June 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Incredible porpoise movements in the Atlantic
by Jonas Teilmann 15 Jun '18

15 Jun '18

Dear All, We are pleased to announce our new publication in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Oceanic movements, site fidelity and deep diving in harbour porpoises from Greenland show limited similarities to animals from the North Sea Nynne H. Nielsen, Jonas Teilmann , Signe Sveegaard , Rikke G. Hansen , Mikkel-Holger S. Sinding , Rune Dietz , Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen Marine Ecology Progress Series Volume 597, page 259 ABSTRACT: Harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena <http://Phocoena%20phocoena%20> are common in continental shelf areas of the North Atlantic, but little information is available on their occurrence outside coastal areas. In this study, 30 harbour porpoises were actively caught in West Greenland and instrumented with satellite transmitters to document their seasonal movements and diving behaviour. The porpoises displayed long-range oceanic movements within the North Atlantic, especially during winter/spring where they moved over areas with water depths >2500 m. While offshore, 2 females demonstrated an average maximum dive depth of 248 m, with the deepest dive reaching 410 m. This behaviour is in contrast to 71 porpoises tagged in Danish waters of the North Sea which did not leave the continental shelf but showed a preference for areas with shallow waters year round, even when at the edge of the continental shelf where greater depths were available. Six tags from Greenland transmitted long enough (up to 3 yr) to demonstrate extensive movements and strong site fidelity to the tagging site in West Greenland the following summer. This study documents that harbour porpoises use oceanic habitats and can dive to depths that enable mesopelagic foraging, while repeatedly demonstrating summer site fidelity to coastal areas. The paper can be downloaded here: https://int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v597/p259-272/ or I can send you a pdf. All the best, Nynne Elmelund Lemming Ph.D. student

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recent publications
by Paula Moreno 14 Jun '18

14 Jun '18

Dear MARMAM members, We are pleased to announce the following two publications published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science: Punt, A.E., Moreno, P., Brandon, J. R. and Mathews, M.A. Conserving and recovering vulnerable marine species: a comprehensive evaluation of the US approach for marine mammals ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsy049, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsy049 Published: 11 June 2018 Abstract Human-caused mortality due primarily to bycatch in fisheries is considered a major threat to some long-lived, slow-growing, and otherwise vulnerable marine species. Under many jurisdictions these species are designated as "protected", and fisheries are subject to a management system that includes monitoring and assessment of bycatch impacts relative to management objectives. The US management system for marine mammals is one of the most sophisticated in the world, with a limit on human-caused mortality computed using the potential biological removal (PBR), formula. Fisheries are categorized according to their impact relative to PBR, and take reduction teams established to develop take reduction plans (TRPs) when bycatch exceeds PBR. The default values of the parameters of the PBR formula were selected in the late 1990s using management strategy evaluation (MSE), but the system, in particular the classification of fisheries, has yet to be evaluated in its entirety. A MSE framework is developed that includes the PBR formula, as well as the processes for evaluating whether a stock is "strategic", assigning fisheries to categories, and implementing TRPs. The level of error associated with fisheries classification was found not to impact the ability to achieve the conservation objective established for a stock under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (i.e. maintain or recover the stock to/at optimum sustainable population). However, this ability is highly dependent on the life history and absolute abundance of the species being managed, as well as on the premise that bycatch is reduced if bycatch is estimated to exceed the PBR. The probability of correctly classifying fisheries depends on both the coefficient of variations (CVs) of the estimates of bycatch and the marine mammal stock's abundance because classification depends on the ratio of the estimate of bycatch by fishery-type to the stock's PBR, and the precision of the former depends on the bycatch CV and the latter on the abundance estimate CV. Moreover, the probability of correctly classifying a fishery decreases for smaller populations, particularly when a fishery has low to moderate impact. Brandon, J. R., Punt, A. E., Moreno, P., and Reeves, R. R. 2017. Toward a tier system approach for calculating limits on human-caused mortality of marine mammals. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 74: 877-887. https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsw202 Abstract The Potential Biological Removal (PBR) management strategy is used for the assessment, relative to management objectives, of human-caused mortality of marine mammal stocks. PBR has been used to provide scientific advice on limits on human-caused mortality of marine mammals as well as other long-lived marine vertebrates worldwide. Current values for the parameters of this reference limit were obtained using a Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) approach, where computer simulation is used to model a range of scenarios representing different scientific uncertainties. An assumption underlying the current management strategy, as originally evaluated, is that only the single most recent estimate of abundance is used to calculate PBR. We extend the original MSE and introduce a tiered hierarchy of data availability, from data-rich to data-poor. Alternative approaches for deriving values used to calculate PBR in each tier (e.g. incorporating multiple abundance estimates for data-rich stocks) are evaluated relative to the management objectives of the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act. A PBR tier system would allow the best available information to be used for each stock, recognizing the different types and levels of uncertainty that exist among stocks. It is shown that if the sex ratio of human caused mortality is not one, PBR may not perform as expected. Likewise, an alternative value for the NMIN percentile could be adopted when survey estimates are imprecise and multiple abundance estimates are available. The standard approach, using only a single abundance estimate, is less flexible in this regard. Additionally, incorporating multiple abundance estimates for data-rich stocks can lead to increased stability of calculated values for PBR through time. Reduction in variability could reduce regulatory uncertainty that may be associated with some human activities managed according to PBR. Therefore, including multiple abundance estimates, when possible, into the calculation of PBR may prove desirable. Regards, Paula Moreno, Ph.D. Fisheries, Protected Resources and Marine Spatial Ecology University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory 300 Laurel Oak Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 ph: (228)818.8013

