August 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New ms Conservation Physiology
by Alejandro Apolo Fernández Ajó 29 Aug '18

29 Aug '18

I would like to share with the marman community our article recently published on Conservation Physiology journal. In this article I present our first finding on lifetime GCs on baleen samples and it´s correlation with intensity of gull wounding. I analyzed 2 SRW calves with non or minimum number of gull inflicted lesions and 2 heavily attacked ones. I also included the profile of a NARW calf dead acutely by ship-strike. The results are amazing and very promising: calves with no or minimum gull attack display very low GCS profiles whilst the GCs increase largely toward their death for the ones heavily attacked. Please, feel free to post the article if you find it of your interest. Here are the links to the online article and the you can find also the PDF attached: Abstract: https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article-abstract/doi/10.1093/conphys/coy04… Article (free access): https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/doi/10.1093/conphys/coy045/5076881… All the best, Alejandro.

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New Publication: Evidence of behavioural thermoregulation by dugongs at the high latitude limit to their range in eastern Australia
by danzeh01 29 Aug '18

29 Aug '18

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper: Daniel R. Zeh, Michelle R. Heupel, Mark Hamann, Rhondda Jones, Colin J. Limpus, Helene Marsh, Evidence of behavioural thermoregulation by dugongs at the high latitude limit to their range in eastern Australia, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Volume 508, 2018, Pages 27-34. Abstract Many species of marine mammals have evolved behavioural adaptations to minimise heat loss to the surrounding water. We tracked 21 dugongs (Dugong dugon) using acoustic and satellite/GPS transmitters in 2012, 2013 and 2014 in Moreton Bay, Queensland at the high latitude limit of the species’ winter range in eastern Australia to examine if there was a relationship between movements and environmental temperature that might suggest behavioural thermoregulation. Oceanic waters immediately outside the bay where the dugong’s seagrass food is unavailable exhibited temperatures from 5.5oC warmer to 3oC cooler than the Eastern Banks, the major dugong habitat in the bay. All tracked dugongs made at least one (and up to 66) return trip(s) from the Eastern Banks to the adjacent oceanic waters. The probability of making an outgoing trip was highest in 2014 and lowest in 2013 when the water temperature inside the bay was higher than the other two years. The odds of making an outgoing trip were lower when temperature differences (outside minus inside) were small or negative but increased by a factor of up to 2.12 for each 1oC positive difference. Individual dugongs were most likely to travel out of the bay between midnight and noon on an outgoing tide or at slack high water and return to the bay on an incoming tide or slack low water between noon and midnight. The amount of time a dugong spent outside the bay on each trip was relatively short with an overall median of 5.9 hours. The dugongs’ individual activity spaces generally declined as winter progressed suggesting a change in the cost-effectiveness of moving outside the bay. Our analysis adds to the evidence that dugongs undertake behavioural thermoregulation at least at the high latitude limits of their range. The paper is available for download free of charge until October 18, 2018 using this link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Xd~r51aUVTTN Thank you for your interest. Daniel Zeh

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New paper on hotspots for Hector's dolphin
by Tom Brough 28 Aug '18

28 Aug '18

Kia ora MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors I'm pleased to announce the following publication in Marine Mammal Science. Tom Brough, William Rayment, Elisabeth Slooten and Steve Dawson. 2018. Fine scale distribution for a population of New Zealand's only endemic cetacean (*Cephalorhynchus hectori*) shows long-term stability of coastal hotspots. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12528 Abstract Marine mammal populations often have “hotspots” of distribution. Understanding what drives these is important for understanding relationships with habitat and evaluating exposure to threats. Few studies investigate the stability of hotspots, yet this information is vital in assessing their importance. In this study, over 9,000 sightings made during systematic surveys over 29 yr are used to establish the existence, locations, and temporal dynamics of hotspots for Hector’s dolphins at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Sightings were divided into four seasons and three time periods to assess temporal trends in habitat use. Kernel density analysis was performed on sightings, weighted by survey effort. Density values at hotspots and reference areas were modeled according to season and time period using linear mixed models. Fifty percent of weighted sightings (n = 4,513) occurred within 21% of the study area. Hotspots had significantly higher densities during summer and these high-density areas have remained consistent over time. Such consistency implies importance of these areas to the dolphins’ ecology. This information adds to our knowledge of how this endangered species uses its habitat, suggests candidate areas for protection from threats, and provides a baseline for assessing habitat related impacts on Hector’s dolphins at Banks Peninsula. Feel free to get in touch with me at tom.brough(a)otago.ac.nz if you'd like a PDF copy of the full text. Many thanks, Tom Brough *Marine Mammal Research Group* *Department of Marine Science* *University of Otago, Dunedin* *Aotearoa/New Zealand* *http://whaledolphintrust.org.nz/ <http://whaledolphintrust.org.nz/>* *https://www.facebook.com/whaledolphintrust/ <https://www.facebook.com/whaledolphintrust/>*

