December 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper - SRW foraging
by Els Vermeulen 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

Dear all, On behalf of all my co-authors, we are happy to share our most recent publication on South Africa's southern right whales, entitled "Decadal shift in foraging strategy of a migratory southern ocean predator". ABSTRACT: Rapid anthropogenic climate change is expected to impact a host of ecological parameters in Southern Ocean ecosystems. Of critical concern are the consequences of these changes on the range of species that show fidelity to migratory destinations, as philopatry is hypothesised to help or hinder adaptation to climate change depending on the circumstances. Many baleen whales show philopatry to feeding grounds, and are also capital breeders that meet migratory and reproductive costs through seasonal energy intake. Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis, SRWs) are capital breeders that have a strong relationship between reproductive output and foraging success. The population dynamics of South Africa’s population of SRWs are characterised by two distinct periods: the 1990s, a period of high calving rates; and the late 2010s, a period associated with lowered calving rates. Here we use analyses of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values from SRW biopsy samples (n = 122) collected during these two distinct periods to investigate foraging ecology of the South African population of SRWs over a time period coincident with the demographic shift. We show that South African SRWs underwent a dramatic northward shift, and diversification in foraging strategy between 1990s to 2010s. Bayesian mixing model results suggest that during the 1990s, South African SRWs foraged on prey with isotopic values similar to South Georgia krill. In contrast, in the 2010s, we infer that South African SRWs foraged on prey with isotopic values consistent with the waters of the Subtropical Convergence, Polar Front and Marion Island. This shift could represent a strategy to cope with changes in preferred prey or habitat. By linking reproductive decline to a shift in foraging strategy for the first time in SRWs, we show that altering foraging strategies may not be sufficient to adapt to a changing ocean. The article is available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gcb.15465 or can be requested via email to els.vermeulen(a)up.ac.za Kind regards, Els ----- Dr Els Vermeulen - Research Manager Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria, South Africa Office: Shop 11 Astoria Village, Main Road, Hermanus 7200 Cell: +27 (0)60 9714301 www.mammalresearchinstitute.science/whale-unit www.adoptawhale.co.za -- This message and attachments are subject to a disclaimer. Please refer to http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf <http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf> for full details.

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U.S. Marine Mammal Commission Fiscal Year 2021 Funding Opportunity
by Dee Allen 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission will be accepting proposals until April 15, 2021 for science in support of marine mammal conservation, protection, research, and management. Funding requests are limited to $35,000 USD. We are seeking proposals that will further the conservation and management goals of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and assist the Commission in fulfilling its duties under the MMPA. Projects addressing human impacts on marine mammals and their ecosystems, or proposing research with clear management applications, are highly encouraged. Additional weight will be given to proposals that: 1) focus on species or population(s) of conservation concern (e.g., designated as depleted under the MMPA or similar legislation; listed under the Endangered Species Act; assigned to an IUCN Red List threatened category), or 2) increase the inclusion or representation of people from underrepresented groups in marine mammal research, management, or conservation. Projects that leverage other resources, have matching funds, or are collaborative in nature are strongly encouraged. REQUIRED: All projects MUST include an outreach, communication, or engagement component that furthers marine mammal conservation or management efforts. This may include, for example, engaging with government agencies, bringing together stakeholders, including industry or the maritime or fishing community, or providing training opportunities. Conference presentations and publications, while encouraged, do NOT meet this requirement. Proposal deadline: Tuesday, April 15th 2021 11:59pm EDT Applicant notification: by Thursday, July 29th 2021 Proposals should be submitted electronically to the Marine Mammal Commission e-mail address: rpo(a)mmc.gov<mailto:rpo@mmc.gov>. Please be sure to refer to both the Current Funding Opportunities as well as the Proposal Requirements pages prior to submitting proposals. More details can be found on the Commission's webpages below: Current funding opportunities: https://www.mmc.gov/grants-and-research-survey/current-funding-opportunitie… Proposal requirements: https://www.mmc.gov/grants-and-research-survey/current-funding-opportunitie… Eligibility: Applicants from both within the U.S. as well as outside the U.S. are eligible to apply (including both non-U.S. citizens and those affiliated with non-U.S. institutions). For questions or additional information, please contact Samantha Simmons, Scientific Program Director (ssimmons(a)mmc.gov<mailto:ssimmons@mmc.gov>) or Dee Allen, Scientific Program Officer (dallen(a)mmc.gov<mailto:dallen@mmc.gov>). Dee Allen Scientific Program Officer Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814-4498 301-504-0087 dallen(a)mmc.gov<mailto:dallen@mmc.gov> Follow us on Twitter: @MarineMammalCom Visit us online: www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov/> The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government.

