August 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Trade-offs between foraging efficiency and pup feeding rate of lactating northern fur seals in a declining population
by Jeanniard Du Dot, Tiphaine 02 Aug '18

02 Aug '18

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are please to announce the publication of the article ' Trade-offs between foraging efficiency and pup feeding rate of lactating northern fur seals in a declining population’ in Marine Ecology Progress Series and freely available online (open access) at https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v600/p207-222/ Citation: Jeanniard du Dot T, Trites AW, Arnould JPY, Speakman JR, Guinet C (2018) Trade-offs between foraging efficiency and pup feeding rate of lactating northern fur seals in a declining population. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 600:207-222. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12638 Abstract: Foraging strategies and their resulting efficiency (energy gain to cost ratio) affect animals’ survival and reproductive success and can be linked to population dynamics. However, they have rarely been studied quantitatively in free-ranging animals. We investigated foraging strategies and efficiencies of wild northern fur seals Callorhinus ursinus during their breeding season to understand potential links to the observed population decline in the Bering Sea. We equipped 20 lactating females with biologgers to determine at-sea foraging behaviours. We measured energy expenditure while foraging using the doubly-labelled water method, and energy gained using (1) the types and energy densities of prey consumed, and (2) the number of prey capture attempts (from acceleration data). Our results show that seals employed 2 foraging strategies: one group (40%) fed mostly in oceanic waters on small, high energy-density prey, while the other (60%) stayed over the shallow continental shelf feeding mostly on larger, lower quality fish. Females foraging in oceanic waters captured 3 times more prey, and had double the foraging efficiencies of females that foraged on-shelf in neritic waters. However, neritic seals made comparatively shorter trips, and likely fed their pups ~20 to 25% more frequently. The presence of these strategies which either favor foraging efficiency (energy) or frequency of nursing (time) might be maintained in the population because they have similar net fitness outcomes. However, neither strategy appears to simultaneously maximize time and energy allocated to nursing, with potential impacts on the survival of pups during their first year at sea. Best wishes, Tiphaine Jeanniard-du-Dot Tiphaine Jeanniard-du-Dot, PhD Fisheries and Oceans Canada/Marine mammal biology and conservation Institut Maurice-Lamontagne 850 Route de la Mer, P.O. Box 1000 Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, CANADA Cell:+1-604-724-4230<tel:(604)%20724-4230> / Fax: +1-418-775-0740<tel:(418)%20775-0740>

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New publication on the dive response in pinnipeds
by Jeppe Kaczmarek 01 Aug '18

01 Aug '18

Dear MARMAM community We are pleased to announce a new research article in The Journal of Experimental Biology on the dive response in pinnipeds. *Drivers of the dive response in pinnipeds; apnea, submergence or temperature?* Jeppe Kaczmarek, Colleen Reichmuth, Birgitte I. McDonald, Jakob H. Kristensen, Josefin Larson, Fredrik Johansson, Jenna L. Sullivan, Peter T. Madsen Journal of Experimental Biology 2018 : jeb.176545 doi: 10.1242/jeb.176545 *Abstract: * Long and deep dives in marine mammals are enabled by high mass-specific oxygen stores and the dive response (DR), which reduces oxygen consumption in concert with increased peripheral vasoconstriction and a lowered heart rate during dives. Diving heart rates of pinnipeds are highly variable and modulated by many factors, such as breath holding (apnea), pressure, swimming activity, temperature, and even cognitive control. However, the individual effects of these factors on diving heart rate are poorly understood due to the difficulty of parsing their relative contributions in diving pinnipeds. Here, we examined the effects of apnea and external sensory inputs as autonomic drivers of bradycardia. Specifically, we hypothesized that 1) water stimulation of facial receptors would—as is the case for terrestrial mammals—enhance the dive response, 2) increasing the facial area stimulated would lead to a more intense bradycardia, and 3) cold water would elicit a more pronounced bradycardia than warm water. Three harbor seals (*Phoca vitulina*) and a California sea lion (*Zalophus californianus*) were trained to breath-hold in air and with their heads submerged in a basin with variable water level and temperature. We show that bradycardia occurs during apnea without immersion. We also demonstrate that bradycardia is strengthened with both increasing area of facial submersion and colder water. Thus, we conclude that initiation of the DR in pinnipeds is more strongly related to breath holding than in terrestrial mammals, but the degree of the DR is potentiated autonomically via stimulation of facial mechano- and thermoreceptors upon submergence. The paper can be found here: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/early/2018/05/16/jeb.176545 Pdf can be requested by sending me an email: jeppekaczmarek(a)gmail.com Best wishes Jeppe Kaczmarek

