February 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on the clicks of dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima)
by Karlina Merkens - NOAA Affiliate 26 Feb '18

26 Feb '18

Dear MARMAM, We are pleased to announce a new publication on the characteristics of the clicks of the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) in Marine Mammal Science. Merkens, K., Mann, D., Janik, V. M., Claridge, D., Hill, M. and Oleson, E. (2018), Clicks of dwarf sperm whales (Kogia sima). Mar Mam Sci. doi:10.1111/mms.12488 Abstract: The two species of the genus Kogia are widely distributed throughout the world's temperate and tropical oceans, but because they are small and highly cryptic, they are difficult to monitor. The acoustic signals of K. breviceps have been described previously, but the signals of K. sima have remained unknown. Here we present three recordings of K. sima, two from free-ranging animals and one from a captive setting, representing both the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. The acoustic signals of K. sima are very similar to the signals of K. breviceps and other species that have narrow-band, high-frequency (NBHF) clicks. Free-ranging K. sima produce “usual” clicks that have mean peak and centroid frequencies of 127–129 kHz, mean −3 dB bandwidth of 10 kHz, mean −10 dB bandwidth of 16–17 kHz, and mean interclick interval of 110–164 ms. Although K. sima clicks cannot yet be distinguished from those of K. breviceps or other NBHF clicking species, our detailed description of this species' signals reveals the similarities between the two Kogia species, and thus allows for passive acoustic monitoring of the genus Kogia in regions where other NBHF species are not present. You can find the article on the Marine Mammal Science website, or contact Karlina Merkens (karlina.merkens AT noaa.gov) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12488/full Thank you, Karlina Merkens -- Karlina Merkens Cetacean Acoustician Contractor with Lynker Technologies Cetacean Research Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

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Field assistant opportunity this summer in Cedar Key, Florida
by Rebecca A Hamilton 26 Feb '18

26 Feb '18

Dear Marmamers, We are seeking 1 field assistant for the Cedar Key Dolphin Project 2018 field season this upcoming summer, between mid-May and mid/late-August (up to 13 weeks), pending funding. The field season will be focused on gathering acoustic and behavioral data during specialized foraging tactics as part of a Masters candidate project through the University of Massachusetts. Research will take place in Cedar Key, Florida, 3 hours north of Tampa and 60 miles west of Gainesville. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay for the duration of the season. The assistant will be expected to work on a boat 6 to 7 days per week, for up to 10 hours at a time. Typical weather conditions in summer include 95 degree heat, very high humidity, and no breezes. When the weather does not permit fieldwork, work will consist of photo matching, processing, and data entry. This is a volunteer position. Assistants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to Florida, but housing and food will be covered while on-site. Prior field experience with photo-ID and boat handling is preferred, but not required. Those with no experience should demonstrate their willingness to learn. Since we will be living and working closely, applicants must work well in teams and have a positive attitude. Please send an email of inquiry to master's candidate Rebecca Hamilton (rhamilton(a)umassd.edu) with the subject line "Field assistant for 2018". A more in-depth description of the position and its requirements will be emailed out--at that time, candidates who are still interested will be asked to provide their CV, cover letter, and contact information for 2 references. Best Wishes, The Cedar Key Dolphin Project

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CETASMUS 2018 – Internship in North Western Mediterranean Sea
by Pao Tepsich 26 Feb '18

