October 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Fin whale song patterns in Hawaii
by Regina Guazzo 29 Oct '20

29 Oct '20

Dear Colleagues, I hope you are doing well. My co-authors and I are excited to announce the following open-access publication: Helble TA, Guazzo RA, Alongi GC, Martin CR, Martin SW and Henderson EE (2020) Fin Whale Song Patterns Shift Over Time in the Central North Pacific. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:587110. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.587110 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.587110 Abstract: Male fin whales sing by producing 20 Hz pulses in regular patterns of inter-note intervals. While singing, fin whales may also alternate the frequency ranges of their notes. Different song patterns have been observed in different regions of the world's oceans. New song patterns suddenly emerging in an area have been hypothesized to either be indicators of new groups of whales in the area or signs of cultural transmission between groups. Since the status of fin whales around Hawaii is unknown and visual surveys are expensive and difficult to conduct in offshore areas, passive acoustic monitoring has been proposed as a way to monitor these whales. We used passive acoustic recordings from an array of 14 hydrophones to analyze the song patterns of 115 fin whale encounters made up of 50,034 unique notes off Kauai, Hawaii from 2011 to 2017. Fin whale singing patterns were more complicated than previously described. Fin whales off Hawaii sang in five different patterns made of two 20 Hz note types and both singlet and doublet inter-note interval patterns. The inter-note intervals present in their songs were 28/33 s for the lower frequency doublet, 30 s for the lower frequency singlet, 17/24 s for the higher frequency doublet, 17 s for the higher frequency singlet, and 12/20 s for the doublet that alternated between both note types. Some of these song patterns were unique to these fin whales in Hawaiian waters, while others were similar to song patterns recorded from fin whales off the U.S. west coast. Individual fin whales often utilized several different song patterns which suggests that multiple song patterns are not necessarily indicators of different individuals or groups. The dominant song pattern also changed over these years. Cultural transmission may have occurred between fin whales in Hawaiian waters and off the U.S. west coast, which has resulted in similar songs being present at both locations but on lagged timescales. Alternatively, groups occupying the Hawaiian waters could shift over time resulting in different song patterns becoming dominant. This work has implications for the population structure and behavior of Hawaii fin whales. Please email Tyler Helble (tyler(a)spawar.navy.mil) or me ( regina.guazzo(a)spawar.navy.mil) if you have any questions about this work. All my best, Regina Regina A. Guazzo, PhD Whale Acoustics Reconnaissance Program (WARP) Environmental Readiness Branch Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (c) 908.507.1421

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New publication available: The follicle-sinus complex of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Functional anatomy and possible evolutional significance of its somato-sensory innervation
by Tommaso Gerussi 28 Oct '20

28 Oct '20

Dear MARMAM Readers, On behalf of my co-authors, I am glad to announce the publication in early view of the paper "The follicle-sinus complex of the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*). Functional anatomy and possible evolutional significance of its somato-sensory innervation" in the Journal of Anatomy. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13345 Citation: Gerussi T, Graic J-M, De Vreese S, Grandis A, Tagliavia C, De Silva M, Huggenberger S and Cozzi B. Abstract Vibrissae are tactile hairs found mainly on the rostrum of most mammals. The follicle, which is surrounded by a large venous sinus, is called "follicle-sinus complex" (FSC). This complex is highly innervated by somatosensitive fibers and reached by visceromotor fibers that innervate the surrounding vessels. The surrounding striated muscles receive somatomotor fibers from the facial nerve. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), a frequently described member of the delphinid family, possesses this organ only in the postnatal period. However, information on the function of the vibrissal complex in this latter species is scarce. Recently, psychophysical experiments on the river-living Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) revealed that the FSC could work as an electroreceptor in murky waters. In the present study, we analyzed the morphology and innervation of the FSC of newborn (n = 8) and adult (n = 3) bottlenose dolphins. We used Masson's trichrome stain and antibodies against neurofilament 200 kDa (NF 200), protein gene product (PGP 9.5), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) to characterize the FSC of the two age classes. Masson's trichrome staining revealed a structure almost identical to that of terrestrial mammals except for the fact that the FSC was occupied only by a venous sinus and that the vibrissal shaft lied within the follicle. Immunostaining for PGP 9.5 and NF 200 showed somatosensory fibers finishing high along the follicle with Merkel nerve endings and free nerve endings. We also found SP-positive fibers mostly in the surrounding blood vessels and TH both in the vessels and in the mesenchymal sheath. The FSC of the bottlenose dolphin, therefore, possesses a rich somatomotor innervation and a set of peptidergic visceromotor fibers. This anatomical disposition suggests a mechanoreceptor function in the newborns, possibly finalized to search for the opening of the mother's nipples. In the adult, however, this structure could change into a proprioceptive function in which the vibrissal shaft could provide information on the degree of rotation of the head. In the absence of psychophysical experiments in this species, the hypothesis of electroreception cannot be rejected. Thank you very much for reading it. Best regards -- *Tommaso Gerussi, DVM, PhD candidate* Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science - University of Padova Viale dell'università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD) +39 3343301409 t <jeanmarie.graic(a)unipd.it>ommaso.gerussi(a)studenti.unipd.it tommaso.gerussi(a)phd.unipd.it Skype: tommaso.gerussi

