April 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Doctoral position - Nutritional dynamics of food webs supporting the Southern Resident Killer Whale
by Thornton, Sheila 26 Apr '18

26 Apr '18

Doctoral position on food webs supporting the Southern Resident Killer Whale University of British Columbia - Department of Earth Oceans & Atmospheric Sciences and the Institute for the Oceans & Fisheries An outstanding doctoral candidate is sought to resolve the pathways and nutritional dynamics of food webs supporting the Southern Resident Killer Whale population in coastal British Columbia. The Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) population is listed as endangered under the Canadian Species at Risk Act. Threats to recovery of this population include contaminants, physical and acoustic disturbance, as well as declines in prey availability and quality. As an apex predator in the Salish Sea, the survival of SRKW is influenced by food web processes that cause fluctuations in the abundance and availability of Chinook salmon, their primary prey species. Declines in Chinook marine survival have reduced the abundance of adult salmon since the 1990s. Their survival has been correlated with the abundance of lipid-rich cold-water zooplankton, which are consumed by juvenile salmon, and support herring and other forage species that are important prey for other Chinook life-stages. The availability of these important zooplankton species have been linked to long-term increases in ocean temperature and extreme events such as the 2014-2015 marine heatwave ("the Blob") and the 2016 El Niño. These and other changes in food web processes may thus be negatively affecting the availability and quality of prey for SRKW. In contrast to SRKW's, the Northern RKW population has increased in size over the last decade. This project will develop a framework for the food webs that support Chinook salmon within SRKW's critical habitat, research small-scale variability in food web dynamics, and provide insight into nutrient and contaminant transfers. Food webs in SRKW habitat will be contrasted with those supporting the NRKW population. This research project will be supported by dedicated trawl and bio-oceanographic surveys conducted in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. In addition, the candidate will be expected to develop a Chinook salmon sampling program in partnership with recreational fishers. Analytical techniques employed will include stable isotopes, fatty acid, energy and contaminant content, and food web modelling. The candidate will work in close collaboration with a fisheries acoustician at the IOF. This project will advance knowledge of regional food web dynamics in British Columbia and dovetail with the International Year of the Salmon. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in biological or fisheries oceanography, or a related discipline, and be competent in field work, the above outlined biogeochemical techniques, as well as quantitative methods. Excellent English written and oral skills as well as strong demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. Fluency in R, Matlab or Python, and previous experience with food web modelling will be beneficial. Innovative approaches to resolving food web dynamics and implications for nutrient transfer are encouraged and should be touched on in the motivation letter. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in project design and implementation as well as strong interpersonal skills (i.e., ability to work efficiently and collaboratively with colleagues and other students). Applicants should submit to Dr. Brian Hunt via email: b.hunt(a)oceans.ubc.ca<mailto:b.hunt@oceans.ubc.ca>: · a curriculum vitae; · copies of academic transcripts; · reprints of published papers; · a letter of motivation; and · the names and contact details of three references. Start date: September 2018 A fellowship of $25k per year for four years will be provided. Additional support is available through Teaching Assistantships and departmental scholarships. The position will be conditional on the chosen candidate's successful acceptance into the doctoral program at the Department of Earth Oceans and Atmospheric Sciences at UBC's Vancouver campus. Equity and diversity are essential for academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nations, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Sheila J. Thornton, Ph.D Research Scientist, Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD), Science Branch Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Government of Canada Sheila.Thornton(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:Sheila.Thornton@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> / Tel: 604-364-5917 Scientifique de recherches, Division des sciences de l'écosystème, Sciences Pêches et Océans Canada / Gouvernement du Canada Sheila.Thornton(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:Sheila.Thornton@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> / Tel: 604-364-5917

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New paper on spinner dolphins' responses to human activities
by Maddalena Fumagalli 26 Apr '18

