August 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Request for help in sourcing suction cups for TDRs
by Rui Prieto 22 Aug '19

22 Aug '19

Dear all, We've been using TDRs for a long time in several studies in the Azores, attached with a single suction cup (design attached). Our old suction cups had a very good performance, with long attachment durations and little migration over the body. Unfortunately, we no longer have these suction cups and the Portuguese manufacturer seems to have closed. We tested some similar suction cups, but the results are disappointing. Retention times are just too short for any meaningful study. We would appreciate if any colleagues working with suction cup tags, especially but not exclusively in Europe, could give information on where you obtain your suction cups. Please write back to rcabprieto(a)gmail.com with the information. In the end, I will compile a list of providers, and post back here. With the very best regards from the Azores, Rui Prieto, IMAR & OKEANOS, University of the Azores MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, FCUL 901-862 Horta Portugal Tel: (351) 292200475 Fax: (351) 292200411 Alternate e-mail: rprieto(a)mare-centre.pt http://whales.scienceontheweb.net

1 0

distance sampling related workshops at upcoming SMM in Barcelona
by Tiago Marques 22 Aug '19

22 Aug '19

Dear MARMAMers, If you are attending the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona in December 2019 you might want to know about 2 distance sampling-related workshops, in the morning and afternoon of December 7th. You can sign up as part of registration (or as an add-on to your registration if you've registered already), see https://www.wmmconference.org/. Details about both workshops can be found below and more information, including how to register, on the link above. On behalf of the Distance Sampling workshop’s team, maybe see you in Barcelona 😉 Tiago Marques Distance sampling surveys of marine mammal density and abundance: from introductory ideas to latest developments December 7th 08:30-12:30 The goal of this workshop is to introduce the latest developments in distance sampling methods and software of particularly relevance to marine mammal scientists. Distance sampling surveys, particularly line transects, are widely used to estimate marine mammal population density and abundance. We will begin by introducing the basic ideas, and then describe how these have been extended to allow: spatial density surface and habitat modelling, passive acoustic density estimation, incorporation of animal movement, long dive times. We will demonstrate the Windows software and latest R-based software packages. At the end of the session, we will divide into groups and discuss topics suggested by workshop participants, as well as priorities for future methods and software development. This workshop is suitable both for complete beginners interested in getting a jump-start on methods for estimating marine mammal density and abundance, as well as seasoned distance sampling practitioners wanting to hear what’s new. Advancing marine species density surface modelling with a focus on extrapolation December 7th 13:30-17:30 Density surface models attempt to describe animal distribution as a function of spatially referenced variables. Data typically come from visual line transect surveys, though other effort-indexed methods (i.e., passive acoustics) are emerging. Outputs include modelled relationships between density and explanatory variables, maps of population density, and stratified estimates of population size with uncertainty. These are of practical use for marine spatial planning and impact assessment. Many statistical approaches are available for density surface modeling. This half-day workshop is being proposed by those involved with the LMR-funded research project, DenMod, that aims to compare the different density surface modelling approaches, identifying common ground and outstanding issues. The workshop will provide participants with progress updates on the priority research areas agreed at the workshop in Halifax 2017. In particular, this workshop will focus on extrapolation of density surface models beyond collected data (when it can be done and how to assess it). We will also present an online resource for common questions and practical problems that researchers encounter when using density surface models. The workshop will consist of a series of short presentations by the DenMod project team on key topics, with a particular focus on extrapolation. We will allow plenty of time for open discussion following the presentations. A report summarising the workshop will be sent to all participants as well as being posted on the project website – https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/denmod/ The report of the workshop held in Halifax can also be found here. __________________________________________ Tiago André Marques email (St Andrews): tiago.marques at st.andrews.ac.uk email (FCUL): tamarques at ciencias.ulisboa.pt email (personal): tiagoandremarques at gmail.com Mobile (personal): 00351919651628 Twitter: @TiagoALOMarques Skype: talomar __________________________________________ Google Scholar SHqH7fMAAAAJ ORCID 0000-0002-2581-1972 ResearcherID A-5530-2010 Scopus ID 6603703024 __________________________________________ University of St Andrews Senior Research Fellow School of Mathematics and Statistics Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9LZ, Scotland Phone: 00441334461842 Fax: 00441334461800 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532 http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/profile/tam2 __________________________________________ Universidade de Lisboa Professor Auxiliar Convidado Departamento de Biologia Animal Centro de Estatística e Aplicações Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa Bloco C6, Piso 4, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, PORTUGAL FCUL: 00351217500170 (my usual office) https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/pt/perfil/tamarques __________________________________________

