October 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on creating ensembles of SDM predictions
by Sam Woodman 17 Oct '19

17 Oct '19

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the following publication in Methods in Ecology and Evolution: Woodman, S.M., Forney, K.A., Becker, E.A., DeAngelis, M.L., Hazen, E.L., Palacios, D.M., Redfern, J.V. (2019). eSDM: A tool for creating and exploring ensembles of predictions from species distribution and abundance models. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 2019;00:1-11. doi:10.1111/2041-210X.13283 The paper is open access and is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13283 The abstract is below, while more information about the eSDM R package and accompanying GUI can be found at https://github.com/smwoodman/eSDM (the package is also on CRAN). Best, Sam Woodman Abstract 1. Species distribution models (SDMs) are a valuable statistical approach for both understanding species distributions and identifying potential impacts of environmental changes or management decisions to species, but multiple SDMs for the same species in a region can create confusion in decision‐making processes. 2. One solution is to create ensembles (i.e. combinations) of predictions from existing SDMs. However, creating ensembles can be challenging if the predictions were made at different spatial resolutions, using different data sources, or with different prediction value types (e.g. abundance and probability of occurrence). 3. We present eSDM, an R package that allows users to create an ensemble of SDM predictions overlaid onto a single base geometry. These predictions can be evaluated (e.g. through among‐model uncertainty or AUC, TSS and RMSE metrics), mapped, and exported. eSDM includes a built‐in GUI created using the R package shiny, which makes the package accessible to non‐R users. 4. We provide an overview of eSDM functionality and use eSDM to create an ensemble of predictions from three blue whale (*Balaenoptera musculus*) SDMs for the California Current Ecosystem. -- Samuel Woodman Harvey Mudd College 2016 Mathematical and Computational Biology

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Bottlenose dolphin - Atlantic spotted dolphin project research in Venezuela. Interns and volunteer program 2019
by Sergio Cobarrubia 17 Oct '19

