May 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New article on early basal fossil mysticete, Llanocetus
by Ewan Fordyce 17 May '18

17 May '18

Dear Marmam readers We report this article which describes and interprets the early basal mysticete Llanocetus from Eocene rocks of Antarctica. ?Fordyce RE, Marx FG 2018. Gigantism precedes filter feeding in baleen whale evolution. Current Biology DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2018.04.027.? Article summary: Baleen whales (Mysticeti) are the largest animals on Earth, thanks to their ability to filter huge volumes of small prey from seawater. Mysticetes appeared during the Late Eocene, but evidence of their early evolution remains both sparse and controversial [1, 2 ], with several models competing to explain the origin of baleen-based bulk feeding [3-6 ]. Here, we describe a virtually complete skull of Llanocetus denticrenatus, the second-oldest (ca. 34 Ma) mysticete known. The new material represents the same individual as the type and only specimen, a fragmentary mandible. Phylogenetic analysis groups Llanocetus with the oldest mysticete, Mystacodon selenensis [2 ], into the basal family Llanocetidae. Llanocetus is gigantic (body length ca. 8 m) compared to other early mysticetes [7-9 ]. The broad rostrum has sharp, widely spaced teeth with marked dental abrasion and attrition, suggesting biting and occlusal shearing. As in extant mysticetes, the palate bears many sulci, commonly interpreted as osteological correlates of baleen [3 ]. Unexpectedly, these sulci converge on the upper alveoli, suggesting a peridental blood supply to well-developed gums, rather than to inter-alveolar racks of baleen. We interpret Llanocetus as a raptorial or suction feeder, revealing that whales evolved gigantism well before the emergence of filter feeding. Rather than driving the origin of mysticetes, baleen and filtering most likely only arose after an initial phase of suction-assisted raptorial feeding [2, 4, 5 ]. This scenario differs strikingly from that proposed for odontocetes, whose defining adaptation-echolocation-was present even in their earliest representatives [10 ]. ? Download here: http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(18)30455-X Regards, felixgmarx(a)gmail.com<mailto:felixgmarx@gmail.com> and ewan.fordyce(a)otago.ac.nz

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IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for PSOs and PAM Operators!
by Mari Smultea 16 May '18

16 May '18

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for PSOs and PAM Operators! Smultea Sciences is looking for certified PAM operators and Protected Species Observers (PSOs) for vessel-based OFF-SHORE WIND projects primarily in the Atlantic but also in other regions. These are W2 positions, so you'll need to be eligible for US employment. (Visas are not an option.) Rotations available throughout the summer and fall are typically 30-45 days. Day rates are DOE and position. * Must provide proof of up-to-date: (1) BOSIET, (2) Physical (3) Negative drug test, (4) Eligibility for US Employment (US Passport or Driver's license and social security card) * Must have prior related experience in the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico * PAM operators must have experience with PAMGuard and deploying/monitoring towed arrays for dolphins and whales. Please email your CV, contact information, 2 references (name, phone number, and position), and a short statement about yourself to HR(a)smulteasciences.com. For additional information about what we do at Smultea Sciences, see www.SmulteaSciences.com and our Facebook page.

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New Book: Dolphin Politics in Shark Bay
by Richard C. Connor 16 May '18

16 May '18

I am pleased to announce that my new book, Dolphin Politics in Shark Bay: A Journey of Discovery, is now available on Amazon (paperback) and may be ordered through bookstores (paper and hardback). In addition to the black and white photos in the text of the paperback, the hardback versions (cloth and case laminate) contain a central spread of 28 color photos. Further, over 50 of the 81 "story sections" in the book are accompanied by captioned movies that can be accessed via the supporting website, www.dapinc.org. The movies will be a nice resource for students and others interested in dolphin behavior. All proceeds from sales of the book go to support dolphin research in Shark Bay. Please encourage your local bookstore to carry Dolphin Politics in Shark Bay: A Journey of Discovery. Richard Connor Professor Biology UMASS Dartmouth

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New Publication on Using Citizen Science for Marine Mammal Research
by Courtney Hann 16 May '18