26 Feb '18

CIMA Research Foundation is a private non-profit research organization aimed at the advancement of science and engineering in environmentally related fields, focusing on public health and safety, civil protection and the preservation of terrestrial and water-related ecosystems. CIMA RF is based in Savona, Italy, and it is seeking undergraduate/postgraduate students for the CETASMUS PROGRAM 2018. General details about the CETASMUS program can be found here ( http://www.cimafoundation.org/cetasmus-programme/) CETASMUS foresees two different types of internship: - Field Internship: aim of the internship is to provide hands on experience on cetacean surveys. Interns will be involved in all the surveys of a specific project. As office work is not foreseen for this type of internship, interns will have free time when not involved in sea surveys. Field internship is particularly indicated for students willing to gain field experience and also needing time to prepare exams or personal projects (without supervision) - Research Internship: aim of the internship is to provide hands on experience on cetacean research, from data collection at sea to data analysis. Interns will be involved in surveys of their specific project AND will be trained on data-entry and data analysis. Office work can be used for the development of a thesis / internship report. Free time will be agreed directly with supervisor. Open positions refer to one project: · ZIPHIUS – interns will be on-board of CIMA Research vessel operating in north western Mediterranean sea. Surveys typically lasts 2-3 consecutive days and are held according to weather conditions. Main aim of surveys is studying Cuvier’s beaked population in the area. *3-4 Field Interns (minimum commitment 2 months)* *Because of the training required, preference will be given to interns applying for longer periods. * Qualifications - Applicants must be reliable, motivated and team oriented, have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal sciences; - Applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology, environmental sciences or a related major; - Applicants must be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means long consecutive days in the field when weather permits while no cruises during bad weather periods; - Previous field experience is preferred (photo-id / visual census ). These positions are an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research to strengthen their skills and above all to gain practical experience in the field. These are unpaid positions and successful applicants are responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from Italy and for accommodation in Savona during the entire staying. All costs related to at sea surveys will be covered by CIMA RF If you are interested in applying for these positions, please submit your CV and a cover letter with contact information of at least one reference and specifying the desired position to cetasmus(a)cimafoundation.org Positions are open until filled -- Non stampare questa mail, pensa all'ambiente!! Before printing, think about the environment! Avant d'imprimer, pensez à l'environnement!

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Advice on false killer whales in shallow in Belize
by Eric Ramos 25 Feb '18

25 Feb '18

Greetings MARMAM, We are urgently in search of advice on handling a group of ~50 false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the shallows in Belize in the Caribbean Sea. They were first observed approaching vessels on the 18th and since then have been seen repeatedly on the west side of a large mangrove caye island chain, in waters 4-8 m deep near a larger deeper (20 m +) channel. This is the deepest nearby channel and likely where they entered the coastal lagoon from the deep sea. A map of the region and the sighting can be found here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1tIQl4x1P_ev-OKGe1igGYSTbl7U&l… We are unsure of the possibilities of helping these animals at this point, but we are mobilizing various stranding partners to assess the situation and assist in whatever way possible. We are unsure if attempts to herd the animals towards deep water would be successful, but the chances of these animals finding their way back to the deep are their own are slim. If you can provide any advice or assistance, we would greatly appreciate it. I can be reached at: eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com Thank you! Sincerely, Eric Angel Ramos Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network PhD CandidateAnimal Behavior & Comparative PsychologyThe Graduate Center, City University of New YorkMember of IUCN SSC Sirenia Specialist Group for Mesoamericaeric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.comtwitter: @EricAngelRamoscell (US): 1(347) 336-5567cell (BZ): 501 607-0462

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New publication: Contemporary migration of fin whales through the Strait of Gibraltar
by Pauline Gauffier 24 Feb '18

24 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication on fin whales in Marine Ecology Progress Series. Gauffier P, Verborgh P, Giménez J, Esteban R, Salazar Sierra JM, de Stephanis R (2018) Contemporary migration of fin whales through the Strait of Gibraltar. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 588:215-228. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12449 Abstract: ABSTRACT: Fin whales Balaenoptera physalus used to be abundant in the Strait of Gibraltar and nearby Atlantic areas until their rapid collapse due to intense whaling at the beginning of the 20th century. Recent studies seem to indicate that some fin whales, believed to belong to the North East North Atlantic (NENA) stock, now use the area to travel between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we analyzed 15 yr of direct observations combining vessel and land-based surveys with photo-identification to characterize the migration of fin whales through the Strait. These combined observations provide a temporal and spatial analysis of the whales’ movement patterns and behavioral activity. Our main findings suggest a migration of a small community of fin whales through the Strait of Gibraltar, with remarkable seasonal directionality. All whales travelled towards the Atlantic Ocean between May and October, and 69% towards the Mediterranean Sea between November and April. Observations of young whales exiting the Mediterranean Sea mainly between May and July suggest that at least part of this community is likely to calve in the basin. Due to the special sensitivity of the species to ship strikes and underwater noise, and the intense maritime traffic in the Strait of Gibraltar, we urge Spain and Morocco to cooperate through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure a safe crossing of these whales by the effective implementation and year-round extension of the existing recommendation of a seasonal vessel speed reduction to 13 knots. Please do not hesitate to request a pdf copy if you cannot access it online. All the best, Pauline ---------------------------- Pauline GAUFFIER http://www.circe.info ----------------------------

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National Aquarium Seeking Animal Rescue Husbandry Aide
by Shaffer, Kate 23 Feb '18