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New publication on North Atlantic right whale body growth
by Fortune, Sarah 28 Oct '20

28 Oct '20

Dear colleagues, Our Marine Mammal Science manuscript entitled "Body growth of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) revisited" is now available online and we're happy to share a copy upon request. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12753 Abstract Knowing size-at-age is important for determining food requirements and making inferences about the nutritional status of individuals and their populations. Accurate growth curves are also needed to quantify drug dosages to treat wounded or entangled animals. However, body sizes are often based on small numbers of measured animals that must be improved as new data become available. We updated an existing body growth model for North Atlantic right whales (NARWs) using new data from dead animals and from older individuals. Our models indicate that NARWs attain mean lengths and weights of 4.3 m and 1.0 mt at birth, and 13.1 m and 31.7 mt when sexually mature. Calves more than double their length and attain nearly three-quarters of their asymptotic adult size during their first year of life. Overall, our length estimates agreed well with previous estimates, but our mass-at-age values were considerably higher. These differences revealed that necropsy data used alone in allometric models underestimate mass due possibly to several of the stranded animals in the database having been chronically entangled and in poor body condition. Augmenting the database with healthier individuals, such as harvested North Pacific right whales, yielded mass predictions that reflect both healthy and unhealthy individuals. All the best, Sarah Sarah Fortune (She/Her), PhD Weston Family Northern Scientist Fisheries and Oceans Canada Sarah.Fortune(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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New publication: Collision risk modelling for tidal energy devices: A flexible simulation-based approach
by Nicholas Horne 28 Oct '20

28 Oct '20

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our research article 'Collision risk modelling for tidal energy devices: A flexible simulation-based approach' in the Journal of Environmental Management. The full manuscript is available online at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479720314092?via%3Di… *Abstract* The marine renewable energy industry is expanding as countries strive to reach climate targets as set out in the Paris Agreement. For tidal energy devices, the potential risk for animals to collide with a device, particularly its moving parts such as rotor blades, is often a major barrier in the consenting process. Theoretical work surrounding collision risk has commonly made use of a formulaic modelling approach. However, whilst providing a platform to assess conventional horizontal axis tidal turbines, the frameworks applied lack the flexibility to incorporate novel device designs or more complex animal movement parameters (e.g. dive trajectories). To demonstrate the novel simulation-based approach to estimating collision probabilities a hypothetical case study was used to demonstrate how the approach can assess the influence that variations in ecological and behavioural data had on collision probabilities. To do this, a tidal kite moving in a 3D figure-of-eight trajectory and a seal-shaped object were modelled and variations to angle of approach, speed and size of the animal were made. To further improve the collision risk estimates, results of the simulations were post-processed by integrating a hypothetical dive profile. The simulations showed how variation in the input parameters and additional post-processing influence collision probabilities. Our results demonstrate the potential for using this simulation-based approach for assessing collision risk, highlighting the flexibility it offers by way of incorporating empirical data or expert elicitation to better inform the modelling process. This framework, where device type, configuration and animal-related parameters can be varied with relative simplicity, on a case-by-case basis, provides a more tailored tool for assessing a diverse range of interactions between marine renewable energy developments and receptors. In providing a robust and transparent quantitative approach to addressing collision risk this flexible approach can better inform the decision-making process and aid progress with respect to developing a renewable energy industry in a sustainable manner. Therefore, the approach outlined has clear applications that are relevant to many stakeholders and can contribute to our ability to ensure we achieve sustainable growth in the marine renewable energy industry as part of a global strategy to combat climate change. *Citation* Horne, N., Culloch, R. M., Schmitt, P., Lieber, L., Wilson, B., Dale, A. C., Houghton, J. D. R., Kregting, L. T. (2021). Collision risk modelling for tidal energy devices: A flexible simulation-based approach. Journal of Environmental Management. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111484 . To request a PDF, please send over an email (nhorne01(a)qub.ac.uk) Many thanks, Nicholas Horne <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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adult Male Antarctic fur seal movement ecology in the West Antarctic
by Andrew Lowther 28 Oct '20

