August 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

new publication: ship strikes along French coasts
by Hélène Peltier 14 Aug '19

14 Aug '19

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to inform you that a new brief research paper on ship strikes of large whales along the French coasts was recently published in Frontiers in Marine Science: *Monitoring of Marine Mammal Strandings Along French Coasts Reveals the Importance of Ship Strikes on Large Cetaceans: A Challenge for the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive* Hélène Peltier <https://www.frontiersin.org/people/u/684060>, Alain Beaufils, Catherine Cesarini, Willy Dabin, Cécile Dars, Fabien Demaret, Frank Dhermain, Ghislain Doremus, Hélène Labach, Olivier Van Canneyt and Jérôme Spitz <https://www.frontiersin.org/people/u/472021> ^Full text available: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00486/full Abstract: The incidence of marine traffic has risen in recent decades and is expected to continue rising as maritime traffic, vessel speed, and engine power all continue to increase. Although long considered anecdotal, ship strikes are now recognized as a major threat to cetaceans. However, estimation of ship strike rates is still challenging notably because such events occurred generally far offshore and collision between large ships and whales go often unnoticed by ship crew. The monitoring of marine mammal strandings remain one the most efficient ways to evaluate the problem. In France, a national coordinated network collected data and samples on stranded marine mammals since 1972 along the Mediterranean and Atlantic French coasts. We examined stranding data, including photography and necropsy reports, collected between 1972 and 2017 with the aim to provide a comprehensive review of confirmed collision records of large whales in France. During this period, a total of 51 ship strike incidents were identified which represents the 1st identified causes of mortality for large whale in France. It has increased since 1972 with seven records during the 1st decade to reach 22 stranded animals observed between 2005 and 2017. This issue appears particularly critical in the Mediterranean Sea where one in five stranded whales showed evidence of ship strike. This review of collision records highlights the risk of a negative impact of this anthropogenic pressure on the dynamic of whale populations in Europe, suggesting that ship strike rates could not allow achieving the Good Environmental Status of marine mammal populations required by the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Best wishes Helene Peltier -- ---------------------------------- Hélène PELTIER -PhD Observatoire PELAGIS UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle-CNRS 5, allées de l'océan 17000 La Rochelle, France LD: +33 (0) 5 46 50 76 83 St: +33 (0) 5 46 44 99 10 http://observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/

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New publication on winter feeding and wintering habitats of North Atlantic blue, fin and sei whales revealed by stable isotopes
by Mónica Silva 14 Aug '19

14 Aug '19

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Royal Society Open Science: Monica A. Silva, Asuncion Borrell, Rui Prieto, Pauline Gauffier, Martine Berube, Per J Palsbol, and Ana Colaco. 2019. Stable isotopes reveal winter feeding in different habitats in blue, fin and sei whales migrating through the Azores. 6. R. Soc. open sci. http://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.181800 Abstract Knowing the migratory movements and behaviour of baleen whales is fundamental to understanding their ecology. We compared ��15N and ��13C values in the skin of blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and sei (Balaenoptera borealis) whales sighted in the Azores in spring with the values of potential prey from different regions within the North Atlantic using Bayesian mixing models to investigate their trophic ecology and migration patterns. Fin whale ��15N values were higher than those recorded in blue and sei whales, reflecting feeding at higher trophic levels. Whales' skin ��15N and ��13C values did not reflect prey from high-latitude summer foraging grounds; instead mixing models identified tropical or subtropical regions as the most likely feeding areas for all species during winter and spring. Yet, differences in ��13C values among whale species suggest use of different regions within this range. Blue and sei whales primarily used resources from the Northwest African upwelling and pelagic tropical/subtropical regions, while fin whales fed off Iberia. However, determining feeding habitats from stable isotope values remains difficult. In conclusion, winter feeding appears common among North Atlantic blue, fin and sei whales, and may play a crucial role in determining their winter distribution. A better understanding of winter feeding behaviour is therefore fundamental for the effective conservation of these species. You can download the paper here: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.181800 or email me monica.silva.imar(a)gmail.com <mailto:monica.silva.imar@gmail.com> for a PDF. Best regards, M��nica M��nica Almeida e Silva (Marine Biologist, PhD) ----------------------------------------------------- MARE �C Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre IMAR - Institute of Marine Research Rua Frederico Machado, 4 9901-862 Horta Portugal Phone: (+351) 292200400 Email: <mailto:masilva@mare-centre.pt> masilva(a)mare-centre.pt; <mailto:monica.silva.imar@gmail.com> monica.silva.imar(a)gmail.com <http://whales.scienceontheweb.net> http://whales.scienceontheweb.net ----------------------------------------------------- Guest Investigator WHOI �C Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA