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FWC Manatee Internship Availability
by Beard, Shelby 14 Jun '18

14 Jun '18

The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one Fall/Winter 2018 and one Winter/Spring 2019 internship! Application deadline is Sunday, July 8th Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering two internships: one 6 month term for the fall/winter 2018 session and one 4-6 month term for the Winter/Spring 2019 session. The expected start date for the Fall/Winter 2018 internship will be around October 1st and January 2nd for the Winter/Spring 2019 internship. Start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some nights and weekends required. The position is located in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee and cetacean field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality and rescue reports and assist with other office and public outreach work as needed. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is desirable. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid and housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A résumé describing training and experience * A list of three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 http://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships-volunteers/se-fl-int… Shelby Beard Biological Scientist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Mammal Section 19100 SE Federal Highway, Tequesta, FL 33469 Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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New publication: Comparative cetacean distribution models
by solene derville 13 Jun '18

13 Jun '18

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Diversity and Distributions: *Derville S, Torres LG, Iovan C, Garrigue C. Finding the right fit: Comparative cetacean distribution models using multiple data sources and statistical approaches. Divers Distrib. 2018;00:1–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12782* ***Abstract*** *Aim. *Accurate predictions of cetacean distributions are essential to their conservation but are limited by statistical challenges and a paucity of data. This study aimed at comparing the capacity of various statistical algorithms to deal with biases commonly found in nonsystematic cetacean surveys and to evaluate the potential for citizen science data to improve habitat modelling and predictions. An endangered population of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in their breeding ground was used as a case study. *Location.* New Caledonia, Oceania. *Methods. *Five statistical algorithms were used to model the habitat preferences of humpback whales from 1,360 sightings collected over 14 years of nonsystematic research surveys. Three different background sampling approaches were tested when developing models from 625 crowdsourced sightings to assess methods accounting for citizen science spatial sampling bias. Model evaluation was conducted through cross‐validation and prediction to an independent satellite tracking dataset. *Results.* Algorithms differed in complexity of the environmental relationships modelled, ecological interpretability and transferability. While parameter tuning had a great effect on model performances, GLMs generally had low predictive performance, SVMs were particularly hard to interpret, and BRTs had high descriptive power but showed signs of overfitting. MAXENT and especially GAMs provided a valuable complexity trade‐off, accurate predictions and were ecologically intelligible. Models showed that humpback whales favoured cool (22–23°C) and shallow waters (0–100 m deep) in coastal as well as offshore areas. Citizen science models converged with research survey models, specifically when accounting for spatial sampling bias. *Main conclusions.* Marine megafauna distribution models present specific challenges that may be addressed through integrative evaluation, independent testing and appropriately tuned statistical algorithms. Specifically, controlling overfitting is a priority when predicting cetacean distributions for large‐scale conservation perspectives. Citizen science data appear to be a powerful tool to describe cetacean habitat. The paper may be downloaded on https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ddi.12782 Feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy: solene.derville(a)ird.fr <mailto:solene.derville@ird.fr> Best, -- Solène Derville PhD student - Spatial Ecology UMR Entropie - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement Université Pierre et Marie Curie Association Opération Cétacés ---------- 101 Promenade Roger Laroque, BPA5 98848 Noumea cedex, New Caledonia Phone: +687 912299 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Solene_Derville

