August 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Gray whale call and blow rates
by Regina Guazzo 30 Aug '19

30 Aug '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following open-access publication: Guazzo RA, Weller DW, Europe HM, Durban JW, D'Spain GL, Hildebrand JA (2019) Migrating eastern North Pacific gray whale call and blow rates estimated from acoustic recordings, infrared camera video, and visual sightings. Scientific Reports 9:12617. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-49115-y Abstract: During the eastern North Pacific gray whale 2014–2015 southbound migration, acoustic call recordings, infrared blow detections, and visual sightings were combined to estimate cue rates, needed to convert detections into abundance. The gray whale acoustic call rate ranged from 2.3–24 calls/whale/day during the peak of the southbound migration with an average of 7.5 calls/whale/day over both the southbound and northbound migrations. The average daily calling rate increased between 30 December–13 February. With a call rate model, we estimated that 4,340 gray whales migrated south before visual observations began on 30 December, which is 2,829 more gray whales than used in the visual estimate, and would add approximately 10% to the abundance estimate. We suggest that visual observers increase their survey effort to all of December to document gray whale presence. The infrared camera blow rate averaged 49 blows/whale/hour over 5–8 January. Probability of detection of a whale blow by the infrared camera was the same at night as during the day. However, probability of detection decreased beyond 2.1 km offshore, whereas visual sightings revealed consistent whale densities up to 3 km offshore. We suggest that future infrared camera surveys use multiple cameras optimised for different ranges offshore. I am happy to respond to any questions about this work at rguazzo(a)ucsd.edu Thank you, Regina Regina A. Guazzo, PhD Environmental Readiness Branch Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (c) 908.507.1421

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Extended deadline! Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships
by Katie McHugh 30 Aug '19

30 Aug '19

*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships* The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), a partnership led by the Chicago Zoological Society and based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world’s longest-running study of a wild dolphin population. The program’s primary goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Naples/Marco Island, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit:<http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>www.sarasotadolphin.org <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>. The SDRP selects volunteer interns during three seasons each year: * Winter/Spring (positions January to April, applications due to Mote by September 1st); * Summer (positions mid-May to August, applications due to Mote by March 1st); * Fall (positions September to December, applications due to Mote by June 1st). **WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING INTERNS TO BEGIN IN JANUARY 2020, APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 10th. All applications received by this date will be fully reviewed.** Internships must be a minimum of 10 weeks of participation, but ideally will run for 12-16 weeks. Please note that we typically only seek 2-4 interns for each session and that we receive many more applications than we have openings – the selection process is very competitive.Successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1)*Dolphin population monitoring project**:*(/YEAR ROUND/) This study continues to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay and vicinity. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups during one to two weeks per month. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group, and additional data related to human-dolphin interactions will also be collected in conjunction with this project. While in the lab (at least 2 weeks per month), work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, computer data entry and double-checking, logging of videos into database and archives, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog updates, boat and field equipment maintenance, and other duties. 2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT ONLY/) This study uses the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques and collection of other environmental data. Interns typically participate in this project 2-3 days per month. 3)*Other projects* (/TBD/)Interns may participate in other research projects, depending on availability and timing of grant funding for specific projects.Interns may also be asked to assist with dolphin rescues. Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field, and about 80% of their time in the lab working with data, or performing equipment maintenance. 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). Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate or graduate studies; * A background or degree in marine biology, biology, ecology, zoology, wildlife, fisheries, or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); * Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English; * Must be physically fit and able to swim; * Must be able to work effectively as part of a team; * Some prior field research experience preferred but not required; * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full time as a volunteer with our program. ** ** *To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should:* 1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory’s website (http://mote.org/research/internships) and be sure to select “Sarasota Dolphin Research Program” as your first choice; 2) 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); 3) Send an email to SDRP Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, _kmchugh(a)mote.org_) stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship opportunity (/e.g. /Mote, SDRP, Chicago Zoological Society, MARMAM, etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline will be given first priority. Applicants may contact Dr. Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 450, kmchugh(a)mote.org <mailto:TUkmchugh@mote.orgUT>) in the SDRP with any questions. Applicants applying because of an interest in engaging in graduate studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with Program Director Randall Wells, PhD, upon acceptance into the program.There is no assurance that participation as an intern with the SDRP will lead to graduate research program opportunities. -- ************************************ Katherine McHugh Staff Scientist Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 x450 office kmchugh(a)mote.org ************************************