26 Apr '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Maddalena Fumagalli, Amina Cesario, Marina Costa, John Harraway, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Elisabeth Slooten (2018). Behavioural responses of spinner dolphins to human interactions. Royal Society Open Science 5: 172044. Abstract - There is increasing evidence that whale and dolphin watching activities have detrimental effects on targeted cetacean populations. In Egypt, spinner dolphins regularly occur in the resting areas of Samadai, Satayah and Qubbat’Isa reefs. In-water human interactions with dolphins are regulated with a time-area closure system at Samadai, unregulated at Satayah and non-existent at Qubbat’Isa. This provided an ideal experimental setting to advance our understanding of the effects of tourism on a species highly sensitive to disturbances. Our study confirmed that the intensity and duration of interactions, and therefore, dolphin exposure to tourism, differed among the study sites. Compared with the Qubbat’Isa control site, behavioural reactions to boats and swimmers at the two tourism sites suggested that dolphin rest was disrupted, especially around the middle of the day and especially at Satayah, where dolphin tourism is unregulated. Our results indicate also that the dolphin protection measures at Samadai reduce the level of disturbance. We recommend that similar measures be implemented at other dolphin tourism locations, and that no new operations be initiated until the longterm impacts on dolphin populations are better understood. Our experience emphasizes the need to adopt precautionary approaches in research and management of whale and dolphin watching. The paper can be found at http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/4/172044 <http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/4/172044> (open access) Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any question regarding our work. Sincerely, Maddalena Fumagalli

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IFAW Fall Marine Mammal Stranding Internships
by Patchett, Kristen 26 Apr '18

26 Apr '18

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is currently accepting applications for Fall Marine Mammal Stranding Internships. IFAW is an international non-profit organization. This internship is based out of our International Operations Center in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, USA. IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue and Research program is a federally authorized program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts. Our division's mission is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public awareness through education. Cape Cod is a marine mammal stranding "hot spot," with an average of over 240 stranding events occurring each year. These stranding events include live and dead seals, whales, porpoises, and dolphins. Interns are cross-trained in all aspects of the program but are assigned to a focus area of either necropsy or response. Qualifying, returning interns may apply for the veterinary assistant internship as well. Interns must be at least 18 years old, must possess a valid driver's license and secure reliable transportation, be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or have graduated within 2 years, must be of good physical fitness, able to lift/carry 40lbs, walk long distances in difficult terrain, be comfortable on small boats in nearshore waters, able to swim, and work in harsh weather conditions. Interns must be able to commit to a minimum 3 days a week for the duration of the internship session. Schedules will include at least 1 weekend day and may include holidays. Fall Session 2018 (September 5, 2018 - mid January 2019) Complete Applications due June 1, 2018 * Cover letter, resume', and contact information for 3 references. For more information / To apply Click on or copy into your browser: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/INT1059IFFA/JobBoard/17b588a3-808b-4bc9-aea8… Fall intern orientation will be held September 5, 6, and 7, 2018. Accepted interns are required to attend all 3 days of training. Kristen Patchett | Stranding Coordinator Marine Mammal Rescue and Research ___________________________________________________________ IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare International Operations Center 290 Summer Street - Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 tel. 1.508.744.2171 email. kpatchett(a)ifaw.org<mailto:kpatchett@ifaw.org> Saving Animals in Crisis Around the World www.ifaw.org<http://www.ifaw.org/> The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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Cetacean Welfare Research Internship Opportunity
by Lauderdale, Lisa 25 Apr '18

25 Apr '18

Title: Cetacean Welfare Research Intern at Brookfield Zoo Opened in 1934, Brookfield Zoo is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Chicago Zoological Society is committed to developing people’s capacities and competencies, serving as a mentor and trainer, providing experiential learning opportunities to individuals seeking to understand, develop, and establish careers in the fields of zoology and conservation. In fulfilling this role, the Society has a long-standing Internship Program that has been recognized as one of the top programs for college students in the country. The program, established in 1975, was one of the first in the nation to allow students pursuing careers in animal care the opportunity to work side by side with professional zookeepers, learning the skills and techniques necessary to manage exotic zoo animals. Since that time, the Internship Program, now called the College Experiential Learning Opportunities program, has evolved to include internships and research opportunities in a variety of areas and fields. Position Description: This 4-month, part-time placement provides hands-on experience working with the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Welfare Research Department at Brookfield Zoo. Intern will participate in the multi-institutional Cetacean Welfare Study and will work with the Animal Welfare Post-Doctoral Fellow on techniques necessary to conduct behavioral and physiological research within a zoological setting focused on specific aspects of animal welfare. Intern will have hands-on experience with all aspects of coding behavioral videos and processing biological samples. Desirable qualifications: Applicants who have demonstrated experience with research in lab, field or other setting. Coursework in research skills, biology, animal behavior, ecology or related subjects. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus. Term of Appointment: 4 months (August 2018 – November 2018); approximately 24 hr./week Salary/funding: This is an unpaid position. Application Deadline: April 30 For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.czs.org/interns -- Lisa Lauderdale, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA Email: lisa.lauderdale(a)czs.org

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request for short acoustic files for undergraduate coursework
by Laura Kloepper 25 Apr '18