1 0

New paper: Mechanisms for sex-based segregation in foraging behaviour by a polygynous marine carnivore
by Marcus Salton 21 Aug '19

21 Aug '19

Dear all, My co-authors and I area pleased to bring to your attention the following publication: Salton M, Kirkwood R, Slip D, Harcourt R (2019) Mechanisms for sex-based segregation in foraging behaviour by a polygynous marine carnivore. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 624:213-226. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13036 <https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13036> ABSTRACT: Sexual segregation in foraging is often attributed to constraints arising from sexual size dimorphism, such as differing physiological abilities and energy requirements, or to reproductive commitments including nutritional requirements and behavioural limitations such as parental care. In species with sexual size dimorphism and a polygynous mating system, there are sex differences in both body size and reproductive commitments, so distinguishing the mechanism underlying sexually segregated foraging is particularly difficult. We investigated movements of the sexually dimorphic, polygynous Australian fur seal *Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus*, and compared foraging strategies of juveniles to adults in order to investigate foraging constraints associated with differences in body size separately from those also associated with reproduction. Foraging trip duration, range, core area, and distance to core area from the breeding site were similar between the sexes in juveniles and adults, but juveniles were overall more constrained than adults. After foraging trips, juveniles and adult females were more likely to return to the breeding site than to other sites, probably because of physiological limitations (juveniles) or reproductive commitments (adult females). Freedom from reproductive commitments allowed adult males to reside in areas away from the breeding site and thereby meet the higher energy requirements arising from their larger body size, without competing with adult females. Consequently, intra-species differences in foraging strategies of Australian fur seals are shaped first by foraging constraints associated with body size, and to a lesser extent by reproductive behaviour. The article can be download from: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v624/p213-226/ or you can email me for a copy. Best regards, Marcus Salton

1 0

New publication on cetacean enamel
by Alex Werth 21 Aug '19

21 Aug '19

On behalf of my coauthors Carolina Loch and Ewan Fordyce I am pleased to announce the publication of our article in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution entitled "Enamel Microstructure in Cetacea: A Case Study in Evolutionary Loss of Complexity." It is available on the journal and publisher (Springer) website, DOI:10.1007/s10914-019-09484-7, or you can contact me for a pdf copy if interested. Best regards, Alex Werth, A.J., C. Loch,, and R.E. Fordyce. 2019. Enamel microstructure in Cetacea: a case study in evolutionary loss of complexity. Journal of Mammalian Evolution, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10914-019-09484-7 Abstract: Enamel microstructure of 34 species in eight odontocete families is described and categorized according to structural complexity (from no or prismless enamel to highly arranged enamel in decussating layers), then correlated with parameters of ecology, life history, and occlusal function. Overall, more complex dental structure in extant and extinct cetaceans is associated with smaller, more numerous teeth in taxa that bite or grasp smaller, harder prey with longer, narrower jaws and have more oral processing. Enamel complexity loosely correlates with mechanical properties, but measurement of compressive strength is complicated by the presence of cementum overlying or in place of crown enamel. Given the presence of Hunter-Schreger bands and other indices of high microstructural complexity in archaic cetaceans (with presumed plesiomorphic characters), the absence of complex enamel, as well as more generally of gross dental form, signals a loss of complexity in various cetacean lineages. Nonetheless, it is difficult to draw robust or reliable inferences regarding either cetacean phylogeny or dental function given the pattern of presumed loss of tooth complexity, and the confounding presence of numerous exceptions (taxa with complex teeth despite limited use, or with thin, weakly developed enamel and soft, simple teeth despite high occlusal function). Although retention of a complex feature implies its continued adaptive value, and thus selection for the underlying genetic and developmental bases for that complexity, loss of complexity can simply follow absence of function. Loss of complex traits presumably relates to accumulated mutations and economic efficiency, but unfolds with no distinct pattern of distribution.

