December 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Animal Care and Education Internship
by Intern Coordinator 27 Dec '18

27 Dec '18

Seal Rescue Ireland: Animal Care and Education Internship Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a very busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation facility located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. It is the only seal rehabilitation facility in the Republic of Ireland and is responds to strandings nationwide. Most distressed seal calls are for Grey and Common Seal pups which have become injured, orphaned or sick. In addition, SRI promotes public engagement in sustainability and ocean conservation through active education, outreach and research activities. The facility is accepting applicants for positions in their challenging and exciting internship program for start dates year round. This is a full time position for a minimum of 12 weeks, however priority will be given to candidates who can stay longer. Free room and board may be offered if the intern excels and is invited to stay longer. Reports to: Animal Care Manager Job Summary: The position provides the intern with hands on rescue and rehabilitation experience with stranded marine mammals. The candidate is responsible for assisting in the daily care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals as well as providing educational tours to the public. Interns will spend half their time in the hospital and the other half of their time assisting with education, fundraising and clerical tasks. The variation of responsibilities allows interns a broad understanding of what it takes to operate a wildlife hospital and charity organization. Each intern will be responsible for independently planning one fundraiser project. Interns that excel may be offered additional levels of responsibility as specialized program coordinators to develop further skill sets. Promoted interns who can commit to longer terms can potentially lead to compensation of room and board. Requirements: For consideration, applicants must have a background or interest in areas of study such as Pre-Vet, Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology or other animal related field. Applicants must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral instruction, and have effective communication skills. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and must be physically fit and able to lift 25 kg. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to a high paced, ever-changing work environment, possess a good work ethic and positive attitude. They must also be available to work long hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Previous animal care and handling experience as well as public speaking skills are preferred, however interns will be trained to develop skills in these areas. Duties Include: - Daily animal diet preparations and routine cleaning of enclosures and work areas. - Assist with rescue and release of stranded animals. - Take shifts overseeing the stranding hotline and coordinating seal rescue and transport. - Assist in the care and maintenance of the Centre’s rehabilitation animals (feeding, restraining, medical treatment, daily care). - Help ensure that the clinical areas are stocked, hygienic and prepared to receive animals. - Maintain and update medical records. - Provide assistance to management and rehabilitation staff as needed. - Assist with fundraisers and educational events. - Assist with clerical duties and office work as needed (you will gain experience in all aspects of how a rehabilitation centre operates) - Participate in educational talks and tours. - Performs other duties relating to the Centre’s goals and mission statement as required. This is an unpaid position. Intern housing is available for 90 Euro/week (including food) on a first come first served basis . Interns are responsible for all travel expenses. Please visit our website to download the application form. Then send your resume, cover letter and application form to: Attention: Animal Care and Education Internship intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Telephone: 053 942 4980 http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/ Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sealrescueireland Registered Charity Number: 20108519

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 26 Dec '18

26 Dec '18

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 2019. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board; · Secchi disk methodology; · Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2019 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you book the internship until 31st December 2018. *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow link is a short video about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | André Cid -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* Website: www.aimmportugal.org Youtube: https://Youtube/AIMMPortugal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/aimmportugal_org Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal

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Abstract submissions for the 16th Annual Marine Biological Association (MBA) Postgraduate Conference at Newcastle University are now open!
by Kelsey Potlock 25 Dec '18