17 Oct '19

*BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN - ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA* *INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2019* *Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC-IVIC) and Provita.* BACKGROUND: The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC) of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC) invites the first season of internships-volunteering (2019) in the study of coastal dolphins. LEGC is a scientific team that among its research lines on the fauna of coastal and riparian ecosystems, it has established the first one on aquatic mammals in Venezuela. On the other hand, Provita is an important NGO that contributes to the research and conservation in Venezuela. This research will begin with a project focused on sociobiology (social structure, social networks and bioacoustics) of resident groups of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (*Stenella frontalis*) in the central coast of Venezuela. This, after an experience of 5 years in that locality studying ecological aspects of *T. truncatus *(https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1). The coast of Aragua not only houses these species, but also the Bryde's whale (*Balaenoptera edeni*), the common dolphin (*Delphinus* sp.) and the spinner dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*). Of which basic information is collected too. LEGC interns and volunteers are young, hard-working who are willing to contribute to research by learning as they experience fieldwork in teams, field techniques for collecting and processing data and methodologies. All team members and interns share academic space, housing in the Institute, housework in the study area, knowledge and experience in a friendly and multicultural environment. The internship consists of three weeks: The first week of theoretical-practical preparation (24 theoretical hours and 16 practicals hours) at the IVIC Ecology Center. The second week of seven field surveys for data collection (42 h) on the Cata Bay (Aragua state) and the third week for data storage and analysis at the IVIC Ecology Center (40 h). The volunteering consist of the second and third weeks. WHERE: Theory: LEGC, Center of Ecology (IVIC) Miranda State, Caracas (10 23 N - 66 58 W. http://www.ivic.gob.ve/es/) Practice: Cata Bay, western coast of the (rain forest) National Park Henry Pittier, Aragua state (central coast of Venezuela) 150 km from Caracas (DC) (10 29 N - 67 44 W). PROGRAM: Interns (Three weeks) – Volunteers (Two weeks). 1st WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns). - Monday: What is a cetacean? The cetaceans and the human in history. Origin, evolution and diversity. Adaptations for aquatic life: Anatomy and Physiology. Life histories. Biogeography Distribution. Ecology Behavior. Conservation. - Tuesday: Identification of species reported for Venezuela. Basic logistics for the study of cetaceans on the mainland, sea and air. Basic equipment to collect information. - Wednesday: How to detect cetaceans and record an effective sighting? Basic data to collect during a sighting, calibration and use of GPS. Configuration and use of the SLR cameras. Download of sightings (GIS). Download pictures and selection (software). - Thursday: Daily encounter ratio. Photo-identification as a tool for ecological and behavioral studies. Estimates of abundance. Local distribution and areas of action. - Friday: Residential patterns. Behavior (deployments, states, daily budget). Habitat use. Social structure and social networks. Bioacoustics. Saturday: Break. Sunday: Transfer to the Cata Bay. 2nd WEEK (Cata Bay-Provita, 42 hours. For Interns and Volunteers). The field surveys will be carried out in a fishing vessel of 9 m in length by 2 of beam. The field work will depend on the climatic conditions, however, the Aragua coast offers few climatic inconveniences throughout the year. There will be 7 mornings of field surveys in the week, after each survey is lunch, rest and then proceed to download the data of sightings and then interpret them preliminarily and discuss them. In the field surveys, it will be implemented: - The identification and recognition of the elements of the marine landscape and the method of tracking and detection of cetaceans. - Ethical navigation mode to study cetaceans. - The basic data collection / sighting. - Use of GPS. - Use of SRL camera. - Counting of individuals and composition of a group. - Identification of the behavioral states that configure group behavior and its recording. - Use of hydrophone. In the afternoon the information of the sightings will be downloaded: - Sighting forms. - Latitude and longitude. - Photographs and their selection. - Voice recordings (behavior). - Recordings of vocalizations. 3rd WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns and volunteers). PRACTICAL FEES: Accommodation, food and transport (airport-IVIC-Cata Bay-IVIC-airport) are paid. The cost of internships and volunteers is US $ 690 for the exclusive compensation of logistical expenses of the field surveys. For more information, please contact: sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com. Especially it has to do with any doubt about the false dystopian scenarios of the "anti-Venezuela" campaign that seek to prevent the development of activities of this type among others. Ask all your questions. WHEN: During the year there will be 6 internships-volunteering sessions (February, April, June, August, October, November). For interns, second, third and fourth week of the months scheduled. For volunteers, third and fourth week of the scheduled months. VACANTS: 4 people / internship or volunteerng. Not included in the rate: - Meals in restaurants - Free time activities - Personal insurance (all participants must have health and / or travel insurance) - Personal expenses. INTEREST IS EXPECTED: - Being over 18 years - Iterns: Preference will be given to undergraduate students and professional students (biology, marine biology, environmental, conservation and plus). - Volunteer: No preferences. - Have a mature attitude towards the investigation of marine mammals and environment - Be autonomous and flexible - To be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors in the sea - Speak Spanish, English or Portuguese. ACADEMIC CREDITS: The LEGC will certify the work performed by intern or volunteer through a diploma with the recognition of the hours (academic-practical) worked. APPLICATION AND QUESTIONS: Applicants must write to sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com with the subject "DOLPHINS PROJECT_Name". You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details about the study area and the species present, the practices and requesting your CV resume, motivation letter (small statement about what your expectations are and why you want to work with LEGC) and the internship month of your choice. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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Cetacean Research Vacancy at NOAA’S Marine Mammal Laboratory
by Sonja Kromann - NOAA Federal 17 Oct '19

17 Oct '19

*CETACEAN RESEARCH VACANCY IS NOW OPEN AT NOAA’S MARINE MAMMAL LABORATORY* The Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA) has opened a vacancy announcement for a permanent federal position as Program Leader for MML’s Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program. This position is a permanent, Band IV, supervisory position in the federal ZP series. Applications will be accepted for 14 days from 15 – 28 October 2019. Announcements for this Supervisory Research Biologist ZP-0401-4 position have been posted in two categories (candidates may apply for this single position under one or both of the categories for which they qualify).Information can be found at USAJOBS under the following links: *NMFS-AKC-2019-0057:* https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547237500 (Delegated Examining Authority -- open to U.S. citizens). *NMFS-AKC-2019-0058:* https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547237600 (Merit Promotion Authority -- open only to current and former federal employees). The Marine Mammal Laboratory’s Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program (CAEP) is responsible for conducting studies and reviewing research to assess the status of whales in Alaskan waters (from the North Pacific Ocean to the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas). Recent studies have focused on North Pacific right, bowhead,gray, humpback, beluga and killer whales, as well as and Dall’s and harbor porpoise. Past studies have looked at blue, fin, sei, minke, sperm, and beaked whales, as well as the Pacific white-sided dolphin. Species-specific information is gathered on abundance, trends, stock structure, habitat use, seasonal movements, and feeding ecology using aerial or vessel counts, acoustic studies, satellite telemetry, genetic studies, and photo-identification. CAEP currently has a total of about 25 staff, including permanent employees, non-federal collaborators, and post-docs. The program is known for its innovative work and its strong publication record. Some of the Program’s scientists participate in domestic and international science and management meetings, including representing the United Statesat the International Whaling Commission. The Program Leader is responsible for the scientific direction and administration of CAEP, as well as direct and indirect supervision of staff. Candidates are sought who have demonstrated leadership skills, supervisory experience, and a broad scientific vision. A Ph.D. in biology (or a related field) and a strong publication record are considered essential. This is a special opportunity to join and lead a talented and dynamic group of cetacean researchers, who are an important part of the nearly 100 staff comprising the Marine Mammal Laboratory. We welcome applications from all qualified and interested members of the marine mammal research community. If that is you, please go to USAJOBS and submit an application. And please pass this notification along to others who may be interested as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at +1 (206) 526-4016. All the best, John L. Bengtson, Director Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Seattle

