December 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Post request: Sighting of a right whale newborn at the Canary Islands
by Natacha 23 Dec '20

23 Dec '20

Dear Marmam colleagues A historical event at El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain on the 22nd of December 2020. A 4 m long N Atlantic right whale calf with foetal folds was filmed by the little fishing harbour of La Restinga, by divers of the diving center Fan Diving (https://fan-diving-el-hierro.business.site/) See the beautiful video https://www.facebook.com/1202708786/posts/10224640760385426/ Eubalaena glacialis is considered functionally extinct in the NE Atlantic, where it used to breed at Cintra Bay at the African coast near Canary Islands. The video shows that the calf is a newborn, the flukes are still soft (comments of Vidal Martin, SECAC).This means that the calf was born not too far from the Canary Islands and makes the sighting a message of hope, is there a remannent breeding population in the NE Atlantic? The main threat to the North Atlantic right whale is ship strikes, and the Canary Islands is a hot spot for ship strikes of sperm whales and other cetaceans. e.g. see Fais et al 2016 ( https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0150660) or Arbelo et al. 2013 ( https://www.int-res.com/articles/dao2013/103/d103p087.pdf) The fact that the calf was alone is not good news.The mother should have been by the side of such a young calf. Local scientists, with the help of the insular government of El Hierro, are raising public awareness to get eyes in the water from the coast to detect further sightings. If this happens, what should we do? should we try to recover the calf? Advices wellcome May 2021 bring you tons of whales and bring the word recover biodiversity to gain global health! Natacha --- Dra. Natacha Aguilar de Soto Research and teaching fellow Department of Animal Biology, Edaphology and Geology Faculty of Sciences (Biology) https://www.facebook.com/BIOECOMAC/ https://www.instagram.com/bioecomac/ www.cetabase.info >

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Virginia Aquarium - Sea Turtle & Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellowships
by Sarah R. Mccormack 22 Dec '20

22 Dec '20

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting applications for Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Batten Fellowships. The application deadline is January 31, 2021. Fellows are expected to work 800 hours over approximately five months, starting between May and July. Fellowships will be fulfilled in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines and positions are subject to change based on the most current recommendations. Housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Fellows are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. This competitive position includes modest compensation to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period. Position Overview Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) Fellows promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Fellows will be trained in all aspects of stranding response. Stranding work is unpredictable, therefore experiences will vary by fellowship session. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Duties * Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field. * Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection & entry, photographing, report writing, carcass removal, and cleaning. * Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen and associated supplies and equipment. * Assist staff with new patients, including: daily treatments, restraining animals for exams, collecting vital rates (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, taking photographs, administering medications, and performing wound care. * Assist with research projects and field activities involving sea turtles and marine mammals. * Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning/restocking gear and supplies. * Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator training. * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, completing response paperwork, and when trained acting as stranding and live animal lead (under the supervision of a staff member), as well as acting as after-hours hotline point of contact. * Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff. Required Qualifications * Must be at least 18 years old. * Must be a rising junior, recent graduate, or currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in a science-based (or veterinary) program. * Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team. * Must be physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and walk long distances (>5 mi/8 km) on the beach in adverse conditions such as extreme heat and cold, humidity, rain, and/or wind. * Be able to swim and be comfortable in and around open water and boats. * Be willing to learn how to drive response vehicles, if accepted (required). Preferred Qualifications * Demonstrate interest in a career in marine or veterinary science. * Have some experience in stranding response, field research, and/or wild/exotic animal care. * Have basic math and computer skills using MS spreadsheets, relational databases, and data entry (advanced programs such as SQL, GIS, R, etc. preferred). * Be comfortable around dead and decomposing animals. * Be comfortable driving large pick-up trucks and vans. Position Requirements * Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving. * Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license. * Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check. * Be available to perform support activities (24-7) as needed during the period of appointment. Fellowship Learning Objectives * Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills: * Perform basic post-mortem examinations on sea turtle and marine mammals. * Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including collecting vital rates, treating wounds, administering medications, and processing blood samples. * Be able to complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Marine Mammal Stranding Level A forms. * Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access. * Complete an individual project with a final deliverable (paper/report and oral presentation). Fellow Schedule Fellow is expected to be available 4-5 days per week, 8am-4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected. Minimum Commitment Required 800 hours Fellow Supervisor/Mentor VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor Work Location Virginia Aquarium’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center Application Requirements A complete application includes: * Cover letter. There is some flexibility with Fellowship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter. * Fellowship expectations letter. This should include what you expect to do and get from your experience at VAQS. * Resume * College transcript(s) * Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. If applying via email, please send application to interns(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:interns@virginiaaquarium.com> and send a copy of the application to vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com>. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If applying via mail, please send application to: Volunteer Services Office – Batten Fellows Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Boulevard Virginia Beach, VA 23451 For more information about the application process, please visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/about-us/Pages/Fellowships.aspx Sarah McCormack Stranding & Research Scientist: Field Response & Volunteer Manager P: (757) 385-6485 C: (917) 880-2160 SMccormack(a)VirginiaAquarium.com Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center<http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/><http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/><http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/> Stranding Response Hotline: (757) 385-7575 717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 [cid:24f83061-fb8b-4e74-9ea2-ea895cdd3a28]

