November 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Flipper bones osteometric data
by Youri van den Hurk 06 Nov '20

06 Nov '20

Dear all, As part of my research I am trying to create an osteometric database that contains a number of measurements on the scapula, humerus, radius and ulna, as well as the mandibles, atlas and axis. I intend to create a database accessible to all that will allow one to perform measurements on specimens one is dealing with themselves and then compare those with the database. This will hopefully lead to a low cost species identification of osteological remains. I myself am a zooarchaeologist and this is one of the main issues we face in the field in that we often lack possibilities to reach species identification and by extension have limited knowledge of past cetacean hunting practices. I have already been able to compile quite a bit of data and performed even more measurements myself, but any other data on ANY cetacean species would be greatly appreciated. If any of you know publications that provide osteometric data, could you please let me know? I'm especially interested in the larger species, as well as some of the more rare species (Clymene dolphin, melon headed whale, pygmy killer whale etc.) as my sample size for those is limited at the moment. Thank you all in advance. Best regards, Dr Youri van den Hurk

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New publication: Steno bredanensis in shallow waters of southeastern Brazil
by Rafael Ramos de Carvalho 06 Nov '20

06 Nov '20

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recentpublication in Marine Mammal Science: Carvalho RR, Lailson-Brito J Jr., Kajin M, et al.Shallow-water habitat use and population parameters of rough-toothed dolphins, Stenobredanensis (G. Cuvier in Lesson, 1828) in southeastern Brazil. Mar Mam Sci.2020;1–16. The publication is available through the followinglink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12762 Abstract The rough-toothed-dolphin (Steno bredanensis) is a poorly known species along its distributionespecially in the Southern hemisphere where data on habitat use and populationparameters are scarce. Boat-based surveys were conducted from 2009 to 2017 in ashallow water environment in southeastern Brazil. During focal-groupobservations, S. bredanensis was morecommonly found in mean depths of 22 m with varying group size and composition.Generalized additive models showed that group size was influenced byenvironmental variables such as sea surface and bottom temperatures, depth andseason. Photo-identification effort allowed us to catalogue 173 well distinctmarked individuals. Population parameters estimate showed high and constantsurvival (Φ = 0.99) corroborating site fidelity but time varyingcapture probabilities (p = 0.03 – 0.71). Open population model also indicated asmall abundance estimate (Nt = 218)of S. bredanensis in the study areaimproving knowledge for this species in shallow water environments of theSouthwestern Atlantic Ocean. Kind regards, Rafael Carvalho -- BiólogoDoutor em Ecologia e Evolução-PPGEE/UERJ Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Izabel Gurgel" - MAQUA Faculdade de Oceanografia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ tel.: (21) 2334-0065 / 2334-0795 cel.: (21) 99802-3536http://lattes.cnpq.br/6546679825444246

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PhD position investigating cetacean sperm biology
by Orbach, Dara 05 Nov '20

