May 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

undergrad internships for Fall 19
by K Frost 14 May '19

14 May '19

Several undergraduate internship opportunities are still available for the Fall 2019 semester in conjunction with *Semester by the Bay* in Homer, Alaska at University of Alaska Anchorage-Kenai Peninsula College-Kachemak Bay Campus! *Semester by the Bay* offers undergraduate courses in marine biology (marine mammals, seabirds, fishes, tide pool invertebrates, etc,) with unique hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in the lab and field, such as behavioral ecology of beluga whales, sea otters, and harbor seals, acoustics of harbor porpoises, marine mammal skeletal articulation/museum preparation, marine debris assessment, seining and identification of estuarine fishes, behavior of seabirds at island rookeries, among others. In addition, most students participate in community-based internships and/or volunteer opportunities with governmental or non-governmental researchers while studying with us. Remaining internship opportunities include: - Center for Alaska Coastal Studies (Environmental Educator Intern) - Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (Visitor Outreach and Environmental Education Intern) - Winged Whale Research (Cetacean Identification Data Entry/Catalog Interns) - Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, University of Alaska Anchorage Natural Heritage Program/NOAA(Oceanography Intern) *This opportunity is reserved for undergraduates.* Interested juniors and seniors should submit an application of interest. Please see www.semesterbythebay.org <https://owa.uaa.alaska.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx> and/or contact Kim Frost at kafrost2(a)alaska.edu <nejohnson2(a)alaska.edu> for more information. -- Kim Frost Student and Enrollment Services Coordinator Kachemak Bay Campus/KPC/UAA Strengths: Context-Individualization-Intellection-Learner-Responsibility [image: Description: Description: facebook_log.jpg] <https://www.facebook.com/Kachemakbaycampus> This message is intended for the sole use of the individual to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose, or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. If you have received this item in error, please notify the original sender and destroy this item, along with any attachments.

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New paper - Abundance estimates of an isolated population of bottlenose dolphins in Namibia
by Simon Elwen 14 May '19

14 May '19

Dear Colleagues - We are proud to announce the publication of: *Elwen, S.H*., R.H. Leeney, T. Gridley. (2019). Abundance estimates of an isolated population of common bottlenose dolphins in Walvis Bay, Namibia 2008-2012. African Journal of Marine Science 41(1). Take home message: At under 100 individuals, this is one of the smallest populations of any mammal in southern Africa but is exposed to an increasing number of human threats including marine tourism, harbour expansion and habitat degradation. Paper available on our website: http://seasearch.co.za/research/ or Researchgate profiles. ABSTRACT The coastal population of common bottlenose dolphins (*T. truncatus*) found in Namibia is regionally isolated and unique. This population faces several potential anthropogenic threats, especially in Walvis Bay, including boat-based tourism, a commercial harbour undergoing expansion and aquaculture for oysters and mussels. Between 2008 and 2012, 238 boat-based surveys were conducted, resulting in 170 encounters with bottlenose dolphins. Group size varied from 1 to 45 individuals (mean = 10.7). Encounter rates, group size and total number of animals identified were higher in winter than summer seasons. The number, and survival and immigration parameters of dolphins using Walvis Bay was investigated using Robust Design and Huggins closed population mark-recapture models. The highest numbers estimated were in the first and last years of the study, with estimates of 74 to 82 and 76 to 77 (number identified and upper 95% confidence interval respectively). The only previously available data from an incomplete study in the early 1990s suggested that the population was between 100 and 150 individuals at that time. Although no linear trend in population size was obvious during this study, the clear evidence of isolation, small population size, low annual birth rate, and potential long-term decrease in numbers since the early 1990s is concerning. Further work to collect data on demographic parameters is urgently recommended with a view to obtaining increased protection. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. NRF Research Fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Based at Sea Search Africa - 4 Bath Rd, Muizenberg, Cape Town. Phone: +27 21 788 1206 (Office SA), +27 71 139 5951 (Mob SA) www.seasearch.co.za & www.namibiandolphinproject.org <http://www.namibiandolphinproject.org>