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DOLPHIN RESERACH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 17 Oct '19

17 Oct '19

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 2020. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board; · Secchi disk methodology; · Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2020 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you, if you book you internship until 31th December 2019. *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow link is a short video about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- *AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] <https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal> [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/AimmportugalOrg>

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New publication: Cost‐effective mitigation strategies to reduce bycatch threats to cetaceans identified using return‐on‐investment analysis
by Vanessa Pirotta (HDR) 16 Oct '19

16 Oct '19

Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication: Cost‐effective mitigation strategies to reduce bycatch threats to cetaceans identified using return‐on‐investment analysis Tulloch, V. , Grech, A. , Jonsen, I. , Pirotta, V. and Harcourt, R. (2019), Cost‐effective mitigation strategies to reduce bycatch threats to cetaceans identified using return‐on‐investment analysis. Conservation Biology. doi:10.1111/cobi.13418<https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13418> Abstract Globally, fisheries bycatch threatens the survival of many whale and dolphin species. Strategies for reducing bycatch can be expensive. Management is inclined to prioritize investment in actions that are inexpensive, but these may not be the most effective. We used an economic tool, return‐on‐investment, to identify cost‐effective measures to reduce cetacean bycatch in the trawl, net, and line fisheries of Australia. We examined 3 management actions: spatial closures, acoustic deterrents, and gear modifications. We compared an approach for which the primary goal was to reduce the cost of bycatch reduction to fisheries with an approach that aims solely to protect whale and dolphin species. Based on cost‐effectiveness and at a fine spatial resolution, we identified the management strategies across Australia that most effectively abated dolphin and whale bycatch. Although trawl‐net modifications were the cheapest strategy overall, there were many locations where spatial closures were the most cost‐effective solution, despite their high costs to fisheries, due to their effectiveness in reducing all fisheries interactions. Our method can be used to delineate strategies to reduce bycatch threats to mobile marine species across diverse fisheries at relevant spatial scales to improve conservation outcomes. Available online here: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cobi.13418 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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New publication: Pectoral herding
by Madison Kosma 16 Oct '19

16 Oct '19

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce the publication of the following open access article in Royal Society Open Science : http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191104 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191104> Pectoral herding: an innovative tactic for humpback whale foraging Citation: Kosma MM, Werth AJ, Szabo AR, Straley JM. 2019 Pectoral herding: an innovative tactic for humpback whale foraging. R. Soc. open sci. 6: 191104. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191104 Abstract: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have exceptionally long pectorals (i.e. flippers) that aid in shallow water navigation, rapid acceleration and increased manoeuvrability. The use of pectorals to herd or manipulate prey has been hypothesized since the 1930s. We combined new technology and a unique viewing platform to document the additional use of pectorals to aggregate prey during foraging events. Here, we provide a description of ‘pectoral herding’ and explore the conditions that may promote this innovative foraging behaviour. Specifically, we analysed aerial videos and photographic sequences to assess the function of pectorals during feeding events near salmon hatchery release sites in Southeast Alaska (2016–2018). We observed the use of solo bubble-nets to initially corral prey, followed by calculated movements to establish a secondary boundary with the pectorals—further condensing prey and increasing foraging efficiency. We found three ways in which humpback whales use pectorals to herd prey: (i) create a physical barrier to prevent evasion, (ii) cause water motion to guide prey towards the mouth, and (iii) position the ventral side to reflect light and alter prey movement. Our findings suggest that behavioural plasticity may aid foraging in changing environments and shifts in prey availability. Further study would clarify if ‘pectoral herding’ is used as a principal foraging tool by the broader humpback whale population and the conditions that promote its use. The paper can be accessed freely using the following link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191104 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191104> Please feel free to contact me at madison.kosma(a)gmail.com <mailto:madison.kosma@gmail.com> if you have any queries. Sincerely, Madison Kosma Madison M. Kosma Masters Student, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Juneau Fisheries Division, University of Alaska Fairbanks mobile: (231) 282.0061 email: mmkosma(a)alaska.edu

