October 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Two potential PhD Studentship Opportunities: (1) Grey seal behaviour, (2) Application of biotelemetry to quantify behaviour.
by TWISS, SEAN D. 28 Oct '19

28 Oct '19

Two potential PhD Studentship Opportunities: (1) Grey seal behaviour, (2) Application of biotelemetry to quantify behaviour. Below are details of two potential PhD opportunities being advertised at Durham University (UK). Both are competitive studentships, and all initial enquiries should be made to Dr Sean Twiss (s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk>) PROJECT 1: Behavioural and physiological responses to changing environments in wild grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) Supervisory team: Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham Univ.): s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk> Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, University of St. Andrews) Dr Amanda Bishop (Alaska SeaLife Center) Background: Organisms have evolved mechanisms to cope with natural stressors, but rapid environmental change is subjecting species to new threats or more unpredictable and extreme natural stressors. Conventional studies focus on species or ecosystem level responses to change, such as range or phenological shifts, but these are products of variation in individual responses. Within populations, individuals can show differing coping-styles; proactive individuals express little flexibility and are less responsive to environmental stimuli, whereas reactive individuals are more flexible and responsive. Understanding how individuals differ in their ability to cope with stressors, and the consequences if they fail to do so, is critical for quantifying species’ resilience to current and future threats of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. This project aims to investigate variation in behavioural and physiological stress reactivity within and between individuals, and across populations, using extensive archived data on known individual adult female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) during the breeding season, a time of intense energetic demands and limitations. Our previous studies have highlighted the considerable additional stress placed on breeding grey seals by extreme weather patterns, and this study will examine changing behavioural patterns in concert with indicators of physiological changes in breeding and non-breeding wild grey seals. The study will assess whether behavioural indicators of environmental stress map onto physiological indicators, and establish levels of inter-individual variation, and within individual consistency in such responses. Methods: The study will utilise an extensive existing catalogue of data on known individual breeding grey seals from a range of contrasting breeding colonies. The successful candidate will extract new data from archived video footage of these same seals to provide key behavioural and physiological metrics. These metrics will be analysed with respect to prevailing environmental factors, including social context (e.g. conspecific density) and weather conditions. Data analysis will involve mixed effects modelling procedures using ‘R’. There may also be scope for some additional field-based data collection, but this will depend upon opportunity. Candidate requirements: Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct prolonged periods of behavioural observations, while remaining focused, dedicated and enthusiastic. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. In addition, candidates will require strong analytical skills, including experience of modern ecological and statistical modelling techniques. Experience with R and analysis of behavioural data is advantageous, but not essential. There is the possibility of additional data collection through field campaign(s), but candidates will need to show a willingness and ability to travel and conduct prolong field observations alone. A UK driving licence (or equivalent) would be essential for field campaigns. Training: The student will gain extensive inter-disciplinary training in behavioural observation, video analysis, and data analysis in R employing mixed-effects models. The student will also develop critical thinking, writing, presentational and teamwork skills as part of dynamic, interdisciplinary, and supportive research groups. Eligibility Applications for this project are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Applicants must be applying to start a full-time PhD in the Faculty in October 2020. They must have fulfilled the University’s requirements regarding English language ability and must not require a presessional course as a condition of their place. See: https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/ Funding and how to apply This project is in competition with others for funding (via the Durham Doctoral Studentship scheme). Success will therefore depend on the quality of applications received, relative to those for competing projects. If you are interested in applying, in the first instance contact Dr Sean Twiss, (s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk) with a CV and covering letter, detailing your reasons for applying for the project. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit a full application. UK and Non-UK students areadvised that to be considered for the Durham Doctoral Fellowship, the minimum requirements include an excellent undergraduate degree with either postgraduate or work experience in a relevant discipline and scientific publication(s) in peer reviewed journals. Application deadline: Friday 10th Jan. 2020 at 5 pm (GMT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROJECT 2: Quantifying the relative importance of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of individual behaviour and habitat use of hefted sheep on a biodiverse but fragile upland ecosystem. Although this project does not involve seals, it does require a range of research skills that marine mammalogists often possess; experience of the deployment of biotelemetry devices and analysis of biotelemetry data to examine behaviour patterns in free ranging mammals. Supervisory team: Dr. Sean D. Twiss (s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk<mailto:s.d.twiss@durham.ac.uk>), Department of Biosciences, Durham University Dr. Robert Baxter, Department of Biosciences, Durham University Martin Furness, Senior Reserve Manager, Natural England Dr Mike Morecroft, Natural England and University of Oxford Dr Gavin Stewart, Newcastle University Dr Fiona Lovatt, School of Veterinary Science, University of Nottingham. Background: The unenclosed upland areas of the UK are internationally important for wildlife and of high nature conservation value. However, these fragile habitats are subject to various threats including the impacts of climate change, atmospheric pollution deposition, acid rain and grazing pressures. A primary tool for sustainable management of these landscapes is implementing grazing regimes that allow maintenance or recovery of habitats and which support ecosystem services. However, remarkably little is known about the behaviour of the major grazer of UK uplands, domestic hill sheep, and their impact on vegetation mosaics. This project aims to investigate the determinants of group and individual level foraging choices within upland vegetation mosaics and how these vary in relation to sheep age, size, experience (hefting) and extrinsic factors including the spatial distribution of vegetation types, weather and micro-topography. This study will provide valuable information on how these different factors interact and allow a consideration of practical management techniques that can be used to influence the spatial distribution and feeding choices of sheep. Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve hosts unique Arctic-Alpine plant assemblages with many species existing in climatically marginal locations. This project will involve extensive fieldwork at Widdybank Fell, part of the NNR that contains some of the most biodiverse habitat, and for which pre-existing fine-scale habitat maps exist. Sheep behaviour will be monitored at the level of the individual using a combination of in situ visual observation, supplemented by video recordings, and by using animal borne telemetry; GPS data-loggers will be deployed to provide fine scale movement and location data, with accelerometers to allow for automatic classification of behaviours with respect to time and location. The research will require the development of analytical protocols to classify raw accelerometry data into behavioural categories, including foraging. Behavioural data will be used within a GIS to examine intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of individual sheep behaviour and habitat use. Widdybank Fell is a long established research site and benefits from detailed existing data and ongoing studies on micrometeorology, microtopography and microhabitat. The current study will have the potential to integrate behavioural data with these environmental data within a GIS. The research will involve extensive field based behavioural observations of individually identified sheep. Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct prolonged fieldwork in potentially harsh conditions, while remaining dedicated and enthusiastic. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. In addition, candidates will require strong analytical skills, including experience of modern ecological and statistical modelling techniques. Experience with R and analysis of telemetry data is advantageous, but not essential. A UK driving licence (or equivalent) is essential. Further details of the project and candidate requirements can be obtained from Dr. Twiss. The student will gain extensive interdisciplinary training in fieldwork logistics, behavioural observation, deployment of telemetry devices, and develop analytical skills for both behavioural and telemetry data. The student will also develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills as part of dynamic and interdisciplinary research groups. This project is in competition with others for funding, and success will depend on the quality and suitability of applicants, relative to those for competing projects. For further information, or to apply, contact Dr. Sean Twiss at s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk. In your email include: 1) two-page covering letter explaining your reasons for applying and why you selected this project, 2) CV with contact information for two references, 3) Full transcripts of previous qualifications. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit an application to the University. The application deadline is 10th January 2020, therefore students should contact Dr. Twiss well in advance for initial consideration. For eligibility requirements, see http://www.iapetus.ac.uk/aboutstudentships/ END _________________________________ Dr. Sean Twiss, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biosciences, South Road, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. E-mail: s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk Web-site: https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/about/schoolstaff/academicstaff/?id=1132 Blog: http://sealbehaviour.wordpress.com/ Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Research (BEER) Centre: www.dur.ac.uk/beer-centre<https://owa.dur.ac.uk/owa/redir.aspx?C=AjvknJfcq0-zlL0498uhGGKmvrw4G9MIOkl7…> Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office) Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab) Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201 _________________________________

