February 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on conservation genetics of Australian humpback dolphins
by Guido Parra Vergara 21 Feb '18

21 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Biological Conservation: Parra, G.J., Cagnazzi, D., Jedensjö, M., Ackermann, C., Frere, C., Seddon, J., Nikolic, N., Krützen, M., 2018. Low genetic diversity, limited gene flow and widespread genetic bottleneck effects in a threatened dolphin species, the Australian humpback dolphin. Biological Conservation 220, 192-200. The paper is available online for free for the next 50 days (or you can get it anytime by contacting me) on the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1WbdM1R~e740L Abstract Numerous species of marine megafauna are at risk of extinction and understanding their genetic population structure and demographic history is essential for their conservation. We used mitochondrial DNA and 18 nuclear microsatellite loci, on the largest genetic dataset compiled to date on Australian humpback dolphins (eight sampling sites, 159 samples), to assess their genetic diversity, gene flow and past demographic history along the east coast of Queensland, Australia. Levels of genetic diversity were low (mtDNA: h = 0-0.52, π = 0-0.007; nDNA: Ho = 0.27–0.41; AR = 1.7–2.4). Both mitochondrial (ΦST = 0.49, P = 0.001) and nuclear markers (FST = 0.14, P = 0.001) showed strong genetic structure among sampling sites. Four putative populations were identified, with little contemporary gene flow (m = 0.017 to 0.047) among populations. Genetic divergence follows an isolation-by-distance model (r = 0.38, P = 0.0001), with an apparent restriction in gene flow occurring at scales of 382-509 km. Estimates of contemporary effective population size were low (Ne = 11.5-31.2), with signatures of genetic bottlenecks for all putative populations about 50-150 generations ago. The current low levels of genetic diversity, gene flow, and effective population size in Australian humpback dolphins indicate the effects of historical population bottlenecks and/or founder events during the late Holocene period (~ 1250-3750 years ago); probably associated with sea level fall and increased intensity of El Niño Southern Oscillation -climatic events. Our results raise important conservation concerns and emphasizes the vulnerability of Australian humpback dolphins to stochastic demographic, genetic and environmental processes. Conservation strategies should focus on promoting connectivity among local populations and reducing direct causes of human-related mortality. All the best, Guido J. Parra (on behalf of all authors) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Senior Lecturer | College of Science and Engineering Research leader | Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Staff: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra Lab: www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> Flinders University Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042 SA, Adelaide GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia Tel: +61 8 8201 3565|email: guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please consider the environment before printing this email

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New North Pacific right whale 5yr status review available
by Verena Gill - NOAA Federal 21 Feb '18

21 Feb '18

Please go to; https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/2018nprw5yr-review.pdf to download a copy of the new North Pacific right whale 5-yr status review. Verena. <o<<o<<o<<o<<o<<o<<o<<o<<o< Verena A. Gill Marine Mammal Specialist NOAA Fisheries 222 W. 7th Ave, Rm 552 Anchorage, AK 99513 907-271-1937[image: ]

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Multi-disciplinary approach to reveal humpback whale Southern Ocean feeding grounds
by Rochelle Constantine 21 Feb '18

21 Feb '18

Hi We have just published a paper on the humpback whales migrating from multiple Oceania breeding grounds, past the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand down to their feeding grounds spanning ~4,500km of Southern Ocean. Riekkola et al. 2018. Application of a multi-disciplinary approach to reveal population structure and Southern Ocean feeding grounds of humpback whales. Ecological Indicators, 89: 455-465 You can download the paper from this link and the abstract is below: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1WbNE,XRNLZ13c If you have any questions email me at: r.constantine(a)auckland.ac.nz Happy reading Rochelle (on behalf of all authors) Rochelle Constantine, Ph.D. School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Auckland New Zealand Abstract Obtaining direct measurements to characterise ecosystem function can be hindered by remote or inaccessible regions. Next-generation satellite tags that inform increasingly sophisticated movement models, and the miniaturisation of animal-borne loggers, have enabled the use of animals as tools to collect habitat data in remote environments, such as the Southern Ocean. Research on the distribution, habitat use and recovery of Oceania's humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) has been constrained by the inaccessibility to their Antarctic feeding grounds and the limitations of technology. In this multi-disciplinary study, we combine innovative analytical tools to comprehensively assess the distribution and population structure of this marine predator throughout their entire migratory range. We used genotype and photo-identification matches and conducted a genetic mixed-stock analysis to identify the breeding ground origins of humpback whales migrating past the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. Satellite tracking data and a state-space model were then used to identify the migratory paths and behaviour of 18 whales, and to reveal their Antarctic feeding ground destinations. Additionally, we conducted progesterone assays and epigenetic aging to determine the pregnancy rate and age-profile of the population. Humpback whales passing the Kermadec Islands did not assign to a single breeding ground origin, but instead came from a range of breeding grounds spanning ?3500?km of ocean. Sampled whales ranged from calves to adults of up to 67?years of age, and a pregnancy rate of 57% was estimated from 30 adult females. The whales migrated to the Southern Ocean (straight-line distances of up to 7000?km) and spanned ?4500?km across their Antarctic feeding grounds. All fully tracked females with a dependent calf (n?=?4) migrated to the Ross Sea region, while 70% of adults without calves (n?=?7) travelled further east to the Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas region. By combining multiple research and analytical tools we obtained a comprehensive understanding of this wide-ranging, remote population of whales. Our results indicate a population recovering from exploitation, and their feeding ground distribution serves as an indicator of the resources available in these environments. The unexpected Kermadec Islands migratory bottle-neck of whales from several breeding grounds, variable distribution patterns by life history stage and high pregnancy rates will be important in informing conservation and management planning, and for understanding how this, as well as other whale populations, might respond to emerging threats such as climate change.

