November 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Oregon State University Position Announcement-Director of Marine Mammal Institute
by Wilke, Mark W 09 Nov '18

09 Nov '18

[cid:image002.png@01D47847.7EAFD250] Announcement-Director of Marine Mammal Institute The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is seeking a Director of the OSU Marine Mammal Institute (MMI). The MMI uses its resources to understand how marine mammals interact with their environment and human activities affecting them. MMI works to develop solutions which will benefit both marine mammals and human endeavors. The MMI Director provides leadership to a diverse faculty, staff and students of the MMI; hires, oversees, and evaluates personnel; prepares annual work plans and budgets; reports annually to the Marine Mammal Institute Board; and cultivates/stewards donor interest in the MMI. Position Duties Scholarly Research (40%): Conduct original marine research in area of expertise such as ecology, ecosystems, health, physiology, animal behavior, population biology and human-wildlife conflict, which improve management decisions and conservation practices. Conduct or direct field work supporting research program. Maintain an active externally funded research program. Manages and Builds the Endowment (25%): Manage and build the endowment. Acquire federal grants and contracts to supplement endowed program funds to accomplish research mission. Administration and Management (20%): Provide leadership, supervision and direction for tenure-track faculty, research staff, and graduate students; implement strategic and tactical plans; and establish priorities and organizational structure. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Service (10%): Provide support to agency partners in areas of subject matter expertise. Provide service to the university and community: participate in the overall objectives and mission of the university, as well as the overall well-being of Oregon and national "communities". Identify and develop opportunities for collaboration with organizations, agencies, volunteers, and staff to more effectively and efficiently conduct research or deliver educational materials. Professional Development (5%): Maintain membership and actively participate in appropriate professional organizations (such as the Society of Marine Mammalogy, the International Whaling Commission, and the Marine Mammal Commission). Attend appropriate activities, seminars, workshops, and classes to maintain core competencies in areas related to responsibilities and expand professional capabilities. Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Biology, Marine Biology, Oceanographic Sciences or related field. Expertise in specialty area of marine research. Demonstrated commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. A successful record of securing and administering grant/contract funds to support his/her own work. Demonstrated effectiveness in communicating and working with diverse internal and external populations, including the public, other agencies, advisory groups, professional peers, and classified staff. National or international reputation for scientific achievements in marine ecology, ecosystem science, apex predator ecology, physiology, management, or a closely related field, meriting appointment at rank for associate or full professor. Preferred Qualifications: Previous administrative experience. Demonstrated ability to attract donors and build mutually beneficial relationships. A demonstrated appreciation for the mission of a Land-, Sea-, Sun-, and Space-Grant institution. Demonstrated leadership abilities and administrative and budget-management experience. To view this position online: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/ and select Unclassified Faculty Enter the following posting number: P02580UF The Application Due date for Full Consideration is December, 31 2018. For More Information: Contact Christina DeWitt, Christina.Dewitt(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:Christina.Dewitt@oregonstate.edu> , 503 325-4531 ext 202 Mark Wilke Business Manager/Fiscal Coordinator Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University mark.wilke(a)oregonstate.edu 541-867-0288

1 0

MARINE MAMMAL MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY VETERINARY INTERNSHIP 2019
by Shawn Johnson 09 Nov '18