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New publication: A citizen science approach to long-term monitoring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia
by Vanessa Pirotta (HDR) 27 Oct '19

27 Oct '19

Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication: A citizen science approach to long-term monitoring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia Pirotta, V., Reynolds, W., Ross, G., Jonsen, I, Grech, A., Slip, D., and Harcourt, R. A citizen science approach to long‐term monitoring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia. Mar Mam Sci. 2019; 1– 14. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12651 Abstract The Cape Solander Whale Migration Study is a citizen science project that annually counts northward migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Cape Solander, Sydney, Australia. Dedicated observers have compiled a 20-year data set (1997–2017) of shore-based observations from Cape Solander's high vantage point. Using this long-term data set collected by citizen scientists, we sought to estimate the humpback whale population trend as it continues to recover postexploitation. We estimated an exponential growth rate of 0.099 (95% CI = 0.079–0.119) using a generalized linear model, based on observer effort (number of observation days) and number of whales observed, equating to 10% per annum growth in sightings since 1997. We found that favorable weather conditions for spotting whales off Cape Solander consisted of winds <30 km/hr from a southerly through a north westerly direction. Incidental observations of other cetacean species included the endangered blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and data deficient species such as killer whales (Orcinus orca) and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Citizen science-based studies can provide a cost-effective approach to monitoring wildlife over the time necessary to detect change in a population. Information obtained from citizen science projects like this may help inform policy makers responsible for State and Federal protection of cetaceans in Australian waters and beyond. Vanessa Dr. Vanessa Pirotta Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia Twitter: @vanessapirotta Watch my TEDx talk here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PXgFoTtwi0>