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New Publication: Not just fat: investigating the proteome of cetacean blubber tissue
by Joanna Kershaw 21 Feb '18

21 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our new open-access publication: Kershaw, J. L. Botting, C. H. Brownlow, A. Hall, A. J. 2018 Not just fat: investigating the proteome of cetacean blubber tissue. Conservation Physiology. 6: 1. Abstract: Mammalian adipose tissue is increasingly being recognized as an endocrine organ involved in the regulation of a number of metabolic processes and pathways. It responds to signals from different hormone systems and the central nervous system, and expresses a variety of protein factors with important paracrine and endocrine functions. This study presents a first step towards the systematic analysis of the protein content of cetacean adipose tissue, the blubber, in order to investigate the kinds of proteins present and their relative abundance. Full depth blubber subsamples were collected from dead-stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) (n = 21). Three total protein extraction methods were trialled, and the highest total protein yields with the lowest extraction variability were achieved using a RIPA cell lysis and extraction buffer based protocol. Extracted proteins were separated using 1D Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and identified using nanoflow Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization in tandem with Mass Spectrometry (nLC-ESI–MS/MS). A range of proteins were identified (n = 295) and classed into eight functional groups, the most abundant of which were involved in cell function and metabolism (45%), immune response and inflammation (15%) and lipid metabolism (11%). These proteins likely originate both from the various cell types within the blubber tissue itself, and from the circulation. They therefore have the potential to capture information on the cellular and physiological stresses experienced by individuals at the time of sampling. The importance of this proteomic approach is two-fold: Firstly, it could help to assign novel functions to marine mammal blubber in keeping with current understanding of the multi-functional role of adipose tissue in other mammals. Secondly, it could lead to the development of a suite of biomarkers to better monitor the physiological state and health of live individuals though remote blubber biopsy sampling. The full paper can be found at : https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/6/1/coy003/4865892 Best wishes, Joanna Kershaw -- Joanna Kershaw Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews KY16 8LB Twitter: @_SMRU_ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Internship and Volunteer Positions at Ocean Park, Hong Kong
by Eszter Matrai 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Internship and Volunteer Positions Available at Ocean Park, Hong Kong Get involved in Hong Kong’s longest running ex-situ research program, be part of our international team of students and scientists and experience what it takes to work in the research field! Full-time and part-time unpaid internship and volunteer positions are currently being offered by the Acoustic Research Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute of the National University of Singapore in collaboration with Ocean Park Hong Kong. For the last 12 years the Acoustic Research Laboratory has been conducting studies on the cognitive and sensory capabilities of bottlenose dolphins living at Ocean Park with a focus on echolocation and underwater acoustics. Interns and volunteers receive intensive hands-on experience by participating in all aspects of the ongoing research and laboratory activities, including assistance in the daily research sessions with the dolphins, data processing and analysis, and also assisting with the projects administrative and maintenance requirements. Our Internship program provides an intensive, full time (5 days/week) research experience. Our students have a chance to closely follow the day-to-day progress of the ongoing projects and to gain deeper understanding of experimental design and execution. This position is ideal for graduate students and candidates that are looking for comprehensive internship experience. The proposed period for interns is minimum of three months. Volunteers join our team on a weekly basis (1-3 days/week). They gain valuable insight to daily operation of the research program and able to follow the progress of the experiments throughout an extended period of time. It is an ideal position for students that are currently studying or candidates with part time jobs looking to get experience on the research field. The time of the volunteer period is flexible, depending on the volunteer’s weekly schedule and the level of involvement. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: ¥ Have at least 2 years of university experience ¥ Have a positive attitude and obtain a strong willingness to learn ¥ Good oral/written communication skills in English ¥ Basic computer knowledge ¥ Must be able to maintain a high energy level throughout the workday ¥ Must be able to work unpaid ¥ Must be responsible for food, accommodation and transportation ¥ Past experience with animals preferred, but not required ¥ Successful visa application to HKSAR (this applies for International applicants only) International applicants must apply for a training visa to Hong Kong (for details please contact us). TO APPLY PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING: • Statement of Interest • Period of availability • Academic records • Letters of reference • Curriculum Vitae Please send applications to eszter.matrai(a)oceanpark.com.hk with "Dolphin Research Internship" in the subject line. Eszter Matrai MSc Researcher Research Department Ocean Park Corporation Aberdeen, Hong Kong

