October 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Occurrence of Brucella ceti in striped dolphins from Italian Seas
by Carla Grattarola 14 Oct '20

14 Oct '20

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper "Occurrence of Brucella ceti in striped dolphins from Italian Seas" in PLoS ONE. The full article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240178 Garofolo G, Petrella A, Lucifora G, Di Francesco G, Di Guardo G, Pautasso A, Iulini B, Varello K , Giorda F, Goria M, Dondo A, Zoppi S, Di Francesco CE, Giglio S, Ferringo F, Serrecchia L, Ferrantino MAR, Zilli K, Janowicz A, Tittarelli M, Mignone W, Casalone C, Grattarola C (2020) Occurrence of Brucella ceti in striped dolphins from Italian Seas. PLoS ONE 15(10): e0240178. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0240178 Abstract: Brucella ceti infections have been increasingly reported in cetaceans, although a very limited characterization of Mediterranean Brucella spp. isolates has been previously reported and relatively few data exist about brucellosis among cetaceans in Italy. To address this gap, we studied 8 cases of B. ceti infection in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Italian coastline from 2012 to 2018, investigated thanks to the Italian surveillance activity on stranded cetaceans. We focused on cases of stranding in eastern and western Italian seas, occurred along the Apulia (N = 6), Liguria (N = 1) and Calabria (N = 1) coastlines, through the analysis of gross and microscopic findings, the results of microbiological, biomolecular and serological investigations, as well as the detection of other relevant pathogens. The comparative genomic analysis used whole genome sequences of B. ceti from Italy paired with the publicly available complete genomes. Pathological changes consistent with B. ceti infection were detected in the central nervous system of 7 animals, showing non-suppurative meningoencephalitis. In 4 cases severe coinfections were detected, mostly involving Dolphin Morbillivirus (DMV). The severity of B. ceti-associated lesions supports the role of this microbial agent as a primary neurotropic pathogen for striped dolphins. We classified the 8 isolates into the common sequence type 26 (ST-26). Whole genome SNP analysis showed that the strains from Italy clustered into two genetically distinct clades. The first clade comprised exclusively the isolates from Ionian and Adriatic Seas, while the second one included the strain from the Ligurian Sea and those from the Catalonian coast. Plotting these clades onto the geographic map suggests a link between their phylogeny and topographical distribution. These results represent the first extensive characterization of B. ceti isolated from Italian waters reported to date and show the usefulness of WGS for understanding of the evolution of this emerging pathogen. Kind regards, Carla Grattarola Carla Grattarola DVM Carla Grattarola - DVM S.C. Neuroscienze con annesso CEA - S.S. Laboratorio Neuropatologia Centro di Referenza per le Indagini Diagnostiche sui Mammiferi marini spiaggiati (C.Re.Di.Ma.) Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta Via Bologna, 148 - 10154 Torino, Italia Tel. 011/2686296 e-mail: carla.grattarola(a)izsto.it - www.izsto.it Le informazioni contenute in questo messaggio sono riservate, confidenziali ed a uso esclusivo del destinatario ed è vietata la loro diffusione. Qualora riceveste il presente messaggio per errore e non ne siate destinatari, vi preghiamo di darcene notizia via e-mail di astenervi dal consultare il messaggio stesso e gli eventuali files allegati e di cancellare il messaggio dal vostro sistema informatico. Costituisce comportamento contrario ai principi del Dlgs. 196/2016 e del Regolamento UE 679/2016 il trattenere il messaggio, diffonderne il contenuto, inviarlo ad altri soggetti, copiarlo in tutto o in parte, utilizzarlo da parte di soggetti diversi dal destinatario. L'IZSPLV, titolare del trattamento, garantisce la massima riservatezza dei dati da voi comunicati; gli stessi saranno trattati in ottemperanza alle normative vigenti. L'interessato può esercitare i propri diritti di soggetto interessato dandone comunicazione all'indirizzo e- mail Dpo(a)izsto.it . Le dichiarazioni contenute nel presente messaggio nonché nei suoi eventuali allegati devono essere attribuite esclusivamente al mittente e non impegnano l'IZSPLV, nei confronti del destinatario o di terzi. L'istituto non si assume alcuna responsabilità per eventuali intercettazioni, modifiche o danneggiamenti del presente messaggio e-mail.