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New publication on the selective reactions to killer whale calls by two delphinid species
by Bowers,Matthew 13 Jun '18

13 Jun '18

Hi All, My co-authors and I are please to announce our new publication in the Journal of Experimental Biology: Selective reactions to different killer whale call categories in two delphinid species Matthew T. Bowers, Ari S. Friedlaender, Vincent M. Janik, Douglas P. Nowacek, Nicola J. Quick, Brandon L. Southall, Andrew J. Read Journal of Experimental Biology 2018 221: jeb162479 doi: 10.1242/jeb.162479 Published 12 June 2018 Abstract: The risk of predation is often invoked as an important factor influencing the evolution of social organization in cetaceans, but little direct information is available about how these aquatic mammals respond to predators or other perceived threats. We used controlled playback experiments to examine the behavioral responses of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Cape Hatteras, NC, USA, and Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) off the coast of Southern California, USA, to the calls of a potential predator, mammal-eating killer whales. We transmitted calls of mammal-eating killer whales, conspecifics and baleen whales to 10 pilot whales and four Risso's dolphins equipped with multi-sensor archival acoustic recording tags (DTAGs). Only playbacks of killer whale calls resulted in significant changes in tagged animal heading. The strong responses observed in both species occurred only following exposure to a subset of killer whale calls, all of which contained multiple non-linear properties. This finding suggests that these structural features of killer whale calls convey information about predatory risk to pilot whales and Risso's dolphins. The observed responses differed between the two species; pilot whales approached the sound source while Risso's dolphins fled following playbacks. These divergent responses likely reflect differences in anti-predator response mediated by the social structure of the two species. The paper can be accessed here: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/221/11/jeb162479 Cheers, Matthew Matthew Bowers, PhD Research Scientist Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Colorado State University 136 Wagar Building Fort Collins CO 80523 mtbowers(a)colostate.edu<mailto:mtbowers@colostate.edu>

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paper on cetaceans and marine debris
by Cristina Panti 13 Jun '18

13 Jun '18

Dear Colleagues, I would like to share with you our last publication as a mini-review on the interaction of cetaceans and marine debris: "A Review of Plastic-Associated Pressures: Cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Australian Shearwaters as Case Studies" by Fossi MC, Panti C, Baini M and Lavers JL. Front. Mar. Sci., 23 May 2018 | <https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00173> https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00173 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2018.00173/full Abstract: Impacts of debris on marine fauna occur throughout the marine ecosystems, with adverse impacts documented on over 1,400 species; impacts can be divided into those arising from entanglement, and those from ingestion. Ingestion of, and entanglement in, debris has been documented in over 60% of all cetacean species. Seabirds are also impacted by debris predominately through entanglement and ingestion, with the number of species negatively impacted increasing from 138 to 174 over the past two decades. In the marine environment, cetaceans and seabirds are widely regarded as reliable sentinels due to their position near the top of the marine food web, conspicuous nature, and reliance on marine resources; for this reason, this paper is focused on seabirds and cetaceans as sentinels of ocean change. In particular, two case studies are considered in relation to different levels of environmental anthropogenic impact: the cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea and seabirds of eastern Australia. Here we describe two recent studies used to diagnose the toxicological stress related to debris-associated pressures in cetaceans and seabirds. These studies highlight the diversity and scale of impacts being felt by marine species and the role these organisms can play in our society as charismatic sentinels of ocean health. Seabirds and marine mammals are exposed, in these key areas, to a variety of adversities that potentially decrease their survival or reproductive success. These include weather, food shortages, predators, competitors, parasites, disease, and human-induced effects and plastic pollution. Each factor affects seabirds and marine mammals in a different way, but more importantly, factors can also interact and create impacts far greater than any one factor alone. The Australian and Mediterranean case studies presented here emphasize the need to consider multiple sources of mortality when developing management plans for the conservation of vulnerable species. Best regards, Cristina ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> Cristina Panti, PhD Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences University of Siena Via P.A. Mattioli, 4 53100, Siena Italy Ph. +39 0577 232883 Fax. +39 0577 232930