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New publication on morphology and evolution of whale filtration
by Alex Werth 28 Aug '18

28 Aug '18

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors I am pleased to announce the early publication of our new paper in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society on the morphology and evolution of mysticete filter feeding: Alexander J. Werth, Jean Potvin, Robert E. Shadwick, Megan M. Jensen, David E. Cade, and Jeremy A. Goldbogen. 2018. Filtration area scaling and evolution in mysticetes: trophic niche partitioning and the curious cases of sei and pygmy right whales. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/bly121. Abstract: We analyzed the functional morphology and hydrodynamics of the filtering apparatus in ten species of baleen whales (Mysticeti). Our results demonstrate a clear demarcation in baleen scaling of continuous ram filter feeders (Balaenidae; right and bowhead whales) and intermittent lunge/suction feeders: rorquals (Balaenopteridae) and the gray whale (Eschrichtiidae). In addition to different scaling trajectories, filter area varies widely among taxa. Balaenid baleen has 4-5x the area of similarly-sized rorquals (by body length and mass). Filter areas correlate with morphology; lineages evidently evolved to exploit different types of patchy prey. Feeding performance data from hydrodynamic modeling and tagged whales suggest that drag forces limit balaenids, whereas time required to purge and filter engulfed water appears to limit rorquals. Because scaling of engulfment volume outpaces increases in baleen area, large rorquals must devote greater proportions of dive time to filtration. In contrast, balaenids extend dive duration, but as a trade-off are limited to slow engulfment speeds and therefore can only target prey with low escape capabilities. The sei whale, Balaenoptera borealis, has a mid-range filter reflecting its transitional diet and intermediate morphology, embodying generalized characteristics of both continuous ram and intermittent lunge filtration. The pygmy right whale, Caperea marginata, has a balaenid-type filter via 2D analysis, but enhanced 3D modeling shows Caperea's baleen fits better with rorquals. Allometric equations relating body and filter size address phylogenetic questions about filtration in extinct lineages, including future ancestor state reconstruction analyses. Based on baleen and body size (~5m) and skull morphology, the earliest edentulous mysticetes were likely intermittent rather than continuous filterers, with simple baleen. If you are interested please contact me for a pre-print pdf. Alex Werth _______________________________ Alexander J. Werth, Ph.D. Trinkle Professor of Biology Hampden-Sydney College Box 162, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943 434-223-6326, fax 434-223-6374 http://www.hsc.edu/alex-werth

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New publication: Feeding strategies in seals
by Sarah Kienle 28 Aug '18