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New publication: Assessing lethality of ship strikes on whales using simple biophysical models
by Sean Brillant 14 Oct '20

14 Oct '20

Hello Marmam folks, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Marine Mammal Science: Kelley, DE, Vlasic, JP, Brillant, SW. 2020. Assessing the lethality of ship strikes on whales using simple biophysical models. Mar Mam Sci. 2020; 1- 17. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12745 Abstract: Studies of ship strikes on whales often focus on large vessels (>20 m), with attention to their speeds and the resulting risk of lethality. Smaller coastal vessels also co-occur with whales, resulting in collisions that merit study. To cast light on injuries caused by vessels of all sizes, we used knowledge of right whale anatomy and Newtonian mechanics to construct simple models that predict the mechanical stresses experienced by whales during collisions. By comparing our predictions with published models and with data from ship strikes on various whale species, we developed a model for lethal injury as a function of several vessel and whale properties, finding that collisions that create stresses in excess of 0.241 MPa were likely to cause lethal injuries to large whales. Furthermore, this model has revealed that (1) vessels of all sizes can yield stresses higher than this critical level, and (2) large vessels produce stresses much larger than this even when travelling at reduced speeds (i.e., 10 knots). The model is fast enough to power an interactive GUI-based tool (in R) and flexible enough to simulate strikes by vessels of different masses and speeds upon whales of different species, sizes, and physical conditions. Stay well! Sean -- Sean Brillant, Ph.D. Senior Conservation Biologist, Marine Programs Canadian Wildlife Federation | Fédération canadienne de la faune Dalhousie University - Department of Oceanography 1355 Oxford St. PO Box 15000 Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Tel: (902) 237-9692 CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca<http://canadianwildlifefederation.ca/> | FederationCanadiannedelaFaune.ca<http://federationcanadiannedelafaune.ca/>

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Reminder: Abstracts due! Australia and New Zealand Regional Student Chapter for SMM
by Rebecca Boys 13 Oct '20

13 Oct '20

Dear Marine Mammal Community, The committee of the Australia and New Zealand Regional Student Chapter (ANZSC) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy are pleased to announce our 5th annual conference. This year our meeting will be held virtually to ensure there are no disruptions from Covid! This will be held on the week of the 11-18th January 2021. This is a free conference which aims to bring together students interested in marine mammals from across Australasia. We encourage students to present their work in the form of posters, speed talks and 15 minute slots, along with the opportunity to network. We will also be running workshops and organising talks by invited experts within the field. Registration and abstract submission are OPEN! Deadline for this will be the 18th October 2020. For more information please visit our website: https://lpogsonmanning.wixsite.com/anzscsmm follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ANZSCSMM/ Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The 2020 committee can be contacted by emailing: anzscsmm(a)gmail.com Please circulate among your labs – this is a great experience for students! ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys Marine Biologist PhD Student Cetacean Ecology Research Group School of Natural and Computational Sciences Massey University Auckland New Zealand [cid:2c9b756c-b492-403b-a48f-e6881dc46f60]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:df3fdc9b-4c9e-4a8a-9886-f08e6f1f6043] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:e8a2910b-b0b0-4241-9099-dcdb1b1f138b] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:375f2420-d8ec-4225-9e54-e62b138482c9] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:f256f7dd-34d9-45a3-910d-75a95cc0119d] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:30a8b73e-4bcd-4bdc-8f81-0c78f615d928] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> Society of Marine Mammalogy Education sub-committee member European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand

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Special Issue - Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare
by Miller, Lance 13 Oct '20