09 Nov '18

THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER MARINE MAMMAL MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY VETERINARY INTERN ANNOUNCEMENT 2019 The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking a Veterinary Intern to join our team. The Marine Mammal Center’s mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals— their health and that of their ocean environment—and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. The Marine Mammal Center, in collaboration with the University of California at Davis, has an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Intern based in Sausalito, California at The Marine Mammal Center. This position requires a DVM degree or equivalent and previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is desirable. Preference is given to individuals that possess at least one year of clinical veterinary experience. The position is paid ($30,000/year) and includes health insurance and other benefits through UC Davis. Housing is available at no cost to the intern in a unit located within the Marin Headlands, and the house is shared during most of the year with veterinary residents, researchers, and student externs. This Intern position is scheduled to start approx. August 1, 2019 and is for a one-year term, with the possibility of a second year. The Marine Mammal Center Veterinary Science department includes multiple full time veterinarians and veterinary technicians, a pathologist, and research and rescue staff. This position reports to the Staff Veterinarian and also works closely with the entire Veterinary Science team. The Veterinary Intern’s responsibilities include providing medical management and care of a large number of stranded marine mammals (mostly pinnipeds), performing post mortem examinations, sample collection for various research projects, and record keeping. A research project and paper or case report is expected to be completed during the internship. If qualified, applicants should submit the following materials: • A cover letter/statement outlining the applicant's goals and interests in the area of aquatic animal medicine. • Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or clinical performance. • A current curriculum vitae, limited to 4 pages. Apply at: https://tmmc.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk0fqgn?source=themarinemammalcenter Questions about the position can be emailed to: Dr. Cara Field, fieldc(a)tmmc.org Dr. Cara Field, DVM, Ph.D, Diplomate ACZM (Aquatics) Staff Veterinarian The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965-2619 Applications are due by Friday December 7, 2018. A selection will be made by January 11, 2019. 2000 Bunker Road - Fort Cronkhite × Sausalito, CA 94965 Tel 415.289.SEAL Fax 415.289.7333 www.marinemammalcenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org>

1 0

Marine Mammal Response, Management, & Recovery Volunteer Opportunity
by Aliza Milette-Winfree - NOAA Federal 09 Nov '18

09 Nov '18

*VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY* Are you interested in a career working with marine mammals or endangered species? The NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office, in Honolulu, Hawaii, has a limited number of volunteer opportunities in marine mammal stranding response, management, and Hawaiian monk seal recovery for highly dedicated and motivated individuals. NMFS oversees marine mammal health and stranding response activities, including responding to live and dead cetaceans and monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. NMFS is also responsible for collecting endangered Hawaiian monk seal sighting data, overseeing responses to Hawaiian monk seal haul outs and pupping events, and other activities supporting monk seal recovery. For more information on these programs please visit: http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_marine_mammal_response.html http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_hms_how_noaa_helps.html *Duties:* Volunteers will support NMFS staff and partners in conducting marine mammal response, management, and Hawaiian monk seal recovery activities, with opportunities to be involved in a variety of ongoing projects, including data collection, data entry and queries, answering the marine mammal hotline, developing educational materials and outreach products, assisting with outreach events, trainings, and community engagement activities, and other field duties as they arise. Volunteers may also have opportunities to take part in live and dead marine mammal stranding response, assisting with duties such as, monitoring animals of concern, documentation and assessment, logistics, carcass retrieval, and necropsies. This opportunity will provide volunteers with a foundation in endangered species management and marine mammal health and stranding response. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in the highly competitive field of marine mammal management, science, and behavior while working side by side with professionals in the field of wildlife management and conservation biology. *Requirements:* · Commitment of *a minimum of 16 hours per week* (Mon.-Fri. during regular business hours) with some additional weekend availability for a *minimum of 6 months*. *Preference will be given to those who are available for a longer commitment (1+ years).* This opportunity is flexible in nature, therefore work hours, start and end date of each volunteer’s program, and duties may vary based on the individual’s availability, skills, and NMFS program needs. · College student or recent graduate- coursework in social marketing, biology, marine biology, psychology, animal science, computer science, zoology, ecology, communications, Hawaiian studies or related field is preferred. · Must be able to work in a team environment, have good communication skills, be flexible, detail oriented, and be able to work independently. · Dedicated and able to diligently work long hours in computer databases. · Work can be physically demanding. Volunteers must be comfortable working in the elements (rain or shine), be able to lift 40 lbs, walk long distances on beaches, and be able to swim. · Working knowledge of word processing software, spreadsheets and databases, GIS, and computer networks would also be advantageous. · Volunteers* must have reliable transportation* and be willing and able to submit fingerprints for a background check. · Current legal status to work in the U.S. *Application Requirements* If you are interested in this unpaid volunteer opportunity, please submit your application materials to: piro.mmrvolunteers(a)noaa.gov Include your unofficial transcripts, a resume, and a cover letter summarizing any related professional or volunteer experiences and relevant educational background that describes why you would be a good fit for this position, and 2 letters of recommendation by *12/9/18*. *Include the length of time you are able to commit, hours and days that you are available, and desired start date*. To be considered, the email subject line *must *read: *LAST NAME_MM Response & Recovery 2019 Volunteer * -- Every Year *is the **Year of the Monk Seal**!* *Join the celebration: *http://tinyurl.com/2017YOTMS Aliza Milette-Winfree Marine Mammal Biologist O`ahu Marine Mammal Response Coordinator NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office Protected Resources Division NOAA IRC NMFS/PIRO/PRD/Aliza Milette-Winfree 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 Office: 808-725-5157 Mobile: 808-721-5342