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Call for Marine Mammal Research Interns in Kep, Cambodia.
by Sarah Tubbs 12 Jun '18

12 Jun '18

Call for Marine Mammal Research Interns in Kep, Cambodia. Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets, including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social science research and collecting data to use in the implementation of conservation legislation. In September 2017, MCC introduced *The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project* in collaboration with the *DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association <http://dmad.org.tr/>* and the Dolphin Division of Cambodia's Fisheries Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. We are looking for marine mammal research interns to join the team between August and December 2018. * Project activities: * · a minimum of 3 observational land surveys per week using a Theodolite and Pythagoras software; · a minimum of 1 observational boat survey per week; · aerial surveys using a DJI drone; · photo-identification techniques using Discovery software; · passive acoustic monitoring using a C-POD and CPOD.exe software; · social science techniques; · data entry, processing and analysis; · education and outreach; · running a marine mammal stranding network; · scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals and government reports; · designing marine mammal legislation. *Basic internship training schedule* Session 1: Introduction to MCC and The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project. Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques. Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training. Session 4: Marine vessel identification training. Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training. Session 6: Drone footage analysis training. Session 7: Training feedback and debrief. Session 8: Practice observational land and boat survey. Session 9: Theodolite introduction and training. Session 10: Pythagoras and Theodolite station setting training. Depending on your skill set and interest, you may want to become involved in other project related activities, however this will be dependent on the length of your internship. *Internship requirements:* We are looking for dedicated, motived and hard-working interns, ready to commit to early mornings and late nights, with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. You must be: · positive; · adaptable; · self-motivated; · resourceful; · a team player; · eager to learn; · good at time management; · and comfortable living in shared accommodation within a multicultural team. *Project site description:* The project is based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, a 40-minute boat trip from Kep Town, Cambodia. The island is inhabited only by MCC, a team made up of a mixture of interdisciplinary international and local staff. The accommodation and facilities on the island are basic but well-maintained. You will be in shared and catered accommodation with fellow interns and staff members. All project related resources are provided. *Application process and fees:* There is an internship fee of $400 USD/week, which will cover: · all food, water, accommodation; · transport to and from the mainland to the project island; · marine mammal research training; · scuba diving (if qualified); · and the opportunity to get involved in activities and training at MCC, such as seahorse research or artificial reef management. Discounts are available for those committing to longer durations or for individuals with significant relevant experience. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume and covering letter to *cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com <cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com> * to apply. *Sarah Tubbs* Project Coordinator of 'The Cambodian Dolphin Project', Marine Conservation Cambodia +855 97 642 5886 | cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/ Create your own email signature <https://www.wisestamp.com?utm_source=promotion&utm_medium=signature&utm_cam…>

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Fwd: Part funded scholarships for Social Network Analysis for Behavioural Scientists using R (SNAR01)
by Oliver Hooker 12 Jun '18

