June 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on the long-term negative effects of wildlife tourism and food provisioning on bottlenose dolphins
by Valeria Senigaglia 23 Jun '19

23 Jun '19

Dear All, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our latest paper in Scientific Reports: Senigaglia V., Christiansen F., Sprogis K.R., Symons J., Bejder L. 2019. “Food-provisioning negatively affects calf survival and female reproductive success in bottlenose dolphins” Scientific Reports 9: 8981 The paper is freely available online at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-45395-6 Abstract Food-provisioning of wildlife can facilitate reliable up-close encounters desirable by tourists and, consequently, tour operators. Food-provisioning can alter the natural behavior of an animal, encouraging adverse behavior (e.g. begging for food handouts), and affect the reproductive success and the viability of a population. Studies linking food-provisioning to reproductive success are limited due to the lack of long-term datasets available, especially for long-lived species such as marine mammals. In Bunbury, Western Australia, a state-licensed food-provisioning program offers fish handouts to a limited number of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*). Coupled with long-term historical data, this small (< 200 individuals), resident dolphin population has been extensively studied for over ten years, offering an opportunity to examine the effect of food-provisioning on the reproductive success of females (*n*total= 63; *n*provisioned females= 8). Female reproductive success was estimated as the number of weaned calves produced per reproductive years and calf survival at year one and three years old was investigated. The mean reproductive success of provisioned and non-provisioned females was compared using Bayes factor. We also used generalized linear models (GLMs) to examine female reproductive success in relation to the occurrence of food-provisioning, begging behavior and location (within the study area). Furthermore, we examined the influence of these variables, birth order and climatic fluctuations (e.g. El Niño Southern Oscillation) on calf survival. Bayes factor analyses (Bayes factor = 6.12) and results from the best fitting GLMs showed that female reproductive success and calf survival were negatively influenced by food-provisioning. The negative effects of food-provisioning, although only affecting a small proportion of the adult females’ population (13.2%), are of concern, especially given previous work showing that this population is declining. Best, Valeria Senigaglia -- *Valeria Senigaglia* *PhD Candidate* Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit <https://amru.org.au/> School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia Mobile: +61474837914 E-mail: v.senigaglia(a)murdoch.edu.au [image: Murdoch logo bw]

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 22 Jun '19

22 Jun '19

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *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 2019. 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 2019 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you book the internship in May or June 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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Deadline Approaching - Marine Animal Response Internships in Hawaii
by kelsey.wheeler＠h-mar.org 21 Jun '19

21 Jun '19

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LAST MINUTE OPENING: CEDAR KEY DOLPHIN PROJECT INTERN POSITION SUMMER 2019
by Rebecca Hamilton 21 Jun '19

21 Jun '19

Cedar Key Dolphin Project has a LAST MINUTE OPENING for a research intern for our current summer field season. We are looking for someone to join us in Cedar Key by July 1st, but the earlier the better. The field season runs until July 25th. While the position is unpaid, shared housing and food costs will be covered by the project for anyone who is not local to the area. The field season will be focused on gathering acoustic and behavioral data during specialized foraging tactics as part of a long-term study. Research will take place in Cedar Key, Florida, 3 hours north of Tampa and 60 miles west of Gainesville. A non-local, full-time assistant will be expected to work on a boat 6 to 7 days per week, for up to 10 hours at a time. Typical weather conditions in summer include 95 degree heat, high humidity, and no breezes. When the weather does not permit fieldwork, lab work will consist of photo matching, processing, and data entry. Applicants must be flexible, mature, and hard-working individuals. The team works and lives in close quarters for the duration of the season, so applicants must work well in small groups and have a positive attitude. Prior field experience with photo-ID and boat handling is preferred, but not required. Those with no experience should demonstrate their willingness to learn. An application form can be accessed through the project website via the following link: https://cedarkeydolphinproject.org/field-assistant-applications<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__cedarkeydolphinproject…> Please contact Field Manager Becca Hamilton with any questions: rhamilton(a)umassd.edu<mailto:rhamilton@umassd.edu> Best Wishes, The Cedar Key Dolphin Project