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New assessment of Western South Atlantic humpback whales
by Alex Zerbini - NOAA Affiliate 16 Oct '19

16 Oct '19

Dear Marmamers, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of a new assessment of the conservation status of western South Atlantic humpback whales. The abstract is provided below. The paper can be read/downloaded here: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.190368 Thank you for your interest and best wishes, Alex --------------------------- Assessing the recovery of an Antarctic predator from historical exploitation A.N. Zerbini, G. Adams, J. Best, P.J. Clapham, J.A. Jackson and A.E. Punt The recovery of whale populations from centuries of exploitation will have important management and ecological implications due to greater exposure to anthropogenic activities and increasing prey consumption. Here, a Bayesian population model integrates catch data, estimates of abundance, and information on genetics and biology to assess the recovery of western South Atlantic (WSA) humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*). Modelling scenarios evaluated the sensitivity of model outputs resulting from the use of different data, different model assumptions and uncertainty in catch allocation and in accounting for whales killed but not landed. A long period of exploitation drove WSA humpback whales to the brink of extinction. They declined from nearly 27 000 (95% PI = 22 800–33 000) individuals in 1830 to only 450 (95% PI = 200–1400) whales in the mid-1950s. Protection led to a strong recovery and the current population is estimated to be at 93% (95% PI = 73–100%) of its pre-exploitation size. The recovery of WSA humpback whales may result in large removals of their primary prey, the Antarctic krill (*Euphausia superba*), and has the potential to modify the community structure in their feeding grounds. Continued monitoring is needed to understand how these whales will respond to modern threats and to climate-driven changes to their habitats. ----------- Alexandre N Zerbini, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115-6349, USA Phone: (206) 526.4511 <(206)%20526-4511> Email: alex.zerbini(a)noaa.gov www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W 4th Ave Olympia, WA, 98501, USA www.cascadiaresearch.org Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2468 Camp McKenzie Tr NW Seabeck, WA 98380 www.marecotel.org ----------

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PhD student opportunity in Antarctic baleen whale historical ecology
by Alyson Fleming 16 Oct '19

16 Oct '19

We are seeking a PhD student for a project on blue and fin whale biology and Antarctic historical ecology. This project will use an archive of baleen plates from Antarctic blue and fin whales harvested in the mid 1940s that was recently rediscovered in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. A suite of modern molecular techniques will be applied to these archived specimens to ask how blue and fin whale foraging and reproduction responded to climate variability, changes at the base of the food web, and whaling activities in the early 1940s. Methods will include bulk stable isotope analysis, compound-specific stable isotope analyses (CSIA-AA), and hormone analysis. The student will be based at the University of North Carolina Wilmington under the supervision of Dr. Alyson Fleming in collaboration with Drs. Ari Friedlaender and Matt McCarthy (UC Santa Cruz) and Dr. Kathleen Hunt (George Mason University). Candidates should have a strong background in lab work and familiarity with stable isotope or hormone methods (ideally both). The position will require frequent/extended travel to the museum for sampling and the collaborating universities for laboratory analyses and meetings. The candidate should have strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills given the collaborative nature of the project. The student must be comfortable with working independently and overseeing undergraduate or Master’s students. General requirements include a bachelor and Master’s degree in either biology, marine science, or ecology. A Master’s degree is required to enter UNCW as a PhD student. Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Dr. Fleming at FlemingA(a)uncw.edu.