23 Feb '18

The National Aquarium is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Animal Rescue Husbandry Aide within our rehabilitation program. The Husbandry Aide is responsible for providing excellent day-to-day husbandry and medical care of marine turtles and marine mammals undergoing rehabilitation for the purpose of release back to the natural environment. Essential Functions: 1. Provides routine, daily care and husbandry of reptiles and marine mammals in rehabilitation. * Prepares daily diets and feeds patients; order supplies as needed. * Administers oral supplements and medication as instructed. * Monitors health of patients, and works with manager and Animal Health staff to implement treatment programs as instructed. * Responsible for the safe restraint of animals for husbandry and medical procedures. * Weigh and monitor weight of patients. * Maintains animal and related records in accordance with federal and Aquarium standards using computerized medical system and hardcopy files. * Develops basic understanding of behavioral models to accomplish conditioning, enrichment, and husbandry goals for animals in rehabilitation, with an emphasis on ensuring releasable animals maintain natural behaviors. * Plans and conducts enrichment sessions and opportunities as assigned. * Participates in the acquisition, disposition and transport of patients. * Monitors specimen food supply and ensures proper food rotation as instructed. * Follows quarantine protocols. * Observes animal behavior such as intra- species aggression, feeding, habitat use, etc., and gathers data in order to base management decisions. 2. Provides daily cleaning and maintenance of rehabilitation facilities, life support, animal enclosures, and support equipment. * Services and cleans rehab enclosures and pools daily. * Monitors and records temperature and water chemistry data, etc. * Monitors, operates, and maintains life support equipment. * Maintains cleanliness and organization of workspaces, rehab facilities, food prep, and support equipment. * Maintains safety, animal, and response equipment as directed. * Assists in pest control. 3. Participates in outreach and continuing education. * Supports collection of digital content (photos, videos, etc) as directed. * Provides back-up tours, presentations, and guest engagement as directed * Attends lectures, seminars, trainings, and other continuing education opportunities. 4. Follows established Aquarium protocols, policies, and quarantine. 5. Other duties as assigned or required. Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: Required: * High school diploma or GED required. * Employees assigned to this position will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks). Preferred: * Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquatic sciences, psychology, or related science preferred. * Experience caring for aquatic reptiles and pinnipeds, and basic understanding of marine mammal and sea turtle natural history. * Experience with closed aquatic system. Competencies: * Must have basic knowledge about marine biology and have an affinity for animals, including a reasonable comfort level around large and/or aggressive animals. Must be able to work productively in a teamwork environment. * Familiarity with computers is necessary, including MS Office software (Word/Excel) and Adobe; ability to learn & effectively use all proprietary Aquarium software. * Must be able to follow established policies and protocols. * Must be able to work well under direction and have capacity to absorb feedback from manager or staff, and have the capacity to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation from manager. * Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule that will include weekends, holidays and possible evening hours. The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply. ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. SmartCEO Magazine honored the National Aquarium with the Healthiest Workplace award and the Corporate Culture award in 2016. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening. Today, the National Aquarium builds on a 36-year history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Welfare and Science teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR(a)aqua.org. https://recruiting.ultipro.com/NAT1020NAQUA/JobBoard/807a3c85-8038-7ec5-5c5… KATE SHAFFER Rehabilitation Manager 410-986-2378 410-986-2362 KShaffer(a)aqua.org aqua.org We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. National Aquarium 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Aquarium) 111 Market Pl, STE 800, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Office) Please consider our ocean planet before printing. [NAISIG1]

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Microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators
by Nelms, Sarah 23 Feb '18

23 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our new open-access publication; Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749117343294 Sarah E. Nelms, Tamara S. Galloway, Brendan J. Godley, Dan S. Jarvis, Penelope K. Lindeque Abstract Microplastics are highly bioavailable to marine organisms, either through direct ingestion, or indirectly by trophic transfer from contaminated prey. The latter has been observed for low-trophic level organisms in laboratory conditions, yet empirical evidence in high trophic-level taxa is lacking. In natura studies face difficulties when dealing with contamination and differentiating between directly and indirectly ingested microplastics. The ethical constraints of subjecting large organisms, such as marine mammals, to laboratory investigations hinder the resolution of these limitations. Here, these issues were resolved by analysing sub-samples of scat from captive grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and whole digestive tracts of the wild-caught Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) they are fed upon. An enzymatic digestion protocol was employed to remove excess organic material and facilitate visual detection of synthetic particles without damaging them. Polymer type was confirmed using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Extensive contamination control measures were implemented throughout. Approximately half of scat subsamples (48%; n = 15) and a third of fish (32%; n = 10) contained 1–4 microplastics. Particles were mainly black, clear, red and blue in colour. Mean lengths were 1.5 mm and 2 mm in scats and fish respectively. Ethylene propylene was the most frequently detected polymer type in both. Our findings suggest trophic transfer represents an indirect, yet potentially major, pathway of microplastic ingestion for any species whose feeding ecology involves the consumption of whole prey, including humans. Best wishes Sarah Sarah Nelms PhD Researcher Plymouth Marine Laboratory Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth. PL1 3DH, UK. 01752 633 416 www.pml.ac.uk<http://www.pml.ac.uk/> University of Exeter Biosciences http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/postgradresearch/index.php?web_id=S_N… Twitter: @SarahENelms