25 Apr '18

Dear Colleagues, I teach classes on bioacoustics to undergraduates, and am in need of some full-spectrum odontocete echolocation calls for use in the classroom. Specifically, I am looking for recordings from *Feresa, Globicephala, Orcinus, Delphinapterus, Monodon, Phocoena, Kogia, Physeter,* and beaked whales. These recordings don't need to be long--even just a few seconds would suffice--but they do need to be at a sample rate sufficient to look at spectral variation among calls. Would any of you MARMAMers be able to help us out? We will not publish or present any of these recordings--they will be kept within house at our college. If so, please email me at laurakloepper(a)gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your help. Cheers, Dr. Laura Kloepper Assistant Professor Department of Biology Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, IN 46556 lkloepper(a)saintmarys.edu 574-284-4668 @ProfLKloepper laurakloepper.net <http://laurakloepper.net/> Lab Webpage: smcbellebats.wordpress.com @smcbellebats

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A new hypothesis how stress may alter physiology and diving related trauma
by Andreas 25 Apr '18

25 Apr '18

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recently published article: García-Párraga, D., Moore, M. and Fahlman, A. (2018). Pulmonary ventilation– perfusion mismatch: a novel hypothesis for how diving vertebrates may avoid the bends. Proceedings Royal Society B 285: p. 20180482-2018048. This article is open access and copies can be downloaded at: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/285/1877/20180482 <http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/285/1877/20180482> For further information, please contact afahlman(a)whoi.edu. SHORT-SYNOPSIS How some marine mammals and turtles can repeatedly dive as deep and long as they do has perplexed scientists for a very long time. This review opens a new window through which we can take a new perspective on the question ABSTRACT Hydrostatic lung compression in diving marine mammals, with collapsing alveoli blocking gas exchange at depth, has been the main theoretical basis for limiting N2 uptake and avoiding gas emboli as they ascend. However, studies of beached and bycaught cetaceans and sea turtles imply that air breathing marine vertebrates may, under unusual circumstances, develop gas emboli that result in decompression sickness (DCS) symptoms. Theoretical modeling of tissue and blood gas dynamics of breath-hold divers suggests that changes in perfusion and blood flow distribution may also play a significant role. The results from the modeling work suggest that our current understanding of diving physiology in many species is poor, as the models predict blood and tissue N2 levels that would result in severe DCS severe symptoms (chokes, paralysis and death) in a large fraction of natural dive profiles. In this review, we combine published results from marine mammals and turtles to propose alternative mechanisms for how marine vertebrates control gas exchange in the lung, through management of the pulmonary distribution of alveolar ventilation (V) and cardiac output/lung perfusion (Q), varying the level of V/Q in different regions of the lung. Man-made disturbances, causing stress, could alter the V/Q mismatch level in the lung, resulting in an abnormally elevated uptake of N2, increasing the risk for gas emboli. Our hypothesis provides avenues for new areas of research, offers an explanation for how sonar exposure may alter physiology causing gas emboli, and provides a new mechanism for how marine vertebrates usually avoid the diving related problems observed in human divers.

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Southern African Internships_2018
by Namibian Dolphin Project 25 Apr '18

25 Apr '18

Sea Search Research and Conservation is an organization run by several independent scientists based in southern Africa. We are running research internships later in 2018 and would like to invite students enrolled in marine biology, ecology and zoology degrees to attend. We have a variety of internships available in Cape Town, South Africa and Walvis Bay, Namibia. The internships are research focused with an emphasis on learning field skills used in cetacean research such as photo-identification and behavioural data collection, as well as data management and team work. There is a fee associated with the internships. More information can be found on the Namibian Dolphin Project (in Namibia) and our umbrella organisation Sea Search Research and Conservation (in South Africa) by following these links (www.namibiandolphinproject.org, www.seasearch.co.za) If you are interested in joining our research team for one of these projects please send a letter of motivation and your CV in an email with the subject Southern African Internships_2018 to nam.dolphin.edu(a)gmail.com. Please also indicated the time period you are available and if you are interested in the Namibian or South African internship.

