November 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Southern right whale gunshot sounds in the southeastern Atlantic Ocean
by Fannie Shabangu 03 Nov '20

03 Nov '20

Dear MARMAM Colleagues My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper published as a note in Marine Mammal Science. Shabangu FW, Andrew RK, Findlay K. 2020. Acoustic occurrence, diel-vocalizing pattern, and detection ranges of southern right whale gunshot sounds off South Africa's west coast. Mar Mam Sci. 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12760 Lay abstract We used passive acoustic monitoring to study southern right whales, a species of recent high concern in South African waters. Gunshot sounds of southern right whales were heard sporadically throughout the year, with the majority of sounds heard in spring. Whales vocalized more at dusk and night to maintain acoustic communication with conspecific when visibility was limited underwater. Model predictions suggest that vocalizing whales could be as far as 80 km from the acoustic recorder. Low detections of gunshot sounds of southern right whales corresponded with the recent decline in whale counts from annual aerial survey in this region. The the paper can be viewed and downloaded at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/PUXRUGHSCTFXZTJ8RRHC?target=10…, or you can email me for a PDF copy. Kind regards, Fannie Fannie W. Shabangu, PhD Marine Biologist Fisheries Management Branch Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Cape Town, South Africa Email: FannieS(a)daff.gov.za; fannie.shabangu(a)yahoo.com Mobile: +27 74 220 0210 Tel: +27 21 402 3553

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ONLINE COURSE - Model-based multivariate analysis of abundance data using R (MBMV03) This course will be delivered live
by Oliver Hooker 03 Nov '20

03 Nov '20

ONLINE COURSE Model-based multivariate analysis of abundance data using R (MBMV03) This course will be delivered live We have a repeat of a great course delivered by David Warton on abundance/presence/absence data. This course is great for people working with marine mammal data which may often have large gaps in mammal sightings or consist of only a few data points. For more details visits https://www.prstatistics.com/course/model-based-multivariate-analysis-of-ab… Course Overview: This course will provide an introduction to modern multivariate techniques, with a special focus on the analysis of abundance or presence/absence data. Multivariate analysis in ecology has been changing rapidly in recent years, with a focus now on formulating a statistical model to capture key properties of the observed data, rather than transformation of data using a dissimilarity-based framework. In recent years, model-based techniques have been developed for hypothesis testing, identifying indicator species, ordination, clustering, predictive modelling, and use of species traits as predictors to explain interspecific variation in environmental response. These techniques are more interpretable than alternatives, have better statistical properties, and can be used to address new problems, such as the prediction of a speciesâ€™ spatial distribution from its traits alone. email oliverhooker(a)prstatistics.com with any enquiries or to request different payment options Introduction to statistics using R and Rstudio (IRRS02) 28 October 2020 - 29 October 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-statistics-using-r-and-… Species distribution modelling with Bayesian statistics in R (SDMB01) 9 November 2020 - 13 November 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/species-distribution-modelling-with-bay… Introduction to Bayesian modelling with INLA (BMIN01) 9 November 2020 - 13 November 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-bayesian-modelling-with… Introduction to generalised linear models using R and Rstudio (IGLM02) 18 November 2020 - 19 November 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-generalised-linear-mode… Fundamentals of populations genetics using R (FOPG01) 18 November 2020 - 27 November 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/fundamentals-of-populations-genetics-us… Introduction to mixed models using R and Rstudio (IMMR03) 25 November 2020 - 26 November 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-mixed-models-using-r-an… Introduction to Python (PYIN01) 25 November 2020 - 26 November 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-python-pyin01/ Bayesian hierarchical modelling using R (IBHM05) 27 November 2020 - 11 December 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/bayesian-hierarchical-modelling-using-r… Meta-analysis in ecology, evolution and environmental sciences (METR01) 30 November 2020 - 4 December 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/meta-analysis-in-ecology-evolution-and-… Introduction to Python for Scientific Computing (PYSC01) 2 December 2020 - 3 December 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-python-for-scientific-c… Machine Learning and Deep Learning using Python (PYML01) 9 December 2020 - 10 December 2020 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/machine-learning-and-deep-learning-usin… Structural Equation Modelling for Ecologists and Evolutionary Biologists (SEMR03) This course will be delivered live 18th January 2021 - 22nd January 2021 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/structural-equation-modelling-for-ecolo… Species Distribution Modeling using R (SDMR03) 25th January 2021 - 29th January 2021 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/species-distribution-modeling-using-r-s… Advanced Ecological Niche Modelling Using R (ANMR01) 25th January 2021 - 29th January 2021 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/advanced-ecological-niche-modelling-usi… -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 2020 publications; Parallelism in eco-morphology and gene expression despite variable evolutionary and genomic backgrounds in a Holarctic fish. PLOS GENETICS (2020). IN PRESS www.PRstatistics.com facebook.com/PRstatistics/ twitter.com/PRstatistics 53 Morrison Street Glasgow G5 8LB +44 (0) 7966500340 +44 (0) 7966500340