1 0

New paper on right whale conservation
by Peter Corkeron - NOAA Federal 09 Nov '18

09 Nov '18

Greetings Marmamers On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on right whales. The paper's citation is: Peter Corkeron, Philip Hamilton, John Bannister, Peter Best, Claire Charlton, Karina R. Groch, Ken Findlay, Victoria Rowntree, Els Vermeulen, Richard M. Pace III. 2018 The recovery of North Atlantic right whales,* Eubalaena glacialis*, has been constrained by human-caused mortality. R. Soc. open sci. 5 180892; DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180892. And the Abstract is: North Atlantic right whales (NARW), *Eubalaena glacialis*, were nearly exterminated by historical whaling. Their abundance slowly increased up until 2010, to a maximum of fewer than 500 whales, and since then they have been in decline. We assessed the extent to which the relatively slow increase demonstrated by NARW was intrinsic, and how much could be due to anthropogenic impacts. In order to do so, we first compared calf counts of three populations of Southern right whales (SRW), E. australis, with that of NARW, over the period 1992–2016. By this index, the annual rate of increase of NARW was approximately one-third of that of SRW. Next we constructed a population projection model for female NARW, using the highest annual survival estimates available from recent mark–resight analysis, and assuming a four-year calving interval. The model results indicated an intrinsic rate of increase of 4% per year, approximately twice that observed, and that adult female mortality is the main factor influencing this rate. Necropsy records demonstrate that anthropogenic mortality is the primary cause of known mortality of NARW. Anthropogenic mortality and morbidity has limited the recovery of NARW, and baseline conditions prior to their recent decline were already jeopardizing NARW recovery. The paper is available at: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/11/180892 . Royal Society Open Science is an Open Access journal, so you can download it freely from there. I hope this is of interest. Peter -- Leader, Large Whale Team Protected Species Branch NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water St Woods Hole MA 02543 phone: 508-495-2191 webpage: https://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/psbStaff_PeterCorkeron.html ResearchGate: researchgate.net/profile/Peter_Corkeron Orcid: orcid.org/0000-0003-1553-125 One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds. Aldo Leopold

1 0

New Publication: Humpback whale calf vulnerability to small-vessel collisions; assessment from underwater videography in Hawaiian waters
by Kate Lomac-MacNair 08 Nov '18

