February 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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New publication: Resistance and susceptibility of dolphins to cetacean morbillivirus (Kimberley Batley)
by Kimberley Batley 17 Mar '21

17 Mar '21

Dear all, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Batley KC, Sandoval‐Castillo J, Kemper CM, Attard, CRM, Zanardo, N, Tomo, I, Beheregaray, LB, Möller, LM (2018). Genome-wide association study of an unusual dolphin mortality event reveals candidate genes for susceptibility and resistance to cetacean morbillivirus. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Abstract: Infectious diseases are significant demographic and evolutionary drivers of populations, but studies about the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility are scarce in wildlife populations. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly contagious disease that is increasing in both geographic distribution and incidence, causing unusual mortality events (UME) and killing tens of thousands of individuals across multiple cetacean species worldwide since the late 1980’s. The largest CeMV outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere reported to date occurred in Australia in 2013, where it was a major factor in a UME, killing mainly young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Using cases (non-survivors) and controls (putative survivors) from the most affected population, we carried out a genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes for resistance and susceptibility to CeMV. The genomic dataset consisted of 278,147,988 sequence reads and 35,493 high quality SNPs genotyped across 38 individuals. Association analyses found highly significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies amongst cases and controls at 65 SNPs, and Random Forests conservatively identified eight as candidates. Annotation of these SNPs identified five candidate genes (MAPK8, FBXW11, INADL, ANK3, and ACOX3) with functions associated with stress, pain and immune responses. Our findings provide the first insights into the genetic basis of host defence to this highly contagious disease, enabling the development of an applied evolutionary framework to monitor CeMV resistance across cetacean species. Biomarkers could now be established to assess potential risk factors associated with these genes in other CeMV affected cetacean populations and species. These results could also possibly aid in the advancement of vaccines against morbilliviruses. The PDF is freely accessible at https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Regards, Kimberley Batley, on behalf of all co-authors Kimberley Batley PhD candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU) College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University P +61 8 8201 3865 | E kimberley.batley(a)flinders.edu.au www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au<http://www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/>

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River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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New publication: From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 01 Mar '19

01 Mar '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in "Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology": Giménez, J., Ramírez, F., Almunia, J., Forero, M. G., de Stephanis, R. (2016) From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 475:54-61. *Abstract:*One of the most common applications in isotopic ecology is the assessment of animal's assimilated diet through mass-balance mixing models. Its applicability relies on the use of accurate diet to tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates, which are known to vary as a function of several factors including taxon or tissue type. To date, few studies have assessed isotopic discrimination factors and turnover rates in cetacean species under controlled conditions. Previous experimental studies focused on blood, a difficult sample to obtain in the wild, or on a more appropriate tissue, the skin, but assessed in short experimental trials without arriving to the isotopic equilibrium. We carried out the longest controlled feeding experiment available (350 days) in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in order to assess discrimination factors and turnover rates in skin. Animals' isotopic composition was first stabilized by maintaining individuals under an isotopically constant diet during 172 days. Afterwards, diet was shifted and maintained during 178 days to calculate isotopic discrimination and turnover rates. Estimates for isotopic discrimination factors were 1.01 ± 0.37‰ (mean ± sd) for *δ*13C and 1.57 ± 0.52‰ for *δ*15N. Half-life turnover rates were estimated to be 24.16 ± 8.19 days for carbon and 47.63 ± 19 days for nitrogen. This is the first time that applicable values are available to assess the diet of free ranging small cetaceans through stable isotope mixing model analysis. You can download the paper in: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098115300514 or visit my ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2) Kind Regards, Joan Giménez -- *Joan Giménez Verdugo* *PhD Student* *Severo Ochoa* Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Department of Conservation Biology Americo Vespucio Ave, s/n 41092 Sevilla (Spain) www.ebd.csic.es --- Research Gate: Joan Giménez <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2> Phone: +34 619 176 849 ü Please consider the environment before printing this E-mail

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Comments requested: Proposed Rule/LOA request for the Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Navy's SURTASS LFA Sonar Activities
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 28 Feb '19