1 0

Two New Publications on Sperm Whale Acoustic Ecology in the Offshore Gulf of Alaska
by Niki Diogou 21 Aug '19

21 Aug '19

Dear all, My colleagues and I are happy to share with the MARMAM Community our two companion papers on *Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) acoustic ecology at Ocean Station PAPA in the Gulf of Alaska*, published online in Deep Sea Research Part I <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09670637>. *- Part 1 investigates the seasonality in sperm whale occurrences* DIOGOU, N., PALACIOS, D. M., NIEUKIRK, S. L., NYSTUEN, J., PAPATHANASSIOU, E., KATSANEVAKIS, S., KLINCK, H., (2019). *Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) acoustic ecology at Ocean Station PAPA in the Gulf of Alaska – Part 1: Detectability and seasonality.* doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2019.05.007 *Abstract* Sperm whales *Physeter macrocephalus* produce loud, stereotypical click sequences and are an ideal species to be studied with passive acoustic techniques. To increase our limited knowledge of sperm whale occurrence patterns in remote and inaccessible locations of the North Pacific, we analyzed a five-year-long (June 2007–April 2012) acoustic data set recorded at Ocean Station PAPA (OSP; 50°N, 145°W) in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Firstly, we assessed the sperm whale detection performance of the Passive Aquatic Listener (PAL), and secondly, we investigated temporal patterns of sperm whale presence at OSP. The PAL proved highly efficient, with above 50% probability of detecting more than two sperm whales, a condition met for over 50% of the recordings. Results indicated that sperm whale clicks were recorded year-round, with a clear seasonal pattern. The number of detections during the summer months was approximately 70% higher compared to winter. An ambient noise analysis showed that differences in detection rates were likely not driven by seasonal changes in ambient noise levels. The average propagation range of sperm whale clicks ranged between 7 and 8 km between summer and winter, with slightly decreased detection distances observed in winter. Seasonal shifts in the intensity of the Alaska Current and the latitudinal oscillations of the North Pacific Transition Zone results in changes in water mixing, transport of nutrients and the concentration of prey such as squid, which likely drives sperm whale distribution. The manuscript is available for download at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967063718302577 *- Part 2 assesses and explains the sperm whale oceanographic preferences * DIOGOU, N., PALACIOS, D. M., NYSTUEN, J., PAPATHANASSIOU, E., KATSANEVAKIS, S., KLINCK, H., (2019). *Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) acoustic ecology at Ocean Station PAPA in the Gulf of Alaska – Part 2: Oceanographic drivers of interannual variability*. doi: *https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2019.05.004 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2019.05.004>* *Abstract* Understanding top predator responses to environmental variability is key to assessing potential impacts of global warming on marine ecosystems. However, tracking environmental changes and their effects across multiple trophic levels up to predators can be difficult. Here, we related the interannual (2007–2012) acoustic occurrence of sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) at Ocean Station PAPA (OSP), in the offshore Gulf of Alaska (GOA), to environmental drivers within an explicit time-series modeling framework. In a model based on a combination of *in-situ* and remotely sensed variables, ocean heat content (HC), meridional current (V), eddy kinetic energy (EKE), strength of the permanent pycnocline (maxBVF), sea surface temperature (SST) and SST standard deviation (SSTsd) explained 51% of the variability in sperm whale presence, indicating a positive relationship between sperm whale occurrence and increased ocean heating, vertical stratification, and circulation. Sperm whale detections were anomalously high in summer 2010 and winter 2011, and anomalously low at the end of summer and winter 2008, and spring 2011. Results suggest these strongly anomalous detection events reflect a response to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, with an 8-month lag. In the study area, El Niño leads to a stronger permanent pycnocline, a weakening of the Alaska Gyre, a northward expansion of the North Pacific Subarctic Frontal Zone, and a prevalence of offshore mesoscale eddies, likely favoring the abundance of squid and their predator, the sperm whale. The overall results are consistent with a scenario of increasing sperm whale occurrence at high latitudes under increased ocean warming. The manuscript is available for download at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967063718302589 Please do not hesitate to contact me (niki.diogou <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> at gmail.com) with any comments or questions. Enjoy, Niki -- Niki Diogou, PhD *Acoustic Ecology* 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 *+593 996084868*

1 0

REMINDER-- Survey: Communicating Science for the Conservation of Marine Mammals
by Roxanne Carini 21 Aug '19

