March 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Two new publications on the movement ecology of short-finned pilot whales
by Filipe Alves 18 Mar '19

18 Mar '19

Dear MARMAM community, we are pleased to announce the publication of two new open-access papers on the movement ecology of short-finned pilot whales in the warm temperate waters of the NE Atlantic based on photo-id and effort-related sightings data, from a major collaboration study.The first, although published in 2018, was released only this week due to being included in the first volume of the new journal 'Scientia Insularum | Island Science' (selected as Feature Article), describes a round-trip movement of at least 2000km between Madeira and the Azores by a socially stable and resident pod (in fact it is the pod with more captures in Madeira, being regularly captured since 2003). These findings broaden our understanding on these animals’ home ranges and suggest caution when establishing residency status in delphinids. The second, in the journal Diversity and Distributions, makes a more comprehensive approach (based on likelihood techniques) and uses a much larger dataset comprising several regions, to estimate residency times and transition probabilities, and takes the social analysis into account; which could be a good practice to be used for other scenarios and species. Alves F, A Alessandrini, M Fernandez, KL Hartman, A Dinis. 2018. Home sweet home? Wide-ranging movements of socially stable resident delphinids (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Scientia Insularum 1: 37-49. ABSTRACTMovement patterns of delphinid populations are generally known to occur within specificgeographical areas; with the exception of the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Additionally,knowledge of wide-ranging migrations in these animals are mainly attributed to individualrecords with limited information on their social structure, residency status or purpose ofmigration. Here, a comparison of photographic-identification catalogues of short-finnedpilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) from the two most isolated archipelagos of theNorth Atlantic (Madeira and Azores) shows that five well-marked adult animals have madea round-trip movement, of no less than 2000 km. These delphinids belong to the mainresident pod in Madeira, where they present long-term site fidelity and were photographedin the Azores during an apparent stop (of at least 10 days), most likely for breeding or feedingpurposes. The analysis of the association patterns of these individuals shows that theywere sighted together on multiple occasions during the entire study period, suggesting thatthey are members of a cohesive unit. These findings broaden our understanding on theseanimals’ home ranges and suggest caution when establishing residency status in delphinids. Link for free download: https://www.ull.es/revistas/index.php/scientia-insularum/article/view/62/407 Alves F, A Alessandrini, A Servidio, AS Mendonça, KL Hartman, R Prieto, S Berrow, S Magalhães, L Steiner, R Santos, R Ferreira, JM Pérez, F Ritter, A Dinis, V Martín, M Silva, NA de Soto. 2019. Complex biogeographical patterns support an ecological connectivity network of a large marine predator in the north-east Atlantic. Diversity and Distributions 25: 269-284. ABSTRACTAim: The knowledge of a species biogeographical patterns greatly enhances our understanding of geographical ecology, which can improve identifying key conservation needs. Yet, this knowledge is still scarce for many marine top predators. Here, we aim to analyse movement patterns and spatial structuring of a large predator, the short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus, over a wide geographical area.Location: North-east Atlantic, in Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores, Madeira and Canaries) and Iberian Peninsula (Sagres).Methods: We used likelihood techniques to estimate residency times and transition probabilities and carried out social analysis from individual photographic identification data, and analysed year-round distribution from effort-related sightings,collated between 1999 and 2015.Results: The best-fitting models included emigration and reimmigration and showed different residency times within each archipelago. A total of 26 individual movements from 21 individuals (from a sample of >2,300 individuals) were recorded between Madeira and the neighbouring archipelagos, and heterogeneous transition probabilities were estimated within and between areas. A social network diagram showed associations from animals with distinct residency patterns. Higher significant sighting rates were recorded during autumn in the Azores and Madeira.Main conclusions: The variation in site fidelity and year-round occupancy among areas of the Macaronesia is consistent with some degree of population structuring, which combined with a connectivity network and seasonal inflows from animals inhabiting offshore waters, support the development of a complex social and geographical ecology in short-finned pilot whales. The combination of techniques applied in this study was an effective way to estimate parameters of movement, which could be a good practice to be used for other scenarios and species. Link for free download: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddi.12848 Feel free to contact me with any question at filipe.alves(a)mare-centre.ptRegards, Filipe Alves and all coauthors Filipe Alves Postdoctoral fellow MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARDITI Caminho da Penteada, Madeira Tecnopolo, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal +351 291721216