28 Feb '19

NOAA Fisheries is requesting information, suggestions, and comments concerning the Navy’s request for rulemaking and subsequent Letter of Authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to govern the incidental take of marine mammals by the U.S. Navy’s Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) SONAR training and testing activities conducted under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy in the western and central North Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans beginning in August 2019. The public is invited to comment on the proposed regulations here- https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-03298 This will be NOAA Fisheries’ fourth rule for SURTASS LFA sonar operations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA Fisheries’ proposed regulations and the subsequent Letter of Authorization will include required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures. For training and testing activities of the proposed action, these measures include: · Restricting the use of SURTASS LFA sonar such that it will not operate in Arctic and Antarctic waters; · Restricting the use of SURTASS LFA sonar from within the foreign territorial seas of other nations; · Restricting the use of SURTASS LFA sonar from within Hawaiian state waters (out to three miles) and over Penguin Bank, and ensuring that sound pressure levels (SPL) will not exceed 145 decibels (dB) within Hawaiian state waters; · Ensuring SPLs will not exceed 180 dB re 1 micro pascals (μPa) root mean square (rms) within 12 nautical miles of any emerged features of any coastline, or within designated offshore biologically important areas (OBIAs) for marine mammals; and · Minimizing exposure of marine mammals to SURTASS LFA sonar signal received levels of 180 dB re 1 μPa (rms) or more by suspending sonar transmission when animals enter the mitigation zone and using a highly effective monitoring program to detect their presence. The Navy’s activities are likely to result in the incidental take of marine mammals by exposing them to low frequency sonar signals. The potential takes expected for this action are Level B harassment. No level A harassment takes (potential injury) are expected based on results from the past 16 years of operations and computer modeling of potential takes. No lethal takes are requested or expected for this action. Please visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-… for more information on NOAA’s incidental take program under the MMPA. More information on the SURTASS LFA action is available here - https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-us-navy… Best regards, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries U.S. Department of Commerce jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov o: 301.427.8431 <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/> www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ <http://www.facebook.gov/usnoaafisheriesgov> <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries> <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>

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Sperm whale ship-strikes along the Hellenic Trench, Greece: Can we reduce collision risks?
by Alexandros Frantzis 28 Feb '19

28 Feb '19

Dear Marmam and ECS members, (sorry for cross-postings!) My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our recent publication in PLoS ONE: *Frantzis A, Leaper R, Alexiadou P, Prospathopoulos A, Lekkas D (2019) Shipping routes through core habitat of endangered sperm whales along the Hellenic Trench, Greece: Can we reduce collision risks? PLoS ONE 14(2): e0212016.* Abstract The Mediterranean sperm whale population is listed as ‘Endangered”. The Hellenic Trench is the core habitat of the eastern Mediterranean sperm whale sub-population that numbers two to three hundred individuals. Major shipping routes running on or very close to the 1000 m depth contour along the Hellenic Trench are causing an unsustainable number of ship-strikes with sperm whales reviewed in this paper. Sperm whale sighting and density data were combined with specific information on the vessel traffic in the area (e.g., types of vessels, traffic patterns, speed and traffic density), in order to estimate the risk of a whale/ship interaction. Routing options to significantly reduce ship strike risk by a small offshore shift in shipping routes were identified. The overall collision risk for sperm whales in the study area would be reduced by around 70%, while a maximum of 11 nautical miles would be added to major routes and only around 5 nautical miles for the majority of ships. No negative impacts were associated with re-routing by shipping away from sperm whale habitat and there would be additional shipping safety and environmental benefits. A significant contribution to the overall conservation status of the marine Natura2000 sites in the area and very important population units of threatened species such as Cuvier’s beaked whales, monk seals and loggerhead turtles would be achieved, by the reduction of shipping noise and reduced risk of any oil spills reaching the coasts, which are also important touristic destinations in Greece. This is an *Open Access* paper, which is *freely available online* from the link below: /https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0212016/ If you have any problem with the above link, please feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy at afrantzis(a)otenet.gr Best wishes, Alexandros -- ___________________________________________ Dr. Alexandros Frantzis Scientific director Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute Terpsichoris 21 16671 Vouliagmeni, GREECE Tel.: +30-210-8960108 e-mail: afrantzis(a)otenet.gr website: http://www.pelagosinstitute.gr ___________________________________________ --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Registration open for WCA World Whale Conference 2019
by wendy.vangool＠worldcetaceanalliance.org 28 Feb '19

28 Feb '19

Dear Marmamers Registration and Early Bird tickets are now open for the WCA's 5th <https://www.worldwhaleconference.com/> World Whale Conference, co-hosted by Fraser Coast Tourism & Events (FCTE) and the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA). This 4 day event will be held in Hervey Bay, Queensland Australia from 7-11 October. The conference website and all details can be found here: <https://www.worldwhaleconference.com> World Whale Conference 2019 "Journeys that inspire change" is the theme through which the conference will foster a greater understanding of whale migrations and their significance for marine conservation. The event will entice an international audience of experts and all stakeholders across research, cetacean tourism & travel, education, the arts, welfare and conservation. There will be a number of collaborative and educational talks, workshops, site visits, and excursions to further develop skills and knowledge among participants, as well as enjoying this very special place. Each year between July and November thousands of migrating humpbacks take advantage of the sheltered waters between Hervey Bay and Fraser Island to relax, play and socialise allowing mothers to take time to nurture and train their calves. This makes Hervey Bay one of the top whale watching destinations worldwide. A call for speakers and posters will follow this mail. In the meantime you are welcome to contact the conference team at: admin(a)worldwhaleconference.org This will be the WCA's first conference in the Oceania Region with previous conferences having taken place in Brighton, United Kingdom (2012), Gloucester, United States (2013), Azores, Portugal (2015), and Durban, South Africa (2017). We hope you will join us, WCA Conference Team Wendy van Gool World Cetacean Alliance Studio 3, Lower Promenade Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK. +44 1273 355011 UK Charity No:1160484 --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com