28 Oct '20

Hi all, Pleased to share a new publication out in Scientific Reports, on the movement ecology of male Antarctic fur seals along the Western Antarctic Peninsula, their interaction with the krill fishery and possible impacts on bioindicator species used by CCAMLR. The publication is open access and available here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75148-9 Male Antarctic fur seals: neglected food competitors of bioindicator species in the context of an increasing Antarctic krill fishery A.D. Lowther, I. Staniland, C. Lydersen & K. M. Kovacs The fishery for Antarctic krill is currently managed using a precautionary, ecosystem-based approach to limiting catch, with performance indices from a long-term monitoring program focused on several krill-dependent predators that are used to track ecosystem health. Concerns over increased fishing in concentrated areas and ongoing efforts to establish a Marine Protected Area along the Peninsula, a key fishing region, is driving the development of an adaptive management system for the fishery. The cumulative effects of fishing effort and interactions among krill-dependent predators and their performance is at present neglected in the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program. However, we show considerable overlap between male Antarctic fur seals and the krill fishery in a complex mosaic, suggesting potential for cumulative impacts on other krill dependent predators. A holistic view is required as part of future efforts to manage the krill fishery that incorporates various sources of potential impacts on the performance of bioindicator species, including the fishery and its interactions with various krill dependent predators. Cheers Andy (on behalf of all authors)

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Humpback Whale Endocrinology and Toxicology PhD Position
by Susan Bengtson Nash 26 Oct '20

26 Oct '20

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, The Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutant Program (SOPOPP), at Griffith University, Australia, currently has a PhD position opening. Project Description SOPOPP oversees the Humpback Whale Sentinel Program (HWSP), a long-term biomonitoring program for circum-Antarctic surveillance of the Antarctic sea-ice ecosystem. Five of seven distinct populations of southern hemisphere humpback whales have been incorporated into the HWSP, translating to 'eyes' on 80% of the circum-Antarctic region. The HWSP targets the sentinel parameters of diet, adiposity and fecundity. Among the ecological tracers used to quantify these sentinel parameters are; steroid hormone analysis and Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) burdens. Using existing data sets and ongoing measurements, this project seeks to target inter-disciplinary research questions surrounding population endocrinology and fecundity, endocrine impacts and immune suppression. The project will entail field work but is laboratory intensive. The Applicant The ideal applicant will have laboratory experience and a keen interest in biochemistry, ecotoxicology and mammalian physiology. The successful applicant will hold a first class honours equivalent degree, a minimum prerequisite for competitive application for a Griffith University post-graduate scholarship https://www.griffith.edu.au/research-study/scholarships. Applicants should send their CV to Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash s.bengtsonnah(a)griffith.edu.au<mailto:s.bengtsonnah@griffith.edu.au> by the 27.11.20. Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash Program Director Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP) HWSP: Coordinator | SCAR: Chair of ImPACT | ARC: College of Experts | Scientific Reports: Editor Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI), Griffith University, Nathan Campus. 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia. Email: s.bengtsonnash(a)griffith.edu.au | Phone: +61 (0)7 3735 5062 | Mobile: +61 (0)437 888 711 Twitter: @Dr_Suz; @Antarctica_POPs | Skype: s.bengtsonnash | Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/southern-ocean-persistent-org… [cid:image001.png@01D6AC47.1BC1F5C0]

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SHORTENED DEADLINE- Dauphin Island Sea Lab Marine Mammal Stranding Internship
by Mackenzie Russell 26 Oct '20