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Book chapter: The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin
by Simon Allen 27 Oct '19

27 Oct '19

Dear colleagues, As alluded to a short while back, the book Würsig B. (ed.) 2019. Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes. Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland was recently published, with information on the e-book, chapters, and hard copy available at: http://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030166625 My co-authors and I are most pleased to bring to your attention Ch16, the coming out party of sorts for a species that has taught us (and continues to teach us) so much about social ecology and more in the Cetacea: the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). The abstract reads as follows: Abstract: The behavioral ecology of Tursiops aduncus (Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin) is usually reviewed alongside the much more widely studied T. truncatus (common bottlenose dolphin). However, the smaller, typically shallow water T. aduncus has been closely scrutinized in Australian and Japanese waters. As a result, there now exists a robust body of information spanning all three of Hinde’s levels of social analysis—interactions, relationships, and social structure—that may be unmatched in any other cetacean. Research on T. aduncus has contributed significantly to the social complexity hypothesis of large brain evolution and our understanding of delphinid mating systems, communication, and individual differences in foraging tactics within populations. Here, we focus on behavioral research at two primary sites, Shark Bay in Australia and Mikura Island in Japan, with additional observations of importance from other locales in each region. Further details of the chapter can be found here http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_16 or by dropping one of us a line. All the best, Simon (on behalf of Richard, Mai and Tadamichi) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Simon J Allen School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TQ UK Mob: +44 (0) 77047 53101 Email: Simon.Allen(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:Simon.Allen@bristol.ac.uk> Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org Twitter: @SimonJAllen1 [cid593186FF-D039-4065-8F5B-69FB89D68B2E(a)uzh.ch] Recent papers: Declines in dolphin survival and reproduction following a heatwave https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)30217-9?_return… Sexual displays involving marine sponges by Australian humpback dolphins http://rdcu.be/w3tL Abundance and fidelity of dolphins to a trawl fishery https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05189-0<https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.natu…>

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Survey: Education and Conservation of marine mammals
by Ligia Meirinhos Pereira 26 Oct '19

26 Oct '19

Survey: Education and Conservation of marine mammals https://forms.gle/AkvpSVdTJFFbLTwq9 The survey is part of a study being conducted by CHOICES (Culture and Historicity in Out-of-school Innovations for Communication and Education in Science), a research group from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. The purpose of this survey is to better understand the ideas about conservation from those who work with marine mammals. We would also like to understand what participants think about biodiversity conservation as a whole and how their educational background contributed to these ideas. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. The survey will be open until 29 October 2019. Please come and tell us your opinion about conservation, last chance to participate! https://forms.gle/AkvpSVdTJFFbLTwq9 Thank you, CHOICES Department of Biological Sciences 14 Matao street Butanta, São Paulo (Brazil) Phone: (+55) 1130917575 choices(a)ib.usp.br

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UPDATE - Seeking PAM Operators for October 29th Deployment
by Kathryn Roy 25 Oct '19

25 Oct '19

Please use this version, not previous. A.I.S. Inc. is seeking Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators for a project mobilizing out of Boston, MA on October 29th, 2019. The suitable candidate will deploy aboard a geo-survey vessel and remain on board for 4 weeks. During the project, PAM Operators are responsible for listening and maintain constant watch for marine mammals using passive acoustic monitoring equipment and software. Any detections of marine mammals are documented on project specific logs. Project activity, times, location, and environmental conditions are also documented. PAM Operators are responsible for notifying appropriate personnel if protected species are detected approaching or within harmful range of sound producing equipment and calling for mitigation measures outlined in the project specific planning documents. Minimum qualifications: * At least one year of experience identifying marine animals using passive acoustic monitoring equipment and software; * At least one year experience working on offshore survey vessel; * Ability to vigilantly monitor for acoustic detections of marine mammals around observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period; * Must be approved by the National Marine Fisheries as a PSO in the G&G industry; * Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including; * Must have a valid offshore safety training certificate; * Acustomed to working during nightime hours; * Ability to clearly and consicely describe protected species detection events and relay information to on site manager; * Familiar with operation, deployment and troubleshooting PAM equipment; * Professional, personable and positive! A.I.S. Inc. offers a competitive salary, in addition to compensating for travel to and from the port of deployment. Please submit a resume, a cover letter detailing your PSO experience, 3 professional references (name, e-mail address and phone number), and any applicable credentials/certificates to kathrynr(a)aisobservers.com Kathryn Roy Protected Species Program Manager A.I.S., Inc Cell: 774.392.7127 www.aisobservers.com<http://www.aisobservers.com/>