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New publication: gestation and lactation influence stable isotope composition of epidermis layers
by Michelle Gelippi 02 Nov '20

02 Nov '20

Dear all, We are very excited to inform the outcomes of our latest investigation on the effects of gestation and lactation periods on the stable isotope composition of epidermis layers of free ranging gray whales are now presented and available Open Access in PLOS ONE. “*Tracing gestation and lactation in free ranging gray whales using the stable isotopic composition of epidermis layers"* ABSTRACT: "The isotopic composition of baleen whales’ epidermis structural layers can give information about dietary change over time. This study investigated if epidermis layers integrated isotopic values that record physiological changes from gestation to lactation. Epidermis tissues (n = 43) were collected from free ranging lactating female gray whale and calves during the beginning of three breeding seasons. Modelling of δ13C and δ15N values show intra- and inter-individual differences based on epidermal layers, age class and year of sampling. The isotopic composition of mother-calf pairs is correlated, and the estimates of the maximum mother-to-calf isotopic difference was ~1.4‰ for δ13C and between 1 and 1.5‰ for δ15N values. Change in δ15N values among epidermal layers in calves was associated with the transition from fetus to consumption of maternal milk. It is here proposed when lactation influences calf epidermis, δ15N values decrease consistently from the outermost to the innermost layer. However, if a calf was born only few days before collection, epidermis integrates more variable δ15N patterns because gestation still affects the isotopic composition of the layers. The possibility of calculating mother-to-calf nitrogen isotope fractionation, and the regularity of changes between calf layer δ15N values, allowed results of an isotopic clock model to predict the age of each calf when sampled with its mother. This model has the potential to be a straightforward method to estimate the beginning of lactation, therefore calf birth date when direct observations are not feasible. The non-lethal remote collection of epidermis appears to be an effective tool for the study of the physiology of reproduction of baleen whales. The parallel study of the three epidermal structural layers highlighted the importance of considering the unique mother-calf pair physiological status at the time of sampling time when stable isotope results are interpreted." LINK: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0240171 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240171 All the best, Michelle -- Michelle Gelippi PhD fellow Centro De Investigación Biológicas del Noreste (CIBNOR) La Paz, BCS, Mexico

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2020 DOSITS Underwater Acoustics Webinar Series: Future webinars and other reminders
by Holly Morin 02 Nov '20

02 Nov '20

***apologies for cross-postings*** The 2020 *Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) <http://www.dosits.org>* webinar series on underwater acoustics has been a great success. Over 350 participants from 24 countries participated in the October 22, 2020, webinar on passive acoustics data and the decision making process. If you missed this webinar, which covered passive acoustic monitoring and how data gathered can inform the decision making process, especially with regards to marine mammals, a webinar archive is now available and can be found here <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2020-webinar-series/passi…>. A PDF of Dr. Henderson's presentation, as well as a Q&A summary is also available for download. Other critical DOSITS Webinar Series information (please read): - There is one webinar left in the 2020 series. On *Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 4pm ET* (note the time change), Klaus Lucke will present on the U.S. regulatory approach to underwater noise compared to that of the E.U. and other locations. Individuals *must be registered* to participate in this webinar. If you have not registered for the 2020 DOSITS webinar series, please go here <https://dosits.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e142faad1ca3ef0f816ca8553&i…>. All webinars are *hosted using Zoom*. Webinar testing and troubleshooting tips can be found here <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/webinar-troubleshooting/>. Although Zoom is the preferred mode of connection, if participants are unable to use this platform, a YouTube link will be provided. *Zoom and YouTube links will only be shared with registered participant*s (webinar correspondence will come from webinar(a)dosits.net-please check spam/junk mail folders if necessary). - *All webinars will be recorded and archived on the DOSITS website* ( DOSITS Webinars <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/>). - A *certificate of professional development* is being offered in association with this webinar series. To receive this certificate, individuals *must participate in all four DOSITS webinars *(live participation and/or archive review), *AND* complete the *post-webinar surveys* unique to each program. Each webinar post-survey has a unique link. - It is time to begin planning the DOSITS 2021 and 2022 webinar programs. The DOSITS Team is asking the broad underwater acoustics community to *provide input on future DOSITS webinar topics* by taking a brief Webinar Topic Survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/marmamFBF9CGP>. No identifying personal information will be collected. Aggregate survey results will be used for evaluation purposes and may appear in publications, presented at professional meetings, and presented online. Questions? Please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu)