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New paper on Hawaii humpback whale population trends
by Anke Kuegler 21 Dec '20

21 Dec '20

Aloha MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are happy to share our recent publication in Endangered Species Research on trends in Hawaii's humpback whale population inferred from male song chorusing. The PDF is available as Open Access: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01080 *Abstract: * Approximately half of the North Pacific humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae stock visits the shallow waters of the main Hawaiian Islands seasonally. Within this breeding area, mature males produce an elaborate acoustic display known as song, which becomes the dominant source of ambient underwater sound between December and April. Following reports of unusually low whale numbers that began in 2015/16, we examined song chorusing recorded through long-term passive acoustic monitoring at 6 sites off Maui as a proxy for relative whale abundance between 2014 and 2019. Daily root-mean-square sound pressure levels (RMS SPLs) were calculated to compare variations in low-frequency acoustic energy (0-1.5 kHz). After 2014/15, the overall RMS SPLs decreased between 5.6 and 9.7 dB re 1 µPa2 during the peak of whale season (February and March), reducing ambient acoustic energy from chorusing by over 50%. This change in song levels co-occurred with a broad-scale oceanic heat wave in the northeast Pacific termed the ‘Blob,’ a major El Niño event in the North Pacific, and a warming period in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation cycle. Although it remains unclear whether our observations reflect a decrease in population size, a change in migration patterns, a shift in distribution to other areas, a change in the behavior of males, or some combination of these, our results indicate that continued monitoring and further studies of humpback whales throughout the North Pacific are warranted to better understand the fluctuations occurring in this recently recovered population and other populations that continue to be endangered or threatened Please do not hesitate to contact me at akuegler(a)hawaii.edu. Mahalo, Anke Kuegler

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New publication on gray whale fecal hormone assessment
by Leila Soledade Lemos 21 Dec '20