25 Dec '18

Hello MARMAM community! I’d like to announce that abstract submissions are now open for the 16th Annual Marine Biological Association (MBA) Postgraduate Conference at Newcastle University in Newcastle upon Tyne, England from 5th – 8th of May 2019. This conference is open to all Master and PhD students. This year we are looking for a greater participation of representatives in the marine mammal field. Many different research topics that encompass a broad field of interest (i.e. acoustics, ecology, biology, mitigation, populations, movement, etc.) would be ideal and would serve to add further diversity and interest across a wide spread of postgraduate students. Content: Related to marine science (e.g. your own postgraduate research, current research) Title: Bold, Arial, font size 12 Author(s): Name, organization (e.g. university), and email address Text: 2 paragraphs, Arial, font size 12, max. 350 words. Keywords: Italics Indication: Either oral presentation (12 minutes, 3 minutes for questions) or post (standard portrait, A0) Deadline: 31st March 2019 If submitting an abstract for a poster, please consider “boosting your poster” – an option to give a 30 second intro to the poster session to gain interest. Submit to mba2019(a)newcastle.ac.uk This conference will showcase the beautiful and vibrant ecology along the Northumberland coast. Trips to Amble, St. Mary’s Lighthouse, and the Dove Marine Laboratory, as well as a workshop by Duncan Yellowless (https://www.duncanyellowlees.com/) with a keynote address given by Newcastle University’s Professor Nick Polunin (https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/staff/profile/nickpolunin.html#background) Further information can be found on the website (mbapg19.co.uk). Ticket information is as follows: £90 for non-members £81.50 for MBA members £80 for Early bird non-member £72.50 for Early bird MBA member £48 for MBA Student Ambassadors Early bird rates are available until the 31st of January 2019. All attending delegates will receive a free one-year membership to the Marine Conservation Society. Additionally, we are also looking for further sponsors so please feel free to get in touch if you would like to help sponsor this conference. We look forward to hearing from you! MBA Committee ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Kelsey Potlock k.potlock2(a)newcastle.ac.uk

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Status of Red Sea Dugong
by Ahmed M. Shawky 22 Dec '18

22 Dec '18

Dear All, Kindly find our new chapter entitled "Status of Red Sea Dugongs". It is published by Springer at the link below: https://www.springerprofessional.de/en/status-of-red-sea-dugongs/16321710 [https://media.springernature.com/lw400/springer-static/cover/book/978-3-319…]<https://www.springerprofessional.de/en/status-of-red-sea-dugongs/16321710> Status of Red Sea Dugongs<https://www.springerprofessional.de/en/status-of-red-sea-dugongs/16321710> Dugongs (Dugong dugon), also known as ‘sea cows’, have captured the imagination of the general public ever since they were first scientifically named in the 18th century. Much of the research on dugongs has been undertaken in Australia and SE Asia … www.springerprofessional.de Abstract Dugongs (Dugong dugon), also known as ‘sea cows’, have captured the imagination of the general public ever since they were first scientifically named in the 18th century. Much of the research on dugongs has been undertaken in Australia and SE Asia and publications are rarely dedicated specifically to the Red Sea population of dugongs and their conservation status. This is a reflection of the relatively poor state of knowledge of Red Sea dugongs—a situation that has changed marginally in the case of Egypt through research work undertaken by the second author. Methods employed to count dugongs, in order to estimate the size of a particular population, vary according to the general nature of their habitats (e.g., close to shore in sheltered bays or over deeper water further offshore), the frequency of sightings and facilities available to the surveying team, both in terms of observation platforms (e.g., helicopter, fixed-wing aeroplane, drone, boat or car) and time that can be allotted to the task. Given the seasonal nature of their behaviour, it would seem necessary that surveys in particular areas extend over at least 12 months and preferably longer. Research on this species in the Red Sea began with largely anatomical and physiological work on dugongs that were accidentally killed or purposely netted. Today, they are protected throughout the region so studies have shifted, largely to observations of live animals in the wild and to data that can be collected from stranded carcasses. Meanwhile, much of the data on their distribution, both in the Red Sea and elsewhere, is based on tapping into the local knowledge of fishermen and, more recently, dive guides at marine resorts. Best Regards Ahmed Dr. Ahmed M. Shawky - Marine Biology - PhD Technical Office of Minister of the Environment Master Instructor PADI No.639747 - EFRI Trainer www.ahmedshawky.net - mobile:(+2) 01013854500

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Early registration for Mystic Aquarium beluga whale workshop ends soon!
by Thompson, Laura 21 Dec '18