21 Aug '19

REMINDER-- Survey: Communicating Science for the Conservation of Marine Mammals https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RJCsurvey Disclaimer: This survey is part of a study being conducted by Roxanne J Carini, PhD (the principal investigator), independent of her one-year Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship at the Marine Mammal Commission. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. The purpose of this survey is to better understand attitudes/opinions and levels of engagement of those who work on marine mammal issues regarding how scientific results are applied to marine mammal conservation, policy, and management. A similar survey was originally designed and conducted in 2007 by Vicki Cornish and Raychelle Daniel, while working for the Ocean Conservancy. The survey is re-administered, with minor changes for modernization, to assess current attitudes and how they might have changed since 2007. The results of this survey will be shared as a poster presentation at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona, Spain, in December 2019 (Abstract 1121). The results will also be distributed to the MARMAM list-serve and shared broadly with interested government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and others interested in improving communication efforts related to the conservation of marine mammals. This survey will be open on SurveyMonkey for a period of six weeks (until 20 September 2019). https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RJCsurvey Thank you, Roxanne J Carini Roxanne J Carini, PhD John A Knauss Marine Policy Fellow Marine Mammal Commission rcarini(a)mmc.gov<mailto:rcarini@mmc.gov> | 301-504-0087 Twitter: @MarineMammalCom<https://twitter.com/MarineMammalCom> Website: www.mmc.gov<https://www.mmc.gov/>

1 0

New publication: Context-dependent biosonar adjustments during active target approaches in echolocating harbour porpoises
by Michael Ladegaard 21 Aug '19

21 Aug '19

Dear colleagues, It is my pleasure to announce a new biosonar publication, where Peter Madsen and I show how harbour porpoises use different biosonar behaviours depending on the context in which they are echolocating: Context-dependent biosonar adjustments during active target approaches in echolocating harbour porpoises Michael Ladegaard, Peter Teglberg Madsen Journal of Experimental Biology 2019 222: jeb206169 doi: 10.1242/jeb.206169 Published 19 August 2019 In this study, we had two free-swimming porpoises approach the same target over the same approach distance in two highly different environments: a shallow-water pvc-lined pool and a semi-natural harbour net pen. In the confined pool environment, the porpoises showed a higher degree of range-dependent adjustment to the target and used lower source levels (SLs) and shorter interclick intervals (ICIs) compared to the net pen. The ambient noise at the high frequencies relevant for porpoise echolocation was low in both environment, so the porpoises likely changed echolocation behaviour in response to the different reverberant conditions between the two environments. Our study highlight that porpoises approaching a specific echolocation target not only use range-dependent, but also context-dependent biosonar adjustments, thus underscoring the flexibility of toothed whale biosonar. The paper was published in Journal of Experimental Biology and may be downloaded here: https://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/16/jeb206169 It is also featured in an Inside JEB article here: https://jeb.biologists.org/content/222/16/jeb210955 In case you cannot access the paper through the JEB website then please send me an email and I will be happy to share a download link with you. All the best, Michael Ladegaard Michael Ladegaard Postdoc building 1130, room 110 Mobile: (+45) 4076 4035 Email: michael.ladegaard(a)bios.au.dk<mailto:mail@au.dk> Web: Michael Ladegaard<http://pure.au.dk/portal/en/persons/id(7365cdb9-ab50-4488-9839-034eb5c3cd5e…> Department of Bioscience - Zoophysiology Aarhus University C. F. Møllers Allé 3, building 1131 8000 Aarhus C Email: mail(a)au.dk<mailto:mail@au.dk> Web: http://bios.au.dk/en/ Lab: http://marinebioacoustics.com/ ABSTRACT: Echolocating mammals generally target individual prey items by transitioning through the biosonar phases of search (slow-rate, high-amplitude outputs), approach (gradually increasing rate and decreasing output amplitude) and buzzing (high-rate, low-amplitude outputs). The range to the main target of interest is often considered the key or sole driver of such biosonar adjustments of acoustic gaze. However, the actively generated auditory scene of an echolocator invariably comprises a large number of other reflectors and noise sources that likely also impact the biosonar strategies and source parameters implemented by an echolocating animal in time and space. In toothed whales, the importance of context on biosonar adjustments is largely unknown. To address this, we trained two harbour porpoises to actively approach the same sound recording target over the same approach distance in two highly different environments: a PVC-lined pool and a semi-natural net pen in a harbour, while blind-folded and wearing a sound recording tag (DTAG-4). We show that the approaching porpoises used considerably shorter interclick intervals (ICIs) in the pool than in the net pen, except during the buzz phase, where slightly longer ICIs were used in the pool. We further show that average click source levels were 4–7 dB higher in the net pen. Because of the very low-level in-band ambient noise in both environments, we posit that the porpoises adapted their echolocation strategy to the different reverberation levels between the two settings. We demonstrate that harbour porpoises use different echolocation strategies and biosonar parameters in two different environments for solving an otherwise identical target approach task and thus highlight that biosonar adjustments are both range and context dependent.