13 Oct '20

Dear Colleagues, In case you missed the first announcement, I am writing to inform everyone of a new special issue in the Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens entitled "Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare." I would like to encourage anyone to submit research articles, review articles, or short communications that would advance our understanding on the topic. Submissions are now being accepted, the deadline is March 1, 2021 and accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Thank you for your consideration, and if you have any questions please reach out to me directly. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/special_issues/cetaceans Sincerely, Lance Miller, Ph.D. Vice President of Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 Phone: 708-688-8433 Email: Lance.Miller(a)CZS.org<mailto:Lance.Miller@CZS.org> Website: https://www.czs.org/Centers-of-Excellence/Center-for-Animal-Welfare Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare Research on cetaceans is of continued importance to help ensure the sustainability, health, and welfare of both wild and professionally managed populations. With the sustained increase in anthropogenic factors impacting wild cetaceans, determining strategies to help to conserve populations while monitoring their health and welfare is critical. Similarly, it is also essential to continuously look for new ways to enhance the health and welfare of cetaceans under professional care. The Special Issue is dedicated to research on cetaceans both in the wild and under professional care that advances our understanding of their conservation, health, and welfare. Examples of potential submissions include: * Studies of population abundance, distribution, and behavior; * Impact of anthropogenic factors and conservation management strategies; * Statistical, technological, and methodological advancements; * Validation and reference values for positive and negative indicators of health and welfare; * Factors impacting health and welfare; * Conservation education research and visitor studies; * Review articles on conservation, health, or welfare. Dr. Lance Miller Guest Editor Manuscript Submission Information Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com<https://www.mdpi.com/> by registering<https://www.mdpi.com/user/register/> and logging in to this website<https://www.mdpi.com/user/login/>. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form<https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload/?journal=JZBG>. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website. Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/instructions> page. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/> is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI. Please visit the Instructions for Authors<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/instructions> page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC)<https://www.mdpi.com/about/apc/> for publication in this open access<https://www.mdpi.com/about/openaccess/> journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service<https://www.mdpi.com/authors/english> prior to publication or during author revisions. Keywords * animal behavior, animal welfare, conservation biology, conservation education, population abundance, population management, sustainability, veterinary medicine

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New publication available: The scale of the whale: using video-tag data to evaluate sea-surface ice concentration from the perspective of individual Antarctic minke whales
by jake linsky 12 Oct '20

12 Oct '20

Dear Marmamers, I'm pleased to share a recent publication from our research group. Linsky, J.M.J., Wilson, N., Cade, D.E., Goldbogen, J.A, Johnston D.W., and Friedlaender, A.S. The scale of the whale: using video-tag data to evaluate sea-surface ice concentration from the perspective of individual Antarctic minke whales. *Anim Biotelemetry* 8, 31 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-020-00218-8 Abstract: Background Advances in biologging technology allow researchers access to previously unobservable behavioral states and movement patterns of marine animals. To relate behaviors with environmental variables, features must be evaluated at scales relevant to the animal or behavior. Remotely sensed environmental data, collected via satellites, often suffers from the effects of cloud cover and lacks the spatial or temporal resolution to adequately link with individual animal behaviors or behavioral bouts. This study establishes a new method for remotely and continuously quantifying surface ice concentration (SIC) at a scale relevant to individual whales using on-animal tag video data. Results Motion-sensing and video-recording suction cup tags were deployed on 7 Antarctic minke whales (*Balaenoptera bonaerensis*) around the Antarctic Peninsula in February and March of 2018. To compare the scale of camera-tag observations with satellite imagery, the area of view was simulated using camera-tag parameters. For expected conditions, we found the visible area maximum to be ~ 100m2 which indicates that observations occur at an equivalent or finer scale than a single pixel of high-resolution visible spectrum satellite imagery. SIC was classified into one of six bins (0%, 1–20%, 21–40%, 41–60%, 61–80%, 81–100%) by two independent observers for the initial and final surfacing between dives. In the event of a disagreement, a third independent observer was introduced, and the median of the three observer’s values was used. Initial results (*n* = 6) show that Antarctic minke whales in the coastal bays of the Antarctic Peninsula spend 52% of their time in open water, and only 15% of their time in water with SIC greater than 20%. Over time, we find significant variation in observed SIC, indicating that Antarctic minke occupy an extremely dynamic environment. Sentinel-2 satellite-based approaches of sea ice assessment were not possible because of persistent cloud cover during the study period. Conclusion Tag-video offers a means to evaluate ice concentration at spatial and temporal scales relevant to the individual. Combined with information on underwater behavior, our ability to quantify SIC continuously at the scale of the animal will improve upon current remote sensing methods to understand the link between animal behavior and these dynamic environmental variables. <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Reminder: Survey on definitions of delphinid groups and related terms - Invitation to participate
by Jonathan Syme 09 Oct '20