26 Oct '20

Due to an overwhelming response of applicants to the recently posted opening for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network's Spring 2021 Internship, we have shortened the deadline. The new deadline is NOVEMBER 15TH, 2020 AT 11:59 PM. If you are interested in applying, please do so before the new deadline. The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated intern to assist with marine mammal stranding response in coastal Alabama waters. ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner and works in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to dolphin, whale, and manatee strandings. Our primary goal is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. This internship is a physically demanding position, as field response and necropsy events often create long days in a variety of weather conditions. This intern will gain useful knowledge, skills, and experience in the fields of marine biology and marine mammalogy. Internship Dates: 3 to 5 months starting February 2021 (3 month minimum; may be extended based on intern performance and availability; start/end dates flexible) Daily duties include: Field stranding response, data collection, data management, participation in necropsy events, sample handling, and equipment/lab maintenance/cleaning. The intern will also have the opportunity to complete an independent research project based on their interests, which will culminate in a presentation at the end of the internship. Qualification requirements: - be a student or recent graduate (0-2 years) of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program; - have interest in marine mammal biology, physiology and anatomy; - have a valid driver's license and clean driving record; - be 18 years or older; - be physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs, and a strong swimmer; - have the ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30F-100F, rain, humidity and biting insects; - have knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses; - have the ability to work at least 30 hrs/week including one weekend day per week (nights and holidays may be required as necessary with fieldwork). This position is paid. Intern is responsible for providing their own housing and transport to DISL. Assistance finding housing can be provided. Applicants must be eligible to legally reside in the U.S. for the duration of the internship period. International applicants are accepted; however, no visa assistance can be provided. Interested applicants must send a cover letter, CV and dates of availability to almmsn(a)disl.org by NOVEMBER 15TH, 2020 AT 11:59 PM to be considered. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay through the entire internship period. Application review will begin immediately. More information about ALMMSN and the Marine Ecosystem Response Laboratory can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org/, https://www.disl.edu/research/marine-mammal-research-program or by contacting ALMMSN at almmsn(a)disl.org.

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New publication: ecological and health-related dynamics of skin microbiomes on free-ranging beluga whales
by Amy Van Cise 26 Oct '20

26 Oct '20

Hi MARMAM, I and my co-authors are excited to announce a new paper on the dynamics of beluga whale skin microbiomes, published in Animal Microbiome: Van Cise, A. M., Wade, P. R., Goertz, C. E. C., Burek-Huntington, K., Parsons, K. M., Clauss, T., Hobbs, R.C., Apprill, A. (2020). Skin microbiome of beluga whales: spatial, temporal, and health-related dynamics. Animal Microbiome, 2(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-020-00057-1 The paper is open access, and can be downloaded here <https://rdcu.be/b8WI3> (shareable link: https://rdcu.be/b8WI3) If you have any questions about the paper or issues downloading, please don't hesitate to contact me (avancise(a)gmail.com) or Amy Apprill (aapprill(a)whoi.edu) *Abstract* *Background:* Host-specific microbiomes play an important role in individual health and ecology; in marine mammals, epidermal microbiomes may be a protective barrier between the host and its aqueous environment. Understanding these epidermal-associated microbial communities, and their ecological-or health-driven variability, is the first step toward developing health indices for rapid assessment of individual or population health. In Cook Inlet, Alaska, an endangered population of beluga whales (*Delphinapterus leucas*) numbers fewer than 300 animals and continues to decline, despite more than a decade of conservation effort. Characterizing the epidermal microbiome of this species could provide insight into the ecology and health of this endangered population and allow the development of minimally invasive health indicators based on tissue samples. *Results:* We sequenced the hypervariable IV region of bacterial and archaeal SSU rRNA genes from epidermal tissue samples collected from endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales (n = 33) and the nearest neighboring population in Bristol Bay (n = 39) between 2012 and 2018. We examined the sequences using amplicon sequence variant (ASV)- based analyses, and no ASVs were associated with all individuals, indicating a greater degree of epidermal microbiome variability among beluga whales than in previously studied cetacean species and suggesting the absence of a species-specific core microbiome. Epidermal microbiome composition differed significantly between populations and across sampling years. Comparing the microbiomes of Bristol Bay individuals of known health status revealed 11 ASVs associated with potential pathogens that differed in abundance between healthy individuals and those with skin lesions or dermatitis. Molting and non-molting individuals also differed significantly in microbial diversity and the abundance of potential pathogen-associated ASVs, indicating the importance of molting in maintaining skin health. *Conclusions:* We provide novel insights into the dynamics of Alaskan beluga whale epidermal microbial communities. A core epidermal microbiome was not identified across all animals. We characterize microbial dynamics related to population, sampling year and health state including level of skin molting. The results of this study provide a basis for future work to understand the role of the skin microbiome in beluga whale health and to develop health indices for management of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales, and cetaceans more broadly. Warm regards, Amy <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. <https://amyvancise.weebly.com/> (she/her/hers) Research Associate, North Gulf Oceanic Society <http://www.whalesalaska.org/> Visiting Scientist, Genetics and Evolution Program <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/genetics-and-evoluti…> NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd E Seattle, WA