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MRes Opportunities at the University of Portsmouth (UK)
by Sarah Marley 25 Oct '19

25 Oct '19

Dear MARMAM Community, I am inviting applications for two MRes projects at the University of Portsmouth, UK, to start in January 2020. *Project 1: Investigating changing harbour porpoise distributions around the UK* An understanding of the current distribution and drivers of mobile marine megafauna is integral to appropriate conservation management. Harbour porpoise are conserved under Article IV of the Habitats Directive, but are at risk of bycatch in fisheries gear. Large-scale surveys have revealed a shift in distribution, with porpoises appearing to move into the English Channel. In collaboration with the whale and dolphin charity ORCA, this project will use long-term citizen science time series to further investigate the shift in distribution and the environmental drivers, and whether this may lead to greater overlap with anthropogenic threats. This project will be primarily computer-based and will suit a student with strong quantitative skills (i.e. previous experience in R and GIS). *Project 2: Haul-out patterns and anthropogenic disturbance of the Solent seals* The number of harbour seals and grey seals utilising the Solent is increasing. Monthly counts by local monitoring schemes have identified two main haul-out sites, which are vital for seals to rest, moult and breed. In collaboration with the Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Langstone Harbour Board, this project will use a combination of existing datasets and field observations to investigate the environmental and anthropogenic variables influencing haul-out behaviour in seals. This project will have a strong fieldwork component and will suit a student with their own transportation who is willing to spend long hours outdoors, as well as being confident with data handling and analysis. *Requirements:* - BSc (minimum second-class or equivalent) or a Masters degree in a relevant subject - English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (with no component score below 6.0) *The following would also be advantageous:* - Previous marine mammal field experience - Proficiency in R and GIS software - Strong background in statistical techniques *Application Deadline:* 6pm (UK time) Friday 15th November 2019 *Application Process: *Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the main supervisor Dr Sarah Marley (sarah.marley(a)port.ac.uk) to discuss their suitability. Candidates will be asked to submit a formal application to the University of Portsmouth and write a short research proposal. Applicants will then be short-listed for interview. *More Info: *Further information regarding entry requirements and course costs are available at https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/mres-science. All the best, Sarah *Dr Sarah Marley * Lecturer in Marine Biology, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth *Email:* sarah.marley(a)port.ac.uk *| Phone: *+44 (0)23 9284 5012 *| **Web:* https://bit.ly/2RVVd28 *Recent Papers:* Effects of ship noise on marine mammals <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00606/full> Behavioural and acoustical responses of dolphins to vessel traffic and underwater noise <https://goo.gl/GXmcin> Spatial and temporal variation in dolphin acoustic habitats <https://goo.gl/nxFn1V> Diversity and variation in fish choruses in Darwin Harbour <https://goo.gl/32edkU>

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bycatch images - footage and/or photo
by Maria Emilia Morete 25 Oct '19

25 Oct '19

Hello! We, from VIVA Instituto Verde Azul*, are preparing a short movie about bycatch for educational purpose and to raise awareness about this devasting threat. We are needing photos and footages of entangled marine animals. The name of the photographer and Institution will be credited. Please send the images to contato(a)viva.bio.br until November 1st. Thank you so much! Mia Morete **VIVA Baleias, Golfinhos e cia* is an independent Brazilian organization which aims to contribute to the preservation of aquatic mammals and their habitats in an ethical and responsible manner, researching and fomenting research, supporting students and young researchers, teaching and disseminating scientific information, raising awareness and sensitizing human beings, showing the problems and challenges that these animals face, and seeking ways to protect them and keep them on the Planet.