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Ship strike risk reduction measure adopted by Antarctic expedition tourism operators
by Ted Cheeseman 14 May '19

14 May '19

Dear Marmam community, We are very pleased to share news of a recent step taken by Antarctic expedition tour operators to proactively manage risk to whales from ship operations on the Antarctic Peninsula. The following short working paper is being tabled at IWC presently: Ship Strike Risk Mitigation by Antarctic Expedition Tourism Vessels Ted Cheeseman(1),(2), Amanda Lynnes(2) and Lisa Kelley(2) 1Happywhale (www.happywhale.com) and Southern Cross University, New South Wales, Australia 2International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, 50 South Commons Way, Unit E-5B, South Kingstown, RI, 02879, USA The Antarctic Peninsula region is an area of significant and growing human activity, including science, fishing and tourism. While no cetacean population along the Antarctic Peninsula has been comprehensively assessed, anecdotal evidence and extremely high pregnancy rates (Pallin et al., 2018) leave little question that humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations are enjoying rapid growth rates as well. Recognizing that increased shipping has the potential to lead to an increase in whale strikes, especially in the whale rich waters of the Gerlache Strait, members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) voted at their recent annual meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, to adopt mandatory measures to mitigate ship strike risk from ship operations. IAATO members operate under a mandate to keep the impact of tourism “less than minor or transitory”, an ethos that motivated IAATO efforts to find ship strike risk reduction solutions, without having comprehensive data for whale distributions exist to support spatial planning in the manner of van der Hoop et al. (2012), for example. IAATO member operators represent the large majority of all tour operators operating in Antarctica, including all commercial SOLAS passenger ship operators. The association has reported nine ship strikes to IWC since 2001. In May 2019, IAATO members voted unanimously to adopt the following measure: For the 2019-20 season, IAATO Operators are instructed to commit to one of the following: 1. A 10kn speed restriction within the Geofenced time-area proposed. *This excludes emergency or other extenuating circumstances. OR for IAATO Operators who have a whale strike mitigation training program: 2. An extra watchman on the bridge for the sole purpose of being on whale lookout within the Geofenced time-area proposed. Appropriate records of this action must be recorded in the ship’s log. This is a mandatory measure; all IAATO Operators will participate by taking one of these two actions during the 2019-20 season. The geofenced time/area is as follows: • January 1 through May 30 in the Gerlache Strait and adjacent waters, in the area between 63.65S and 65.35S, including Dallmann Bay west to 64.2W • February 1 through May 30 in the Marta Passage entering Crystal Sound, 67.8W to 67.0W Further, the IAATO secretariat has been tasked with studying the implications of this proposal, including what observer-based whale strike mitigation training programs exist within IAATO member bridge teams, and their expected efficacy, as well as information gaps that limit a more refined and evidence-based whale strike risk mitigation system. References - Pallin, L. J., Baker, C. S., Steel, D., Kellar, N. M., Robbins, J., Johnston, D. W., … Friedlaender, A. S. (2018). High pregnancy rates in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) around the western antarctic peninsula, evidence of a rapidly growing population. Royal Society Open Science, 5(5), 180017. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.180017 - van der Hoop, J. M., Vanderlaan, A. S. M., & Taggart, C. T. (2012). Absolute probability estimates of lethal vessel strikes to North Atlantic right whales in Roseway Basin, Scotian Shelf. Ecological Applications, 22(7), 2021–2033. https://doi.org/10.1890/11-1841.1 — Ted Cheeseman ted(a)happywhale.com www.Happywhale.com https://www.facebook.com/happywhales/ ** know your whales :) **

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Internships on short-finned pilot whale photo-identification in Madeira
by Philippe Verborgh 14 May '19