05 Nov '20

Dear MARMAM community, The Functional Anatomy and Behavioral Ecology of Marine Mammals (FABEMM!) lab at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi seeks a PhD student to use innovative techniques to explore the biomechanics of genital and sperm interactions in cetaceans. The P.I., Dr. Dara Orbach, is a leader in the functional anatomy of marine mammal genitalia. More information about the FABEMM! Lab’s research interests can be found at https://daraorbach.weebly.com/. The selected student will be based in Corpus Christi, Texas, with frequent travel to collaborating institutions, particularly throughout Florida. The student will work in aquariums and laboratory settings with live and post-mortem marine mammals and will also have opportunities to mentor interns and engage in boat-based research. Applicants should: 1) be highly driven, intellectually curious, detail-oriented, willing to learn, and team-oriented, 2) have a MS or DVM degree (completed by May 2021), and 3) have evidence of research productivity (e.g., papers, presentations, grants). Students with a research background in histology, immunohistochemistry, biomechanics, sperm biology, OR functional anatomy are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for admission to the Marine Biology Program (https://sci.tamucc.edu/departments/life-sciences/marine-biology/) Interested applicants should contact Dr. Dara Orbach (dara.orbach(a)tamucc.edu<mailto:dara.orbach@tamucc.edu>) and include: 1) a cover letter describing your research interests, how they relate to the research project, and your relevant qualifications, 2) a cv with reference contacts listed, 3) an unofficial transcript(s), and 4) a sample of your writing (e.g. publications, thesis). All applications received before December 10th, 2020 will receive first consideration, and the position will remain open until filled. The required start date is no later than Fall 2021, with a preferred start in Summer 2021. Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi, also known as The Island University, is the only university in the USA located on its own island. As a Minority Serving Institution, cultural diversity and an inclusive atmosphere are core values. Located is South Texas on the Gulf of Mexico and less than 3 hours from the Mexican border, Corpus Christi boasts a semi-tropical climate, a thriving industrial sector, rich marine biodiversity, and a low cost of living. The Department of Life Sciences is one of the largest and most productive departments at TAMU-CC, with research specializations in marine biology and biomedical sciences. The Department of Life Sciences relocated to a brand-new state-of-the-art building last year a few feet from the ocean, where free-ranging dolphins can regularly be observed. Facilities include an automated histology laboratory, 2 additional dedicated laboratories for the FABEMM! lab, and all new equipment. The MARB program offers students experience in data collection, grant writing, and statistical analysis, in addition to annual travel funding and several prospective fellowships. Stipends are competitive. Dara Orbach, PhD Assistant Professor of Marine Biology Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi dara.orbach(a)tamucc.edu<mailto:dara.orbach@tamucc.edu>

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New publication-Isotope-based inferences of the seasonal foraging and migratory strategies of blue whales in the eastern Pacific Ocean
by Geraldine Busquets 05 Nov '20

05 Nov '20

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to share with you our recent publication: Isotope-based inferences of the seasonal foraging and migratory strategies of blue whales in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Here is the link to the article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141113620303597 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105201 Abstract: Migratory marine megafauna generally move vast distances between productive foraging grounds and environmentally stable breeding grounds, but characterizing how they use these habitats to maintain homeostasis and reproduce is difficult. We used isotope analysis of blue whale skin strata ( *n = 621*) and potential prey (*n = 300*) to examine their migratory and foraging strategies in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Our results suggest that most whales in the northeast Pacific use a mixed income and capital breeding strategy, and use the California Current Ecosystem as their primary summer-fall foraging ground. A subset of individuals exhibited migratory plasticity and spend most of the year in the Gulf of California or Costa Rica Dome, two regions believed to be their primary winter-spring breeding grounds. Isotope data also revealed that whales in the southern Eastern Tropical Pacific generally do not forage in the northeast Pacific, which suggests a north-south population structure with a boundary near the equator. Thank you, Geraldine Busquets-Vass and co-authors Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Biology University of New Mexico -- *------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* *Geraldine Rosalie Busquets-Vass * *Postdoctoral Researcher * Department of Biology University of New Mexico Biology Deparment Albuquerque, NM USA 87131 *Affiliated Researcher* Laboratory of Marine Macroecology Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada, La Paz Unit (CICESE-ULP) La Paz, BCS, MEX 23050 *Phone: *+5216121536231 *e-mails:* busquets(a)unm.edu busquets(a)cicese.mx geraldine.busquets(a)gmail.com *Researchgate: * https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Geraldine_Busquets-Vass2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Final Rule for the Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Navy's Training and Testing Activities in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area
by Leah Davis - NOAA Federal 05 Nov '20