16 May '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in the International Journal of Geo-Information, special issue "Geoinformatics in Citizen Science": Hann, Courtney H., Lei Lani Stelle, Andrew Szabo, and Leigh G. Torres. 2018. Obstacles and Opportunities of Using a Mobile App for Marine Mammal Research. International Journal of Geo-Information 7(5), 169; doi: 10.3390/ijgi7050169 <http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijgi7050169> Abstract: http://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/7/5/169 HTML Version: http://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/7/5/169/htm PDF Version: http://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/7/5/169/pdf *Abstract:* This study investigates the use of a mobile application, Whale mAPP, as a citizen science tool for collecting marine mammal sighting data. In just over three months, 1261 marine mammal sightings were observed and recorded by 39 citizen scientists in Southeast Alaska. The resulting data, along with a preliminary and post-Whale mAPP questionnaires, were used to evaluate the tool’s scientific, educational, and engagement feasibility. A comparison of Whale mAPP Steller sea lion distribution data to a scientific dataset were comparable (91% overlap) given a high enough sample size (*n* = 73) and dense spatial coverage. In addition, after using Whale mAPP for two weeks, citizen scientists improved their marine mammal identification skills and self-initiated further learning, representing preliminary steps in developing an engaging citizen science project. While the app experienced high initial enthusiasm, maintaining prolonged commitment represents one of the fundamental challenges for this project. Increasing participation with targeted recruitment and sustained communication will help combat the limitations of sample size and spatial coverage. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of early evaluation of the educational and scientific outcomes of a citizen science project, so that limitations are recognized and reduced Have a great day, Courtney Hann

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IMMS Fall 2018 Research Internship
by Jessica Post 15 May '18

15 May '18

The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns may participate in projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-ID research as well as any other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Principle Duties and Requirements Interns must: · Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance · Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. · Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. · Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills · Principle Duties include: data entry, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-ID fin images, learning to use photo-ID programs such as Darwin (fin matching software) and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21' and 31' boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS · Secondary Duties include: assisting animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours · Field Days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this internship program. This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist interns by suggesting suitable housing options and locations. The deadline to apply for the fall session (Aug 6-Oct 26, 2018 or Sept 24-Dec 4, 2018) is June 1, 2018. For application and full details on how to apply please visit our website at https://www.imms.org/internship.php Jessica Post Research Assistant Research Intern Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503

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Species distribution/occupancy modelling using PRESENCE and R (OCCU01)
by Oliver Hooker 15 May '18

15 May '18

Species distribution/occupancy modelling using PRESENCE and R (OCCU01) https://www.prstatistics.com/course/species-distributionoccupancy-modelling… Similar to our other SDM course that will take place in Australia, this SDM course is also highly applicable to people working with marine mammals and will be held a week later in Glasgow before the ISEC conference in St Andrews. Delivered by Dr Darryl MacKenzie form 25th - 29th June 2018 at PR statistics head office, 53 Morrison Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G5 8LB Course Overview: The presence or absence of a species across a set of landscape units is a fundamental concept widely used in ecology (e.g., species range or distribution, epidemiology, habitat modeling, resource selection probability functions, as a monitoring metric, metapopulation studies, biodiversity and species co-occurrence). An important sampling issue, however, is that a species may not always be detected when present at a landscape unit. This will result in “false absences” causing parameter estimates to be biased if unaccounted for, possibly leading to misleading results and conclusions, even with moderate levels of imperfect detection. This workshop will cover many of the latest methods for modeling patterns and dynamics of species occurrence in a landscape while accounting for the imperfect detection of the species. Including: • estimating level of occurrence at single point in time • identifying factors that influence species occurrence • creating species distribution maps • modelling changes in distribution over time • study design Participants will be introduced to available software through worked examples, and there will be special emphasis on aspects of study design. While primarily aimed at the beginner and intermediate level, more experienced researchers will also benefit from attending. The first four days will comprise of formal lectures and exercises, and the final morning will be an informal discussion/consulting session where participants can work on their own data, talk one-on-one with the instructor, etc. If you have any questions please feel free to email oliverhooker(a)prstatistics.com Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 2018 publications - Phenotypic and resource use partitioning amongst sympatric lacustrine brown trout, Salmo trutta. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. DOI 10.1093/biolinnean/bly032 prstatistics.com facebook.com/prstatistics/ twitter.com/PRstatistics groups.google.com/d/forum/pr-statistics-post-course-forum prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/ 6 Hope Park Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9NA -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 2018 publications - Phenotypic and resource use partitioning amongst sympatric lacustrine brown trout, Salmo trutta. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. DOI 10.1093/biolinnean/bly032 prstatistics.com facebook.com/prstatistics/ twitter.com/PRstatistics groups.google.com/d/forum/pr-statistics-post-course-forum prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/ 6 Hope Park Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9NA +44 (0) 7966500340