14 May '19

Dear Marmamers, Apologies for cross posting. This is an offer for 2 internships on short-finnedpilot whale photo-identification in Madeira. Host: Madeira Whale Museum Background: Madeira Whale Museum’s aim is to generateknowledge on cetaceans and the marine environment. Such as the census of the cetaceanspecies that live in the sea of Madeira, as well as to assess the occurrence,frequency, distribution and activities that they perform. For that purpose field work in Madeira inshorewaters will be made to collect observational data on cetaceans as well asimages for photo-identification. Data will be organized and processed foranalysis, and preliminary analysis of sightings’, effort and photo-id datacollected in the field will be made. The Madeira Whale Museum has a photo-identification database of short-finned pilot whales since 1997around Madeira Islands. A catalogue exists and covers the whole period until2018, however new pictures have been made available and so far, onlyindividuals with notches on the trailing edge of the dorsal fin has been made(primary marked individuals). Part of the large population using the waters ofMadeira are resident and further demographic parameters could be obtained fromthose specific social groups where calves and juveniles could be identifiedfrom secondary marks (i.e., scars, fin shape or colouration pattern). Aim: Internship 1: To collectsighting and photo-identification data at sea and update the local catalogue ofprimary marked short-finned pilot whales. Internship 2: To collectsighting and photo-identification data at sea and create a new catalogue ofsecondary marked short-finned pilot whales. Tasks: · Theintern will go on a whale watching boat 2 days per week to collect cetaceansighting data, photo-identification data and note compliance with localregulations. · Theother days of the week will be spent in the Museum to process the collecteddata and help with photo-identification task. Training: The necessary equipment and training for the field work will be provided(species identification, camera, GPS, binoculars, datasheets, etc), dataorganization and processing (PC) will be provided by the institution. Access toplatforms of observation, either whale-watching boats or research vessels fromthe institution or partner institutions will also be provided. By the end of theinternship, the trainee will be able to: · Identify inthe field the cetacean species present in Madeira archipelago; · Collectobservational data from sightings, environmental parameters and effort,organize it and process it for analysis; · Collectphoto-id data in the field, organize it and process it to be added to the localphoto-id catalogues. Requirements: · Motivated towork at sea, sometimes in difficult conditions, depending on the weather · Commit to aminimum of 2 months · Show interestand willingness to learn · Be patient andorganized · Speak English with a preference for applicants who know basicPortuguese. The work will take place at the Madeira WhaleMuseum in Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal. The student will be responsible for histravel to and from Madeira, housing and food. The MWM can sign internshipagreements with Universities. Supervision: Ruth Esteban, Philippe Verborghand Luis Freitas How to apply: Send a CV and motivation letter to PhilippeVerborgh at the following email: philippeverborgh(a)museudabaleia.org

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Mote Marine Laboratory, Manatee Research Program Internships
by Christina Nau 14 May '19