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WMMC Workshop: The Diving Brain – Adaptations for Extreme Environments
by Stefan Huggenberger 14 Aug '19

14 Aug '19

Dear MarMamers Here we are happy to announce the workshop “The Diving Brain – Adaptations for Extreme Environments” at the World Marine Mammal Conference on Saturday, December 7th 2019 in Barcelona (Spain). Registration for the workshop can be completed at the WMMC website. Further information including a preliminary program are given below. We are looking forward to seeing you in Barcelona, Stefan Huggenberger and Bruno Cozzi (workshop organizers) Workshop description: During the last two centuries, anatomical and physiological studies have been the fundamental background and footing of advanced research on marine mammals. The aims of the workshop are (1st) to give an overview of actual research on the nervous system of diving mammals, its nourishment and blood supply through seminars given by leading experts; and (2nd) to stimulate the discussions between experts and graduate and PhD students. This workshop aims at promoting and supporting basic morphological and physiological research of brain function of marine mammals. This research is unquestionably international, so that we will have speakers from many countries around the world. We want to encourage long-term exchange and research activities on the structure and function of marine mammals as a solid basis for molecular disciplines. The goal and ambition of this workshop is to stimulate and coordinate future research and educational projects. Preliminary workshop program, Saturday 7. December 2019: 09:00 Luciano Fadiga (University of Ferrara, Italy) – Of men and whales: diving physiology. 09:30 Sam H. Ridgway (San Diego, U.S.A.) – Cortex and Cerebellum - long and short divers. 10:00 Hannsjörg Schröder (University of Cologne, Germany) – Comparing big brains: a brainstem view. 10:30 Coffee break 11:00 Short presentations from participants - tba - tba - tba [Stefan Huggenberger & Bruno Cozzi (University of Cologne, Germany, and University of Padova, Italy) – Uncharted territories in the brains of marine mammals]. 12:00 Round table: Future directions and discussion for summarizing main scientific problems (“hot topics”) to encourage joint future activities. 12:40 Conclusion and future venues 13:00 Lunch 14:30 Two parallel afternoon sessions with practical work using modern teaching equipment such as virtual microscopy and open source tools for tomography data (participants can move from one session to the other and back) 1. Navigating through the brain: macro slide series and MRI scans of dolphin brains (90’ to 120’) 2. Neuro-histology and routine histological slides from other organs (90’ to 120’) -- Dr. Stefan Huggenberger Department II of Anatomy (Neuroanatomy) University of Cologne 50924 Cologne, Germany Fon: +49-221-478-87848 Fax: +49-221-478-1427477 Email: st.huggenberger(a)uni-koeln.de www.anatomie.uni-koeln.de/21596.html

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Bottlenose Dolphin - Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Project Research In Venezuela. Interns and Volunteer Program 2019 (Sergio Cobarrubia-Russo).
by Sergio Cobarrubia 13 Aug '19