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New publication: Population consequences of disturbance on income-breeding mammals
by Elizabeth McHuron 01 Aug '18

01 Aug '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper describing the use of a state-dependent model for quantifying the population consequences of disturbance on income-breeding mammals. EA McHuron, LK Schwarz, DP Costa, and M Mangel. 2018. "A state-dependent model for assessing the population consequences of disturbance on income-breeding mammals. Ecological Modelling 385: 133-144 *Abstract:* Human activities continue to expand in marine and terrestrial environments, leading to increased interactions with wildlife that can have negative impacts on population dynamics. Approaches for quantifying how these interactions translate to population-level effects are therefore crucial for effective management practices and balancing human-wildlife tradeoffs. We developed a method using state-dependent behavioral theory implemented via Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) for predicting the population consequences of disturbance on the physiology and reproductive behavior of an income-breeding mammal, using California sea lions (*Zalophus californianus*) as a motivating species. Emergent properties of the model included reproductive characteristics associated with long-lived species, such as variation in the age at first reproduction, early termination of pregnancy, and skipped breeding. In undisturbed model simulations, reproductive rates and the average wean date were consistent with empirically-derived estimates from sea lions and other marine mammals, highlighting the utility of this model for quantifying fecundity estimates of data-deficient species and addressing fundamental ecological processes. In disturbed model simulations, exposure to prolonged, repetitive disturbances negatively impacted population growth; in addition, short, infrequent disturbances had the potential for adverse effects depending on the behavioral response of sea lions and the probability of being disturbed. The adverse effect of disturbance on population dynamics was due to a combination of reduced pup recruitment (survival to age one) resulting from a lower wean mass and increased abortion rates that led to skipped reproductive years, both of which have been documented for marine mammal populations experiencing natural fluctuations in prey availability. The derivation of state- and time-dependent reproductive decisions using an SDP model is an effective approach that links behavioral and energetic effects at the individual level to changes at the population level, and one that serves a dual purpose in the ability to quantify basic biological parameters and address ecological questions irrespective of disturbance. A link to the paper with free access can be found here https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XUOs15DJ~tXvm Please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like a pdf of the article and do not have access to the journal (emchuron(a)ucsc.edu) Best, Liz McHuron -- Elizabeth McHuron, Ph.D. Research Scientist University of Washington JISAO 115 McAllister Way Santa Cruz, CA 95060 emchuron(a)uw.edu <emchuron(a)ucsc.edu> emchuron(a)ucsc.edu

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Webinar invite: Working group to develop recommendations for estimating bycatch for the MMPA Import Provisions
by Emily Knight 01 Aug '18