14 May '19

*Program Description* The Manatee Research Program studiesseveral aspects of the biology of manatees inhabiting the waters of southwestern Florida, including population dynamics, population genetics, habitat use, distributional patterns and social behavior. Field data and samples are collected using photo-identification, aerial surveys, and non-invasive genetic sampling. >From spring through early fall, photo-identification, genetic, and behavioral sampling are conducted primarily in Sarasota and Manatee counties.During the winter, field work is conducted primarily in Charlotte Harbor and the Ft. Myers area.Aerial surveys are conducted twice per month (during the non-winter) in Sarasota County to assess relative abundance and distribution of manatees in those waters.The long-term database of the program contributes to management and conservation measurements for Florida manatees. Additionally, the program collaborates with manatee researchers throughout the state of Florida and the Caribbean.For more information about, please visit: https://mote.org/research/program/manatee-research. *WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING INTERNS TO BEGIN IN**August 2019**, WITH APPLICATIONS DUE BY **June 1st 2019**.* *Internship Description* Internships are available during all four seasons and must be a MINIMUM of 12 weeks.Hours are typically Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, although some longer days may be required for field work (especially during the winter season). Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field and about 80% of their time in the office/lab.Field work duties include assisting with data collection, boat handling, and equipment use and maintenance.Field work requires spending long hours in the field, sometimes in uncomfortable weather conditions.Office/Lab duties include data entry, processing, matching images to known animals, equipment maintenance, and miscellaneous tasks and errands. There is no financial compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available. A few scholarships may be available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only). *Required Qualifications* ·Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies ·A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or a related field is preferred ·Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access); previous experience using ArcMap GIS is a plus but not required ·Excellent communication skills; fluent in English ·Must be physically able to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects ·Knowledge of photography/SLR camera use and/or drawing skills are a plus ·Desire and willingness to acquire knowledge and skills related to marine mammal field work and capable of working well as a team ** *To apply for a Manatee Research Program internship:* ·Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory’s website (https://mote.org/research/internships/college-internship-program-overview) and be sure to select “Manatee Research Program” as your first choice ·Complete and provide to Mote’s intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae /(incomplete applications will not be considered) Applicants may contact the Manatee Research Program’s intern coordinator, Christina Nau, (cnau(a)mote.org <mailto:cnau@mote.org>) with questions regarding the internship. -- Christina Nau Manatee Research Program Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota FL 34236 Phone: (941) 388-4441 ext. 471 cnau(a)mote.org

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several positions open at BOEM
by Staaterman, Erica 13 May '19

13 May '19

Several positions open for Social Scientists, Biologists, Oceanographers at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Join a talented team of scientists and policy experts that manage ocean energy issues and ensure environmental protection. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management <http://www.boem.gov/>, within the Department of the Interior <http://www.doi.gov/>, manages billions of ocean acres of the U.S. continental shelf. We play an extremely important stewardship role – securing energy and minerals for our future, while ensuring that exploration and development occurs in an environmentally-responsible way. That role involves rigorous study and assessment of impacts to the environment and vulnerable communities. Many of the challenges BOEM faces relate to marine mammals - examining the potential impacts from habitat disturbance, noise, vessel traffic, etc. We would welcome any marine mammal experts to apply for this position, as your expertise would be put to good use. Location: D.C. Metro Area; flexible telework possible Find out more and apply at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/532417100 Some duties of the position include: 1. Prepare, review, and coordinate environmental and policy documents concerning potential impacts from Outer Continental Shelf activities; 2. Evaluate environmental and socio-cultural issues and conduct analyses that integrate state-of-the-art methods, scientific information, legal requirements, and BOEM policies; 3. Help develop and implement new procedures to improve environmental analyses; 4. Recommend and assist in the planning and management of research necessary to adequately assess impacts from OCS activities; 5. Support inter-agency coordination and environmental consultation required under various environmental laws and regulations; and, 6. Represent the bureau or Department concerning environmental assessment or environmental issues. -- *Erica Staaterman, PhD* Bioacoustician Office of Environmental Programs Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 45600 Woodland Road, VAM-OEP Sterling Virginia 20166 Tel (703) 787-1156 www.boem.gov

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New publication: Metals concentration and bioaccumulation in the marine-coastal trophic web from Buenos Aires province southern coast, Argentina (Florencia Vilches)
by Florencia Vilches 13 May '19