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New paper on narwhal abundance in the eastern Canadian High Arctic
by Doniol-Valcroze, Thomas 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

We are pleased to announce the publication of a paper on narwhal abundance: Doniol-Valcroze, T., Gosselin, J-F., Pike, D. G., Lawson, J. W., Asselin, N. C., Hedges, K., & Ferguson, S. (2020). Narwhal abundance in the Eastern Canadian High Arctic in 2013. NAMMCO Scientific Publications, 11. The paper is available in open access at the following link: https://doi.org/10.7557/3.5100 Abstract: In summer, narwhals (Monodon monoceros) migrate from Baffin Bay to northeastern Canada and northwest Greenland, where they are hunted by Inuit for subsistence. To prevent localized depletion, management of narwhals is based on summer stocks. The High Arctic Cetacean Survey (HACS), conducted in August 2013, was the first survey to estimate abundance of all 4 Canadian Baffin Bay narwhal summer stocks, as well as putative stocks in Jones Sound and Smith Sound, in the same summer. Narwhal abundance was estimated using a double-platform aerial survey. Distance sampling methods were used to estimate detection probability away from the track line. Mark-recapture methods were used to correct for the proportion of narwhals missed by visual observers on the track line (i.e., perception bias). We used a data-driven approach to identify single and duplicate sightings, using 4 covariates to compare differences in sightings made by front and rear observers based on: time of sighting, declination angle, group size, and species identity. Abundance in fjords was estimated using density surface modelling to account for their complex shape and uneven coverage. Estimates were corrected for availability bias (narwhals that are not available for detection because they are submerged when the aircraft passes overhead) using a new analysis of August dive behaviour data from narwhals equipped with satellite-linked time depth recorders. Corrected abundance estimates were 12,694 (95% CI: 6,324-25,481) for the Jones Sound stock; 16,360 (95% CI: 3,833-69,836) for the Smith Sound stock; 49,768 (95% CI: 32,945-75,182) for the Somerset Island stock; 35,043 (95% CI: 14,188-86,553) for the Admiralty Inlet stock; 10,489 (95% CI: 6,342-17,347) for the Eclipse Sound stock; and 17,555 (95% CI: 8,473-36,373) for the East Baffin Island stock. Total abundance for these 6 stocks was estimated at 141,908 (95% CI: 102,464-196,536). Sources of uncertainty arise from the high level of clustering observed, in particular in Admiralty Inlet, Eclipse Sound, and East Baffin Island, as well as the difficulty in identifying duplicate sightings between observers when large aggregations were encountered. Best regards, Thomas Doniol-Valcroze, PhD Head, Cetacean Research Program Pacific Biological Station Fisheries and Oceans Canada Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N7 thomas.doniol-valcroze(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:thomas.doniol-valcroze@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>

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Reminder: UF Spring online course - Aquatic Wildlife Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Spring 2021. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, is offering the Aquatic Wildlife Health course for those that may be interested. Class begins Jan 11th and runs through Wednesday April 21st. Registration will remain open until Friday, Jan 15th. We will continue to accept applications through the week of Jan 11th, however, be aware you may be late in getting into the class while your application is processed. Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure.