05 Nov '20

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 training and testing activities in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area from November 2020 through November 2027. These regulations authorize take of individuals of 28 species of marine mammals by Level A and Level B harassment incidental to the Navy’s training and testing activities from the use of sonar and other transducers and in-water detonations. In addition, the final rule includes authorization for the potential serious injury or mortality of up to three large whales from vessel strikes over the seven-year authorization period. You can access the final rule online as of today at: *https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-23757 <https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-23757>*. We anticipate the published version of the rule to appear in the November 12 issue of the *Federal Register*. NOAA Fisheries has also issued an Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 7 biological opinion on this action. Based on our biological opinion effects analyses, we conclude that the proposed action would likely adversely affect, but is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the following species: blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale (Central America DPS and Mexico DPS), sei whale, killer whale – Southern Resident DPS, sperm whales, Guadalupe fur seal, leatherback sea turtle, and 30 ESA-listed fish species (*i.e*., ESUs or DPSs). We have also concluded that the proposed action is not likely to destroy or adversely modify designated (or proposed) critical habitat for any of the ESA-listed species affected by NWTT activities. The Navy’s activities are likely to result in the incidental take of ESA-listed species by exposing them to sonar and in-water detonations, as well as incidental take to sea turtles from ship strike. NOAA Fisheries’ regulations require mitigation and monitoring measures that are expected to reduce adverse impacts to marine mammals. NOAA Fisheries and the Navy have worked together to develop a comprehensive suite of mitigation measures including procedural mitigations that reduce the likelihood of mortality, injury, hearing impairment, and more severe behavioral responses for most species, as well as time/area mitigation that further protect areas where marine mammals conduct important behaviors and/or sensitive species congregate, which reduces the likelihood of takes that are likely to impact reproduction or survival. Since publication of the proposed rule, and in consideration of the comments received, additional geographic and procedural mitigation requirements have been added to the final rule that will further reduce the likelihood and/or severity of adverse impacts on marine mammal species and their habitat and are practicable for implementation. Overall, NOAA Fisheries and the Navy have developed adaptive management and a robust monitoring plan specifically for these training and testing activities to help better understand the effects of Navy activities on protected marine species. Please visit *https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-marine-mammal-protection-act* <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-…> for more information on NOAA’s incidental take program under the MMPA. Geographic Mitigation Areas for Marine Mammals in the NWTT Study Area -- *Leah Davis* Marine Resources Management Specialist, Office of Protected Resources NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce Office: (301) 427- 8431 www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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New publication - Flexible parametric modeling of survival from age at death data: A mixed linear regression framework (Etienne Rouby ; Vincent Ridoux ; Matthieu Authier)
by Etienne Rouby 05 Nov '20

05 Nov '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent publication with you: Rouby E, Ridoux V, and Authier M. (2020) Flexible parametric modeling of survival from age at death data: A mixed linear regression framework. Population Ecology. 2020;1-15 doi : 10.1002/1438-390X.12069 Abstract : Many long‐lived vertebrate species are under threat in the Anthropocene, but their conservation is hampered by a lack of demographic information to assess population long‐term viability. When longitudinal studies (e.g., Capture‐Mark‐Recapture design) are not feasible, the only available data may be cross‐sectional, for example, stranding for marine mammals. Survival analysis deals with age at death (i.e., time to event) data and allows to estimate survivorship and hazard rates assuming that the cross‐sectional sample is representative. Accommodating a bathtub‐shaped hazard, as expected in wild populations, was historically difficult and required specific models. We identified a simple linear regression model with individual frailty that can fit a bathtub‐shaped hazard, take into account covariates, allow goodness‐of‐fit assessments and give accurate estimates of survivorship in realistic settings. We first conducted a Monte Carlo study and simulated age at death data to assess the accuracy of estimates with respect to sample size. Secondly, we applied this framework on a handful of case studies from published studies on marine mammals, a group with many threatened and data‐deficient species. We found that our framework is flexible and accurate to estimate survivorship with a sample size of 300. This approach is promising for obtaining important demographic information on data‐poor species. Please feel free to contact me with questions. King Regards, Etienne Rouby Etienne Rouby PhD Student / Doctorant Observatoire PELAGIS (UMS 3462) Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (UMR 7372) tel : 05 16 49 67 20 Observatoire PELAGIS LA ROCHELLE UNIVERSITÉ Centre commun d'analyse 5 allée de l'océan 17000 La Rochelle www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr [1] univ-larochelle.fr [2] Facebook [3] | Twitter [4] | Instagram [5] | Linkedin [6] | YouTube [7] Links: ------ [1] http://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr [2] http://www.univ-larochelle.fr [3] https://www.facebook.com/LaRochelleUniversite/ [4] https://twitter.com/UnivLaRochelle [5] https://www.instagram.com/univlarochelle/ [6] https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-la-rochelle/ [7] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Cf7Z00cbodH9qC8i7SHXA

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New capabilities in Behayve iPhone app for recording and visualising animal behaviors, tracks and environment
by LivingOcean Bill Fulton 04 Nov '20