13 May '19

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication in Chemistry and Ecology entitled Metals concentration and bioaccumulation in the marine-coastal trophic web from Buenos Aires province southern coast, Argentina. Vilches, F.O., Bobinac, M.A., Labudía, A.C., Paso Viola, M.N., Marcovecchio, J.E., Cappozzo, H.L. & Panebianco, M.V. 2019. Metals concentration and bioaccumulation in the marine-coastal trophic web from Buenos Aires province southern coast, Argentina, Chemistry and Ecology, 35:6, 501-523, DOI: 10.1080/02757540.2019.1604693 Metals accumulated in the tissues of organisms inhabiting marine ecosystems generally reflect their bioavailable levels within that environment. The aim of this work was to study the presence and concentration of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) and its bioaccumulation in liver-ink sac and muscle tissues of loliginid squids, Loligo sanpaulensis, in liver and muscle tissues of white croakers, Micropogonias furnieri, and in muscle tissues of franciscana dolphins, Pontoporia blainvillei, as representatives of different trophic levels of an estuarial ecosystem from the southern coast of Buenos Aires. Except for Pb, all metals were detectable in the hepatic tissues. Bioaccumulation was observed for Fe, Cr and Ni in muscle of squids. Zn levels in muscle samples increased with the trophic level of the species analysed. Necochea-Quequén presents relatively high levels of Ni and Cr in the tissue samples of squids and fishes given other locations of southern hemisphere, indicating a possible anthropic enrichment. These outcomes provide the necessary basis for the environmental monitoring of an area with relevance for fishing and high anthropic activity. The paper can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1080/02757540.2019.1604693 Kind regards, Florencia Vilches

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ANNOUNCEMENT: 2019 Responsible Whale Watching Guide Courses
by Dylan Walker 13 May '19

13 May '19

Dear Marmamers, This year the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is holding a number of intensive 5-day training programmes to become a certified WCA Responsible Whale Watching Guide. This course <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/capacity-building/training-courses/> will provide participants with the skills to be an engaging, fun and informative guide promoting responsible whale watching. Through assessed activities and interactive workshops our 5-day intensive course is designed to equip participants with a wide variety to skills to educate the public, conduct onboard research, and promote whale and dolphin conservation. Our WCA Qualified Responsible Whale Watching Guides will enjoy FREE access to our exclusive WCA community of whale watching businesses for a year, through a newsletter containing volunteer opportunities with our amazing Partners all over the world. Modules include: · Whale Champions module · Be a responsible guide · Citizen science · Guide training · Communication and presentation skills · Creating an effective talk · Creating an educational activity · Practical activities, including boat work · Final presentation/assessment Course benefits: · Lectures and training from seasoned professionals · Individual WCA partner membership alongside some of the world’s experts on whales and dolphins · Option to get involved with Partner working groups · Exclusive access to our whale watching community for a year, including opportunities to apply for volunteer opportunities overseas with our amazing Partners · Certificate and t shirt *Dates* Monday 3rd - Friday 7th June (NZ) Monday 1st to Friday 5th July (NZ) Monday 15th July to Friday 19th July (UK) Monday 5th August to Friday 9th August (NZ) Monday 2nd to Friday 6th September (NZ) Monday 7th to Friday 11th October (NZ) Over 18's only. *For more information go to: * http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/capacity-building/training-courses/ or contact: projects(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org *Dylan Walker *Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance* Studio 3, Lower Promenade Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK. t: +44 (0) 1273 355011 c: +44 (0) 7900 471490 e: dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org <sophie.lewis(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org> World Whale Conference 2019 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RQClwulOi8> The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 100 organisations and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately. Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments.

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New Publication on Sperm whale year-round presence & ambient sound levels in the Greek Seas
by Niki Diogou 13 May '19