21 Dec '18

From: Mystic Aquarium <belugaconf(a)mysticaquarium.org> Sent: Friday, December 21, 2018 3:26 PM To: Thompson, Laura <lthompson(a)mysticaquarium.org> Subject: Early registration for beluga whale workshop ends soon! Early registration closes January 15 for the 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation hosted by Mystic Aquarium. This email contains images, click here to view in browser.<http://email.wordfly.com/view?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=12846131-27f…> [https://media.wordfly.com/mysticaquarium/emails/ravs-beluga-conf/beluga-con…] Tuesday, March 12 - Thursday, March 14 , 2019 Hosted by Mystic Aquarium 55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, Connecticut, USA Register Now<http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=13846131-27…> Early registration sale ends soon - reserve your spot before January 15. This conference will bring together indigenous peoples, scientists, wildlife managers and policy makers to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge, scientific research, aquarium husbandry and wildlife management. The ultimate goal is to develop a cohesive plan to promote beluga research and conservation. Questions? Email BelugaConf(a)MysticAquarium.org<mailto:belugaconf@mysticaquarium.org> [https://media.wordfly.com/mysticaquarium/emails/event-starter/ma-white-nopr…]<http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=15846131-27…> [facebook]<http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=16846131-27…> [twitter] <http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=17846131-27…> [instagram] <http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=18846131-27…> [youtube] <http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=19846131-27…> [pinterest] <http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=1a846131-27…> [snapchat] <http://email.wordfly.com/click?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=1b846131-27…> Unsubscribe<http://email.wordfly.com/unsubscribe?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw> | Forward<http://email.wordfly.com/forward?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=1d846131-…> | View in browser<http://email.wordfly.com/view?sid=MTEwNl83MjlfODgyNzdfNjgwNw&l=12846131-27f…> You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in attending the 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation conference in 2019. If you would like to be removed from this list, please click the Unsubscribe link above. Mystic Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. MYSTIC AQUARIUM 55 Coogan Blvd Mystic, CT 06355 | 860.572.5955

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New article on bottlenose dolphins ecotypes in Costa Rica
by CEIC-Costa Rica 21 Dec '18

21 Dec '18

Dear colleagues, greetings from Latin America On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the following publication on spatial ecology of inshore and offshore bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) populations in western Costa Rica: Oviedo, L., Fernández, M., Pacheco-Polanco, JD. And D. Herra-Miranda. 2019. Spatial Analysis on The Occurrence of Inshore and Offshore Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Osa Peninsula Waters and Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management *Abstract*: The aim of this assessment is to advance our understanding in the spatial ecology of the resident in-shore and off-shore population of bottlenose dolphins in Golfo Dulce (GD) and Osa Peninsula Waters (OPW). Our approach used niche based models (Phillips et al., 2006, Thorne et al., 2012, Friedlaender et al., 2011), which provided details of how dolphins use coastal and oceanic habitats, describing the factors that influence their distribution in the study area and identifying the critical habitats to be considered for management and conservation. Our analyses indicate several important aspects on the distribution of these two ecotypes of bottlenose dolphins. As expected in the study area, these two ecological races occur in close proximity, but differ in the structural factors of the habitat they occupy. The inshore population uses areas close to the mouths of the rivers as critical foraging habitats, being influenced by tidal cycles and seasonal changes in water temperature and salinity. The offshore population in oceanic habitats must rely on prey species found in rare, but profitable patches, therefore, pelagic dolphins in the open ocean would often need to travel long distances searching for these patches. Distribution models illustrating the difference in habitat use presented in this assessment are key to effective managements of the marine mammals’ diversity in Costa Rica. KEYWORDS: COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN, PACIFIC OCEAN, HABITAT, MODELLING, DISTRIBUTION, FEEDING GROUNDS For info about publication feel free to contact me Best Lenin Oviedo *----------------------------------------------* *Centro de Investigaciòn de Cetáceos CEIC-Costa Rica*

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New Publication: Sperm Whale Acoustic Prey Study (SWAPS)
by Glenn, Tre 20 Dec '18