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New Publication: The Evaluation of Olfaction in Stranded California Sea Lions and Its Relevance to Domoic Acid Toxicosis
by Lauren De Maio 15 May '18

15 May '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following article in Aquatic Mammals: The Evaluation of Olfaction in Stranded California Sea Lions (*Zalophus californianus*) and Its Relevance to Domoic Acid Toxicosis Lauren M. De Maio, Peter F. Cook, Colleen Reichmuth, and Frances M. D. Gulland. 2018. The Evaluation of Olfaction in Stranded California Sea Lions (*Zalophus californianus*) and Its Relevance to Domoic Acid Toxicosis. Aquatic Mammals, 44(3), 231-238. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.1578/AM.44.3.2018.231 Abstract: Domoic acid is an algal toxin that has caused neurologic disease and reproductive failure in California sea lions (*Zalophus californianus*). In affected sea lions, necrotic neurons have been observed in the olfactory bulb and pyriform lobe of the brain, indicating potential for disrupted olfactory capability in addition to other documented neurological effects. Sea lions use olfaction in social interactions, and deficits could lead to maladaptive interactions, including between mothers and pups. Here, to assess olfactory capability in wild California sea lions, we developed a behavioral assay for use in a clinical context. We tested 24 stranded sea lions with no apparent neurological symptoms, and 22 sea lions with a clinical diagnosis of chronic domoic acid toxicosis, probing differential responses to a scented and non-scented object. The neurologically healthy animals spent significantly more time with the scented object than with the non-scented object, establishing this method as effective in demonstrating olfactory discrimination in California sea lions. The domoic acid toxicosis group showed a non-significant reduction in response to the scented stimulus. However, the variability suggests that olfactory sensitivity is impaired in at least some sea lions with domoic acid toxicosis. Please do not hesitate to contact me for a copy of the publication at lauren.demaio(a)noaa.gov. Best wishes, Lauren De Maio

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New paper on behavioral responses of Guiana dolphins to boat approaches
by Marcela Marega 14 May '18

14 May '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent paper entitled: 'Behavioral responses of* Sotalia guianensis *(Cetartiodactyla, Delphinidae) to boat approaches in northeast Brazil' published in Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research. *Abstract*: Boat engines increase the noise levels of the oceans, alter the acoustic environment of cetaceans and diminish their efficiency to echolocate. This study aims to determine if Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*) are influenced by boat approaches. A land-based survey was conducted to record behavioral responses and count surfacing events of Guiana dolphins during 293 observation sessions from February to November 2014 in Pontal Bay, Ilhéus, Brazil. Ninety-eight behavioral responses to boat approaches of 93 dolphin groups were classified as negative (interruption or alteration of activity) or neutral (no response). The dolphins presented a neutral response to 90% of boats without engine approaches, 48% negative responses to inboard motorboat approaches, and 76% negative responses to outboard motor boat approach. Resting groups demonstrated 14 negatives and four neutral responses. Groups engaged in forage-feed activity presented ten negative and seven neutral responses while traveling groups exhibited 14 negative and 36 neutral responses. The average rate of surfacing events was significantly superior (P < 0.001) in the absence of boats (1.83 ± 0.90 surfacing events ind-1 min-1) than in their presence (1.34 ± 0.92 surfacing events ind-1 min-1). Guiana dolphins are exposed to an increasing number of anthropic perturbations and the evaluation of its behavioral responses to approaching boats is the first step to comprehend the real impact of boat encounters. Our results may contribute to the development of management strategies in estuarine areas to increase the conservation of the Guiana dolphins. Published: May, 2018 Citation: Marega-Imamura, M., Carvalho, G. H., Le Pendu, Y., Sousa da Silva, P. & Schiavetti, A. 2018. Behavioral responses of *Sotalia guianensis *(Cetartiodactyla, Delphinidae) to boat approaches in northeast Brazil. Lat. Am. J. Aquat. Res., 46(2): 268-279. DOI: 10.3856/vol46-issue1-fulltext-3 The paper is available in open access at: http://www.lajar.cl/pdf/imar/v46n2/Art%C3%ADculo_46_2_03.pdf If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me: mmimamura(a)uesc.br Best regards, -- *Marcela Marega Imamura* Bióloga - CRBio: 105.209/08-D Doutoranda em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade (UESC - Ilhéus/BA) Grupo de Pesquisa em Mamíferos Aquáticos de Ilhéus - GPMAI Laboratório de Etnoconservação e Àreas Protegidas - LECAP Skype: marcelamaregaimamura )+55 73 9 9128 4638 * mmimamura(a)uesc.br