08 Nov '18

Dear colleagues, Cetos Research Organization is pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: Lomac-MacNair, K., Zoidis, A.M., Anderson, M., Blees, M. (2018). Humpback whale calf vulnerability to small-vessel collisions; assessment from underwater videography in Hawaiian waters. *Journal of Coastal Sciences *5(2), 28-36. ABSTRACT Using underwater videography, we developed a subsurface ethogram of humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) calf behavior among mother/calf resting groups in their Hawaiian Islands birthing/breeding grounds. Data collected from 2001 to 2018 in waters between the islands of Maui, Moloka’i, Lana’i, and Kaho’olawe (the Four-Island area), support the assumption that humpback whales are more vulnerable to small-vessel collision during their first year(s) of life. This, along with four incidents of first-hand observation of calves with significant wounds likely resulting from propellers were the impetus for further investigation into calf vulnerability to vessel collision in Hawaiian waters. We examined underwater video footage of mother/calf groups to investigate calf-surfacing events with or without the mother, as well as the calf behavior displayed while at or near the surface. We defined three depth zones: Depth A (<5 meters [m]), Depth B (5-10 m), and Depth C (>10 m). We considered Depth A the small-vessel collision vulnerability zone based on the approximate body length of a calf, and the depth at which a small-vessel draft (i.e., hull or propeller) could make contact with the calf at or below the surface. We analyzed 3,022 30-second samples of underwater video footage from 226 mother/calf resting groups. It was possible for the calf to be in more than one Depth Zone during an interval when moving from deeper water to surface water or surface water to deeper water which resulted in a total of 3,499 samples of which 1,422 (40.6%) the calf was in Depth A, 592 (17.0%) the calf was in Depth B and 1485 (42.4%) the calf was in Depth C. Of the samples having calves in Depth A, there were 509 samples (36%) of calves surfacing alone, 532 samples (37%) of calves surfacing with the mother and 381 samples (27%) where calves did not break the surface. In Depth A, calves were found to exhibit rest behavior significantly more than other behaviors (χ2 = 1,430.1, df = 3, p < 0.001, n = 1,422). Our results provide insight into the vulnerability of humpback whale calves to small-vessel collisions in the coastal waters of Hawaiian Island birthing grounds. Our paper is available online at: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxqY3Nv… Or via e-mail request to *klomacmacnair(a)gmail.com <klomacmacnair(a)gmail.com>*

1 0

New publication on steroid hormones in ancient and modern walrus bone
by Charapata, Patrick 07 Nov '18

07 Nov '18

Hi All, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of our manuscript in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry and it is available open access here<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/rcm.8272>. Title: A novel method to measure steroid hormone concentrations in walrus bone from archaeological, historical, and modern time periods using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry Authors: Patrick Charapata, Lara Horstmann, Amber Jannasch, Nicole Misarti Abstract: Rationale: A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was validated and utilized to measure and analyze four steroid hormones related to stress and reproduction in individual samples from a novel tissue, Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens, herein walrus) bone. This method determines steroid hormone concentrations in the remote walrus population over millennia from archaeological (>200 BP), historical (200–20 BP), and modern (2014–2016) time periods. Methods: Lipids were extracted from walrus bone collected from these periods using methanol before LC/MS/MS analysis. Isotopically labeled internal standards for each target hormone were added to every sample. Analytical and physiological validations were performed. Additionally, a tissue comparison was done among paired walrus bone, serum, and blubber samples. A rapid resolution liquid chromatography system coupled to a QqQ mass spectrometer was used to analyze all samples after derivatization for progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol concentrations. Multiple reaction monitoring was used for MS analysis and data were acquired in positive electrospray ionization mode. Results: Progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol were linear along their respective standard calibration curves based on their R2 values (all > 0.99). Accuracy ranged from 93–111% for all hormones. The recovery of extraction, recovery of hormones without matrix effect, was 92–101%. The overall process efficiency of our method for measuring hormones in walrus bone was 93–112%. Progesterone and testosterone concentrations were not affected by reproductive status among adult females and males, respectively. However, estradiol was different among pregnant and non‐pregnant adult females. Overall, steroid hormones reflect a long‐term reservoir in cortical bone. This method was also successfully applied to walrus bone as old as 3585 BP. Conclusions: LC/MS/MS analysis of bone tissue (0.2–0.3 g) provides stress and reproductive data from elusive walruses that were alive thousands of years ago. Based on physiological validations, tissue comparison, and published literature, steroid hormone concentrations measured in walrus cortical bone could represent an accumulated average around a 10–20‐year time span. By investigating how stress and reproductive physiology may have changed over the past ~3000 years based on bone steroid hormone concentrations, this method will help answer how physiologically resilient walruses are to climate change in the Arctic. -- Please contact me (Patrick_charapata1(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Patrick_charapata1@baylor.edu>) with any questions regarding the paper. Thank you for your time, Patrick Charapata

1 0

Re: [MARMAM] New publication: Whales from space, four mysticete species described using new VHR satellite imagery
by Hannah Cubaynes 07 Nov '18