21 Dec '20

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are very pleased to share with you our newest publication at Conservation Physiology, entitled: Assessment of fecal steroid and thyroid hormone metabolites in eastern North Pacific gray whales By Leila S Lemos, Amy Olsen, Angela Smith, Todd E Chandler, Shawn Larson, Kathleen Hunt, and Leigh G Torres Abstract: Baleen whale fecal samples have high potential for endocrine monitoring, which can be used as a non-invasive tool to identify the physiological response to disturbance events and describe population health and vital rates. In this study, we used commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to validate and quantify fecal steroid (progestins, androgens and glucocorticoids) and thyroid hormone metabolite concentrations in eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) along the Oregon coast, USA, from May to October of 2016–2018. Higher mean progestin metabolite concentrations were observed in postweaning females, followed by pregnant females. Mean androgen, glucocorticoid and thyroid metabolites were higher in mature males. Progestin, glucocorticoids and thyroid fecal metabolites varied significantly by year, with positive correlations between progestin and androgen, and between glucocorticoid and thyroid metabolites. We also present two case studies of a documented injured whale and a mature male displaying reproductive competitive behavior, which provide reference points for physiologically stressed individuals and adult breeding males, respectively. Our methods and findings advance the knowledge of baleen whale physiology, can help guide future research on whale physiology and can inform population management and conservation efforts regarding minimizing the impact of anthropogenic stressors on whales. The article is open access and it's available at: https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/8/1/coaa110/6025074?searchresult=1 [https://oup.silverchair-cdn.com/oup/backfile/Content_public/Journal/conphys…]<https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/8/1/coaa110/6025074?searchresult=1> Assessment of fecal steroid and thyroid hormone metabolites in eastern North Pacific gray whales<https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/8/1/coaa110/6025074?searchresult=1> An improved understanding of baleen whale hormone physiology is required to manage populations and reduce anthropogenic impacts. Gray whale fecal samples were a academic.oup.com Please, feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding our study. Kind regards, [cid:1a9984ea-709a-4428-84d3-2ff419d96756] Leila S. Lemos, Ph.D. Institute of Environment Florida International University (971) 3409610 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Leila_Lemos https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-soledade-lemos-94972415/

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Large Whale Biologist position
by Emma Dvorak 21 Dec '20

21 Dec '20

Large Whale Biologist Integrated Statistics is looking for a Large Whale Biologist to work with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). The position supports the Protected Species Branch. The position may begin with a period of remote work to accommodate COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, but will be on-site in Woods Hole, MA after that. The Large Whale Biologist assists with the collection and analysis of aerial and shipboard survey data, including researching the distribution of right whales and other large whale species in relation to ecological conditions and human activities, and the impacts of those factors on right whale behavior, health, population dynamics, and ecology. The visual survey information collected by NOAA is used to assist in the management of protected species, evaluate the impacts of various human activities on the species, and aid in education and conservation efforts. *Duties* The Large Whale Biologist will engage in these tasks: * Participate in aerial surveys for right whales. Flight crew responsibilities include visually scanning for whales from bubble windows, recording sightings data on custom computer software, and photographing whales for individual identification using a digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens. Aircraft ditch training is required. * Participate in small vessel and shipboard surveys for right whales. Vessel-based duties include visually scanning for whales, photographing whales for individual identification, collecting biopsy samples from select individuals using crossbows, assisting with oceanographic and zooplankton sampling, and supporting unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations. Small boat certification may be requested. * Manage survey and photographic data. Data processing duties include QA/QC of aerial and shipboard sightings and effort data, evaluating sightings relative to seasonal and dynamic management areas, accurate and timely completion of summary spreadsheets and survey reports, preliminary matching of right whale individual identification images, and maintenance of data processing programs and databases, including an R Shiny application. * Support scientific and management needs. Writing and policy tasks include analyzing data and preparing presentations for stakeholder meetings, environmental impact statements, biological opinions, scientific manuscripts and stock assessment reports. * Assist with Protected Species Branch website content development and maintenance, and engage in public education and outreach activities. * Perform additional occasional duties, such as assisting with whale carcass relocation, supporting disentanglement efforts, and assisting with whale necropsies. *Qualifications* * A Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management, marine biology, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree is desirable. * At least one full year of experience working on aerial and/or shipboard surveys for right whales or other protected species. Aircraft ditch training, boat trailering, and small boat handling skills are desired. * Experience with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods, including use of spreadsheets and Google drives. * Demonstrated programming and database skills, including working with R (and R Shiny), PL/SQL, and Oracle are desired. * Training and experience in statistical design and statistical approaches for addressing scientific questions. * Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (including visual presentations) with a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public. A writing sample may be requested. * Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Track record of success in telework/remote work conditions, and at sea in potentially difficult conditions. * Strong project management skills, ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities and strict timelines. Attention to detail. * Driver’s license and US passport. This is a full time position for one year, with the possibility of extension. The position is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website. Some projects will require travel, spending up to three weeks at a time at sea or away from home, including abroad (primarily Canada). To apply for this position, fill out the online application <https://jobs.intstats.com/JobDetails.jsp?jobListingId=275> )or visit www.integratedstatistics.com, click Employment Opportunities, click the job name and click the Apply Here link). Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans. For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms, and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office. -- Integrated Statistics, Inc. 16 Sumner Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Cell: (508) 648-8308 Office: (508) 540-8560 Fax: (508) 721-6841