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New publication: Subcellular metal distributions and metallothionein associations in rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) from Southeastern Brazil
by Leila Lemos 21 Jun '19

21 Jun '19

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce that our paper on sub cellular metal distributions and metallothionein associations in rough-toothed dolphins is now available online: Monteiro F., Lemos L.S., Moura J.F., Rocha R.C.C., Moreira I., Di Beneditto A.P., Kehrig H.A., Bordon I.C., Siciliano S., Saint'Pierre T.D., Hauser-Davis R.A. 2019. Subcellular metal distributions and metallothionein associations in rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) from Southeastern Brazil. Marine Pollution Bulletin 146:263-273. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X19304849?fbclid=… Abstract: Metals are subject to internal subcellular compartmentalization, altering their bioavailability. Thus, subcellular metal assessments are crucial in biomonitoring efforts. Metal distribution in three subcellular fractions (insoluble - ISF, thermolabile - TLF and thermostable - TSF) were determined by ICP-MS in Steno bredanensis specimens from Southeastern Brazil. Associations between metals, metallothionein (MT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also investigated. Differential metal-detoxification mechanisms were observed. MT detoxification was mostly noted for As, Cd, and Pb, while Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Se and Ti displayed lower MT-associations. Fe, Zn and Se, on the other hand, were poorly associated to MT, and mostly present in the ISF, indicating low bioavailability. This is the first report on subcellular Sn and Ti distribution in cetaceans and the first in this species in Brazil. Potential protective roles of essential metals against toxic elements are postulated. This study indicates that important biochemical detoxification information is obtained through subcellular fraction analyses in marine mammals. Pdfs are available upon request. Best, Leila -- Leila S Lemos Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University (971)3409610

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Finless porpoise workshop at the World Marine Mammal Conference
by Ellen M Hines 21 Jun '19

21 Jun '19

We invite you to consider attending the following workshop. Please let me know if you wish to present. Best, Ellen A range-wide assessment of Neophocaena: threats and priorities for research and conservation Saturday, December 7 - 0830-1730 Name of Workshop leader (1): Ellen Hines Workshop leader (1) Affiliation: Estuary and Ocean Science Center, San Francisco State University Workshop leader (1) E-mail Address: ehines(a)sfsu.edu Name of Workshop leader (2): Mandy Chi Yan Lo Workshop leader (2) Affiliation: Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong Workshop Summary: The genus Neophocaena encompasses two species of finless porpoises, N. phocaenoides (the Indo-Pacific finless) and N. asiaeorientalis(narrow-ridged finless). Within N. asiaeorientalis, there are two subspecies: N. asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis (the Yangtze finless) and N. asiaeorientalis sunameri (the marine narrow-ridged finless). The geographic range of Neophocaena is vast, ranging from the Persian Gulf through to most of Southeast Asia, and up the coast of China to Korea and southern Japan. All population trends are considered decreasing, and the Yangtze population critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. Numerous threats place these populations at risk, with bycatch throughout their range perhaps the worst. The main problems for Neophocaena in most areas are a lack of basic information about abundance, distribution, and the numbers being caught in fisheries. Some populations are extremely depleted and are possibly declining rapidly or even disappeared completely. However, finless porpoises are difficult to study in the field. Our proposed workshop will be in two parts. The first half of the day will consist of speed talks from scientists representing all species and subspecies. In the afternoon, participants will divide into groups to discuss: 1) issues and solutions to bycatch by region and overall, and 2) standardizing research (population assessment, necropsy details, distribution, habitat use). Before ending, group representatives will report back to the whole. At this point, for the speed talks, we have heard from interested scientists from Korea, Chiia, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Vietnam, and are reaching out to scientists from remaining countries within the range of Neophocaena spp. Dissemination of Workshop Results: We will produce a joint academic paper on our workshop in a relevant journal Format: Our proposed workshop will be in two parts. The first half of the day will consist of speed talks from scientists representing all species and subspecies. In the afternoon, participants will divide into groups to discuss: 1) issues and solutions to bycatch in particular problem areas, and 2) standardizing research (population assessment, distribution, habitat use). Before ending, group representatives will report back to the whole. Ellen Hines, PhD Associate Director and Professor of Geography & Environment Estuary and Ocean Science Center San Francisco State University 3150 Paradise Dr. Tiburon, CA 94920 415 338 3512, ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> http://eoscenter.sfsu.edu/content/ellen-hines