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Seasonal flow dynamics exacerbate overlap between artisanal fisheries and imperiled Ganges River dolphins
by SHAMBHU PAUDEL 02 Nov '20

02 Nov '20

Hi all: Please find the recent research outcomes on the interactions between artisanal fisheries and endangered Ganges River dolphins in Nepalese waterways. Paudel, S., Koprowski, J.L. & Cove, M.V. Seasonal flow dynamics exacerbate overlap between artisanal fisheries and imperiled Ganges River dolphins. *Sci Rep* 10, 18798 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75997-4 Abstract: Here we quantify the effects of artisanal fisheries on the ecology of a small cetacean, the Ganges River dolphin (*Platanista gangetica gangetica*, GRD), in a large river system of Nepal. We examine the size-classes of fisheries’ catches, behavioural changes in GRD in response to fishing activities, and diel overlap between GRD and fishing activity. We observed high human exploitation rates (> 60% of the total catch per effort) of GRD-preferred prey sizes, indicating risks of high resource competition and dietary overlap, especially during the low water season when resource availability is reduced. Competitive interactions in the feeding niches during the low water season, plus temporal overlap between the peak exploitation and critical life-history events (e.g., reproduction), likely have ecological consequences. Furthermore, we detected 48% (95% CI 43–52%) increase in the chance of behavioural changes among dolphins exposed to anthropopressure (fishing activity), risking social behaviour impairment in exposed dolphins. The higher diel overlap and increased diel coefficient as the surveys progressed towards the monsoon season suggest temporal shifts in GRD socio-behavioural states and seasonal effects on resource partitioning, respectively. This work identifies drivers of small cetaceans-fisheries interactions and their consequences, and can be used to help reduce biologically significant fishing impacts on small cetaceans. Mitigation strategies, together with river sanctuary and distanced-based approaches, should be urgently included in a framework of ecosystem-based management. Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-75997-4#Abs1 -- *Ph.D. Candidate / **Russell E. Train Fellow (EFN/WWF-USA) * School of Natural Resources & the Environment Wildlife Conservation and Management Environment & Natural Resources 2 University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona 85721 USA Web:https://conservation.arizona.edu/person/shambhu-paudel

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New publication - Microplastics in stranded bottlenose dolphins
by Francesca Battaglia - NOAA Affiliate 02 Nov '20

02 Nov '20

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to share with you the publication of our research article “First report from North America of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of stranded bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*)” in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin. Link to full article: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1bn~w,ashxmtp DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111677 Abstract: Microplastics' (MPs) abundance, small size, and global distribution render them bioavailable to a variety of organisms directly or by trophic transfer, yet examinations in marine apex predators are currently limited. The present study investigated the occurrence of MPs sized 125 μm–5 mm in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) stranded in South Carolina, USA from 2017 to 2018. MPs, mostly fibers, were detected in all GITs (*n* = 7) of stranded bottlenose dolphins. Total suspected MPs ranged between 123 and 422 particles/individual, a high range among international studies. Comparison to other studies likely reflects differences in both methods and location. This is the first study from North America to quantify MPs in a small coastal cetacean outside Arctic waters and the first specifically in bottlenose dolphins (southeastern United States). Findings and methodology from this investigation can aid future studies examining MP in marine apex predators. Kind regards, Francesca -- Francesca Battaglia M.S. Marine Biology Marine Mammal Stranding Technician Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 o: 843-460-9683 (currently not in use) c: 732-236-7384

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New publication on cetaceans and marine litter in the Black Sea
by Arda M. Tonay 02 Nov '20