1 0

ARGENTINA COURSE: Introduction to Isotopic Ecology for the Study of Marine Mammals
by Damian Vales 21 Aug '19

21 Aug '19

COURSE: Introduction to Isotopic Ecology for the Study of Marine Mammals This course will be delivered by Drs Seth D Newsome (UNM, USA), Luciana Riccialdelli (CADIC-CONICET), Damián G Vales (CESIMAR-CONICET), and Rocío Loizaga (CESIMAR-CONICET) in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Patagonia Argentina, from 8th – 12th November 2019. The course is intended to anyone using stable isotope analysis to study marine mammals' ecology. Course overview: The course will cover the theoretical concepts that underlie the application of stable isotopes as natural tracers for the study of the ecology of marine mammals. The use of different sampling designs, data collection, and sample preparations in accordance to the research question posed will be addressed. The use of specific software for the statistical analysis of isotopic results and their corresponding interpretation will also be taught. Finally, the course will cover an introduction to the ecological application of compound-specific stable 15N and 13C isotope analysis of amino acids. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets and problems to discuss during the course. Language: The course will be taught in English (SDN) and in Spanish (LR, DGV, RL). Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 35 people, and the course will cost 2,500 ARS per person. Please visit the following links for further details: https://jam.sarem.org.ar/introduccion-a-la-ecologia-isotopica-para-el-estud… http://www.madryn.unp.edu.ar/index.php/facultad-ciencias-naturales/posgrado… Inscription (web form): https://goo.gl/forms/uzSp7H6MW5hwDUjR2 If you have any questions please email: posgrado.fcn.madryn(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Seth, Luciana, Rocio and Damián Dr. Damián G. Vales Investigador Asistente CONICET Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos (LAMAMA) Centro Para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR, CONICET) Boulevard Brown 2915, (U9120ACD) Puerto Madryn, Argentina Tel: 54 (280) 4883184 Int 1252 Fax: 54 (280) 4883543 E-mail: vales(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar http://www.conicet.gov.ar/new_scp/detalle.php?id=29848&datos_academicos=yes