04 Nov '20

Researchers interested in the free Behayve iPhone app may be interested to know that with Version 2, just released, behaviors may now be recorded at rates of several per second in most scenarios. We’ve been gratified with the take-up of Version 1, released mid August, with 159 users to date. A summary of the app follows and enquiries are of course welcome. The Behayve app for iPhone, supporting animal behavior studies in the field and first shown at the World Marine Mammal Conference last December, is available free of charge in the App Store following beta testing by a number of conference attendees and others. A range of suggestions from testers have been incorporated. Behayve is currently in use for conservation biology studies of lake resident Tursiops australis and numerous other species. Originally developed for Living Ocean’s ongoing longitudinal study of the influence of vessel presence and bottom topography on humpback whales migrating past Sydney, it has been generalized to cater for a wide range of studies of marine, terrestrial and avian species and to provide a simplified point-and-shoot method for aerial and ship-based surveys. The app is particularly suitable for non-invasive studies of cetaceans, pinnipeds and sirenians within a limited geographic range, without being limited to that. Flexibility is provided to capture not only behaviors and positions, but multiple roles and modifiers as well. The convenience of a smartphone lends itself to use in small boats, kayaks and other cramped locations. For example, even in a kayak a wireless feed from a small fishfinder allows continuous logging of water depth and temperature. A predictive function can help relocate submerged cetaceans. The full user guide is at behayve.com and a video at behayve.com/barcelona. An outline of the main features follows. Behayve integrates the recording of animal behaviors, tracks and surrounding environment, offering insight as you go by displaying real-time maps of tracks and the exact positions where behaviors occur. With or without Internet or GPS, the app determines precise animal positions on the fly, non-invasively, using compass bearing and range in conjunction with GPS or grid map. CONFIGURABLE Behayve is designed to support a wide range of studies of terrestrial and marine species. You can define your own ethogram, behavior groupings, roles, modifiers, data items, species and more. SAMPLING MODES Choose from focal, scan, behavior or ad-lib sampling, or run them all at once. The implementation is based on Observational Study of Behavior by Jeanne Altmann. ROLES AND MODIFIERS Multiple roles and multiple modifiers may be configured for any behavior. Behaviors may be instantaneous events or continuous states. A collection of states may be configured to be mutually exclusive. INSIGHT While observing, you can gain additional insight by viewing a terrain map of action to date, pinpointing the exact location of behaviors and tracks. Tap on an observation to pop up its associated timestamped data. REVIEW AND CORRECTION At any time during observations, or later, you can rapidly review and alter your recorded observations, including your voice notes or comments. Calculated data such as latitude/longitude are adjusted appropriately. COLLABORATION AND CITIZEN SCIENCE Behayve facilitates data sharing between team members, be they colleagues or citizen scientists. A merge function allows onboarding of data from team members at the same or different locations. Your distributed configuration can be locked down to prevent modification. GIS INTEGRATION With no effort, transfer any amount of observational data to GIS systems such as ArcGIS, QGIS and KML-based systems like Google Earth, preserving its structure: this can be a significant labor saver. View 2D or 3D tracks and behaviors. Click on an observation to display its associated data. Spreadsheet export is also provided. Clickable icons for photos can be automatically placed at the position they were taken, even from cameras without GPS. RELIABILITY Data is retained in a reliable onboard database immune from power failure and other glitches. Structured data can be exported to the safety of the cloud, or to a laptop, and the entire database can be backed up to the cloud or laptop. In using prerelease versions over four years in a Living Ocean humpback whale study, we have never lost data. CODING CONVENIENCE Behayve is intuitive and straightforward to use. Its pocket size is a winner. Automated features make data recording easy, fast and reliable. For example, to record compass bearing and elevation angle, simply position an animal in the crosshairs, or enter manually. To record range, just point and shoot a handheld wireless rangefinder or enter manually. AERIAL SURVEY OR THEODOLITE Choose from terrestrial, marine or aerial operating modes: Roving 2D, Roving 3D, Theodolite or Aerial. For aerial surveys, simply position an animal in the crosshairs and Behayve records its latitude and longitude. Or enter bearing and azimuth manually. GNSS AND DIFFERENTIAL GPS Via wireless connections, achieve sub-meter positioning accuracy using handheld or fixed units such as the Arrow 100, sensed automatically by Behayve. Or simply rely on the built-in GPS hardware in the iPhone. With GNSS devices, improve positioning accuracy under canopy, harnessing the combined forces of GPS, Glonass, Galileo, Beidou and other satellite constellations. HOOK UP YOUR GEAR At sea, continuously log water temperature and depth from a ship chartplotter, wirelessly. We are happy to discuss wireless connection of your own unique devices. Kind regards Bill Fulton Living Ocean Sydney, Australia livingocean.org.au support(a)behayve.com<mailto:support@behayve.com > BILL FULTON Head, Centre for Marine Studies +61 419 220 141 GMT+10 bill(a)livingocean.org.au <mailto:bill@livingocean.org.au> www.livingocean.org.au <http://www.livingocean.org.au/> facebook.com/livingocean <http://facebook.com/livingocean>