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Mote Marine Laboratory, Manatee Research Program Internships
by Christina Nau 30 Aug '19

30 Aug '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**January 2020**, WITH APPLICATIONS DUE BY **September 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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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 30 Aug '19

30 Aug '19

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 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 for October 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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Reminder: Necropsy workshop for students at WMMC
by Rebecca Boys 29 Aug '19

29 Aug '19

Dear Marmamers, This is a reminder about the upcoming Student Necropsy workshop being hosted at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona As early registration is fast approaching, please do remember to have a look at our necropsy workshop and sign up if you are a student! Details of the workshop, venue and costs are below. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. Workshop Summary: The student necropsy workshop will be split into two parts, a morning session for up to 100 students, where we aim to explain the basis of some of the main pathological problems dealt with during necropsies and the sampling procedures. Talks will be short and cover a range of topics, including: How to recognize Peracute underwater entrapment (PUE), Common parasitic infections in small cetaceans at necropsy, Sampling for toxicological investigations, Criteria for diagnosis of main infectious disease of cetaceans. The second session in the afternoon will be a practical necropsy for a maximum of 25 students. These students will need to show that performing a necropsy is an essential part of their current/ near future studies and so would be beneficial (please fill in the required information as mentioned below). The main aims of this session will be how to perform a necropsy, and how to evaluate ear sense. Confirmed speakers for the workshop include: Dr Thierry Jauniaux, Prof Antonio Fernandez, Dr Manuel Arbelo, Prof Antonio Raga, Prof Xon Borrell and Steffen De Vreese. The second session in the afternoon will be a practical necropsy for a maximum of 25 students. Participants wishing to attend the practical session must write a brief explanation when filling out the registration form, about how attending the practical will be particularly beneficial to them, because performing a necropsy is an essential part of their current/near future studies; required information on the form includes (1) Details of how you are currently using necropsy sampling techniques in your work (or how you aim to apply necropsy sampling to work that you are planning), and (2) Details of any previous necropsy experience (e.g. workshops attended, classes, internships etc..). The main aims of this session will be how to perform a necropsy, and how to evaluate ear sense. Venue for both sessions: Veterinary School of University Autònoma of Barcelona (UAB). Train travel necessary. We will meet at 7.15 am at Plaça Catalunya, near to the Apple Store entry. A map with the exact meeting point will be provided via email. We will travel together via S2 train to the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Travel from Plaça Catalunya train station to the University Autònoma is expected to take 35 – 40 minutes, plus 10 minutes by walking to the Veterinarian school. To get to Plaça Catalunya from the CCIB – take the L4 Subway Line from El Maresme | Fòrum station to Urquinaona station, then 7 minute walk to Plaça Catalunya . Click HERE<https://www.rome2rio.com/map/El-Maresme-F%C3%B2rum/Catalonia-Plaza-Cataluny…> for transit map. Cost: Participants will be required to pay 5 euros on the day to the organizers to cover costs of the workshop, including tea/ coffee and light snacks. Students are responsible for buying their own tickets to go to the UAB campus. These are the same tickets that you can use on the metro throughout Barcelona (Ticket of 1 ZONE). There are different types of tickets, depending on the number of journeys that you want to buy. We recommend you to buy a “T-10 from 1 ZONE”, a multi-person travel card with 10 journeys (total price = 10.20€, each travel costs about 1€). You can find more information about tickets in the following link: https://www.tmb.cat/en/barcelona-fares-metro-bus Format: The morning session will involve a series of speakers, with a maximum of 100 participants. The afternoon session will be a focused practical exercise for students that currently use necropsies/ pathology as part of their work, limited to a maximum of 25 currently enrolled students. Thank you, Rebecca Boys on behalf of the Organisers ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys Marine Biologist PhD Candidate Coastal Marine Research Group Massey University New Zealand https://www.coastalmarineresearchgroup.com/ https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m… @RebeccaMBoys European Cetacean Society Student Representative- World Marine Mammal Conference Society of Marine Mammalogy Education Committee Member European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand

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Chesapeake DolphinWatch seeks part-time volunteer in Maryland, USA
by Testa, Jamie 29 Aug '19