02 Nov '20

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new online book on marine litter in the Black Sea has been published by Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV). In the book, there is a review paper on cetaceans and marine litter in the Black Sea. Tonay, A.M., Gül, B., Dede, A., Öztürk A.A. 2020. Cetaceans and marine litter in the Black Sea. In: (Aytan, Ü., Pogojeva, M., Simeonova, A. Eds.) Marine Litter in the Black Sea. Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) Publication No: 56, Istanbul, Turkey. 236-246pp. Abstract Marine litter, especially plastics, is an essential source of danger for cetaceans. Since the Black Sea is a semi-enclosed sea with numerous rivers flowing in, marine litter accumulated here pose a serious threat to the three cetacean species inhabiting the basin vulnerable. This paper reviews the studies in the Black Sea since 1956 on the relationship between marine litter and cetaceans. Impacts of marine litter on cetaceans, especially entanglement and ingestion, have been compared with similar cases elsewhere in the world. Since there are very few studies on the relationship of marine litter and cetaceans in the Black Sea, we cannot elucidate the effect of the increase in marine litter on cetaceans in recent years, thus further and continuous studies are needed. Pdf requests can be sent to <mailto:atonay@istanbul.edu.tr> atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr or you can download directly from the link: http://tudav.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MarineLitterintheBlackSea_tudav… Regards Arda Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, İstanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:8 Laleli, 34134 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: ¬+90 212 455 5700/16459 Fax: +90 212 514 0379 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr <mailto:atonay@istanbul.edu.tr> http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, 34820 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------ Lütfen bu e-postayı yazdırmadan önce çevreye olan etkisini dikkate alınız. Unutmayınız ki; dünyadaki kağıt tüketiminin yarısı kazanılırsa, her yıl 8 milyon hektar orman alanı (Ege Bölgesi büyüklüğünde) yok olmaktan kurtulacaktır. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Please take into account the impact on the environment before printing this e-mail. Do not forget that if we reduce our paper consumption by half, every year 8 million hectares of forest (an area the size of Aegean Region in Turkey) will be saved from vanishing. ------------------------------------------------------------------

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Placements for Januari 2021 at DMAD
by Selina Brouwer 02 Nov '20

02 Nov '20

Dear all, Please find below details of our placements for the Winter Vacancies at our Montenegro Dolphin Research project. WHO ARE DMAD AND WHAT DO WE DO? DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association has scientific projects running in Turkey, Montenegro and Albania. We conduct long-term studies of marine mammals in Istanbul, Antalya, the Levantine Sea, Montenegrin coastal waters and the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to hydrocarbon exploration. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. More details on the project can be found here: http://www.dmad.org.tr/montenegro-dolphin-research WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose passion for marine mammals is strong and sincere. This opportunity is available from January 2021. The minimum duration of the placement is 2 MONTHS, with possible exception for a skilled candidate. REQUIREMENTS -True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment; -Respect for the organisation's rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures; -Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team; -Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills; -Willingness to learn new software applications. -Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once a fortnight (occasionally more if possible). -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavioural data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloguing and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. -Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -GIS mapping -Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; -Photo-identification; -Discovery, Darwin and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; PROJECT CONTRIBUTION The contribution fee for volunteers is €840 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee is €780. For interns, it’s €940 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee is €880. All of which goes directly to supporting the projects. The fee *includes*:  Accommodation and expenses (excluding self-quarantine and special requests);  Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania;  Training and lectures with all training materials provided in PDF format;  Fieldwork (land- and boat surveys);  Use of the equipment; And for *Interns* this also *includes*:  Scientific support, average 30 hours supervision per month;  Additional courses related to the selected subject; The fee does *not include*:  Transportation to/from Montenegro or transfer to accommodation  Health and/or travel insurance which is a mandatory requirement  Meals  Additional training Courses: o Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Certificated by ACCOBAMS (€450) o Acoustics using PamGuard (2 days) (€100) HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are a suitable asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! If you wish to have more info about our internships and work please take a look at some of our web pages and social media: Our research: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects Our internships: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-internships Our publications: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-publications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, DMAD team *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>*

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PADOC behavioural app now in Spanish and Portuguese !
by Adrien Gannier 01 Nov '20

01 Nov '20

Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce that the new version of our cetacean behaviour app, /*PADOC*/, is available. Among other changes, major novelty of this version is its complete translation in *Spanish* and *Portuguese*. (Thanks to the translators!) /PADOC/ is a free /Android/ app, designed to study the comportment of wild cetaceans at sea, that you can simply download in the /Play Store/. A wide variety of behaviours, movements and group structures, associated with real time GPS localisation, is available in this easy-to-use software. All the /csv/ data is stored on your device, and of course remains entirely yours. You can learn more about it by following this link: https://www.cetaces.org/padoc-application-2/padoc-application-en/ If you have any comment or suggestion, your feedback will be more than appreciated! In particular, if you are working in a geographical area non currently predefined in the app, feel free to contact me so that your area can be added. Best regards, Laurent, Adrien and Alexandre on behalf of the /Groupe de Recherche sur les Cétacés/

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