28 Aug '18

Dear MARMAM members, My co-authors and I are excited to share our new manuscript "Comparative feeding strategies and kinematics in phocid seals: suction without specialized skull morphology" published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Kienle, S. S., Hermann-Sorensen, H., Costa, D. P., Reichmuth, C., & Mehta, R. S. (2018). Comparative feeding strategies and kinematics in phocid seals: suction without specialized skull morphology. *Journal of Experimental Biology*, jeb-179424. Abstract: Feeding kinematic studies inform our understanding of behavioral diversity and provide a framework for studying the flexibility and constraints of different prey acquisition strategies. However, little is known about the feeding behaviors used by many marine mammals. We characterized the feeding behaviors and associated kinematics of captive bearded (Erignathus barbatus), harbor (Phoca vitulina), ringed (Pusa hispida) and spotted (Phoca largha) seals through controlled feeding trials. All species primarily used a suction feeding strategy but were also observed using a biting strategy, specifically pierce feeding. Suction feeding was distinct from pierce feeding and was characterized by significantly faster feeding times, smaller gapes and gape angles, smaller gular depressions and fewer jaw motions. Most species showed higher variability in suction feeding performance than in pierce feeding, indicating that suction feeding is a behaviorally flexible strategy. Bearded seals were the only species for which there was strong correspondence between skull and dental morphology and feeding strategy, providing further support for their classification as suction feeding specialists. Harbor, ringed and spotted seals have been classified as pierce feeders based on skull and dental morphologies. Our behavioral and kinematic analyses show that suction feeding is also an important feeding strategy for these species, indicating that skull morphology alone does not capture the true diversity of feeding behaviors used by pinnipeds. The ability of all four species to use more than one feeding strategy is likely advantageous for foraging in spatially and temporally dynamic marine ecosystems that favor opportunistic predators. I am happy to provide a pdf copy. Please email me directly at: sarah.stachura(a)gmail.com. Cheers, Sarah Kienle Ph.D. Candidate University of California Santa Cruz Long Marine Laboratory Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (512) 413-6431 sarah.stachura(a)gmail.com "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." ~The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

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LAST MINUTE OPENING: RESEARCH INTERN POSITION SEPTEMBER 2018
by Elena Fontanesi 28 Aug '18

28 Aug '18

LAST MINUTE OPENING: RESEARCH INTERN POSITION SEPTEMBER 2018 Costa Balenae has a LAST MINUTE OPENING for a research intern position for our pilot project on bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea, Imperia (Italy) September 2018. Intern is requested to join the project by the 5th of September, the earlier the best. DUE TO THE LATE NOTICE, THE INTERNSHIP PRICE WILL BE REDUCED OF 40%. Programme: Interns are invited to assist the biologists of Costa Balenae in two different activities: 1. Research project on bottlenose dolphins: * Boat-based surveys (10-12 per month) * Photo-id matching/classwork * Data entry * Opportunistic surveys 2. Whale watching excursions: * Assisting the biologist on board * Collecting data of cetaceans and other marine fauna * Assisting the participants Schedule: Period: from 1st September to 30th September This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Liguria region while supporting cetacean research and conservation. Fieldwork will be made in coastal waters (Western Ligurian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard dedicated vessels (5-6 m inflatable boat) 10-12 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Fieldwork will help participants gaining first-hand experience in collecting data on free-ranging cetaceans and improve skills on cetaceans boat-based surveys as well as on the use of the photo-ID technique. Surveys are weather dependent and they can change during the period. Opportunistic surveys will be conducted on whale watching boats or different types of fishing boats. Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or labwork) During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums, sailing. Skills/qualification: * Minimum age of 18 * Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required, but preferred * Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) * Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research * Speak, read and write in fluent English * Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent * Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun * Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team * Boat driving licence or experience in handling small boats (preferred) About the project The dolphins research project “Delfini del Ponente” is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for this species and historically, sightings have a been more rare and sporadic than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with depth not exceeding 200 m. Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change has been noted in recent years in the area. Reports of bottlenose dolphins by boats, fishermen and whale watching vessels are almost tripled compared to previous seasons. Therefore, the project aims to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. It is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only on the distribution during the summer, but also changes during the different seasons. Internship fee Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy), own insurances, and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. Information about Costa Balenae Costa Balenae is a cooperative organization founded by a group of biologists and naturalists with twenty years of experience in the fields of scientific research, environmental education, territorial development and sustainable tourism. The passion for nature, its conservation and the development of commercial tourism activities that make knowledge, awareness and sustainability a point of strong entrepreneurial imprinting are the main characteristic of the cooperative. How to apply: Send your CV with a letter of interest (please indicate date of arrival) to info(a)costabalenae.it<mailto:info@costabalenae.it> addressed to Davide Ascheri as soon as possible. For any further enquiry and detail, ie to receive the info package, please send an email to info(a)costabalenae.it<mailto:info@costabalenae.it> Davide Ascheri Biologist - Costa Balenae Whale and Nature Watching info(a)costabalenae.it

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Online Oiled Wildlife Response Training
by Chilvers, Louise 27 Aug '18