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New article: Demographic parameters of a free-ranging deep-diving cetacean, the long-finned pilot whale
by Philippe Verborgh 26 Oct '20

26 Oct '20

Good afternoon, We apologise for cross posting and are pleased to share our new article: Verborgh, P., Gauffier, P., Esteban, R. and de Stephanis, R. (2020). Demographic parameters of a free-ranging deep-diving cetacean, the long-finned pilot whale. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12752 Abstract: Demographic parameters provide baselines to estimate future population trajectories which can then be used in management decisions. The aim here was to estimate demographic parameters of long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) from the Strait of Gibraltar by fitting mark-recapture models to photo-identification data of pri- mary and secondary marked individuals. These parameters were used to forecast the future population trajectories in a population viability analysis (PVA) given different scenarios of demographic rates. Survival rate increased with age from 0.629, 95% CI [0.409, 0.805] for calves, 0.869, 95% CI [0.758, 0.934] for juveniles, to 0.972, 95% CI [0.953, 0.983] for adults. A preliminary mean observed interval of viable calves was 4.5 years. The PVA estimated the population would persist over 100 years with a 100% probability for all scenarios except those with lower 95% CI survival values, for which the probability of extinction reached 100%. Popu- lation growth rate was negative in all scenarios except those with 95% CI upper survival values. Interbirth interval and juvenile survival were found most influential and depended on the correct identification of secondary marked (e.g., calves and juveniles) individuals on a long-term basis. This population was found in a precarious state prior to a morbillivirus outbreak that might even more endanger its long-term viability. The article can be accessed in the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12752 Or by request at my email: philippeverborgh(a)gmail.com Thank you, Philippe Verborgh and co-authors

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New publication: Interannual variability in the lipid and fatty acid profiles of east Australia‐migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) across a 10‐year timeline
by Jasmin Gross 26 Oct '20

26 Oct '20

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our manuscript ‘Interannual variability in the lipid and fatty acid profiles of east Australia‐migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) across a 10‐year timeline’ in Scientific Reports. The full manuscript is available online at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-75370-5 Abstract Southern hemisphere humpback whales are classified as high‐fidelity Antarctic krill consumers and as such are vulnerable to variability and long‐term changes in krill biomass. Evidence of heterogeneous feeding patterns of east coast of Australia migrating humpback whales has been observed, warranting a comprehensive assessment of interannual variability in their diet. We examined the lipid and fatty acid profiles of individuals of the east coast of Australia migrating stock sampled between 2008 and 2018. The use of live‐sampled blubber biopsies showed that fatty acid profiles varied significantly among all years. The two trophic indicator fatty acids for Antarctic krill, 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3 remained largely unchanged across the 10‐year period, suggesting that Antarctic krill is the principal prey item. A distance‐based linear model showed that 33% of the total variation in fatty acid profiles was explained by environmental variables and climate indices. Most of the variation was explained by the Southern Annular Mode (23.7%). The high degree of variability observed in this study was unexpected for a species that is thought to feed primarily on one prey item. We propose that the observed variability likely arises from changes in the diet of Antarctic krill rather than changes in the whale’s diet. Citation Groß, J., Virtue, P., Nichols, P. D., Waugh, C. A. & Bengtson Nash, S. (2020). Interannual variability in the lipid and fatty acid profiles of east Australia‐migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) across a 10‐year timeline. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75370-5 To request a PDF, please send me an email (j.gross(a)griffith.edu.au<mailto:jasmin.gross@griffithuni.edu.au>). All the best, —— Jasmin Groß PhD Candidate Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP) Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI) | School of Environment and Science | Griffith University | Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD 4111 Australia HDR Representative on the Griffith Board of Graduate Research I EFRI HDR Representative I GUESS HDR Vice President I GUPSA Research Officer I ANZSCSMM Chapter Head I Young Science Ambassador Email: jasmin.gross(a)griffithuni.edu.au<mailto:jasmin.gross@griffithuni.edu.au> Phone: +61 (0)7 3735 6665 Mobile: +61 (0)491 074 464 Twitter: @jasmin4689<https://twitter.com/jasmin4689> [cid:EF6987BC-B8F9-4188-B60E-025B22B92AA2]

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