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Seiche and ORCA team up
by Stephanie Barnicoat 28 Feb '19

28 Feb '19

Dear Colleagues, Seiche have teamed up with ORCA, Organisation Cetacea, where we will be delivering this three-day MMO course focusing on equipping delegates with the practical skills required to be a successful Marine Mammal Observer. It is ideal for anyone aspiring to a career in Marine Mammal Observation as well as those in industry who might work alongside an MMO and want to get a better understanding of the role. Equally, if you're not interested in gaining a qualification and are simply fascinated by the marine environment, there is an option to simply join the cruise and learn about the habitats and wildlife of the Bay of Biscay. For information, check out the link. Any questions, please contact training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> http://www.seiche.com/marine-mammal-observer-mmo-orca-course/ Seiche Ltd Stephanie Barnicoat Project Officer Seiche Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1837 503386 E: s.barnicoat(a)seiche.com W: www.seiche.com Registered in England & Wales No. 3475558, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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New publication; Osteology of Whales (In Japanese)
by kenta155＠mail.goo.ne.jp 27 Feb '19

27 Feb '19

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following book is now published: Uekusa Y, Ichishima H, Ito H, Ueda K (2019) "Osteology of Whales" 151pp. Midori-Shobo.ISBN：978-4-89531-365-0 In Japanese. https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E9%AF%A8%E9%A1%9E%E3%81%AE%E9%AA%A8%E5%AD%A6-%E6%… This is the first book in Japan that explains the features of the skeleton of cetaceans in detail along with rich visuals. <Key points of this book> * Details of the features of the whale's skeleton, centered on the head bones with large variations compared to other mammals. In each bone's name, minimum English and Latin words were written. *It is visually understandable with large, easy-to-see figures, illustrations, and photographs taken at various angles. *The evolution and history of cetaceans are also explained in an easy-to-understand manner. *It also includes information useful for observing bones, such as bone preparation methods, basic bone measurement protocols, and CT findings. Yasuhiro UEKUSA MD,DDS,Ph.D(Med),Ph.D.(Dent). Otolaringology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sensyu-Futaba Co. e-mail;kenta155(a)mail.goo.ne.jp

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Paid Undergraduate Summer Research Program in One Health and the Environment
by Kristina Cammen 27 Feb '19

27 Feb '19

The University of Maine Initiative for One Health and the Environment is excited to announce a new NSF-funded REU program for summer 2019, entitled Accelerating New Environmental Workskills (ANEW). REU ANEW is a 10-week paid summer research internship. Each summer, we will invite 10 motivated undergraduate students to join our faculty and graduate students to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. REU ANEW students will have the opportunity to work directly with faculty research mentors, as well as Broader Impacts mentors who are working in the field to apply One Health research to real world problems. Through our program, students will develop critical research and thinking skills that are directly relevant to future career success, and build lasting professional relationships with their undergraduate peers, graduate students, and faculty and broader impacts mentors. Are you interested in studying the link between genetics and marine mammal health, the risk of diseases known as zoonoses that can transfer from animals to humans, or how policy and climate change are impacting environmental health? If so, you should consider applying to our new program! For more information and to apply, visit https://nsfa.umaine.edu/one-health/REU. Application review will begin on March 20 and all complete applications submitted before this deadline will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will continue to be reviewed until all positions are filled. Please direct any questions you have about the program or the application process to anne.lichtenwalner(a)maine.edu and kristina.cammen(a)maine.edu. Stipend: All REU participants will receive a generous summer stipend ($5,750) and living expenses, including travel expenses and housing at the University of Maine in Orono. Eligibility: All REU students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents of the U.S. Students must have completed at least one year of an Associates or Baccalaureate degree program prior to the summer internship, and must plan to continue in their degree program following this summer internship (graduating seniors are not eligible). As part of the National Science Foundation’s and our commitment to broadening participation, we especially encourage students who self-identify with groups that are under-represented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to apply, as well as students attending institutions with relatively limited research opportunities (e.g., community colleges and some undergraduate-only institutions). The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Sarah E. Harebo, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

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