13 May '19

Dear all, My colleagues and I are glad to share with the MARMAM Community our paper on sperm whale acoustic presence in the Greek Seas, published in Mediterranean Marine Science. DIOGOU, N., KLINCK, H., FRANTZIS, A., NYSTUEN, J., PAPATHANASSIOU, E., & KATSANEVAKIS, S. (2019). Year-round acoustic presence of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and baseline ambient ocean sound levels in the Greek Seas. Mediterranean Marine Science, 20(1), 208-221. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/mms.18769 *Corresponding author: niki.diogou at gmail.com<http://gmail.com> Abstract The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is the largest odontocete occurring in the Greek Seas. However, monitoring the species’ spatiotemporal distribution patterns is especially difficult during the winter months when unfavorable weather conditions often hinder survey efforts. In the Greek Seas, visual cetacean surveys are typically not conducted between November and March. In a first attempt to collect year-round baseline information on sperm whale occurrence patterns in Greek waters, two Passive Aquatic Listeners (PALs) were deployed for 19 months, at Pylos Station (36.8 N, 21.6ο E) in the Hellenic Trench, and at Athos Station (40.0 N, 24.7ο E) in the North Aegean Trough. Results revealed the year-round presence of sperm whales at Pylos Station with a higher number of detections observed during late spring and throughout the summer. No sperm whale vocalizations were detected at Athos Station. An ambient sound level analysis revealed higher winter and lower summer levels at both sites largely driven by local weather conditions. Results showed that marine life in the Hellenic Trench area was exposed to higher low frequency (< 1 kHz) sound levels (by up to 10 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz). Ambient noise below 1 kHz is frequently dominated by anthropogenic sources including shipping. Ship strikes and noise disturbance constitute major threats for the small, genetically isolated, endangered sperm whale population. The results of this study are useful for sperm whale conservation efforts in the region and may help policymakers in prioritizing mitigation measures, including the establishment of speed limits and rerouting of ship traffic. The manuscript is available for download at: ttps://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/18769<http://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/…> Please do not hesitate to contact me (niki.diogou<https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> at gmail.com<http://gmail.com>) with any questions. Best regards, Niki Niki Diogou PhD candidate , Acoustic Ecology Oregon State University Research Collective for Applied Acoustics (ORCAA) Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Department of Oceanography University of the Aegean, Department of Marine Sciences +30 6944 050 050 [https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-anima…]<https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. www.avast.com<https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…>

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New Publication on Sperm whale year-round presence & ambient sound levels in the Greek Seas
by Niki Diogou 13 May '19

13 May '19

Dear all, My colleagues and I are glad to share with the MARMAM Community our paper on sperm whale acoustic presence in the Greek Seas, published in *Mediterranean Marine Scienc*e. DIOGOU, N., KLINCK, H., FRANTZIS, A., NYSTUEN, J., PAPATHANASSIOU, E., & KATSANEVAKIS, S. (2019). Year-round acoustic presence of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and baseline ambient ocean sound levels in the Greek Seas. *Mediterranean Marine Science, 20*(1), 208-221. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/mms.18769 *Corresponding author: niki.diogou at gmail.com *Abstract* The sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*) is the largest odontocete occurring in the Greek Seas. However, monitoring the species’ spatiotemporal distribution patterns is especially difficult during the winter months when unfavorable weather conditions often hinder survey efforts. In the Greek Seas, visual cetacean surveys are typically not conducted between November and March. In a first attempt to collect year-round baseline information on sperm whale occurrence patterns in Greek waters, two Passive Aquatic Listeners (PALs) were deployed for 19 months, at Pylos Station (36.8 N, 21.6ο E) in the Hellenic Trench, and at Athos Station (40.0 N, 24.7ο E) in the North Aegean Trough. Results revealed the year-round presence of sperm whales at Pylos Station with a higher number of detections observed during late spring and throughout the summer. No sperm whale vocalizations were detected at Athos Station. An ambient sound level analysis revealed higher winter and lower summer levels at both sites largely driven by local weather conditions. Results showed that marine life in the Hellenic Trench area was exposed to higher low frequency (< 1 kHz) sound levels (by up to 10 dB re 1 μPa2/Hz). Ambient noise below 1 kHz is frequently dominated by anthropogenic sources including shipping. Ship strikes and noise disturbance constitute major threats for the small, genetically isolated, endangered sperm whale population. The results of this study are useful for sperm whale conservation efforts in the region and may help policymakers in prioritizing mitigation measures, including the establishment of speed limits and rerouting of ship traffic. The manuscript is available for download at: ttps://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/18769 Please do not hesitate to contact me (niki.diogou <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> at gmail.com) with any questions. Best regards, Niki -- Niki Diogou PhD Candidate University of the Aegean, Department of Marine Sciences Oregon State University Research Collective for Applied Acoustics (ORCAA) Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Department of Oceanography *+30 6944 050 050*

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