27 Aug '18

Online Oiled Wildlife Response Training The University of California at Davis, USA and Massey University, New Zealand have jointly developed university endorsed and research driven online Oiled Wildlife Response Training (OWRT). The first level "Foundations in oiled wildlife response" is now online and available for participation at https://owrt.org/. Second level courses including "Rehabilitation and facilities in oiled wildlife response" will be available by early 2019. These courses are developed by the only two Universities in the world with comprehensive oiled wildlife readiness and response programs. These world leaders in higher education are also at the forefront of oiled wildlife research - advancing knowledge of best practice in the management and care of oiled wildlife. UC Davis and Massey University have led more than 70 oiled wildlife responses throughout the world, meaning this OWRT has been developed and delivered by highly experienced oil response researchers, trainers, and practitioners. OWRT trains to international best practice standards for oiled wildlife response and management. For more information and to enrol please visit our website https://owrt.org/ Foundations Course Overview: Foundations in oiled wildlife response covers the fundamental elements needed for a person to be involved in an oiled wildlife response. There are eight online modules to the Foundations course including: Topic 1: Petroleum * Components and types of petroleum * Hazard and risk associated petroleum * Weathering of oil Topic 2: Historical spill information * The changing sources of spilled oil * Circumstances and consequences of example oil spills Topic 3: Effects of petroleum when spilled * Areas affected by an oil spill * The effects of oil on animals Topic 4: Advanced preparation for oil spills (Preparedness) * Advanced planning necessary to respond to an oil spill Topic 5: The oil spill response * Goals of an oil spill response * Overall oil spill response timeline * Overall oil spill response structure * Rules governing an oil spill response Topic 6: The oiled wildlife response * Why we respond to wildlife * Goals of a wildlife response * Factors affecting the scope of a wildlife response * Functional activities of an oiled wildlife response Topic 7: You as a responder * Notification, mobilization and demobilization * How to get hands on experience * Go-bag * Considerations Topic 8: Health and Safety * Human safety first * Types of hazards * Reducing risk * Hot zone, cold zone and warm zone/contamination reduction zone For more information and to enrol please visit our website https://owrt.org/ [cid:image001.jpg@01D43EB8.C4976DF0]

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New Publication: Reassessment of the franciscana Pontoporia blainvillei (Gervais & d'Orbigny, 1844) distribution and niche characteristics in Brazil
by Karina Amaral 27 Aug '18

27 Aug '18

Dear MARMAM readers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce a new publication in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology: Do Amaral, Karina Bohrer; Danilewicz, Daniel; Zerbini, Alexandre; Di Beneditto, Ana Paula; Andriolo, Artur; Alvares, Diego Janish; Secchi, Eduardo; Ferreira, Emanuel; Sucunza, Federico; Borges-Martins, Márcio; Santos, Marcos César de O.; Cremer, Marta; Denuncio, Pablo; Ott, Paulo Henrique; Moreno, Ignacio. Reassessment of the franciscana *Pontoporia blainvillei *(Gervais & d'Orbigny, 1844) distribution and niche characteristics in Brazil. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, v. 508, p. 1-12, 2018. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2018.07.010 Abstract: The franciscana (*Pontoporia blainvillei*) is the most threatened small cetacean of South America. The species is endemic to coastal waters of the western South Atlantic Ocean, where it is distributed from Itaúnas (Brazil) to Golfo San Matias (Argentina). Its range was divided in four Franciscana Management Areas (FMAs) for conservation purposes. However, the distribution of the franciscana is not continuous along its range, with two hiatuses proposed in southeastern Brazilian coast. The absence of franciscana records in these regions has been conﬁrmed by multiple years of research, however the reasons for this discontinuous distribution is not well understood. In this study, information on the distribution of the franciscana in south and southeastern Brazil is updated and new limits for FMAs are proposed. NicheA 3.0 software was used to investigate the environmental suitability of distributional gaps in relation to four weakly correlated, allegedly relevant descriptors of franciscana's distribution. In total, 788 records from dedicated aerial and boat surveys and bycatch were used to verify and to conﬁrm the new FMAs limits proposed by franciscana's experts previously. The distributional gaps were reshaped and deﬁned as following: Gap I from Piraquê-Açu River Mouth, Santa Cruz (19°57′S) in the state of Espírito Santo to Barra de Itabapoana (21°18′S) in the state of Rio de Janeiro; and Gap II from Armação dos Búzios (22°44′S) to Piraquara de Dentro (22°59 ′S) in Rio de Janeiro. The ecological niche model indicated that distributional gaps are inside franciscana's fundamental niche, and are relatively suitable in terms of salinity, temperature, diﬀuse attenuation and bathymetry. However, the narrow of continental shelf seems to be the main factor explaining the absence of franciscanas in the distributional gaps as well as for the diﬀerentiation of some of the FMAs proposed. Narrowness of continental shelf seems to be intensifying the dynamics of biotic inter-actions promoting food competition for example, and/or causing geographic limitation to maintain minimal viable population size in present or past times periods. Please, send an email to karinabohrerdoamaral(a)gmail.com to request a full PDF. Best regards, Karina. -- *Karina Bohrer do Amaral* Doutora em Biologia Animal https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karina_Do_Amaral Currículo Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/1366481119780531 <https://wwws.cnpq.br/cvlattesweb/PKG_MENU.menu?f_cod=DFB947E57D0DB03CF6A713…>