09 Oct '20

Dear MARMAM community, Thank you to all who have already completed the survey. If you haven't had the chance yet, please see below for more information and the link. My name is Jonathan Syme and I am a PhD student with the Cetacean, Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at Flinders University, Australia, under the supervision of Associate Professor Guido Parra (CEBEL, Flinders University) and Assistant Professor Jeremy Kiszka (Marine Conservation Ecology Lab, Florida International University). As part of my thesis, I am conducting a review into how group and associated terms are defined in regard to the study of delphinid behavioural ecology. I plan to use an online survey, accompanied by a literature review, to gather information on how researchers define delphinid groups. To this end, I would appreciate it if you would kindly take 10 - 15 minutes to complete a questionnaire regarding your opinions on this subject via the following link: https://qualtrics.flinders.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_3CwSUztVdqFBgEt Participation is entirely voluntary, and all responses will be anonymous and treated in confidence. Please see the Participant Information Sheet for more information and if you have any enquiries, please contact me by email at jonathan.syme(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:jonathan.syme@flinders.edu.au>. Thank you for your time and assistance. Kind regards, Jonathan Jonathan Syme PhD Candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), Flinders University, South Australia jonathan.syme(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:jonathan.syme@flinders.edu.au> @jonathan_syme @CEBELresearch

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New publication available: Cetaceans at the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean
by Marcos Santos 09 Oct '20

09 Oct '20

Dear Marmamers, I'm pleased to share a recent publication from our research group. Figueiredo, G.C.; do Amaral, K.B. and Santos, M.C. de O. 2020. Cetaceans along the southeastern Brazilian coast: occurrence, distribution and niche inference at local scale. PeerJ 8: e10000. Abstract: It is deemed important to understand cetacean occurrence and distribution to comprehend their ecological roles. The geographical occurrence of species' niche can be used to better describe their potential distribution. The niche can be defined using environmental variables. Those variables are considered static and not affected by biological activities. The present study goal was to assess the occurrence and distribution of cetaceans along the southeastern Brazilian coast, as well as to define the fundamental and realized niche of each species and to investigate niche overlap at local scale. The environmental requirements for each species were also investigated throughout statistical tests. Sighting data were obtained through oceanographic surveys conducted between 2012 and 2015. The environmental variables available on MARSPEC and the software NicheA were used for the ecological niche modeling. A total of twelve cetacean species were identified and the potential distribution areas of the six commonest ones were defined. Even though the species presented different environmental preferences, most of them had partial overlap among niches and potential distribution areas. The environmental heterogeneity of the study area might support the co-occurrence of different species with different environmental requirements. Open access: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10000 Prof. Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos Laboratorio de Biologia da Conservacao de Mamiferos Aquáticos (LABCMA) Instituto Oceanografico, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brasil http://www.sotalia.com.br

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ECWR is hiring a Veterianrian
by Brittany Dolan ECWR MMSC 08 Oct '20