29 Aug '19

We are currently searching for a Volunteer Research Assistant to assist with a citizen scientist project called Chesapeake DolphinWatch ( www.umces.edu/dolphinwatch) at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) in Solomons, Maryland, U.S.A. This position is for approximately 20 hours per week for 3 months with the possibility of extension. Duties will include dolphin data verification, data analysis, managing app software, hydrophone retrievals and deployments, and interacting with citizen scientists via email and social media. The project involves the use of C-POD click detectors therefore experience with these devices, or similar types, will be preferable. Applicants should be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with working with citizen scientists, marine mammals, and sound analysis is desirable. The ability to format and analyze data in Excel or the R software package and perform GIS mapping is also preferable. For more details, please contact the project coordinator, Jamie Testa ( jctesta(a)umces.edu) Minimum requirement is a B.S. degree with at least 3 months research experience. This volunteer position is unpaid. Anticipated start date is 20 September 2019. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three references (including email and phone) to be received by 7 September 2019 by email to dolphinwatchcb(a)umces.edu with CDW-VOL in the subject line. -- *Jamie C. Testa* Chesapeake DolphinWatch Project Coordinator <https://chesapeakedolphinwatch.org/> & Research Assistant University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science jctesta(a)umces.edu www.umces.edu/dolphinwatch Pronouns: she, her, hers

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New publication: Gray whale migration patterns through the Southern California Bight
by Regina Guazzo 29 Aug '19

29 Aug '19

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to announce the following open-access publication: Guazzo RA, Schulman-Janiger A, Smith MH, Barlow J, D’Spain GL, Rimington DB, Hildebrand JA (2019) Gray whale migration patterns through the Southern California Bight from multi-year visual and acoustic monitoring. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 625:181-203. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12989 Abstract: Sightings and acoustic recordings from eastern North Pacific gray whales in the Southern California Bight were analyzed for interannual changes and compared with concurrent environmental measurements during 7 migration seasons (2008-2009 to 2014-2015). Acoustic call counts recorded on an offshore hydrophone were highly variable from year to year. Assuming an average calling rate of 7.5 calls whale-1 d-1, the estimated number of whales migrating by this hydrophone would be <10% of the population within 20 km of the offshore hydrophone in most years. In contrast, the estimated number of gray whales migrating off Santa Barbara and Los Angeles based on visual surveys grew at a greater rate (11% yr-1 and 26% yr-1, respectively) than the population size growth rate (5% yr-1). Over the studied migration seasons it seems an increasing proportion of the population was using the nearshore migration corridor in the Southern California Bight, especially near Los Angeles. This trend could increase the negative anthropogenic impact on this species. Although several large-scale climatic events occurred between 2008 and 2015, neither water temperature in the Southern California Bight nor sea ice timing in the gray whale Arctic feeding area improved generalized additive models of gray whale nearshore sightings or offshore acoustic presence. Over these times, the gray whale migration timing appears to be driven more by their biological clock and instinct than by the extrinsic factors accounted for in the present analysis. Future work should test if other factors influence the gray whale migration over longer timescales. Please email me (rguazzo(a)ucsd.edu) if you have any questions about this work. All my best, Regina Regina A. Guazzo, PhD Environmental Readiness Branch Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (c) 908.507.1421

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WMMC Endocrinology workshop - Sun afternoon, 8 Dec 2019, 1230-1730
by Trumble, Stephen 29 Aug '19

29 Aug '19

There is a growing interest in using hormones as a tool in marine mammal ecology/behavior/physiology. Therefore, we are pleased to be hosting a half-day workshop session on marine mammal endocrinology at the World Marine Mammal Conference (Barcelona). The workshop will be Sunday afternoon, Dec. 8th, 12:30-17:30. This workshop represents a unique opportunity for the SMM scientific community to weigh in on this important topic as well as provide participants with the latest scientific and technological advances in the field of marine mammal endocrinology. We are actively seeking speakers and participants interested in discussing the current state of the field of marine mammal endocrinology; discussing topics including analytic methods, sample matrices, research questions/goals, experimental design and future directions. Graduate students are particularly encouraged to attend, as one of the purposes of the workshop is to stimulate potential collaborations. Registration fee is USD $70. Coffee and snacks provided. Please contact workshop leaders if interested in presenting your research or lead a discussion. Talks will be limited to 15 minutes. Tentative schedule forthcoming. To register, see: https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/. Details: WMMC Workshop: Marine Mammal Endocrinology (Barcelona, Spain) Date & Time: Sunday, December 8, 12:30-17:30 Workshop Leaders: Sascha Usenko, Baylor University, Sascha_Usenko(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Sascha_Usenko@baylor.edu> Stephen Trumble, Baylor University, Stephen_Trumble(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Stephen_Trumble@baylor.edu> Kathleen E. Hunt, George Mason University, kehunt(a)gmu.edu<mailto:kehunt@gmu.edu>