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New publication on Mediterranean Cuvier's beaked whale ecotoxicology
by Cristina Panti 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

Dear MARMAM members, On behalf of all the authors, I would like to share with you our last paper published on Scientific Reports: "First assessment of POPs and cytochrome P450 expression in Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) skin biopsies from the Mediterranean Sea" The publication can be found at: https://rdcu.be/ccaRP Abstract: The Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is one of the least known cetacean species worldwide. The decreasing population trend and associated threats has led to the IUCN categorising the Mediterranean subpopulation as Vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species. This study aimed to investigate for the first time the ecotoxicological status of Cuvier’s beaked whale in the NW Mediterranean Sea. The study sampled around the 20% of the individuals belonging to the Ligurian subpopulation, collecting skin biopsies from free‑ranging specimens. The levels of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and induction of cytochrome’s P450 (CYP1A1 and CYP2B isoforms) were evaluated. Results highlighted that the pattern of concentration for the target contaminants was PCBs > PBDEs and the accumulation values were linked to age and sex, with adult males showing significantly higher levels than juvenile. Concerns raised by the fact that 80% of the individuals had PCB levels above the toxicity threshold for negative physiological effects in marine mammals. Therefore, these findings shed light on this silent and serious threat never assessed in the Mediterranean Cuvier’s beaked whale population, indicating that anthropogenic pressures, including chemical pollution, may represent menaces for the conservation of this species in the Mediterranean Sea. Thank you for your interest in the paper! Best regards, Cristina ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> Cristina Panti, PhD Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences University of Siena Via P.A. Mattioli, 4 53100, Siena Italy Ph. +39 0577 232245 Fax. +39 0577 232930 https://plasticbustersmpas.interreg-med.eu/ https://www.unisi.it/

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Online course: Spatially explicit models for distance sampling data
by David Lawrence Miller 14 Dec '20

14 Dec '20

Spatially explicit models for distance sampling data: density surface modelling in practice 8-12th March 2021 1600-1800 GMT//1100-1300 EST//0800-1000 PST This online course will cover how to fit spatial models to distance sampling data ("density surface modelling") in R. This will include: - Brief overview of distance sampling - Generalized additive models - Fitting, checking and selecting density surface models - Predicting abundance - Making maps Examples will be based around a line transect survey of sperm whales in the western Atlantic. Format: The course will consist of 5 live sessions delivered over videoconference. Between these sessions there will be practical R exercises to complete and to assist with these practicals. Each videoconference session will include time for lecturing and discussion of practical exercises. Enrolment is limited to 15. Prerequisites: You should already know about distance sampling, for example by having taken an introductory workshop in person or online (either interactively or via our free pre-recorded lectures). You should also have experience using R. Prior to the course we will running a software test meeting to ensure everyone can participate satisfactorily. Cost: £250 Registration deadline: 15 January 2021 More information, with links to registration: https://workshops.distancesampling.org/dsm-march-2021 Feel free to contact dlm22(a)st-andrews.ac.uk for more information.

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SEFSC/NMFS Marine Mammal Branch Chief Vacancy Announcement
by Mridula Srinivasan - NOAA Federal 11 Dec '20

11 Dec '20

Hi, Here's a posting for MARMAM. Apologize for the short notice. I am pleased to announce a vacancy for the position of Marine Mammal Branch Chief (Supervisory Fisheries Research Biologist ZP-0482-4 ) within the newly established Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD) at NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center (Miami/Pascagoula). The Branch Chief will oversee a diverse and dynamic marine mammal team and will conduct, direct, and advance marine mammal research in support of legislative mandates and NMFS priorities. Please review additional details in the job description before applying. *The position will be open for 7 days, from 12/14/20 to 12/21/20. The application window may be extended depending on the number of applications received.* *NMFS-SEFSC-2021-0004*: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/586474900 Please share broadly with any interested/qualified candidates. Thanks, Mridula Mridula Srinivasan, Ph.D. Director, Protected Resources and Biodiversity Division (PRBD)/Marine Mammal and Turtle Division, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NMFS *Mridula Srinivasan* (*Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Director, Protected Resources and Biodiversity Division (PRBD)/Marine Mammal and Turtle Division* *Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NMFS* *404.993-0428 (Cell)*