13 Aug '19

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN - ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2019. Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC-IVIC) and Provita. BACKGROUND: The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC) of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC, www.ivic.gob.ve) invites the first season of internships-volunteering (2019) in the study of coastal dolphins. LEGC is a scientific team that among its research lines on the fauna of coastal and riparian ecosystems, it has established the first one on aquatic mammals in Venezuela. On the other hand, Provita is an important NGO that contributes to the research and conservation in Venezuela. This research will begin with a project focused on sociobiology (social structure, social networks and bioacoustics) of resident groups of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) in the central coast of Venezuela. This, after an experience of 5 years in that locality studying ecological aspects of T. truncatus (https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1) The coast of Aragua not only houses these species, but also the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) and the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Of which basic information is collected too. LEGC interns and volunteers are young, hard-working who are willing to contribute to research by learning as they experience fieldwork in teams, field techniques for collecting and processing data and methodologies. All team members and interns share academic space, housing in the Institute, housework in the study area, knowledge and experience in a friendly and multicultural environment. The internship consists of three weeks: The first week of theoretical-practical introduction (24 theoretical hours and 16 practicals hours) at the IVIC Ecology Center ( www.ivic.gob.ve/es/investigacion-3/centros-31/ecologia-316) The second week of seven field surveys for data collection (42 h) on the Cata Bay (Aragua state) and the third week for data processing and analysis at the IVIC Ecology Center (40 h). The volunteering consist of the second and third weeks. WHERE: Theory: LEGC, Center of Ecology (IVIC) Miranda State, Caracas (10 23 N - 66 58 W). Practice: Cata Bay, western coast of the (rain forest) National Park Henry Pittier, Aragua state (central coast of Venezuela) 150 km from Caracas (DC) (10 29 N - 67 44 W). PROGRAM: Interns (Three weeks), Volunteers (Two weeks). 1st WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns). - Monday: What is a cetacean? The cetaceans and the human in history. Origin, evolution and diversity. Adaptations for aquatic life: Anatomy and Physiology. Life histories. Biogeography Distribution. Ecology Behavior. Conservation. - Tuesday: Identification of species reported for Venezuela. Basic logistics for the study of cetaceans on the mainland, sea and air. Basic equipment to collect information. - Wednesday: How to detect cetaceans and record an effective sighting? Basic data to collect during a sighting, calibration and use of GPS. Configuration and use of the SLR cameras. Download of sightings (GIS). Download pictures and selection (software). - Thursday: Daily encounter ratio. Photo-identification as a tool for ecological and behavioral studies. Estimates of abundance. Local distribution and areas of action. - Friday: Residential patterns. Behavior (deployments, states, daily budget). Habitat use. Social structure and social networks. Bioacoustics. Saturday: Break. Sunday: Transfer to the Cata Bay. 2nd WEEK (Cata Bay-Provita, 42 hours. For Interns and Volunteers). The field surveys will be carried out in a fishing vessel of 9 m in length by 2 of beam. The field work will depend on the climatic conditions, however, the Aragua coast offers few climatic inconveniences throughout the year. There will be 7 mornings of field surveys in the week, after each survey is lunch, rest and then proceed to download the data of sightings and then interpret them preliminarily and discuss them. In the field surveys, it will be implemented: - The identification and recognition of the elements of the marine landscape and the method of tracking and detection of cetaceans. - Ethical navigation mode to study cetaceans. - The basic data collection / sighting. - Use of GPS. - Use of SRL camera. - Counting of individuals and composition of a group. - Identification of the behavioral states that configure group behavior and its recording. - Use of hydrophone. In the afternoon the information of the sightings will be downloaded: - Sighting forms. - Latitude and longitude. - Photographs and their selection. - Voice recordings (behavior). - Recordings of vocalizations. 3rd WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns and volunteers). PRACTICAL FEES: Accomodation (IVIC students residence and apartment in Cata Bay), food and transport (airport-IVIC-Cata Bay-IVIC-airport) are paid. The cost of internships and volunteers is US $ 690 for the compensation of logistical expenses of the field surveys. For more information, please contact:sergio.cobarrubia@gmail.com. *Ask all your questions, especially to mitigate your concerns regarding Venezuela. Since our nation is the object of an intense media campaign where opinion matrices project false dystopian scenarios.* WHEN: During the year there will be 6 internships-volunteering sessions (February, April, June, August, October, November). For interns, second, third and fourth week of the months scheduled. For volunteers, third and fourth week of the scheduled months. VACANTS: 4 people / session. Not included in the rate: - Meals in restaurants - Free time activities - Personal insurance (all participants must have health and / or travel insurance) - Personal expenses. INTEREST IS EXPECTED: - Being over 18 years - Iterns: Preference will be given to undergraduate students and professional students (biology, marine biology, environmental, conservation and plus). - Volunteer: No preferences. - Have a mature attitude towards the investigation of marine mammals and environment - Be autonomous and flexible - To be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors in the sea - Speak Spanish, English or Portuguese. ACADEMIC CREDITS: The LEGC will certify the work performed by intern or volunteer through a diploma with the recognition of the hours (academic-practical) worked. APPLICATION AND QUESTIONS: Applicants must write to sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com with the subject "DOLPHINS PROJECT_Name". You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details about the study area and the species present, the practices and requesting your CV resume, motivation letter (small statement about what your expectations are and why you want to work with LEGC) and the internship month of your choice. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. PLUS: The possibility of making a second expedition to the sea is open, but for Chichiriviche de la Costa, there is the logistics to study two oceanic species of dolphins such as the spinner dolphin and pilot whale (usually, other species are sighted even shark whale). This second expedition would consist of 5 field surveys to a pelagic zone where the same techniques would be applied. The costs of this logistics are US $ 650. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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Workshop - Taking stock of land-based, citizen science cetacean data sets: regional integration and analysis to deliver policy-relevant results
by Alice Walters 13 Aug '19