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New publication: Fin whale abundance and survival estimation in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
by Anna Schleimer 18 Mar '19

18 Mar '19

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Ecology and Evolution: Schleimer A, Ramp C, Delarue J, Carpentier A, Bérubé M, Palsbøll PJ, Sears R, Hammond PS (2019) Decline in abundance and apparent survival rates of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Ecol Evol:ece3.5055 This mark-recapture study includes a critical assessment of the assumption of capture homogeneity in relation to divergent site fidelity patterns and the effects of terminal bias on long time-series of survival estimates. Abstract: Estimates of abundance and survivorship provide quantifiable measures to monitor populations and to define and understand their conservation status. This study investigated changes in abundance and survival rates of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence in the context of anthropogenic pressures and changing environmental conditions. A long‐term data set, consisting of 35 years of photo‐identification surveys and comprising more than 5,000 identifications of 507 individuals, formed the basis of this mark–recapture study. Based on model selection using corrected Akaike Information Criterion, the most parsimonious Cormack–Jolly–Seber model included a linear temporal trend in noncalf apparent survival rates with a sharp decline in the last 5 years of the study and a median survival rate of 0.946 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.910–0.967). To account for capture heterogeneity due to divergent patterns of site fidelity, agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to categorize individuals based on their annual and survey site fidelity indices. However, the negative trend in survivorship remained and was corroborated by a significant decline in the estimated super‐population size from 335 (95% CI 321–348) individuals in 2004–2010 to 291 (95% CI 270–312) individuals in 2010–2016. Concurrently, a negative trend was estimated in recruitment to the population, supported by a sharp decrease in the number of observed calves. Ship strikes and changes in prey availability are potential drivers of the observed decline in fin whale abundance. The combination of clustering methods with mark–recapture represents a flexible way to investigate the effects of site fidelity on demographic variables and is broadly applicable to other individual‐based studies. The open-access paper is available online at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.5055 Alternatively, you can contact me (achs(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) for PDF requests or comments. best wishes, Anna Schleimer PhD student University of St Andrews | University of Groningen

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New publication on the social structure of Australian humpback dolphins
by Tim Hunt 16 Mar '19

16 Mar '19

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on the social structure of the Australian humpback dolphin, Sousa sahulensis: Hunt TN, Allen SJ, Bejder L, Parra GJ. 2019. Assortative interactions revealed in a fission-fusion society of Australian humpback dolphins. Behavioral Ecology. 1-14. doi:10.1093/beheco/arz029 Abstract Understanding individual interactions within a community or population provides valuable insight into its social system, ecology, and, ultimately, resilience against external stimuli. Here, we used photo-identification data, generalized affiliation indices, and social network analyses to investigate dyadic relationships, assortative interactions, and social clustering in the Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis). Boat-based surveys were conducted between May 2013 and October 2015 around the North West Cape, Western Australia. Our results indicated a fission-fusion society, characterized by nonrandom dyadic relationships. Assortative interactions were identified both within and between sexes and were higher among members of the same sex, indicating same-sex preferred affiliations and sexual segregation. Assortative interactions by geographic locations were also identified, but with no evidence of distinct social communities or clusters or affiliations based on residency patterns. We noted high residency among females. Models of temporal patterns of association demonstrated variable levels of stability, including stable (preferred companionships) and fluid (casual acquaintances) associations. We also demonstrated some social avoidance. Our results point to greater social complexity than previously recognized for humpback dolphins and, along with knowledge of population size and habitat use, provide the necessary baseline upon which to assess the influence of increasing human activities on this endemic, Vulnerable species. This paper is available from Behavioral Ecology at https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arz029, or if you would like a PDF, please send a request to tim.hunt(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:tim.hunt@flinders.edu.au> Best regards, Tim ________________________________ Tim Hunt, PhD Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) College of Science and Engineering Flinders University of South Australia * Mob +61 (0)418 946 558| * tim.hunt(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:tim.hunt@flinders.edu.au> * www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> & www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch<http://www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch> [cid:image002.jpg@01CE3458.A901B1B0]<http://www.cebel.org.au/>