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NEW paper: Accuracy and precision of age determination using growth layer groups for California sea lions with known ages
by Lauren Rust 16 Oct '19

16 Oct '19

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce a new paper recently published in Marine Mammal Science: Accuracy and precision of age determination using growth layer groups for California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) with known ages. LAUREN B. RUST ,1 The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito,California 94965, U.S.A.; KERRI DANIL, Southwest Fisheries Science Center,NMFS, NOAA, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, California 92037, U.S.A.;SHARON R. MELIN, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA, 7600 SandPoint Way N.E., Building 4, Seattle, Washington 98115, U.S.A.; BRENT WILKERSON,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington98195, U.S.A. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, 35(4): 1355–1368 (2019)© 2019 Society for Marine MammalogyDOI: 10.1111/mms.12605https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12605 AbstractAge determination from counts of growthlayer groups (GLGs) in tooth dentine is a common method for aging marinemammals. Using known-aged animals, we validated this method for acid etchedteeth of California sea lions (CSLs), Zalophuscalifornianus. Between 1991 and 2013, the upper left canine (n=33) was collected opportunisticallyduring necropsy from animals tagged or branded as pups that later died.Overall, 55%-61% of age estimates by GLG counting were within 1 yr of the known-agein the sample of 1-30 yr old CSLs. Accuracy of age estimates was found to bedependent on age of the CSLs, however. 71%-79% of age estimates were within 1 yrof the known-age in CSLs less than 10 yr old. These findings support the validity ofcounting GLGs to estimate age for CSLs less than 10 yr old to within one yearof accuracy. For copies of the full PDF, please email: laurenbeddiarust(a)gmail.comThank you,Lauren Rust

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New Publication: Norrisanima miocaena, a new generic name and redescription of a stem balaenopteroid mysticete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Miocene of California
by Matt Leslie 15 Oct '19

15 Oct '19

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce the publication of the following open access article in PeerJ: https://peerj.com/articles/7629/ Norrisanima miocaena: a new generic name and redescription of a stem balaenopteroid mysticete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Miocene of California Citation: Leslie MS, Peredo CM, Pyenson ND. 2019. *Norrisanima miocaena*, a new generic name and redescription of a stem balaenopteroid mysticete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Miocene of California. PeerJ 7:e7629 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7629 Abstract: Rorqual whales are among the most species rich group of baleen whales (or mysticetes) alive today, yet the monophyly of the traditional grouping (i.e., Balaenopteridae) remains unclear. Additionally, many fossil mysticetes putatively assigned to either Balaenopteridae or Balaenopteroidea may actually belong to stem lineages, although many of these fossil taxa suffer from inadequate descriptions of fragmentary skeletal material. Here we provide a redescription of the holotype of *Megaptera miocaena*, a fossil balaenopteroid from the Monterey Formation of California, which consists of a partial cranium, a fragment of the rostrum, a single vertebra, and both tympanoperiotics. Kellogg (1922) <https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Description%20of%20the%20sk…> assigned the type specimen to the genus *Megaptera* Gray (1846) <https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=On%20the%20cetaceous%20anim…>, on the basis of its broad similarities to distinctive traits in the cranium of extant humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae* (Borowski, 1781 <https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Gemeinn%C3%BCzzige%20Naturg…>)). Subsequent phylogenetic analyses have found these two species as sister taxa in morphological datasets alone; the most recent systematic analyses using both molecular and morphological data sets place *Megaptera miocaena* as a stem balaenopteroid unrelated to humpback whales. Here, we redescribe the type specimen of *Megaptera miocaena* in the context of other fossil balaenopteroids discovered nearly a century since Kellogg’s original description and provide a morphological basis for discriminating it from *Megaptera novaeangliae*. We also provide a new generic name and recombine the taxon as *Norrisanima miocaena*, gen. nov., to reflect its phylogenetic position outside of crown Balaenopteroidea, unrelated to extant *Megaptera*. Lastly, we refine the stratigraphic age of *Norrisanima miocaena*, based on associated microfossils to a Tortonian age (7.6–7.3 Ma), which carries implications for understanding the origin of key features associated with feeding and body size evolution in this group of whales. Etymology: Combining the surname Norris and the Latin *anima* (breath of life), the generic name honors the late Dr. Kenneth S. Norris and his son, Dr. Richard D. Norris, for their contributions to the natural history of California, marine mammalogy, and evolution in the marine realm. Sincerely, Matt ---------- Matthew S. Leslie Ph.D. Department of Biology Swarthmore College

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