344615?via%3Di…> Cheers, Wen-Ta -- Wen-Ta Li, DVM, PhD Veterinary Pathologist, Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University Veterinarian/Director, Taiwan Cetacean Society

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