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New paper on temporal resolution for cetacean niche modelling
by marc fernandez 14 May '18

14 May '18

Dear colleagues, Following our previous paper (Fernandez et al. 2017 The importance of temporal resolution for niche modelling in dynamic marine environments. J Biogeogr. 2017;44:2816–2827), we are now pleased to share with you a second related paper published in MEPS. Here we continue investigating the effects of temporal grain variation, in this case when modelling the ecological niche of cetaceans. Hope you enjoy this new paper. Please don't hesitate to ask for a print in case you don't have a MEPS subscription. A matter of timing: how temporal scale selection influences cetacean ecological niche modelling http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v595/p217-231/ Marc Fernandez, Chris Yesson, Alexandre Gannier, Peter I Miller and José MN Azevedo ABSTRACT: Modelling in the marine environment faces unique challenges that place greater emphasis on model accuracy. The spatio-temporal variability of this environment presents challenges when trying to develop useful habitat models. We tested how different temporal scales influence model predictions for cetaceans with different ecological requirements. We used 7 years of (opportunistic) whale watching data (>16000 cetacean sightings) collected in the Azores archipelago under the MONICET platform. We modelled the distribution of 10 cetacean species with a sampling bias correction. Distribution modelling was performed at 2 spatial scales (2 and 4 km) and 2 temporal resolutions (8 d vs. monthly averages). We used a MAXENT analysis with 3 different validation procedures. Generally, the 8 d means produced better results. In some cases (e.g. baleen whales), predictions using monthly means were no better than null models. Finer temporal grains provided essential insights, especially for species influenced by dynamic variables (e.g. sea surface temperature). For species more influenced by static variables (e.g. bathymetry), differences between temporal scales were smaller. The selection of the right temporal scale can be essential when modelling the niches of cetaceans. Datasets with high temporal resolution (e.g. whale watching data) can provide an excellent basis for these analyses, allowing use of finer temporal grains. Our models showed good predictive performance; however, limitations related to the spatial coverage were found. Merging datasets with different temporal and spatial resolutions could help to improve niche estimates. Models with better predictive capacity and transferability are needed to implement more efficient protection and conservation measures. Marc Fernández Morrón MONICET project (www.monicet.net) CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes GBA - Grupo de Biodiversidade dos Açores Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia - Universidade dos Açores

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forthcoming publication: The Wake of the Whale
by Russell Fielding 14 May '18

14 May '18

Dear colleagues, I'm pleased to share the news of my upcoming monograph, *The Wake of the Whale: Hunter Societies in the Caribbean and North Atlantic*, due out this fall from Harvard University Press. The book discusses the whaling operations targeting small cetaceans in the Faroe Islands and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. More information can be found at the publisher's website: http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674986374 All the best, Russell Fielding --- Russell Fielding, Ph.D. Department of Earth and Environmental Systems The University of the South Sewanee, TN 37383 USA office: Snowden Hall 211B phone: 931-598-1815 email: russell.fielding(a)sewanee.edu web: sewanee.edu/faculty/fielding forthcoming book: *The Wake of the Whale: Hunter Societies in the Caribbean and North Atlantic <http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674986374>* (Harvard University Press, October 2018)

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