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New paper - association patterns of bottlenose dolphins in Argentina
by Els Vermeulen 22 Feb '18

22 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to inform you on the publication of my new paper on the association patterns of bottlenose dolphins in Argentina. Ref: Vermeulen, E. 2018. Association patterns of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops* *truncatus*) in Bahıa San Antonio, Argentina. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12481 Abstract: This study aims to investigate the association patterns of a small and resident population of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Bahıa San Antonio (Argentina), and assess any seasonal variation in view of the reported seasonal variation in the population’s grouping behavior. The estimation of social differentiation (S) was 0.29 (SE 5 0.08), suggesting a homogenous society. The half-weight index (HWI) averaged 0.23 (6 0.06), with evidence of long-term preferred associations. However, data showed seasonal variation in the association patterns. In winter, when large groups were reported in this population, HWI values averaged 0.30 (6 0.09) with no indication of preferred or avoided associations. However, during summer, when group size was generally small, HWI values averaged 0.14 (6 0.07), with an indication of preferred/avoided associations. This study indicates that the social structure of the bottlenose dolphins in Bahıa San Antonio seems relatively homogenous and flexible over time, with the formation of a random social network at times when large aggregations are formed, and a more disconnected network made up of strongly connected components when the cost of grouping is high. The paper is available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12481/full or upon request at elsvermeulen5(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Els ------------------------------------- Els Vermeulen, PhD Research Manager and Post-doctoral research fellow Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria, South Africa Co-founding director Whalefish -www.whalefish.org PI Sea Search - www.seasearch.co.za Cell: +27 (0)60 9714301

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New paper: Acoustic interactions between singing humpback whales
by Danielle Cholewiak 22 Feb '18

22 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Cholewiak DC, Cerchio S, Jacobsen JK, Urban J, Clark CW. 2018. Songbird dynamics under the sea: acoustic interactions between humpback whales suggest song mediates male interactions Abstract: The function of song has been well studied in numerous taxa and plays a role in mediating both intersexual and intrasexual interactions. Humpback whales are among few mammals who sing, but the role of sexual selection on song in this species is poorly understood. While one predominant hypothesis is that song mediates male–male interactions, the mechanism by which this may occur has never been explored. We applied metrics typically used to assess songbird interactions to examine song sequences and movement patterns of humpback whale singers. We found that males altered their song presentation in the presence of other singers; focal males increased the rate at which they switched between phrase types (*p* = 0.005), and tended to increase the overall evenness of their song presentation (*p* = 0.06) after a second male began singing. Two-singer dyads overlapped their song sequences significantly more than expected by chance. Spatial analyses revealed that change in distance between singers was related to whether both males kept singing (*p* = 0.012), with close approaches leading to song cessation. Overall, acoustic interactions resemble known mechanisms of mediating intrasexual interactions in songbirds. Future work should focus on more precisely resolving how changes in song presentation may be used in competition between singing males. This paper is open-access and is available here: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/2/171298 Sincerely, Danielle Cholewiak ________________________________________ Danielle Cholewiak, Ph.D. Passive Acoustic Research Group / Protected Species Branch NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Tel: (508) 495-2010 Fax: (508) 495-2066 http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/acoustics/index.html

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ECS Early Registration EXTENDED
by Rebecca Boys 22 Feb '18

22 Feb '18

Dear Marmamers, The early registration for the European Cetacean Society conference in La Spezia, Italy in April has been extended until Friday 2nd March! You can find further information about the conference and register here: http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/32nd-annual-conference-italy We look forward to seeing you all in April! Rebecca Boys ECS Student Representative Marine Biologist at IMAR - Dept. Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores

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