13 Aug '19

Dear MARMAM community, We would like to draw your attention to the upcoming workshop "Taking stock of land-based, citizen science cetacean data sets: regional integration and analysis to deliver policy-relevant results" to be held in association with the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona on Sunday 8th December, 2019. The purpose of this workshop is to: * Briefly review the range of data sets resulting from land-based citizen science programmes for cetacean monitoring; * Critically assess the potential contribution of such data sets to cetacean monitoring needs, including the extent to which they complement other types of monitoring (e.g. boat surveys, acoustic monitoring), and their limitations; * Critically assess how data from different surveys and areas could be brought together for combined analysis as well as possible applications of such analyses; * Synthesise recommendations for 'core' data requirements to ensure that robust data sets for which future combined analysis is both achievable and useful; and * Develop a roadmap to achieve better harmonized data collection and combined analysis. We welcome participation from anyone involved or interested in collecting or using land-based cetacean sightings data. If you have specific suggestions or questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Graham Pierce (g.j.pierce(a)iim.csic.es<mailto:g.j.pierce@iim.csic.es>) or myself (alice.walters(a)whales.org<mailto:alice.walters@whales.orgv>). For more details, or to register, please see the information here: https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/#Taking%20stock%20of%20land-based,%… Best wishes Alice Walters, Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) and Dr. Graham Pierce, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IMM) ________________________________

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WMMC Stable isotopes workshop
by Luis Huckstadt 12 Aug '19

12 Aug '19

Dear all, We are looking forward to seeing you at the third workshop on Stable Isotopes in marine mammals: "Application of stable isotopes in studies of marine mammal ecology, biogeography, and physiology. An introduction and update on developing methodologies <https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/#Application%20of%20stable%20isotop…> ". We would like to invite those interested in presenting their work during the workshop to contact us (lahuckst(a)gmail.com) and your preferences (poster or oral). We are particularly interested in people's experiences (positive and negative), troubleshooting and any advice or suggestion you might have for both bulk-tissue and Compound-Specific Stable Isotope Analysis. We will be contacting colleagues with different levels of expertise to have a better idea of what are the challenges that we, as a community, face when it comes to using stable isotopes to study the biology of marine mammals. Thanks for your feedback and hope to see you in Barcelone! Best, Cory, Seth, and Luis

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Protected Species Observer Training in Newport, OR Oct 5-6
by Angela Bostwick 12 Aug '19

12 Aug '19

MPSC is holding a training course in Newport, Oregon which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on October 5th and 6th, 2019. This class will include a vessel trip and admission to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where the course will be taking place. The vessel trip will provide opportunity to practice the protected species monitoring identification techniques discussed in class; students will also be able to practice manual settings for wildlife photography using digital SLR cameras, and will learn to estimate distance using binoculars with reticles (cameras and binoculars provided for use). This course will also include a special guest speaker from NMFS, whom will discuss life as an observer and different types of wildlife observer work. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in various other regions or industries (such as renewable energy, dredging, construction, blasting, and pile driving) where monitoring and mitigation for protected species is needed. The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. A discounted rate is available for students/recent graduates, government/veterans, and non-profit organizations. Lunch is provided each day, along with various identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), advice on applying to PSO positions, admission to the aquarium, the vessel trip, and the professional certification. MPSC will also be holding a PSO course in Galveston, TX on September 28-29, which will include a vessel trip and a tour of the TAMUG sea turtle care facility. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Job Opportunity: aerial survey technician
by Debbie Russell 12 Aug '19