1 0

volunteer with Cascadia Research Collective
by Sabre Mahaffy 20 Aug '19

20 Aug '19

Cascadia Research Collective in Olympia, Washington is now accepting volunteers for U.S. west coast and Hawaiʻi research for fall of 2019 and winter and spring of 2020! Cascadia Research Collective (CRC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit research and education organization founded in 1979. Most of our research is focused on whale and dolphin populations along the west coast of North America and in Hawaiʻi. For more information about Cascadia and our research please visit www.cascadiaresearch.org<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/> We are seeking volunteers to help with our U.S. west coast and Hawaiʻi research projects. Both volunteer positions are office-based positions in Olympia, Washington. We are currently filling positions for: Fall (September-December) Winter (January-March) Spring (April-June) Volunteer positions are unpaid, office-based positions in Olympia, WA and housing is not provided. International applicants will also be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation. Position Details: CRC gives priority to juniors or seniors with a science background who are seeking academic credit as well as those enrolled in (or planning to attend) graduate school in a marine science-related field. A full time commitment (40 hours per week) is preferred. Volunteer opportunities are generally three months in length, although exceptions can be made depending on the academic calendar of the college or university. Much of CRC’s work involves photo identification, using natural markings unique to each individual to catalog and track individuals over time. This allows us to study association patterns and movements over extended periods of time, revealing information on population structure and social organization. Volunteers will spend a large portion of their time comparing new photographs to those in our existing catalogs, and may additionally be involved in digital image processing and data entry. Additionally, volunteers may have opportunities to participate in Washington state stranding response, which may include beach surveys, data and specimen collection, data entry, and assisting in necropsies of pinnipeds & cetaceans. US West Coast Research: Volunteers will assist staff on our long-term photo-ID studies of baleen whales, including humpback, blue, and gray whales off the US West Coast and the inside waters of Washington state. For more information, see www.cascadiaresearch.org<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org> Hawaiʻi Research: Volunteers will assist staff on our long-term photo-ID studies of a variety of species of odontocetes (e.g., rough-toothed dolphins, false killer whales, beaked whales) found in Hawaiian waters. For more information, see www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii.htm For a full description of the volunteer positions available, please visit: www.cascadiaresearch.org/interns.htm<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/interns.htm> [http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/files/pictures/DSC_1910.JPG]<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/interns.htm> Interns and volunteers<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/interns.htm> Current and Past Interns & Volunteers | Graduate Students About Cascadia Research www.cascadiaresearch.org Photo identification requires a high degree of focus and attention to detail, and volunteers can expect to spend the majority of their time comparing photographs. Successful applicants should have the following skills: - strong communication skills - focus and attention to detail - willingness to spend long hours in front of a computer - ability to work independently If you are interested in volunteering with Cascadia, please visit our website and send a CV (including references and their contact information), two professional letters of recommendation and a letter of interest that describes why you are applying for the position and how the experience will help you be successful in meeting long-term goals. For a US west coast project volunteer position please send the information to: Kiirsten Flynn: kflynn(a)cascadiaresearch.org<mailto:kflynn@cascadiaresearch.org> For a Hawaiʻi project volunteer position please send the information to: Sabre Mahaffy: mahaffys(a)cascadiaresearch.org<mailto:mahaffys@cascadiaresearch.org> If you would like to be considered for either, please indicate that in your letter and send to both. ----------------------------------------- Sabre Mahaffy, M.Sc. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Ave. Olympia, WA 98501 Office 360-943-7325 www.cascadiaresearch.org

1 0

New publication on bottlenose dolphin postglacial colonization
by Milaja Nykänen 20 Aug '19

20 Aug '19

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'd like to draw your attention to a recently published (as an advance) paper on bottlenose dolphin postglacial colonization: Milaja Nykänen, Kristin Kaschner, Willy Dabin, Andrew Brownlow, Nicholas J Davison, Rob Deaville, Cristina Garilao, Kathleen Kesner-Reyes, M Thomas P Gilbert, Rod Penrose, Valentina Islas-Villanueva, Nathan Wales, Simon N Ingram, Emer Rogan, Marie Louis, Andrew D Foote. 2019. Postglacial Colonization of Northern Coastal Habitat by Bottlenose Dolphins: A Marine Leading-Edge Expansion? Journal of Heredity, esz039, https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esz039 Abstract Oscillations in the Earth’s temperature and the subsequent retreating and advancing of ice-sheets around the polar regions are thought to have played an important role in shaping the distribution and genetic structuring of contemporary high-latitude populations. After the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), retreating of the ice-sheets would have enabled early colonizers to rapidly occupy suitable niches to the exclusion of other conspecifics, thereby reducing genetic diversity at the leading-edge. Bottlenose dolphins (genus *Tursiops*) form distinct coastal and pelagic ecotypes, with finer-scale genetic structuring observed within each ecotype. We reconstruct the postglacial colonization of the Northeast Atlantic (NEA) by bottlenose dolphins using habitat modeling and phylogenetics. The AquaMaps model hindcasted suitable habitat for the LGM in the Atlantic lower latitude waters and parts of the Mediterranean Sea. The time-calibrated phylogeny, constructed with 86 complete mitochondrial genomes including 30 generated for this study and created using a multispecies coalescent model, suggests that the expansion to the available coastal habitat in the NEA happened via founder events starting ~15 000 years ago (95% highest posterior density interval: 4 900–26 400). The founders of the 2 distinct coastal NEA populations comprised as few as 2 maternal lineages that originated from the pelagic population. The low effective population size and genetic diversity estimated for the shared ancestral coastal population subsequent to divergence from the pelagic source population are consistent with leading-edge expansion. These findings highlight the legacy of the Late Pleistocene glacial cycles on the genetic structuring and diversity of contemporary populations. If you would like a PDF copy of the article, please do not hesitate to contact me (milaja.ny(a)gmail.com) The article is also available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esz039 Kind regards, Milaja Nykanen -- Dr Milaja Nykanen School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork Cork, Ireland Mobile: +353 (0)85 110 1466

1 0