08 Oct '20

Aloha MARMAM Community, Emerald Coast wildlife refuge is hiring as we come into our busy season! Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Navarre, Florida, is seeking a part-time, temporary/contract marine mammal veterinarian. ECWR’s marine mammal stranding team responded to more than 21 cetacean strandings in 2019 and supports full necropsies, transport of live animals to rehabilitation and collaborative research efforts. This position requires on call availability to attend marine mammal strandings and necropsies as opportunity presents, the ability to offer training to staff and volunteers throughout necropsy procedures and to draft veterinary documentation as needed. As ECWR is also a native Florida wildlife rehabilitation facility, opportunity to participate in wildlife medicine and sea turtle response may be offered, but will not be included in the salaried contract. Responsibilities: Attend live and dead marine mammal strandings as NOAA stranding agreement describes and opportunity presents Conduct necropsies with stranding coordinator Draft veterinary/necropsy reports Draft other documentation as necessary Participate in research efforts and collaboration Assist coordinator in teaching staff, interns, and volunteers during stranding events and necropsies Primary Qualifications: Graduate of an AVMA accredited veterinary college or ECFVG certified institution with a valid license issued by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and DEA license. Minimum of 1 year experience working in marine mammal medicine, stranding response and/or research Preference will be given to candidates with marine mammal necropsy, live animal handling and teaching experience and those with a research background. Requirements: Ability to work as part of a cohesive team and resolve conflict Professional attitude and ability to work with staff of all levels Excellent communication skills On call availability, including weekends and holidays U.S. Citizen or the ability to legally work in the U.S. Physically capable of safely working with cetaceans, ability to lift at least 50 pounds, able to work in extreme environmental conditions Experience: * Microsoft Office or equivalent: 3 years (Required) * Regulatory compliance: 1 year (Preferred) * Marine Mammal necropsy: 1 year (Required) * Marine Mammal stranding response: 1 year (Required) Please submit Cover Letter, CV and 3 References through indeed.com https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=emerald%20coast%20wildlife%20refuge&l=Navarre… Email mmsc(a)ecwildliferefuge.com with questions. Mahalo, Brittany Dolan Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge 3051 Cloptons Circle Navarre, FL 32566 Hotline: 855-STRAND1 (855-787-2631) O: 850-684-1485

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New Publication: CONTEXTS OF EMISSION OF NON-SIGNATURE WHISTLES IN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (Tursiops truncatus) UNDER HUMAN CARE
by Juliana López Marulanda 08 Oct '20

08 Oct '20

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce our recent publication: Lopez-Marulanda J., Rödel H., Colpaert N., Vanderheul S., Adam O., Delfour F. (2020). Contexts of emission of non-signature whistles in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under human care. Behavioural Processes. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104255 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104255> https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635720304484 <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635720304484> Abstract Bottlenose dolphins are social cetaceans that strongly rely on acoustic communication and signaling. The diversity of sounds emitted by the species has been structurally classified into whistles, clicks and burst-pulsed sounds. Although click sounds and individually-specific signature whistles have been largely studied, not much is known about non-signature whistles. Most studies that link behavior and whistle production conduct aerial behavioral observations and link the production of whistles to the general category of social interactions. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a correlation between the non-signature whistle production and the underwater behaviors of a group of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under human care, during their free time in the absence of trainers. To do this we made audio-video recordings 15 minutes before and after 10 training sessions of eight dolphins in Boudewijn Seapark (Belgium). For the behavioral analysis we conducted focal follows on each individual based on six behavioral categories. For the acoustical analysis, carried out at the group level, we used the SIGID method to identify non-signature whistles (N = 661) and we classified them in six categories according to their frequency modulation. The occurrences of the six categories of whistles were highly collinear. Most importantly, non-signature whistle production was positively correlated with the time individuals spent slow swimming alone, and was negatively correlated with the time spent in affiliative body contact. This is the first analysis that links the production of non-signature whistles with particular underwater behaviors in this species. Please contact me by email (juliana.lopez.marulanda(a)gmail.com) for the full text. I will be glad to send you a pdf copy. Kind regards, Juliana López Marulanda, PhD Investigadora PostDoctoral Grupo de Ecología y Evolución de Vertebrados Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Universidad de Antioquia Cofundadora e Investigadora Fundación Macuáticos Colombia

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A new report on conservation for cetaceans
by David Bader 08 Oct '20

08 Oct '20

A new initiative has been created within the IUCN’s Cetacean Specialist Group – Integrated Conservation Planning for Cetaceans (ICPC) – to begin developing an action plan for each of the most threatened dolphin and porpoise species and populations, prioritized by their conservation status, the imminence of catastrophic decline, and the potential for effective mitigation. More information on Integrated Conservation Planning for Cetaceans can be found on the ICPC home page. https://iucn-csg.org/integrated-conservation-planning-for-cetaceans-icpc/ The newly released IUCN Report can be downloaded here. Translations in French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish of the Executive Summary are available. Please see the attached press release.

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