12 Aug '19

Dear all The Sea Mammal Research Unit based at the University of St Andrews in Scotland is looking to employ an additional aerial survey technician. This is a full-time post initially for a duration of three years. Surveys are conducted annually from both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Outwith the survey season, the successful applicant's work will be focussed on processing the images taken and counting the seals on them. Please note, I am afraid this role does not meet the minimum requirements set by the UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Deadline: 30 August 2019 For more details and to apply: https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/3270/0/237616/889/aerial… Thank you and best wishes Debbie *********************************************** Dr Debbie Russell Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) Postal Address: SMRU Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews KY16 8LB Tel (SMRU): +44 (0)1334 467281 Tel (CREEM; Wednesdays): +44 (0)1334 461808 Twitter: @_SMRU_ *********************************************** The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Notice: Final Rule for the Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Navy’s Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) Sonar Training and Testing Activities
by Kate Goggin - NOAA Federal 12 Aug '19

12 Aug '19

NOAA Fisheries will issue seven-year regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to govern the incidental take of marine mammals by the U.S. Navy’s Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) sonar training and testing activities in the central and western North Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans from August 2019 to August 2026. This will be NOAA Fisheries’ fourth rulemaking for Navy SURTASS LFA sonar training and testing activities under the MMPA. NOAA Fisheries’ final regulations and the subsequent Letter of Authorization, as well as the ESA Biological Opinion, include required mitigation and monitoring measures that are expected to reduce adverse impacts to marine mammals. The Navy’s SURTASS LFA sonar activities are likely to result in the incidental take of marine mammals by exposing them to sonar. The takes authorized by this action are Level B harassment in the form of behavioral disturbance and temporary threshold shift. No Level A harassment or serious injury or mortality is expected or authorized. Please visit our SURTASS LFA sonar webpage for more information on this action <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-us-navy…> or https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/node/23111 for more information on NOAA’s incidental take program under the MMPA. Kate Goggin HQ Office of Protected Resources Lead Communications Specialist (301) 427-8400 Main (301) 427-8411 Direct Kate.Goggin(a)noaa.gov

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Farallon Islands Elephant Seal Research Assistant
by Garrett Duncan - SEA 12 Aug '19

12 Aug '19

Point Blue Conservation Science (formerly PRBO) 3820 Cypress Drive Suite 11 Petaluma, CA 94954 707.781.2555 pointblue.org Conservation Science for a healthy planet. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ON THE FARALLON ISLANDS Point Blue is looking for Volunteer Elephant Seal Research Assistants (3-4) for winter 2019/2020 on Southeast Farallon Island. Research Assistant (RA) responsibilities include, but are not limited to, censusing and monitoring breeding elephant seals, flipper tagging animals, resighting tagged California and Steller’s Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Fur Seals, and surveying for salamanders, crickets, songbirds, seabirds, gulls, burrowing owls, and whales. (Sorry, White sharks are unlikely during the winter months). RAs also contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station and help with food preparation. RAs will work full-time, 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Some field work requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in field work and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and prior ecological research experience. Enthusiasm for field work in windy, cold conditions is essential. The ability to coexist on a small, isolated island with the same crew for several months is essential. If the thought of going several days without updating your Instagram or Facebook page is shocking, then this is not the job for you. Positions are available 7 December 2019 through 28 March 2020 with a minimum 8-week commitment. However, strong preference will be given to applicants who are available for the entire period. We provide transportation to the island and great food and housing. Transportation to San Francisco is not provided. More information can be found at pointblue.org. To apply, please email a single pdf file in the following format: lastname_firstname_2020winterassistant.pdf to Garrett Duncan (gduncan-SEA(a)pointblue.org<mailto:gduncan-SEA@pointblue.org>). This document should contain your cover letter explaining your interests, your resume, dates of availability, and 3 professional references. Applications accepted until September 30th 2019 but applications will be evaluated as they are received so some positions may be filled before the deadline. Thanks very much, Garrett Duncan

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