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New publication on methodological efficiency of microplastic investigation in seals from German waters
by Philipp, Carolin 21 Dec '20

21 Dec '20

Dear all, on behalf of all my co-authors, we are happy to share our latest publication in the Journal Sustainability with the title: Handle with Care - Microplastic Particles in Intestine Samples of Seals from German waters Philipp, C.; Unger B.; Fischer, E.K.; Schnitzler, J.G.; Siebert, U. Abstract: The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims to reduce the marine debris burden in the marine environment by 2020. This requires an assessment of the actual situation, which includes the occurrence as well as the caused impacts. Information on both is scarce when it comes to top predators like marine mammals and the burden of microplastic. This is hampered by the limited access to free ranging marine mammals for collecting samples, as well as sample handling. The present study investigated gastrointestinal tracts and faecal samples of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) regularly occurring in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea with the aim of gaining information on the occurrence of microplastics. In total, 255 particles ≥100 µm (70 fibres, 185 fragments) were found in exemplary ten intestine and nine faecal samples. The findings ranged from zero fibres and six fragments, up to 35 fibres and 55 fragments per sample. Additionally, this study established a protocol for sample handling, microplastic isolation (≥100 µm) and quantification of gastrointestinal tracts and faecal samples of marine mammals with a low share of contamination. This approach helps to quantify the presence of microplastics in free-ranging marine mammals and is therefore applicable to assess the real burden of microplastic presence in the marine environment. The article is open access and freely available at https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/24/10424 Please, feel free to get in contact with us, if you have any questions regarding our study. We would like to wish you all healthy and jolly Christmas holidays. Kind regards, Carolin Philipp ____________________________________________ M.Sc. Carolin Philipp 0511-856-8170 Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6 / 25761 Büsum / Germany <https://www.tiho-hannover.de/itaw>https://www.tiho-hannover.de/index.php?id=6767

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Two new publications about using PAM in distance sampling and estimating abundance of Heaviside's and dusky dolphins
by Morgan J. Martin 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