12 Jun '18

PS statistics are offering some part funded scholarships for their upcoming course on Social Network Analysis for Behavioural Scientists using R (SNAR01) which may interest people studying social behaviour in marine mammals. https://www.psstatistics.com/course/social-network-analysis-for-behavioral-… SCHOLARSHIPS CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS COURSE AND ACCOMMODATION FEES WITH 5 ALL INCLUSIVE PLACES (accommodation and meals included) AVAILABLE AT £450.00 (Fees have been subsidised from £750.00). Applications should be sent to oliverhooker(a)psstatistics.com and contain the following. 1. Full name 2. Institute name 3. Masters/PhD subject title or Post doc research questions 4. Do you hold a funded position 5. 150 words why this course would be relevant to your research or how it would help. Application deadline is 17 June 2018. We have 'normal' places available as well. -- 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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Humpback whale monitoring in Glacier Bay & Icy Strait, Alaska - 2017 annual progress report
by Neilson, Janet 11 Jun '18

11 Jun '18

The following report is now available, summarizing our 33rd consecutive year of humpback whale population monitoring in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait in southeastern Alaska: Neilson, J. L., C. M. Gabriele, and L. F. Taylor-Thomas. 2018. Humpback whale monitoring in Glacier Bay and adjacent waters 2017: Annual progress report. Natural Resource Report NPS/GLBA/NRR—2018/1660. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/602012 [2.8 MB] *ABSTRACT* Migratory humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) use southeastern Alaska as summer feeding habitat, including the waters in and around Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (GBNPP). This report summarizes GBNPP’s humpback whale monitoring program in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait (GB-IS) in 2017, our 33rd consecutive year of consistent data collection in June-August. We documented 128 unique whales, our lowest count since 2003, and effort-corrected counts also revealed steep decreases. By all measures, humpback whale abundance has declined >40% since peaking in 2013. We documented decreases in within-year and between-year site fidelity, with 44% (29 of 66) of whales exhibiting long-term (2004-2013) fidelity to GB-IS interrupting their regular annual return in 2014-2017. This was the fourth consecutive year of calving anomalies, with only two mother/calf pairs in GB-IS (one lost her calf by mid-July), resulting in the second lowest crude birth rate (1.6%) since 1985. We documented no known juveniles (ages 1-4), indicating a possible decline in recruitment, as well as many abnormally thin whales (24%). This was the first year that a reduced vessel speed limit (13 kts) was not warranted in lower GB. The Point Adolphus ‘core group’ was not sighted and the fate of many group members is unknown. Within Alaska, the long-term, consistent monitoring of humpback whales is limited to GB-IS, making it difficult to determine over what geographic scale these declines in abundance, site fidelity, calving, recruitment, and physical condition are occurring, however there is evidence that declines may be occurring throughout the central North Pacific. For reports from past years, go to https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/nature/whale_acoustic_reports.htm -- Janet Neilson Humpback Whale Monitoring Program Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, Alaska 99826 907-697-2658

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New publication: Right whale distribution shift and extinction risk
by Erin Meyer-Gutbrod 11 Jun '18

11 Jun '18

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Oceanography: Meyer-Gutbrod, E.L., C.H. Greene, and K.T.A. Davies. 2018. Marine species range shifts necessitate advanced policy planning: The case of the North Atlantic right whale. *Oceanography*31(2), https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2018.209. Abstract: Rising global temperatures are causing a poleward shift in species distribution. Range shift velocities are higher in the marine environment, with observed rates of 30–130 km per decade. Both protected and exploited species will be at risk if marine species management policies are not structured to anticipate these range shifts. The 2017 mass mortality event of the North Atlantic right whale showcases the detrimental impact of unanticipated climate-mediated behavior in a species protected by geographically and seasonally fixed policies. Based on the results of a demographic capture-recapture model, right whales may face extinction in fewer than 30 years unless protective policies are expanded to cover their shifting distribution. Increased support of long-term monitoring programs paired with environmental modeling research is critical to developing more proactive conservation management strategies and preventing further ecological crises. -- Erin Meyer-Gutbrod, Ph.D. http://meyer-gutbrod.weebly.com/ Marine Science Institute; Rm 3405 University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106-6150 eringutbrod(a)gmail.com 216-548-9082

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