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New publication - Humpback whale group density
by Heloíse Pavanato 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science: Heloise J. Pavanato, Fernando P. Mayer, Leonardo L. Wedekin, Márcia H. Engel, Paul G. Kinas. 2018. Prediction of humpback whale group densities along the Brazilian coast using spatial autoregressive models. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12492 Abstract: At the breeding grounds of most baleen whales the patchiness and gaps in spatial distribution results from interactions between behavior patterns and environmental conditions. We evaluated the influence of environmental factors (bathymetry and distance from shore with quadratic terms, and wind speed), effort, and spatial autocorrelation effects to predict humpback whale group density in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. Count data of groups by grid cells were fitted with conditional autoregressive models (CAR). Bayesian inference was performed via integrated nested Laplace approximation. The best-fit model contained distance from shore and its quadratic term, bathymetry, and the autoregressive component. Occupancy probability was high for the Abrolho s Bank, some cells from the northeast continental shelf and southeast mar gin, but gaps in occurrence were identified. High densities were estimated in the east continental margin, with the highest density in the Abrolhos Ban k, in some cells of the northeast continental margin and in the southernmost area. We report that intermediate distances from the coast, and shallow waters were preferred for breeding and calving activities. We suggest that CAR models may incorporate aggregation mechanisms into habitat modeling and may provide advances in marine mammal analyses by accounting for residual autocorrelation. The article is available online at http://rdcu.be/HnRO <http://em.rdcu.be/wf/click?upn=KP7O1RED-2BlD0F9LDqGVeSOojAYIhsqEAs0q2-2FRLB…> Alternatively, email me to request a pdf copy: hpavanato(a)maths.otago.ac.nz Kind regards, Heloise.

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Aquarium of the Pacific Photo ID Internship job post
by James Stewart 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

The purpose of the photo ID intern position is to give candidates experience in the process of collecting sighting photos and data in the field and preparing that material for later research. Photo ID interns will be collecting data on various cetaceans (dolphins, blue whales, humpbacks, fin whales, gray whales, etc.) while on whale watches. Primary responsibilities of the position include but are not limited, to handling photography equipment, participating in whale watches in various weather conditions, uploading photos and data to our database, and processing photos and sighting data for further utilization. Commitment: 240 hours total, average 15-20 hours per week for 12-15 weeks Interns will receive training and experience in the following -Learning the methods of wildlife observation and data collection in the field -Using DSLR photography equipment -Taking dorsal and caudal fin photos of animals encountered during daily whale watches -Maintaining detailed data logs of sightings -Create a project to display to Aquarium guests using whale data -Photo processing with Adobe Lightroom and data entry with Microsoft Access What the Aquarium of the Pacific expects from interns -The drive and ability to learn tasks quickly and well -To perform all of their assigned duties promptly and reliably -To be prompt and on time -To exercise care and judgment when working on a boat -To abide by all Aquarium of the Pacific staff guidelines and policies -The ability to meet the minimum time commitments of the position Qualifications -Must be 18 years of age or older -Completed and pass a background check Skills, Knowledge and Abilities -Basic knowledge of ecological and biological principles -Some background knowledge of marine mammals -Strong communication skills to transmit information to staff, visitors and whale watch participants in a clear and thorough manner -Ability to manage multiple tasks -Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs on stairs, boats, docks, etc. -Prior experience with DSLR cameras or photo software is preferred but not required Requirements -Must complete general orientation session and data collection training -Research project completed during internship period (to be determined by student in collaboration with program coordinator) James Stewart Education Coordinator of Boat Programs Aquarium of the Pacific jstewart(a)lbaop.org<mailto:jstewart@lbaop.org> 562-951-1651