Dear MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are very pleased to share with you two recently published papers in *Frontiers in Marine Science* and the *African Journal of Marine Science*. The first paper provides the first abundance estimates for Heaviside's and dusky dolphins off Namibia. The second paper is a methods paper describing how we used PAM from a towed hydrophone array in combination with visual observers on line transect ship surveys to increase the detectability of Heaviside's dolphins. *First Abundance Estimates of Heaviside’s (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii) and Dusky (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) Dolphins Off Namibia Using a Novel Visual and Acoustic Line Transect Survey* Morgan J. Martin, Tess Gridley, Jean-Paul Roux and Simon H. Elwen To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.555659 *Abstract:* Knowledge of a population’s abundance is of primary importance for conservation management. However, robust estimates of abundance are often difficult to obtain, especially for cetaceans which spend most of their lives submerged. Cetacean abundance is commonly estimated using aerial or vessel-based line transect surveys and distance sampling methods. During 2012–2014, the first line transect surveys to estimate cetacean abundance were conducted in Namibian waters. Surveys took place in the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA), a large MPA located along the southern Namibian coastline. A combined visual and acoustic double-platform survey configuration was used to investigate the factors affecting detectability of the endemic Heaviside’s dolphin (*Cephalorhynchus heavisidii*) and dusky dolphin (*Lagenorhynchus obscurus obscurus*). The present analysis estimates the probability of detection on the transect line (g(*0*)) for these two species and generates density and abundance estimates which incorporate a correction for both animals missed on the transect line and attractive responsive movement. The average annual baseline density and abundance estimates for Heaviside’s dolphins in the NIMPA region during 2012–2014 were 0.08 individuals/km2 (CV = 28.6%, 95% CI = 0.04–0.15 individuals/km2) and 1594 individuals (CV = 28.6%, 95% CI =776–3275), respectively. The average annual baseline density and abundance estimates for dusky dolphins in the NIMPA region during 2012–2014 were 0.16 individuals/km2 (CV = 26.2%, 95% CI = 0.10–0.28 individuals/km2) and 3493 individuals (CV = 26.2%, 95% CI: 2015–6052), respectively. A discussion on the distribution of Heaviside’s and dusky dolphins is provided for this region where such information is urgently needed. Based on existing knowledge of the species and area, these estimates are regarded as reasonable. They indicate moderate sized populations of animals within the NIMPA and provide an important first baseline on which future estimates can build. *Towed passive acoustic monitoring complements visual survey methods for Heaviside’s dolphins Cephalorhynchus heavisidii in the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area* Tess Gridley , Morgan J. Martin , Jeffery Slater , J-P Roux , Rene J. Swift and Simon H. Elwen To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2020.1848925 *Abstract:* The genus *Cephalorhynchus* contains four dolphin species, of which three are classified as Near Threatened or Endangered and one subspecies is close to extinction. Understanding the species’ abundance, distributions and habitat preferences is necessary for effective management to prevent further population declines. Heaviside’s dolphin* C. heavisidii* is endemic to the Benguela ecosystem off southwest Africa, and like other *Cephalorhynchus* species these dolphins produce narrowband high-frequency (NBHF) echolocation clicks with a centroid frequency around 125 kHz. We conducted dedicated visual and acoustic line-transect surveys within and adjacent to the Namibian Islands Marine Protected Area in 2012–2014. Acoustic data were processed in the passive acoustic monitoring software PAMGuard, using the default porpoise click detector and classifier to identify NBHF echolocation clicks. Click detection and classification in PAMGuard included a large excess of false positives, which were easily identified by manual verification of events, and ultimately provided 52 definite detections. The acoustic methods provided data in offshore areas and during overnight periods, but were imperfect and not suitable for ecologically important shallow coastal areas. While demonstrating the utility of passive acoustic monitoring in line-transect surveys targeting *Cephalorhynchus* species, the study shows that both visual and acoustic methods were needed to collect data throughout the range of Heaviside’s dolphin. Please feel free to email me for a pdf copy of either paper. Thank you for your interest in our research! Merry Christmas, Morgan J. Martin, PhD Postdoctoral researcher University of Victoria, B.C.

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new publication: Weddell seals produce ultrasonic vocalizations
by Lisa Munger 20 Dec '20

20 Dec '20

*Weddell seals produce ultrasonic vocalizations* by Paul A. Cziko*, *Lisa M. Munger, Nicholas R. Santos*, and *John M. Terhune Published online 18 December 2020 The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America *148*, 3784 (2020); https://doi-org.libproxy.uoregon.edu/10.1121/10.0002867 *Abstract: *Seals (phocids) are generally not thought to produce vocalizations having ultrasonic fundamental frequencies (≥20 kHz), although previous studies could have been biased by sampling limitations. This study characterizes common, yet, previously undescribed, ultrasonic Weddell seal (*Leptonychotes weddellii*) vocalizations. The vocalizations were identified in more than one year (2017–2018) of broadband acoustic data obtained by a continuously recording underwater observatory in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Nine recurrent call types were identified that were composed of single or multiple vocal elements whose fundamental frequencies spanned the ultrasonic range to nearly 50 kHz. Eleven vocal elements had ultrasonic center frequencies (≥20 kHz), including chirps, whistles, and trills, with two elements at >30 kHz. Six elements had fundamental frequencies always >21 kHz. The fundamental frequency of one repetitive U-shaped whistle element reached 44.2 kHz and descending chirps (≥3.6 ms duration) commenced at ≤49.8 kHz. The source amplitude of one fully ultrasonic chirp element (29.5 kHz center frequency) was 137 dB re 1 μPa-m. Harmonics of some vocalizations exceeded 200 kHz. Ultrasonic vocalizations occurred throughout the year with the usage of repetitive ultrasonic chirp-based calls appearing to dominate in winter darkness. The functional significance of these high-frequency vocalizations is unknown.