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Post-doctoral fellowship - Effects on noise from shipping traffic on St. Lawrence beluga
by Lesage, Veronique 20 Jun '19

20 Jun '19

Dose-response of St. Lawrence beluga to noise from marine traffic, and effects on communication and foraging efficiency A post-doctoral candidate is sought to undertake a two- to three-year project to exploit digital-tag behavioural and acoustic data to examine the impacts of noise on St. Lawrence beluga behaviour, communication and foraging efficiency. The possibility of developing an interim PCoD model is also envisioned. Applicants should possess an internationally-recognised doctoral degree from an accredited institution. The candidate should be self-motivated, and able to work within a team framework. He/she should have an interest in applied ecology and comparative physiology, and a strong background in acoustics, behaviour, statistics and computer science. We seek a candidate to begin work in September 2019 (or earlier) and to continue until March 2022. The successful candidate will be employed as a Research Scientist level 01 (RES01) within the Canadian Government. Salary starts at around $57,000 CAD/year. A portion (up to a cap) of moving expenses can be covered. This offer is made under the Post-doctoral Program of the Canadian Government, which is managed via Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN). https://www.rncan.gc.ca/carrieres/17881 The position will be based at the Maurice Lamontagne Institute of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Mont-Joli, Quebec, Canada. The project will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Véronique Lesage, and will involve significant collaboration with Drs. Yvan Simard (DFO Research Scientist, and Chair in Acoustics at University of Quebec in Rimouski) and Florian Aulanier (DFO Research Scientist). Knowledge of French is an asset, but is not essential for the position. However, a demonstrated ability to write and communicate efficiently in English is absolutely essential for this position. Candidates interested in the position should email veronique.lesage(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:veronique.lesage@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> and submit a resume including a list of publications and contact information for three references. Veronique Lesage, Ph.D. Cetacean Research Scientist Fisheries and Oceans Canada Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, Quebec, Canada veronique.lesage(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:veronique.lesage@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>

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New Article: Transmission beam pattern and dynamics of a spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris)
by Adam Smith 20 Jun '19

20 Jun '19

Dear Colleagues, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the online publication of our new paper in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Smith AB, Pacini AF, Nachtigall PE, Laule GE, Aragones LV, Magno C, Suarez LJA (2019) Transmission beam pattern and dynamics of a spinner dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 145(6). https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5111347 Copies can be obtained at the above link or by contacting me directly. Abstract: Toothed whales possess a sophisticated biosonar system by which ultrasonic clicks are projected in a highly directional transmission beam. Beam directivity is an important biosonar characteristic that reduces acoustic clutter and increases the acoustic detection range. This study measured click characteristics and the transmission beam pattern from a small odontocete, the spinner dolphin (*Stenella longirostis*). A formerly stranded individual was rehabilitated and trained to station underwater in front of a 16-element hydrophone array. On-axis clicks showed a mean duration of 20.1 µs, with mean peak and centroid frequencies of 58 and 64 kHz [standard deviation (s.d.) ±30 and ±12 kHz], respectively. Clicks were projected in an oval, vertically compressed beam, with mean vertical and horizontal beamwidths of 14.5° (s.d. ±3.9) and 16.3° (s.d. ±4.6), respectively. Directivity indices ranged from 14.9 to 27.4 dB, with a mean of 21.7 dB, although this likely represents a broader beam than what is normally produced by wild individuals. A click subset with characteristics more similar to those described for wild individuals exhibited a mean directivity index of 23.3 dB. Although one of the broadest transmission beams described for a dolphin, it is similar to other small bodied odontocetes. Cheers, -- Adam B. Smith, Ph.D. *Guest Investigator * *Sensory Physiology and Sensory Ecology Laboratory* *Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution* *Fulbright U.S. Scholar* *University of Iceland's Research Centre in Husavik* *Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Initiative*