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New Article: Foraging energetics and prey density requirements of western North Atlantic blue whales in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada
by Marie Guilpin 29 Aug '19

29 Aug '19

Dear MARMAM, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Guilpin M, Lesage V, McQuinn I, Goldbogen JA, Potvin J, Jeanniard-du-Dot T, Doniol-Valcroze T, Michaud R, Moisan M, Winkler G (2019) Foraging energetics and prey density requirements of western North Atlantic blue whales in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 625:205-223. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13043 <https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13043> ABSTRACT: Foraging efficiency (FE) is determined by the ratio of energy intake to energy expenditure and represents a metric for estimating the capacity to store energy. Blue whales Balaenoptera musculus rely mostly on stored energy reserves for reproduction. They feed almost exclusively on krill, which vary in density and abundance both spatially and temporally. We used 10 depth−velocity archival tags deployed on blue whales foraging in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada, to identify feeding events. We modeled krill densities required to equal or exceed energy expenditures and allow energy storage. During the daytime, blue whales generally dove deeper and performed fewer but longer feeding dives than at other times of the diel cycle (10 vs. 28 feeding dives h−1); however, they performed more lunges per dive during daytime (3 vs. 1 lunge dive−1), which resulted in a stable feeding rate around the clock. Only 11.7 and 5.5% of the Arctic and northern krill patches measured in situ contained densities allowing blue whales to achieve neutral energetic balance (FE = 1); less than 1.5% of patches allowed FE of Ñ3. While FE leading to successful reproduction and adequate fitness is unknown, these results underscore the necessity for blue whales to seek the highest densities within patches to reach neutral balance or allow energy storage. These findings further our understanding of blue whale foraging ecology and habitat suitability, and may help predict the effects of climate and natural variability or of potential fisheries on krill densities and blue whale condition. Please feel free to e-mail me at marieguilpin(a)gmail.com for a pdf of the paper. Best regards, Marie Guilpin Marie Guilpin, PhD Candidate in Oceanography Université du Québec à Rimouski - Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski 300, allée des Ursulines Rimouski, Qc, G5L 3A1 marieguilpin(a)gmail.com

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New paper on fin whale acoustics
by Eric Archer - NOAA Federal 28 Aug '19

28 Aug '19

On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce publication of our paper in* Marine Mammal Science*, entitled, *Quantifying spatial and temporal variation of North Pacific fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) acoustic behavior* Frederick I. Archer, Shannon Rankin, Kathleen M. Stafford, Manuel Castellote, Julien Delarue https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12640 *Abstract* In order to help develop hypotheses of connectivity among North Pacific fin whales, we examine recordings from 10 regions collected in the spring and fall. We develop a Random Forest model to classify fin whale note types that avoids manual note classification errors. We also present a method that objectively quantifies the note and pattern composition of recordings. We find that fin whale recordings near Hawaii have distinctive patterns, similar to those found in other regions in the central North Pacific, suggesting potential migration pathways. Our results are consistent with previous studies that suggest there may be two different populations utilizing the Chukchi Sea and central Aleutians in the fall and mix to some degree in the southern Bering Sea. Conversely, we found little difference between spring and fall recordings in the eastern Gulf of Alaska, suggesting some residency of whales in this region. This is likely due to fine scale similarities of calls among the inshore regions of British Columbia, while offshore areas are being utilized by whales traveling from various distant areas. This study shows how our novel approach to characterize recordings is an objective and informative way to standardize spatial and temporal comparisons of fin whale recordings. -- *Eric Archer, Ph.D.* Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/NOAA) 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 USA 858-546-7121 (work) 858-546-7003 (FAX) Marine Mammal Genetics Group: swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics GitHub: github.com/ericarcher Adjunct Professor, Marine Biology Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California, San Diego http://profiles.ucsd.edu/frederick.archer " *The universe doesn't care what you believe. The wonderful thing about science is that it doesn't ask for your faith, it just asks for your eyes.*" - Randall Munroe "*Lighthouses are more helpful than churches.*" - Benjamin Franklin "*...but I'll take a GPS over either one.*" - John C. "Craig" George

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