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New paper: Individual variation of hormones and behavior in sea lions
by Geno DeRango 19 Dec '20

19 Dec '20

Dear all, My co-authors and I are happy to present our new paper on state conditions, hormones, and behavior in Galapagos sea lion pups. The PDF is available open-access on Researchgate or direct from Oecologia: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347504732 <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347504732_Developmental_conditions…> https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00442-020-04815-5 Abstract: Between-individual variation in behavior can emerge through complex interactions between state-related mechanisms, which include internal physiological constraints or feedback derived from the external environment. State-related conditions can be especially influential during early life, when parental effort and exposure to social stress may canalize consistent differences in offspring hormonal profiles and foster specific behavioral strategies. Here, we unravel how relevant state variables, including sex, somatic condition, local population density, and maternal traits, contribute to within-cohort differences in stress, sex, and thyroid hormone axes in dependent Galapagos sea lions with the primary goal of understanding downstream effects on boldness, docility, habitat use, and activity. Pups within denser natal sites had higher levels of cortisol and thyroid T4, a prohormone and proxy for metabolic reserves, likely as an adaptive physiological response after exposure to increased numbers of conspecific interactions. Furthermore, considering maternal effects, mothers in better body condition produced pups with higher testosterone yet downregulated basal cortisol and thyroid T4. This hormonal profile was correlated with increased boldness toward novel objects and attenuated stress responsiveness during capture. Intriguingly, pups with increased thyroid T3, the biologically active form, maintained faster somatic growth and were observed to have increased activity and extensively explored surrounding habitats. Collectively, these findings provide comprehensive evidence for several links to hormone-mediated behavioral strategies, highlighted by variation in socio-environmental and maternally derived input during a foundational life stage. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions at gderango(a)gmail.com . Best regards, -- Geno DeRango PhD Student Department of Animal Behaviour Bielefeld University Galapagos sea lion Project

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Online distance sampling design,and simulation course
by Len Thomas 19 Dec '20

19 Dec '20

Practical design and simulation to optimise distance sampling surveys 15th March 15:10 - 17:00 GMT 16th / 17th March 15:30 - 17:00 GMT Distance sampling surveys are a common way to estimate marine mammal density and abundance. Visual line transect surveys of marine mammals are commonly conducted from aerial or shipboard platforms, while passive acoustic density estimation, using marine mammal vocalizations, is often based on point transect methods. This online workshop will cover how to generate optimal distance sampling survey designs within budgetary and logistical constraints. We will build on the design theory provided in our introductory workshops and look at how to optimise our design in real world settings. We will be considering how to get the most accurate / precise results for our budget, while testing how robust our design is to departures from our design assumptions. We will be using our R package 'dssd' to generate surveys and then optimise them using our new simulation package 'dsims' (release date: 31st January 2021). Some of our examples will be drawn from real-world marine mammal surveys. Discussions on the third day of the workshop will be tailored to participants own survey design challenges - sign up early and let us know about the survey you are planning! More detailed course information can be found at: https://workshops.distancesampling.org/design-march-2021 Feel free to contact the principal instructor Laura Marshall (lhm(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) for more information. For information about other distance sampling workshops we are running, see https://workshops.distancesampling.org/ -- Len Thomas len.thomas(a)st-andrews.ac.uk lenthomas.org @len_thom Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling and School of Mathematics and Statistics The Observatory, University of St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9LZ Office: UK+1334-461801 Admin: UK+1334-461842 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013532.

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