01 Aug '18

To the MARMAM community: I want to invite you to a one-hour webinar on Wednesday, August 15 at 1:00 PM Pacific time/4:00 PM Eastern time to share information about the Marine Mammal Bycatch Working Group, a team of experts convened by the University of Washington Ocean Modeling Forum and Oceans Initiative. The working group aims to assist nations seeking to comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Import Provisions by developing scientific tools to evaluate data sets and methods for determining bycatch rates for marine mammal populations. The working group is funded by the Lenfest Ocean Program. To learn more, visit the Ocean Modeling Forum website here<http://oceanmodelingforum.org/working-groups/marine-mammal-bycatch-working-…>, and the Lenfest website here<http://www.lenfestocean.org/en/research-projects/developing-recommendations…>. During the webinar (agenda here<file:///C:/Users/eknight/Downloads/MMPAWebinar_Agenda_8.15.18.pdf>), the co-chairs and colleagues will describe the working group charge, the products they plan to develop over the next two years, and answer questions. Instructions to register for and join the webinar are also provided below. We would also appreciate it if you would forward this information to any colleagues that might be interested, or recommend other contacts to me at eknight(a)pewtrusts.org<mailto:eknight@pewtrusts.org>. Experts in the field, decision-makers in other nations and international management bodies, and NGOs in particular might be interested. I'm also happy to answer any questions, so please reach out or point others to me as appropriate. Best, Emily, Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program ------------------------------ Webinar Instructions: Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 Time: 1:00 PM Pacific time/4:00 PM Eastern time For remote access: Please fill out the registration form<https://pewcharitabletrusts.webex.com/pewcharitabletrusts/onstage/g.php?MTI…> before the event is scheduled to begin. Event number: 791 006 117 Event password: mmpa2018 For teleconference audio after you join the webinar, either: 1. Select "Call Using Computer" 2. Select "Call me" and provide your phone number (recommended over option #3) 3. Call the number below and enter the access code. * In the U.S. and Canada, dial 1-855-214-7745. * In Australia, dial 61-0-291866690. * For additional global call in numbers click here<https://www.tcconline.com/listNumbersByCode.action?confCode=6390800317>. i. Enter conference code 639 080 0317 ii. After dialing the conference code, be sure to enter the Attendee ID that will appear on your screen. You will not be prompted to do so. Emily Knight Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program [LenfestOceanProgram-Logo-Color-(2)] 901 E Street NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20004 SIGN UP<http://www.lenfestocean.org/en/about-us/contact-us/newsletter-subscription> FOR LENFEST OCEAN NEWS w: 202-540-6389 | c: 202-384-6534 | e: eknight(a)pewtrusts.org<mailto:eknight@pewtrusts.org> www.lenfestocean.org<http://www.lenfestocean.org/>|twitter: @lenfestocean<https://twitter.com/LenfestOcean>

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MS Position: Marine Mammal Ecology (University of Maine)
by Kristina Cammen 01 Aug '18

01 Aug '18

An MS research assistantship is available through the School of Marine Sciences in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture at the University of Maine, Orono to partially support a graduate student involved in research to understand the role of pinnipeds in the Penobscot River Estuary. This research to assess predator risk to diadromous fish conservation represents a new collaboration between the University of Maine, NOAA, and the Maine Department of Natural Resources. The position will involve analysis of existing data sources to assess potential and realized seal predation events on river fish, including endangered sturgeon and salmon, as well as field work to assess the utility of photo-identification techniques in identifying individual gray and harbor seals that use the river habitat. Beyond the School of Marine Sciences, students in our lab also have the opportunity to be engaged with interdisciplinary scholarship as part a new One Health & the Environment Initiative and the Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions at the University of Maine. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, marine science, environmental studies or a related field. Preferred candidates will be able to demonstrate aptitude in quantitative data analysis and scientific writing. Prior experience with marine mammal photo-ID, particularly of pinnipeds, will be beneficial. Individuals that are passionate, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. The accepted student will be required to complete motorboat operator training. How to Apply: Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to email a cover letter, CV, and unofficial transcripts to Kristina Cammen ( kristina.cammen(a)maine.edu) All applications received before August 31, 2018 will receive full consideration, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the position is filled. Expected Start Date: January 2019 -- Kristina Cammen Assistant Professor of Marine Mammal Science School of Marine Sciences University of Maine Orono, ME 04469 cammenlab.org

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Variation in sperm whale IPI [NEW PUBLICATION]
by Shane 01 Aug '18