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Contract Opportunity Marine Mammal Technical Support Services
by BRUCE Morehead 04 Nov '20

04 Nov '20

Good Morning, Ocean Associates Inc. is soliciting candidates for a contract position with the NMFS Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection described below and would appreciate your help in providing the application link to your membership. Marine Mammal Technical Support Services Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection (IASI) in Silver Spring, MD. OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. Duties: The NMFS/IASI implements the international provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Under the MMPA, NMFS/IASI will review the regulatory programs implemented by foreign nations exporting fish to the United States to evaluate how those programs address injury and mortality of marine mammals in commercial fishing, including bycatch and intentional killing. This review will assist in the development of tools to support the calculation of marine mammal abundance or bycatch limits. As a contractor working up to 800 hours to 08/19/2021, he/she will: * Review the nations’ submissions of scientific articles that support their marine mammal population abundance estimates or bycatch estimates * Undertake a review of the scientific literature to further develop tools to assist nations in the calculation of their population abundance estimates or bycatch limits. * Meet with the NMFS/IASI staff to review the available scientific information and existing source file spreadsheet of marine mammal population abundance estimates and bycatch limits and complete the table for species and stocks for which data is lacking. Location: Subcontractor facility or approved place of business. Meetings will be convened by teleconference or google video meeting and materials/deliverables will be transmitted electronically. Start Date: As soon as possible. 800 hours through Aug 19, 2021. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… Thank you, Bruce Morehead Senior Associate Ocean Associates, Incorporated240-461-9699 (phone/text)bc.morehead(a)comcast.net mailto:bc.morehead@comcast.net On the web at http://www.OceanAssoc.com http://www.oceanassoc.com/

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JOB POSTING: Hawaii Marine Animal Response - Education and Engagement Program Lead (Part-time)
by Jon Gelman 03 Nov '20

03 Nov '20

Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) has an immediate opening for a part-time staff position as Education and Engagement Program Lead. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION HMAR is the largest Hawaii-based nonprofit marine species conservation and response organization. We operate on the islands of Oahu and Molokai with our team of dedicated volunteers, interns and staff that are supported by private donations, corporate funding and government grants. We work to achieve our mission through activity every day of the year that impacts our core objectives: (1) growing an active and engaged public, (2) marine protected species management and recovery, and (3) saving animals that need help. Thousands of times each year, our field response, interventions, rescue, stranding support, education and outreach activities help us move towards our vision of Hawaii’s ocean ecosystem shared in harmony by humans and marine protected species. Through agreements and relationships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaii, and others, our work is focused on the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, endangered and threatened sea turtles, protected seabird species and the ocean ecosystem we share. ABOUT THE JOB OPENING HMAR has a staff position opening for an Education and Engagement Program Lead. This is a part-time position (20 hours per week) and is exempt from Hawaii requirements to provide paid health care insurance. The position is based on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. The position is responsible for the following duties: - Develop written and video training and educational materials regarding threats to marine protected species and the ocean ecosystem with a focus on effective conservation messages designed for a wide variety of audiences. - Perform educational presentations and training sessions to people of all ages. - Manage HMAR’s educational and outreach programs and the volunteers that participate in these programs. - Develop and implement public and corporate fundraising activities and programs. - Assist in the creation of grant applications and proposals. - Compose and post content on social media platforms. - Manage website content (WordPress). NEEDED CORE COMPETENCIES - Possess excellent written and oral command of the English language. - Be a person with a professional and open personal demeanor that enjoys contact with the public, volunteers and fellow staff. - Possess effective personnel management skills. - Ability to thrive in a highly dynamic environment and the flexibility to navigate changing organizational needs. - Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude. - Ability to work in a virtual environment most often without direct supervision. - Have a passion for and an understanding of environmental, conservation or wildlife issues. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - 21 years of age or older. - College degree or equivalent in an environmental, conservation, education or related field. - Relevant work experience, preferably in marine animal preservation and management, conservation or environmental matters. - Hawaii resident (highly preferred) - U.S. citizenship required. - Experience using a variety of content creation software including Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Adobe, video editing and other tools. - Experience with photography and video equipment. - Experience with social media platforms and tools. - Experience with website content creation and editing in WordPress. - Experience in creating and implementing fundraising programs. - A least 1 year in prior supervisory positions or relevant experience. - Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. - Full-time access to a reliable vehicle with proof of insurance with Hawaii minimum liability coverage. - Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and a personal computer with Internet access. - Ability to walk at least 2 miles over shoreline conditions including rocky and unstable substrate. - Ability to lift and carry at least 75 pounds over 100 feet. - Pass background check. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume/CV and a cover letter of interest to info(a)h-mar.org. You are encouraged to also send examples of educational or outreach materials/videos that you have created. Thank you for your interest in this position and in Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR). For more information about HMAR, please go to: http://h-mar.org