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draft programme and registration - Symposium 11 April 2019 - Bright Future? Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea
by Sascha Klöpper 15 Mar '19

15 Mar '19

Dear colleagues, You are invited to register for the scientific symposium on Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea. The event is organized by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat and the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Visitor Centre within the scope of the `Harbour Porpoise Days 2019´ in Wilhelmshaven. Please find attached the draft programme (titles and times might be subject to minor changes). Scientific symposium Bright Future? Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea UNESCO-Weltnaturerbe Wattenmeer Besucherzentrum Wilhelmshaven, Südstrand 110b 11 April 2019 Please register by 29 March 2019 under info(a)waddensea-secretariat.org (indicate your name and affiliation). You are invited to distribute this information within your network. However, please be aware that the number of participants will be limited to 80 people and registration will take place on a first-come-first-served basis. Looking forward to seeing you in Wilhelmshaven, the final programme soon to come. Kind regards, Sascha Klöpper Contact: kloepper(a)waddensea-secretariat.org Sascha Klöpper | Deputy Executive Secretary Common Wadden Sea Secretariat Virchowstrasse 1, D-26382 Wilhelmshaven T +49 (0)4421 9108-14 | M +49 (0)151 61130990 waddensea-secretariat.org | waddensea-worldheritage.org

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Stranding and Necropsy Workshop at IAAAM Conference Durban, South Africa
by Sharp, Sarah 15 Mar '19

15 Mar '19

Stranding and Necropsy Workshop in Conjunction with the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine 50th Annual Scientific Conference, Durban, South Africa. May 18, 2019 Stranding and Necropsy Workshop - Lessons from Long-Term Work in South Africa Hosted by Dr. Stephanie Plön and KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board and Sponsored by The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) We are pleased to offer a one-day training workshop on marine mammal stranding response and necropsy techniques. The workshop will provide both presentations and hands-on experience on necropsy technique. Information presented will include an introduction on stranding response, how to establish a stranding network, and basic necropsy training. Training is aimed for delegates from other regions who are seeking guidance on establishing a stranding network as well as attendees seeking training on marine mammal necropsy techniques. An an overview of achievements in South Africa based on 25 years of stranding response will be discussed. Additional lectures on stranding response will be given by Dr. Sarah Sharp (IFAW) and necropsy demonstrations will be guided by two board certified veterinary pathologists with expertise in marine mammal pathology - Drs. Michael Kinsel and Martha Delaney (Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). Date: Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 8:00am to 5:00pm Location: KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board wetlab. Transportation will be provided from conference hotel Cost: Free for attendees from developing countries; $50 for all other attendees. Includes lunch and transportation For more information contact: Stephanie.Plon(a)mandela.ac.za<mailto:Stephanie.Plon@mandela.ac.za> To register: https://www.iaaam.org/2019-iaaam-conference-registration Sarah Sharp | Animal Rescue Veterinarian ___________________________________________________________ IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare International Operations Center 290 Summer Street - Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 tel. 1.508.744.2270 email. ssharp(a)ifaw.org<mailto:ssharp@ifaw.org> www.ifaw.org<http://www.ifaw.org/> Rescuing and protecting animals around the world www.ifaw.org<http://www.ifaw.org/> Watch videos of our work at... http://g.ifaw.org/IFoundAWay The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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New publication: Impacts of past changes in sea ice on walrus diet
by Casey Clark 14 Mar '19