20 Dec '18

Dear Colleagues, BOEM is pleased to announce the following study, Sperm Whale Acoustic Prey Study (SWAPS). https://marinecadastre.gov/espis/#/search/study/100098 Abstract The goal of the Sperm Whale Prey Acoustic Study (SWAPS) was to characterize the prey field available to sperm whales in the Northern Gulf and assess the spatial and vertical distribution of prey in mesopelagic waters at depths between 300–800 m. BOEM partnered with the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center to conducted large vessel surveys in the Northern Gulf of Mexico during summer 2009 and winter-spring 2010. Concurrent marine mammal surveys and midwater trawl sampling demonstrated strong associations between mesoscale physical features, sperm whales, and their prey. Squid from 32 taxa were collected, and 536 individuals were processed for stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen. Overall, the results suggest an ontogenetic change in stable isotope values consistent with increasing trophic level of squids over the course of their life history. However, squids with mantle lengths between 31 and 150 mm were found to be the sperm whale’s dominant prey, likely because these smaller squids are more abundant and easier to capture. -- Donald (Tre) W. Glenn, III, Ph.D., P.E., CFM Senior Protected Species Biologist Consultation Specialist Professional Environmental Engineer Contracting Officer's Representative III Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana 70123 tre.glenn(a)boem.gov

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Research Technician - Mississippi Marine Mammal and Turtle Conservation, Recovery, and Monitoring Program
by Elizabeth Premo 20 Dec '18

20 Dec '18

https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=559&site=1 Job Summary This position supports primarily activities associated with the USM's Monitoring Program of the Commercial Shrimp Trawl Fishery in Mississippi waters, which is part of the project entitled "Mississippi Marine Mammal and Turtle Conservation, Recovery, and Monitoring Program" funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The main goal of the Monitoring Program is to establish a collaborative, voluntary program with commercial shrimp fishermen operating in Mississippi state waters with an emphasis on understanding interactions of marine mammals and sea turtles with shrimp vessels. The selected applicant will work closely with captains and crews from shrimp vessels and with biologists from the USM's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Primary Duties and Responsibilities 1. Assists with tasks related to monitoring, including recruitment, scheduling and placement on vessels, tracking work hours, trip debriefing and other reporting. 2. Performs data entry and Quality Assessment/Quality Control (QA/QC) of data. 3. Supports data analysis, preparation of manuscripts and outreach. 4. Participates in biological sampling, data collection and reporting tasks onboard commercial fishing vessels. 5. Completes all necessary training to be eligible to perform monitoring tasks and as required for USM employees. 6. Responsible for purchasing and maintaining materials, equipment and gear. 7. Supports training sessions for monitoring, including preparing PowerPoint presentations and handouts, participates in and helps organize meetings, performs other duties as assigned (including work on other research projects as needed). Minimum Qualifications A BS degree in marine biology, ecology, fisheries, or a related field with one year of professional work experience, or a MS degree. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * Research experience. * Excellent organizational skills. * Good to excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access). * Good to excellent statistical and computer skills. * Good to excellent verbal communication and writing competencies in English. * Good to excellent interpersonal skills. * Ability to spend on average 2-3 days at sea multiple times a week. Must be able to work at sea in strenuous conditions (e.g., handle heavy lifting, working long hours in rough seas and irregular schedules) and maintain diplomacy and professionalism in challenging environments. * Valid driver's license required. Preferred Qualifications * Experience with marine fish species identification (particularly in Mississippi coastal waters) and working on research or fishing vessels. * Experience tutoring or teaching in class-room settings. * Knowledge of GIS and R software; experience with online collaborative projects. * CPR, First-Aid and Boater's Safety certifications.

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New publication: Seismic noise in the Arctic measured from four simultaneous seismic surveys
by Line Anker Kyhn 20 Dec '18