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Volunteer elephant seal research assistant - Southeast Farallon Island
by Pete Warzybok 27 Aug '18

27 Aug '18

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ON THE FARALLON ISLANDS Point Blue Conservation Science is looking for Volunteer Elephant Seal Research Assistants (3-4) for winter 2018/2019 on Southeast Farallon Island. Research Assistant (RA) responsibilities include, but are not limited to, censusing and monitoring breeding elephant seals, flipper tagging animals, resighting tagged California and Steller's Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Fur Seals, and surveying for salamanders, crickets, songbirds, seabirds, gulls, burrowing owls, and whales. (Sorry, White sharks are unlikely during the winter months). RAs also contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station and help with food preparation. RAs will work full-time, 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Some field work requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in field work and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and prior ecological research experience. Enthusiasm for field work in windy, cold conditions is essential. The ability to coexist on a small, isolated island with the same crew for several months is essential. If the thought of going several days without updating your Instagram or Facebook page is shocking, then this is not the job for you. Positions are available 1 December 2018 through 30 March 2019 with a minimum 8-week commitment. However, strong preference will be given to applicants who are available for the entire period. We provide transportation to the island and great food and housing. Transportation to San Francisco is not provided. More information can be found at pointblue.org. To apply, please email a cover letter explaining your interests, your resume, dates of availability, and 3 professional references to Pete Warzybok (pwarzybok(a)pointblue.org<mailto:pwarzybok@pointblue.org>). Applications accepted until 30 September 2018 but will be evaluated as they are received so some positions may be filled before the deadline. --------------------------------------------------------- Pete Warzybok Senior Marine Ecologist, Farallon Program & Farallon Patrol Coordinator Point Blue Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive, Suite 11, Petaluma, CA 94954 707-781-2555 ext. 344 (office) 415-233-1384 (patrol cell) 415-367-7482 (island) www.pointblue.org<http://www.pointblue.org/> | Follow Point Blue on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/PointBlueConservationScience>! Point Blue-Conservation science for a healthy planet.

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URGENT volunteer positions needed in Corsica (Mediterranean Sea)
by Jérôme Couvat 27 Aug '18

27 Aug '18

Dear MARMAMers, Participe Futur is a French NGO created in 2004 for the conservation of the marine environment. It encourages the discovery and study of our environment for the sake of sustainable protection and conservation by: - organising eco-volunteer missions at sea with experienced naturalists; - taking part in scientific programmes providing its experience and logistics; - broadcasting the results of its studies to raise awareness through articles, conferences, events and the media; - organising activities in schools in relation to the protection of the marine environment; - collaborating with NGOs, institutes, foundations or any other organisation working for the same goals and sharing the same ethics. In the framework of its summer expeditions, Participe Futur is seeking volunteers to take part in expeditions around Corsica on-board its sailing boat "Alcyon" in order to collect data on cetacean abundance and plastic pollution. The expeditions will take place from September 1 to September 13 and September 15 to September 27. Volunteers must: - be fluent in French; - be willing to spend days at sea collecting data; - be comfortable with group life in a reduce space and promiscuity linked to life on-board a sailing boat; - take part in daily task such as cooking and dish washing. Further details and registration information is available on our website: http://participefutur.org/calendrier-2018.html Regards,The Participe Futur team

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