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Ingestion of macroplastics by odontocetes of the Greek Seas, Eastern Mediterranean: Often deadly!
by Ilias Foskolos 20 Jun '19

20 Jun '19

Dear Marmam and ECS members, (sorry for crossposting!) on behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to inform you on the publication of the following paper in Marine Pollution Bulletin: Alexiadou, P., Foskolos, I., Frantzis, A., 2019. Ingestion of macroplastics by odontocetes of the Greek Seas, Eastern Mediterranean: Often deadly! Mar. Pollut. Bull. 146, 67-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.055 Highlights • At least half the cetacean species regularly found in Greece ingest macroplastics. • 60% of sperm whales in the Greek Seas have macroplastics in their stomach. • Macroplastic ingestion by odontocetes can be often lethal due to gastric blockage. • A standardised approach is needed to evaluate the threat of plastic to cetaceans. Abstract Plastic pollution is an omnipresent problem that threatens marine animals through ingestion and entanglement. Marine mammals are no exception to this rule but their interaction with plastic remains understudied in the Mediterranean Sea. Here we highlight this problem by analyzing the stomach contents of 34 individuals from seven odontocete species stranded in Greece. Macroplastics (>5 mm) were found in the stomachs of nine individuals from four species (harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus, Cuvier's beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris and sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus) with the highest frequency of occurrence in sperm whales (60%). Gastric blockage from plastic was presumably lethal in three cases, with plastic bags being the most common finding (46%). Plastic ingestion is of particular conservation concern for the endangered Mediterranean sperm whales. A regular examination of stranded cetaceans with a standardised protocol is critical for allowing spatiotemporal comparisons within and across species. Although this is not an Open Access paper, it is freely accessible online until the 26th of July at: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1ZB9i,ashtxqc If you have any problems with the above link or any questions, please feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy at lifosk(a)hotmail.com<mailto:lifosk@hotmail.com>. Best wishes, Ilias Ilias Foskolos, PhD Fellow Marine Bioacoustics Lab<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com/> Zoophysiology, Dept. Bioscience Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 3, Building 1131 DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark E-mail: lifosk(a)hotmail.com<mailto:lifosk@hotmail.com> ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ilias_Foskolos3> Twitter: theclickitclick<https://twitter.com/theclickitclick> Phone: (+30) 6996260927

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New publication: Differences in regional oceanography and prey biomass influence the presence of foraging odontocetes at two Atlantic seamounts.
by Miriam Romagosa 20 Jun '19

20 Jun '19

Dear Marmam subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the Marine Mammal Science journal. Romagosa, M., Lucas, C., Pérez‐Jorge. S., Tobeña, M., Lehodey, P., Reis, J., Cascão, I., Lammers. M. O., Caldeira, R.M.A & Silva, M. A. Differences in regional oceanography and prey biomass influence the presence of foraging odontocetes at two Atlantic seamounts. Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12626. Abstract: The importance of seamounts as foraging hotspots for cetaceans depends on interactions between ocean flow and topographical features that concentrate prey. However, the oceanographic processes driving these aggregations are still unclear. Here, we analyzed two months of passive acoustic recordings from two remote seamounts in the Northeast Atlantic, Atlantis and Irving, in relation to regional oceanography and estimates of prey biomass. Delphinids and sperm whales were detected in both seamounts with higher foraging activity at night, indicating feeding on diel migrating prey. There were more detections of delphinids and sperm whales at Atlantis than at Irving. These two seamounts lie in different oceanographic settings created by the Azores Current that separates colder and less saline water masses in the north (Atlantis seamount) from warmer and more saline waters in the south (Irving seamount). Irving seamount is only affected by transient features like eddies that enhance productivity for short time periods. These conditions translate into more productive waters at Atlantis seamount than at Irving, as shown by predicted prey biomasses that ultimately attract top predators. Comparative studies such as this one can help to explain the main drivers of presence of top predators at seamounts. The publication is on early view and available upon request. Kind regards, -- Miriam Romagosa PhD student MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre IMAR - Institute of Marine Research DOP - Department of Oceanography and Fisheries University of the Azores Rua Professor Dr. Frederico Machado 4 9901-862 Horta Portugal

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