01 Aug '18

Dear All, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper in Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Variability of the inter-pulse interval in sperm whale clicks with implications for size estimation and individual identification By: Anne Bøttcher, Shane Gero, Kristian Beedholm, Hal Whitehead & Peter T. Madsen The paper is available here: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.5047657 or PDFs by request from the authors. Abstract Sperm whales generate multi-pulsed clicks for echolocation and communication with an inter-pulse interval (IPI) determined by the size of their hypertrophied sound producing nose. The IPI has therefore been used to estimate body size and distinguish between individuals, and it has been hypothesized that conspecifics may use IPIs to recognize each other. However, the degree to which IPIs vary within individuals has not explicitly been tested, and therefore the inherent precision of this measure and its applicability for size estimation for researchers and sperm whales alike remain unknown. Here, the variability in IPI from both animal-borne Dtags and far-field recordings from echolocating and communicating sperm whales is quantified. Three different automatic methods (envelope, cepstrum, and cross-correlation) are tested and it is found that the envelope approach results in the least dispersion. Furthermore, it is shown that neither growth, depth, nor recording aspect fully explains the observed variability among clicks recorded from the same individual. It is proposed that dynamics in the soft structures of the nose are affecting IPIs, resulting in a variation of approximately 0.2 ms. Therefore, it is recommended that this variation be considered in IPI studies and that IPIs may have limited functionality as an identity cue among large groups of conspecifics. My very best, Shane **************************** Shane Gero<http://www.shanegero.com/> Assistant Professor Founder | Principal Investigator Marine Bioacoustics Lab<http://www.marinebioacoustics.wordpress.com/> The Dominica Sperm Whale Project<http://www.thespermwhaleproject.org/> Institute for Bioscience Find us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/spermwhaleproject> Aarhus University<http://www.au.dk/en/> Follow @DomWhale<https://twitter.com/DomWhale> Denmark

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New Publication: Lactation & resource limitation affect physiological responses of sea otters
by Sarah Chinn 31 Jul '18

31 Jul '18

Hello MARMAMers! My co-authors and I are excited to share our new manuscript: "Lactation and resource limitation affect stress responses, thyroid hormones, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of sea otters" published in Ecology and Evolution. Chinn SM, Monson DH, Tinker MT, Staedler MM, Crocker DE. Lactation and resource limitation affect stress responses, thyroid hormones, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of sea otters (Enhydra lutris). Ecol Evol. 2018;00:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4280 *Abstract* Lactation is the most energetically demanding stage of reproduction in female mammals. Increased energetic allocation toward current reproduction may result in fitness costs, although the mechanisms underlying these trade-offs are not well understood. Trade-offs during lactation may include reduced energetic allocation to cellular maintenance, immune response, and survival and may be influenced by resource limitation. As the smallest marine mammal, sea otters (*Enhydra lutris*) have the highest mass-specific metabolic rate necessitating substantial energetic requirements for survival. To provide the increased energy needed for lactation, female sea otters significantly increase foraging effort, especially during late-lactation. Caloric insufficiency during lactation is reflected in the high numbers of maternal deaths due to End-Lactation Syndrome in the California subpopulation. We investigated the effects of lactation and resource limitation on maternal stress responses, metabolic regulation, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in two subspecies of wild sea otters (northern: *E. l. nereis *and southern: *E. l. kenyoni*) within the California, Washington, and Alaska subpopulations. Lactation and resource limitation were associated with reduced glucocorticoid responses to acute capture stress. Corticosterone release was lower in lactating otters. Cortisol release was lower under resource limitation and suppression during lactation was only evident under resource limitation. Lactation and resource limitation were associated with alterations in thyroid hormones. Immune responses and total antioxidant capacity were not reduced by lactation or resource limitation. Southern sea otters exhibited higher concentrations of antioxidants, immunoglobulins, and thyroid hormones than northern sea otters. These data provide evidence for allocation trade-offs during reproduction and in response to nutrient limitation but suggest self-maintenance of immune function and antioxidant defenses despite energetic constraints. Income-breeding strategists may be especially vulnerable to the consequences of stress and modulation of thyroid function when food resources are insufficient to support successful reproduction and may come at a cost to survival, and thereby influence population trends. Please use this link to access a copy of the article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ece3.4280 I am also happy to provide a .pdf copy, please email me: sarahchinn(a)gmail.com Thank you, Sarah Chinn PhD Candidate Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources University of Georgia Aiken, SC 29803

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