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MARMAM New Publication:
by Vicki Hamilton 24 Oct '19

24 Oct '19

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Hamilton V, Evans K, Raymond B, Betty E, Hindell MA (2019) Spatial variability in responses to environmental conditions in Southern Hemisphere long-finned pilot whales. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 629:207-218. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13109 <https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13109> Abstract: Investigating past responses to variations in the marine environment can provide insights into how species might respond to future change. Using long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas stranded in New Zealand (2011) and Australia (2012), we investigated relationships between tooth growth chronologies, as a proxy for energy budgets (which underpin population state), and interannual variations in broad-scale climate indices (Southern Oscillation Index: SOI, Indian Ocean Dipole: IOD) and spatially explicit, seasonally averaged sea surface temperature (SST). Tooth chronologies from pilot whales that stranded in Australia had a positive relationship with the SOI and a negative relationship with the IOD. Those from New Zealand had a positive relationship with the SOI, but at a 1 yr lag. Positive SOI and negative IOD conditions are associated with increased storm activity across the southern Australian/New Zealand region. The resulting changes in regional SST, currents and frontal activity likely influences the distribution of prey resources and associated high-order predators such as pilot whales. Correlation maps between tooth growth chronologies and SSTs suggest differences in habitat utilisation between the 2 regional groups, with pilot whales stranded in Australia associating with the subtropical and subantarctic fronts south of Tasmania, and those stranded in New Zealand associating with a number of regions of seasonally enhanced productivity close to New Zealand. This study greatly enhances our understanding of the environmental conditions influencing populations of an insufficiently studied species in the region. Please feel free to contact me on vicki.hamilton(a)utas.edu.au<mailto:vicki.hamilton@utas.edu.au> if you have any queries. Best regards, Dr Vicki Hamilton Adjunct Researcher Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) University of Tasmania Mail: IMAS/UTAS, Private Bag 129, Hobart TAS Australia 7000 T +61 3 6226 6379 | M 0408 127 092 University of Tasmania Electronic Communications Policy (December, 2014). This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipient organisation is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of the University of Tasmania, unless clearly intended otherwise.

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Protected Species Observer and Migratory Bird Monitor Positions
by Maxx Van Waeyenberghe 24 Oct '19

24 Oct '19

Dear All, Vantage Observing, LLC is seeking experienced National Marine Fisheries Service approved PSO’s, and Migratory Bird Monitors for ongoing and upcoming dredging, and marine construction projects. Candidates with previous Hopper Dredging, Clamshell Dredging, and Pile Driving experience are preferred. We have immediate openings available aboard hopper dredges as well as upcoming long term Manatee observing positions aboard clamshell dredges/pile driving barges. We are also seeking candidates with Migratory Bird Monitoring experience to join our team for a long term migratory bird abatement contract. Vantage Observing provides a professional work environment with highly competitive compensation, and flexible scheduling. Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology or related field. 2 Years of protected species observing experience during dredging, or marine construction projects. Previous experience monitoring for Sea Turtles, Sturgeon, Manatees, and Whales. 2 years of migratory bird monitoring experience. Previous experience in bird abatement and techniques. Excellent communication and report writing skills. Work independently and in a team environment. Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. For more information or to submit your resume email VantageObserving(a)gmail.com Best Regards, Maxx Van Waeyenberghe Vantage Observing, LLC Manager

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New paper on the influence of the lunar cycle on pilot whales in Hawaii
by Ms Kylie Owen 24 Oct '19

24 Oct '19

Dear MARMAM readers, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our latest publication on the impact of lunar and solar light levels on the diving behaviour and habitat usage of short-finned pilot whales around the Hawaiian Islands. Owen K, Andrews RD, Baird RW, Schorr GS, Webster DL (2019) Lunar cycles influence the diving behavior and habitat use of short-finned pilot whales around the main Hawaiian Islands. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 629: 193-206. Abstract The availability of light, both solar and lunar, is likely to influence the behavior of vertically migrating aquatic animals and their predators. However, the influence of light level on the diving behavior and habitat use of deep-diving cetaceans is not well understood. We used data from 28 depth-transmitting satellite tags deployed on short-finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus around the main Hawaiian Islands to examine movements and diving behavior in relation to lunar cycles and oceanographic season. During a full moon, dives were deeper (48.1%) and longer (16.7%) than during a new moon. This change appeared to be driven primarily by an increase (25.2%) in the depth of deep dives (>200 m) completed at night and an increase in the proportion of deeper daytime and twilight dives during a full moon. Dives occurred a mean of 18.3 km farther offshore (more than twice as far from shore) during a full moon compared to a new moon. During the oceanographic season with the shortest day length (fall), dives were shallower (25.4%) and shorter (14.2%) than seasons with longer days (summer). This suggests that changes in light level, both solar and lunar, affect the depth of prey targeted by pilot whales, which in turn influences pilot whale diving behavior and distribution. Future research should determine how these changes influence the feeding success and energetics of pilot whales. The article is available here: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v629/p193-206/ All the best. Kylie

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