07 Nov '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our article in Marine Mammal Science "Whales from space: Four mysticete species described using new VHR satellite imagery". The paper is available for early view at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12544 Citation: Cubaynes, H. C., P. T. Fretwell, C. Bamford, L. Gerrish, J.A. Jackson. 2018. Whales from space: Four mysticete species described using new VHR satellite imagery. *Marine Mammal Science* 00(00): 1-26. Abstract: Large‐bodied animals such as baleen whales can now be detected with very high resolution (VHR) satellite imagery, allowing for scientific studies of whales in remote and inaccessible areas where traditional survey methods are limited or impractical. Here we present the first study of baleen whales using the WorldView‐3 satellite, which has a maximum spatial resolution of 31 cm in the panchromatic band, the highest currently available to nonmilitary professionals. We manually detected, described, and counted four different mysticete species: fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Ligurian Sea, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Hawaii, southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) off Península Valdés, and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in Laguna San Ignacio. Visual and spectral analyses were conducted for each species, their surrounding waters, and nonwhale objects (e.g., boats). We found that behavioral and morphological differences made some species more distinguishable than others. Fin and gray whales were the easiest to discern due to their contrasting body coloration with surrounding water, and their prone body position, which is proximal to the sea surface (i.e., body parallel to the sea surface). These results demonstrate the feasibility of using VHR satellite technology for monitoring the great whales. Corresponding author: Hannah Cubaynes (hcc57(a)cam.ac.uk) Best wishes, Hannah *Hannah Cubaynes MSc* PhD Candidate in Marine Conservation and Remote Sensing British Antarctic Survey/Scott Polar Research Institute Department of Geography University of Cambridge United Kingdom E-mails: hanbay24(a)bas.ac.uk hcc57(a)cam.ac.uk Mobile/Cell UK: +44 (0) 7506 992118

1 0

New publication
by Charlotte Lambert 07 Nov '18

07 Nov '18

Dear MARMAM readers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the article _"Hide and seek in the Bay of Biscay--a functional investigation of marine megafauna and small pelagic fish interactions"_ in ICES Journal of Marine Science. By C. Lambert, M. Authier, M. Doray, G. Dorémus, J. Spitz and V. Ridoux DOI : https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsy143 [1] Abstract: Prey and predator distributions influence one another. Understanding the scale and the orientation of predator-prey spatial correlations is crucial in foraging ecology. Growing evidence suggests that predator-prey interactions are more constrained by functional characteristics of both the predator and the prey. Unfortunately, in marine pelagic systems, the scale and orientation of spatial correlations between predators and prey have been only little explored from a functional point of view. We tested the existence of fine-scale association between predators and fish functional groups. Visual predator sightings and acoustic fish records were collected synchronously during oceanographic surveys from 2004 to 2014. Prey biomass was integrated by nautical miles and split into four size classes (<10 cm; 10-20 cm; 20-30 cm; >30 cm) and two depth layers (surface, deep). We computed the relative biomass by prey size and depth category from 0 to 12 nm around predator sightings to determine the predators' proximity to local prey biomass. Two cetaceans (common, bottlenose dolphins) and three seabirds (northern gannets, auks, northern fulmars) were studied. No association was found in fulmars, indicating they probably do not feed on considered fishes in the area. Gannets and auks were positively correlated with local prey biomass for sizes <20 cm at both depth layers. Significant negative relationships were found between common dolphins and prey size classes <20 cm at both depth layers, and between bottlenose dolphins and all size ranges at the deeper layer. Our results suggest that the fine-scale spatial overlap of predator and prey is influenced by their functional traits, and that prey exhibit predator avoidance behaviour in presence of swimming predators but not of flying ones. For any questions or pdf requests, please feel free to email me ! Best regards, Charlotte Lambert -------------------------------------------------------------------- Charlotte Lambert PhD PELAGIS, UMS 3462 Universite de la Rochelle - CNRS 17000 La Rochelle, France mail: charlotte.lambert(a)univ-lr.fr Professional profile: ResearchGate [2] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Links: ------ [1] https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsy143 [2] https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Charlotte_Lambert

1 0

new paper on passive acoustic monitoring through the use of a wave glider
by Lis Bittencourt 06 Nov '18