20 Dec '18

We are very happy to share our recent article on cumulative seismic noise in the high Arctic with you. The article is published online in Marine Pollution Bulletin and may be downloaded here until 29th January: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1YCM5,ashq8ew L.A. Kyhn, D.M. Wisniewska, K. Beedholm, J. Tougaard, M. Simon, A. Mosbech, P.T. Madsen (2019). Basin-wide contributions to the underwater soundscape by multiple seismic surveys with implications for marine mammals in Baffin Bay, Greenland. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 138, Pages 474-490. Highlights • Activity of four seismic vessels significantly increased ambient noise levels. • On a minute-to-minute scale, sound exposure levels varied by 20–70 dB. • Ambient noise did not fall to pre-season values throughout the seismic season. • The constantly elevated noise level gave little masking-free time over 2.5 months. • Measured noise levels were predicted well by pre-season modeling of cumulative effects. Abstract Seismic surveys increasingly operate in deeper Arctic waters with propagation conditions and marine mammal fauna different from the better-studied temperate, or shallow-water, regions. Using 31 calibrated sound recorders, we quantified noise contributions from four concurrent seismic surveys in Baffin Bay, Greenland, to estimate their potential impacts on marine mammals. The impact was cumulative as the noise level rose in response to the onset of each survey: on a minute-by-minute scale the sound-exposure-levels varied by up to 70 dB (20 dB on average), depending on range to the seismic vessel, local bathymetry effects and interference patterns, representing a significant change in the auditory scene for marine mammals. Airgun pulse energy did not decrease to ambient before arrival of the next pulse leaving very little low-frequency masking-free time. Overall, the measured values matched well with pre-season-modeling, emphasizing the importance of noise-modeling in impact assessments, if responses of focal marine mammals are known. Happy New Year! Line Line A. Kyhn Ph.D. Scientist Department of Bioscience - Aarhus University Section for Marine Mammal Research (SMAR) Frederiksborgvej 399 4000 Roskilde – Denmark Email:lky@bios.au.dk<mailto:lky@bios.au.dk> Direct telephone: +45 30183148 Skype: Line Kyhn Web:www.dce.au.dk<http://www.dce.au.dk/>

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New paper - Southern right whale Eubalaena australis in Golfo San Matías (Patagonia, Argentina): Evidence of recolonisation
by Magdalena Arias 19 Dec '18

19 Dec '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication: *Southern right whale Eubalaena australis in Golfo San Matías (Patagonia, Argentina): Evidence of recolonisation* <https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0207524> Arias M, Coscarella MA, Romero MA, Sueyro N, Svendsen GM, Crespo EA, González RA (2018) Southern right whale *Eubalaena australis* in Golfo San Matías (Patagonia, Argentina): Evidence of recolonisation. PLOS ONE 13(12): e0207524. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0207524 Abstract: Since the 1980s, the distribution range of the southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) in Argentina was mostly located in the winter calving grounds around Península Valdés. After the international moratorium that forbade the commercial hunting, southern right whales have shown signs of recovery during the last few decades. Nowadays, it is thought that the species is experiencing a density-dependent process while expanding its distribution range in Patagonia. From 2007 to 2016, data on right whale distribution, group composition and relative abundance were collected in Golfo San Matías, Patagonia through aerial surveys. Generalized linear models with a negative binomial error distribution were used to determine the population trend of right whales in this area. In addition, the group composition and the relative abundance of right whales among the northern Patagonian gulfs were compared. Finally, a literature review was conducted to assess the historical presence of right whales in Golfo San Matías, revealing the presence of right whales in Golfo San Matías during and after the commercial exploitation. During aerial surveys (2007–2016), right whales were observed from August to October in the area, with a peak in late August-early September. Our results suggested a geographic distribution change with a regular use of the northwest coast of the gulf in recent years and a positive trend in the population growth rate inside Golfo San Matías. This area was dominated by unaccompanied whales (solitary individuals and breeding groups) as opposed to Península Valdés where the dominant group type was the mother calf pairs. Therefore, Golfo San Matías appears to be important for socializing and mating but not as a nursery ground. In addition, the density of whales was four times greater in the gulfs of Península Valdés. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the recovery of this species in Patagonia, Argentina and should be considered for the management measures for right whales in this region. A PDF copy of the publication can be downloaded from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0207524 Best regards, Magdalena Arias -- Lic. Magdalena Arias CONICET-Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos Alte. Storni" (CIMAS) Güemes 1030 - San Antonio Oeste (R8520CXV). Río Negro - Argentina.

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