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Drone Academy Open for Enrollment
by Heidi Malizia 24 Apr '18

24 Apr '18

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New publication on PBDEs in sperm whales
by Annalisa Zaccaroni 24 Apr '18

24 Apr '18

It is with great pleasure that my co-authors and I would like to share our most recent publication in SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT: A. Zaccaroni, R. Andreini, S. Franzellitti, D. Barceló, E. Eljarrat (2018). Halogenated flame retardants in stranded sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) from the Mediterranean Sea. Science of the Total Environment Volume 635, 1 September 2018, Pages 892–900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.147 Abstract: In recent years, decline of marine mammals' populations and increased frequency of strandings have arised the interest on the role that pollution may have in these events. The present work aimed at quantifying levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and dechloranes (DECs) in tissues of 3 adult females and one foetus of sperm whales stranded in the Southern Adriatic Sea coasts (Italy). Results proved the presence of different flame retardants (FRs) in tissues of sperm whales, including various polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) congeners (47, 99, 100, 154, entering the composition of PentaBDE mixture), hexabromocyclodecanes (HBCDs), Dec 602 and methoxylated polibrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-BDEs). In blubber, a target tissue for contaminant accumulation, ΣPBDEs reached values of 160, 158 and 183 ng/g lw, α-HBCD of 5.75 ng/g lw, Dec 602 of 1632 ng/g lw and MeO-BDEs of 563 ng/g lw. The availability of foetal tissues allowed evaluating the potential maternal transfer on many of these compounds, and to discuss the potential adverse effects on foetal health. To the best of our knowledge, obtained data are the first reporting placental transfer of FRs in sperm whales. PBDE levels detected in foetus suggested a potentially long-term exposure to BFRs, which could cause severe damages to the developing organism, likely at the cerebral, endocrine and immunologic levels. Dec 602, which was detected at the highest concentrations among all FRs considered, could potentially cause dysfunctional effects on the immune system of adult females. Full text and PDF files can be downloaded here https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1Wxa5B8ccgZ2N Alternatively, please send PDF requests to annalisa.zaccaroni(a)unibo.it<mailto:annalisa.zaccaroni@unibo.it>. All the best, Dr. Annalisa Zaccaroni Dept. Veterinary Medical Sciences University of Bologna Viale Vespucci 2 Cesenatico (FC) 47042 tel. +39 0547 338944 mobile +39 347 5951709 annalisa.zaccaroni(a)unibo.it<mailto:annalisa.zaccaroni@unibo.it> www.marlaboratory.org<http://www.marlaboratory.org>

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Ship strikes and the IWC
by simo.pani＠inwind.it 24 Apr '18

24 Apr '18

Dear Marmam friends and colleagues, with this message we would like to provide our yearly update on the issue of ship strikes (collisions between ships and cetaceans) and at the same time enquire about your knowledge of incidents. Also, and most importantly, we want to remind everybody about the global IWC ship strike database. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is addressing the problem of ship strikes since many years and has taken a leading role in this issue (seehttp://iwc.int/ship-strikes) It's Scientific Committee (SC) considers methods of estimating the number of whales killed from ship strikes; it is also fostering the dialogue between researchers, authorities and the shipping industry and thus takes part in developing mitigation measures. The Conservation Committee (CC) has established a dedicated Ship Strikes Working Group to develop a policy framework for mitigation of ship strike events and to co-ordinate work between member governments. Both SC and CC provide a forum to report ship strike cases, and the measures being taken within countries to reduce and record incidences of ship strikes. The IWC is also working in conjunction with other international bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as well as with shipping associations, NGOs and regional groups. The IWC has developed a global database to report collisions between vessels and whales. The database is open for anyone to submit data on collision events, including both information on whales (e.g., species, size, observed injuries, etc.) as well as on vessels. The objectives of the database are to deliver estimates of mortality and injuries, to help detect trends over time, to allow better modeling of risk factors (e.g., vessel type, speed, size), and to identify high risk or unsuspected problem areas. The database provides an on-going facility for collecting new information, and most importantly, it relies on scientists and mariners providing information. Therefore, any report of a ship strike is particularly important. With this communication, we are looking for new records and would like to invite any of you with information regarding collision cases or evidence of animals with clear sign of ship strike to compile the online database at:https://portal.iwc.int/shipstrike. Such information can come from witness reports you may have heard of, but also from (your own) scientific publications, etc. Please note that the database has recently received a thorough revision and has a complete new design, to make it more user-friendly. We would like to thank you for your cooperation; please do not hesitate to get in touch with us in case you need further information or any assistance. Please visit the IWC ship strike website to find out more at:http://iwc.int/ship-strikes. Simone Panigada -panigada(a)inwind.it mailto:panigada@inwind.it Fabian Ritter -ritter(a)m-e-e-r.de mailto:ritter@m-e-e-r.de IWC ship strikes coordinators

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