06 Nov '18

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to anounce the publication of our recent work on Deep-Sea Research Part I: “Mapping cetacean sounds using a passive acoustic monitoring system towed by an autonomous Wave Glider in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean” Lis Bittencourt, William Soares-Filho, Isabela Maria Seabra de Lima, Sudhir Pai, Jose Lailson-BritoJr., Leonardo Martins Barreira, Alexandre Freitas Azevedo, Luiz Alexandre A. Guerra Abstract Passive acoustic monitoring techniques provide a useful alternative to visual surveys for monitoring of marine mammals since they are less affected by adverse weather conditions. An autonomous unmanned Wave Glider, equipped with a towed hydrophone and recording system was used to collect acoustic data in the Brazilian offshore waters of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean between 6 and 25 February 2016. Nearly continuous data were obtained during this period (light and dark hours) for the 750 km traveled. There were 165,130 high-frequency detections in 31 encounters, including 1789 whistles, 389 burst-pulse sounds, and 162,952 echolocation clicks. A total of 705 low-frequency tonal signals were recorded in 5 encounters. Although high-frequency detections occurred at all hours of the day, the majority occurred during dark hours. Low-frequency detections were not evenly spread through all hours of the day, with the majority of them occurring during dark hours. High-frequency and low-frequency detections represented 26% and 3% of the recording hours, respectively. Duration, the number of emissions, and ocean depth varied among acoustic encounters. Encounters composed by high-frequency sounds were separated into seven different groups, probably different species. One of the encounters presented whistles that were previously recorded in the Rio de Janeiro Coast for Steno bredanensis (Rough-toothed dolphins). All of the low-frequency encounters were composed of a type of Balaenoptera brydei (Bryde's whales) call. This type of data collection is un-precedented for the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean and highlighted the use of the sampled area by delphinids on different days and different times of the day, including the dark hours. The article pdf can be reached at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967063718301614?via%3Di… Or e-mail me: lis.bitt(a)gmail.com Best regards, Lis Bittencourt Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores - MAQUA Rio de Janeiro State University -- Lis Bittencourt Mestre em Oceanografia Doutoranda no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia - UERJ Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores - MAQUA Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 4º andar - sala 4002 bloco E Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ CEP 20550-013 Tel: 21 2334-0795

1 0

humpback whale trap-feeding publication
by Jared Towers 06 Nov '18

06 Nov '18

Dear colleagues, Our article <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12557> describing a new humpback whale feeding behaviour was recently published in Marine Mammal Science. McMillan, C. J., Towers, J. R. and Hildering, J. (2018), The innovation and diffusion of “trap‐feeding,” a novel humpback whale foraging strategy. Mar Mam Sci. . doi:10.1111/mms.12557 “The innovation and diffusion of novel foraging strategies within a population can increase the capacity of individuals to respond to shifts in prey abundance and distribution. Since 2011, some humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off northeastern Vancouver Island (NEVI), Canada, have been documented using a new feeding strategy called “trap‐feeding.” We provide the first description of this foraging innovation and explore the ecological and social variables associated with its diffusion using sightings data, video analysis, and logistic regression modeling. The number of humpback whales confirmed to trap‐feed off NEVI increased from two in 2011 to 16 in 2015. Neither the locations of trap‐feeding sessions nor prey species consumed differed from those documented during lunge‐feeding. However, preliminary results indicate that the schools of fish consumed when individuals trap‐fed were smaller and more diffuse than those consumed when whales lunge‐fed. Top‐ranked models predicting whether an individual would be observed exhibiting trap‐feeding behavior included the following parameters: average number of days per year that the individual was seen off NEVI and proportion of the individual’s associations that were with other trap‐feeders. These results suggest that trap‐feeding may be a culturally transmitted foraging innovation that provides an energetically efficient method of feeding on small, diffuse prey patches.” For advance copies please contact: christie(a)mersociety.org. For photos and video please see: https://mersociety.wordpress.com/2018/11/03/trap-feeding-a-new-humpback-fee… Sincerely, Jared Towers

1 0