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New publication - Dolphin cardiac auscultation and characterization of heart murmurs
by Barb Linnehan 03 Nov '20

03 Nov '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our recent publication: Linnehan BK, Hsu A, Gomez FM, Huston SM, Takeshita R, Colegrove KM, Rowles TK, Barratclough A, Musser WB, Harms CA, Cendejas V, Zolman ES, Balmer BC, Townsend FI, Wells RS, Jensen ED, Schwacke LH and Smith CR. (2020) Standardization of Dolphin Cardiac Auscultation and Characterization of Heart Murmurs in Managed and Free-Ranging Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Front. Vet. Sci. 7:570055. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.570055 Available open access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.570055/full Abstract Cardiac auscultation is an important, albeit underutilized tool in aquatic animal medicine due to the many challenges associated with in-water examinations. The aims of this prospective study were to (1) establish an efficient and repeatable in-water cardiac auscultation technique in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), (2) describe the presence and characterization of heart murmurs detected in free-ranging and managed dolphins, and (3) characterize heart murmur etiology through echocardiography in free-ranging dolphins. For technique development, 65 dolphins cared for by the Navy Marine Mammal Program (Navy) were auscultated. The techniques were then applied to two free-ranging dolphin populations during capture-release health assessments: Sarasota Bay, Florida (SB), a reference population, and Barataria Bay, LA (BB), a well-studied population of dolphins impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Systolic heart murmurs were detected at a frequent and similar prevalence in all dolphin populations examined (Navy 92%, SB 89%, and BB 88%), and characterized as fixed or dynamic. In all three populations, sternal cranial and left cranial were the most common locations for murmur point of maximal intensity (PMI). An in-water transthoracic echocardiogram technique was refined on a subset of Navy dolphins, and full echocardiographic exams were performed on 17 SB dolphins and 29 BB dolphins, of which, 40 had murmurs. Spectral Doppler was used to measure flow velocities across the outflow tracts, and almost all dolphins with audible murmurs had peak outflow velocities ≥1.6 m/s (95%, 38/40); three dolphins also had medium mitral regurgitation which could be the source of their murmurs. The presence of audible murmurs in most of the free-ranging dolphins (88%) was attributed to high velocity blood flow as seen on echocardiography, similar to a phenomenon described in other athletic species. These innocent murmurs were generally characterized as Grade I-III systolic murmurs with PMI in the left or sternal cranial region. This study is the first to describe an efficient technique for in-water dolphin cardiac auscultation, and to present evidence that heart murmurs are common in bottlenose dolphins. Please feel free to contact me with questions. Cheers, Barb Linnehan -- Barbara Linnehan, DVM Deputy Director of Medicine National Marine Mammal Foundation U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program Barb.Linnehan(a)nmmf.org *Linnehan(a)spawar.navy.mil <Linnehan(a)spawar.navy.mil>*

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