14 Mar '19

MARMAM Members, On behalf of my co-authors and myself, I am pleased to share our new paper, titled “Pacific walrus diet across 4000 years of changing sea ice conditions”, recently published in Quaternary Research. The paper is available here: https://goo.gl/SSKbqY <https://goo.gl/SSKbqY> Clark, C.T., L. Horstmann, A. de Vernal, A.M. Jensen, and N. Misarti. 2019. Pacific walrus diet across 4000 years of changing sea ice conditions. Quaternary Research. 1–17. doi:10.1017/qua.2018.140 Declining sea ice is expected to change the Arctic’s physical and biological systems in ways that are difficult to predict. This study used stable isotope compositions (δ13C and δ15N) of archaeological, historic, and modern Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) bone collagen to investigate the impacts of changing sea ice conditions on walrus diet during the last ∼4000 yr. An index of past sea ice conditions was generated using dinocyst-based reconstructions from three locations in the northeastern Chukchi Sea. Archaeological walrus samples were assigned to intervals of high and low sea ice, and δ13C and δ15N were compared across ice states. Mean δ13C and δ15N values were similar for archaeological walruses from intervals of high and low sea ice; however, variability among walruses was greater during low-ice intervals, possibly indicating decreased availability of preferred prey. Overall, sea ice conditions were not a primary driver of changes in walrus diet. The diet of modern walruses was not consistent with archaeological low sea ice intervals. Rather, the low average trophic position of modern walruses (primarily driven by males), with little variability among individuals, suggests that trophic changes to this Arctic ecosystem are still underway or are unprecedented in the last ∼4000 yr. I am happy to provide a PDF of the article upon request. Please email me at ctclark(a)alaska.edu <mailto:ctclark@alaska.edu> if you are interested, or if you have any questions about the paper. Best regards, Casey Clark CFOS/WERC University of Alaska Fairbanks ctclark(a)alaska.edu <mailto:ctclark@alaska.edu>

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Cytokine expression in porpoises - Biomarkers for health assessment
by Lehnert-Sobotta, Kristina 14 Mar '19

14 Mar '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the recent publication of our paper in Environmental Pollution: Lehnert, K., Siebert, U., Reißmann, K., Bruhn, R., McLachlan, M. S., Müller, G., ... & Beineke, A. (2019). Cytokine expression and lymphocyte proliferative capacity in diseased harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)–Biomarkers for health assessment in wildlife cetaceans. Environmental Pollution 247, 783-791 Abstract: Harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the North and Baltic Seas are exposed to anthropogenic influences including acoustic stress and environmental contaminants. In order to evaluate immune responses in healthy and diseased harbor porpoise cells, cytokine expression analyses and lymphocyte proliferation assays, together with toxicological analyses were performed in stranded and bycaught animals as well as in animals kept in permanent human care. Severely diseased harbor porpoises showed a reduced proliferative capacity of peripheral blood lymphocytes together with diminished transcription of transforming growth factor-β and tumor necrosis factor-α compared to healthy controls. Toxicological analyses revealed accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in harbor porpoise blood samples. Correlation analyses between blood organochlorine levels and immune parameters revealed no direct effects of xenobiotics upon lymphocyte proliferation or cytokine transcription, respectively. Results reveal an impaired function of peripheral blood leukocytes in severely diseased harbor porpoises, indicating immune exhaustion and increased disease susceptibility. A PDF copy can be obtained from the authors on request! Kind regards, Kristina Lehnert ******************************************** Dr. Kristina Lehnert Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6│25761 Buesum│Germany Phone +49 (0) 511 856 8171

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Registration open for the NW Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy Meeting
by UW MarMam 14 Mar '19

14 Mar '19

Dear MARMAM community, Registration for the annual meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (NWSSMM) is now open. The meeting will take place on Saturday, 18 May 2019, at the University of Washington School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences <https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fishery+Sciences+Building+(FSH)/@47.65325…> in Seattle, WA. The purpose of the annual meeting is to cultivate community among students studying marine mammals by creating a relaxed atmosphere to share research ideas, tribulations, and triumphs. Though the meeting is geared towards students, everyone and anyone interested in marine mammals is encouraged to attend! Saturday, May 18th, will involve a full day of oral and poster presentations, followed by a group dinner at a local restaurant. On Sunday, May 19th, we are offering an optional outing to the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. We encourage students (undergrad, grad, and post-docs) to submit an abstract to present their research. Abstracts for research at all stages, including proposed research and preliminary results, will be accepted. Depending on the number of registrants, oral presentations may be reserved for projects with results. The *abstract submission deadline is APRIL 19.* Registration cost is TBD (max of $15 USD) and will include breakfast, snacks, and lunch. Registration for the meeting will be accepted up until the day of the meeting (on-site registration available). *Register and/or submit your abstract at: * https://goo.gl/forms/TrnsKGoMw4MXt2cS2 *Follow along on the Facebook event page: * https://www.facebook.com/events/651319458635126/ Hope to see you in Seattle! The NWSSMM 23rd Annual Meeting Student Organizers