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Fall 2018 Internship Opportunities in Conjunction with Semester by the Bay
by K Frost 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Hands-On, Interactive Undergraduate Marine Biology, Ecology and Environmental Studies Program and Internships available for this Fall Semester at UAA-KBC in Homer, Alaska The *Semester by the Bay* program is accepting applications of interest for undergraduate students interested in studying marine mammals, marine biology, ecology, and environmental sciences this fall semester, August 27-December 15, 2018, in the beautiful seaside town of Homer, Alaska. Our courses (e.g., Marine Mammal Biology, Marine Biology, Ichthyology, etc.) offer students numerous unique experiential learning opportunities in the lab and field, such as the behavioral ecology of beluga whales, sea otters, Steller sea lions and harbor seals; acoustics of harbor porpoises; marine mammal skeletal articulation ; seining, identification and articulation of estuarine and marine fishes; behavior of seabirds at island rookeries. Additionally, most students participate in community-based *internships *and/or service-learning volunteer opportunities with governmental or non-governmental researchers while studying with us at the Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College - University of Alaska Anchorage. KPC offers *in-state tuition* for all US students, and many internships include free or significantly reduced housing with our internship community-partner agencies (USFWS, NOAA, KBNERR, AMNWR, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies; Alaska SeaLife Center). Please see www.semesterbythebay.org for more details. -- Kim Frost Student and Enrollment Services Coordinator Kachemak Bay Campus/KPC/UAA Strengths: Context-Individualization-Intellection-Learner-Responsibility [image: Description: Description: facebook_log.jpg] <https://www.facebook.com/Kachemakbaycampus> This message is intended for the sole use of the individual to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose, or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this item in error, please notify the original sender and destroy this item, along with any attachments.

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New paper: Anecdotal information on dolphin-fisheries interactions based on empirical knowledge of fishers in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea
by Androniki Pardalou 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Dear MARMAM community, We are delighted to announce the publication of our paper in *Ethics In Science And Environmental Politics* Pardalou A, Tsikliras AC (2018) Anecdotal information on dolphin-fisheries interactions based on empirical knowledge of fishers in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. Ethics Sci Environ Polit 18:1-8 doi:10.3354/esep00179 Abstract Anecdotal information provided by local fishers is an invaluable tool in the study of marine mammal−fisheries interactions. This paper summarizes empirical and anecdotal information voluntarily provided by fishers during a survey monitoring the damage to coastal fisheries caused by dolphins. We visited 23 fishing harbours along the northern Aegean Sea coastline and monitored the fishing gear of 113 coastal fishers in order to identify the damage caused by dolphins. While we were monitoring the damage, the fishers voluntarily shared their general views on marine mammals and fisheries interactions, which were recorded and are presented here. The majority of fishers indicated that fishing gear, mesh size, depth and target species were important factors that determine depredation frequency and gear damage, whereas soaking time, time of day and season were not considered crucial. These findings provide useful insight in the study of dolphin−fishery interactions, especially for data-poor areas such as the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. The empirical knowledge of the fishers and their views is also important from an ethical perspective because, historically, dolphins in the Mediterranean had been culled and hunted for bounties for many years; even today, occasional deliberate dolphin killings are still recorded. Such information is required in the design of any management strategy that aims to minimize the conflicts with dolphins, thus preserving the fishers’ livelihood. The paper is open access and freely available at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/esep2018/18/e018p001.pdf Androniki Pardalou PhD student, Fisheries Biology Laboratory of Ichthyology Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece

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New Publication: Estimating common dolphin bycatch in the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores
by Maria João Cruz 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Cruz MJ, Machete M, Menezes G, Rogan E , Silva MA. 2018. Estimating common dolphin bycatch in the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores. PeerJ 6:e4285; DOI 10.7717/peerj.4285 Small-scale artisanal fisheries can have a significant negative impact in cetacean populations. Cetacean bycatch has been documented in the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores with common dolphins being the species more frequently taken. Based on data collected by observers on ∼50% of vessels operating from 1998 to 2012, we investigate the influence of various environmental and fisheries-related factors in common dolphin bycatch and calculate fleet-wide estimates of total bycatch using design-based and model-based methods. Over the 15-year study dolphin bycatch occurred in less than 0.4% of the observed fishing events. Generalized additive modelling results suggest a significant relationship between common dolphin bycatch and duration of fishing events, sea surface temperature and location. Total bycatch calculated from the traditional stratified ratio estimation approach was 196 (95% CI: 186–205), while the negative binomial GAM estimated 262 (95% CI: 249–274) dolphins. Bycatch estimates of common dolphin were similar using statistical approaches suggesting that either of these methods may be used in future bycatch assessments for this fishery. Our work shows that rates of common dolphin bycatch in the pole-and-line tuna fishery in the Azores are low, despite considerable variations between years. Dolphins caught were released alive although the fate of these individuals is unknown. Continued monitoring will provide a better understanding of dolphin bycatch and more accurate estimates essential in the development of potential mitigation measures. The paper is available in open access at: https://peerj.com/articles/4285/ Best regards, Maria João Cruz Department of Oceanography and Fisheries (DOP) MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre IMAR-Centre of the Institute of Marine Research University of the Azores 9901-862 Horta, Portugal Email: m.joao83(a)gmail.com Phone: (+351) 292 200 400 Fax: (+351) 292 200 411

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