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Aquatic Mammals 45.2 available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 Mar '19

14 Mar '19

Dear MARMAM and ECS Talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 45, issue 2, 2019) of Aquatic Mammals. For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 45.1/45.2 will be mailed in late March. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Brandon L. Southall, James J. Finneran, Colleen Reichmuth, Paul E. Nachtigall, Darlene R. Ketten, Ann E. Bowles, William T. Ellison, Douglas P. Nowacek, and Peter L. Tyack. (2019). Marine Mammal Noise Exposure Criteria: Updated Scientific Recommendations for Residual Hearing Effects. Aquatic Mammals, 45(2), 125-232. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.125 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.125> Eric M. Keen, Erin A. Falcone, Russel D. Andrews, and Gregory S. Schorr. (2019). Diel Dive Behavior of Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Southern California Bight. Aquatic Mammals, 45(2), 233-243. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.233 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.233> Doug Gualtieri and Robert L. Pitman. (2019). Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Predation on a Gervais’ Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon europaeus) in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Aquatic Mammals, 45(2), 244-245. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.244 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.244> Christian D. Ortega-Ortiz, Manuel H. Vargas-Bravo, Aramis Olivos-Ortiz, Manuel Gerardo Verduzco Zapata, and Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken. (2019). Guadalupe Fur Seal Encounters in the Mexican Central Pacific During 2010-2015: Dispersion Related to the Species Recovery? Aquatic Mammals, 45(2), 246-254. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.246 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.246> Daniel K. Odell. (2019). In Memoriam: John Elliott Reynolds III. Aquatic Mammals, 45(2), 255-256. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.255 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.45.2.2019.255>

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New article how breath-holding affect breathing in dolphins?
by Andreas 14 Mar '19

14 Mar '19

Dear all, Me and my co-authors are pleased to share our recent publication with you: Fahlman, A., Brodsky, M., Miedler, S., Dennison, S., Ivančić, M., Levine, G., Rocho-Levine, J., Manley, M., Rocabert, J., Borque Espinosa, A., 2019. Ventilation and gas exchange before and after voluntary static surface breath-holds in clinically healthy bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. J. Exp. Biol. 222, 1-9. doi: 10.1242/jeb.192211 The article describes changes in lung function and end-expired O2 following status surface apneas up to 5 min in the bottle nose dolphin. A B S T R A C T We measured respiratory flow (V̇), breathing frequency (fR), tidal volume (VT), breath duration and end-expired O2 content in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) before and after static surface breath-holds ranging from 34 to 292 s. There was considerable variation in the end-expired O2, VT and fR following a breath-hold. The analysis suggests that the dolphins attempt to minimize recovery following a dive by altering VT and fR to rapidly replenish the O2 stores. For the first breath following a surface breath-hold, the end-expired O2decreased with dive duration, while VT and fR increased. Throughout the recovery period, end-expired O2 increased while the respiratory effort (VT, fR) decreased. We propose that the dolphins alter respiratory effort following a breath-hold according to the reduction in end-expired O2 levels, allowing almost complete recovery after 1.2 min. The article can be found at: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/5/jeb192211 <http://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/5/jeb192211> JEB also offers 50 free download which canoe found at: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/jexbio/222/5/jeb192211.full.pdf?ijkey=ql8… If you have additional questions or would like a pdf copy of the article, please send an email to: afahlman(a)whoi.edu <mailto:afahlman@whoi.edu> Sincerely, Andreas

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