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New publication: Effects of intense storm events on dolphin occurrence and foraging behavior
by Amber Fandel 11 Dec '20

11 Dec '20

My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our newest publication, which discusses the effects of storms on bottlenose dolphin occurrence and foraging. *Title*: Effects of intense storm events on dolphin occurrence and foraging behavior *Authors*: Amber D. Fandel, A. Garrod, A. L. Hoover, J. E. Wingfield, V. Lyubchich, D. H. Secor, K. B. Hodge, A. N. Rice & H. Bailey The paper is available with open access under the following link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-76077-3 *Abstract*: As storms become increasingly intense and frequent due to climate change, we must better understand how they alter environmental conditions and impact species. However, storms are ephemeral and provide logistical challenges that prevent visual surveys commonly used to understand marine mammal ecology. Thus, relatively little is known about top predators’ responses to such environmental disturbances. In this study, we utilized passive acoustic monitoring to characterize the response of bottlenose dolphins to intense storms offshore Maryland, USA between 2015 and 2017. During and following four autumnal storms, dolphins were detected less frequently and for shorter periods of time. However, dolphins spent a significantly higher percentage of their encounters feeding after the storm than they did before or during. This change in foraging may have resulted from altered distributions and behavior of their prey species, which are prone to responding to environmental changes, such as varied sea surface temperatures caused by storms. It is increasingly vital to determine how these intense storms alter oceanography, prey movements, and the behavior of top predators. Best, Amber Fandel Research Analyst, Project Manager <info(a)ciaochowpets.com> adfandel(a)gmail.com (970) 640-3749 Pronouns: She, her, hers

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PSO Training Course Online - February 20-21, 2021
by Angela Bostwick 11 Dec '20

11 Dec '20

Hi, MPSC is holding a training course online which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on February 20-21, 2021. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in various other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation for protected species is needed. PSOs monitor mainly for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals. PSOs complete certain reports on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. As discussed in the course, working offshore as a PSO is fun, but involves long hours of standing watch for the animals; thus, the job requires patience and persistence. The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. After students have successfully completed the course, we'll also provide advice on applying to PSO positions. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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New publication on the impact assessment of historical whaling in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean
by Morgana Vighi 10 Dec '20

10 Dec '20

Dear MARMAM community, on behalf of my co authors, I am pleased to share with you the publication on *ICES Journal of Marine Science* of our recent research: The missing whales: relevance of “struck and lost” rates for the impact assessment of historical whaling in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean Morgana Vighi, Asunción Borrell, Jennifer A Jackson, Emma L Carroll, Maria Grazia Pennino, Alex Aguilar Abstract: The massive impact that open-boat historical whaling (18th to 20th centuries) had on whale populations has been traditionally estimated from records of oil and baleen plate production. However, an unknown proportion of hunted whales were struck, wounded, eventually killed, but lost, and not included in these records, suggesting that whaling impact may be critically underestimated. Whaling logbooks provide a key source for assessing past catches and losses. Here, we extract detailed records of 19875 days of activity in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean from 255 logbooks of offshore whaling voyages. During the period considered (1776–1923), whalers first targeted southern right whales (Eubalaena australis, 2497 sightings and 658 catches), gradually substituted by sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus, 1157 sightings and 843 catches) after 1840. Loss rate factors, calculated to account for the number of “struck and lost” whales, decreased across time for both species, and were particularly high (ranging 1.09–1.6) for the southern right whale, whose population was drastically reduced by whaling, as compared to previous estimates based on rough catch records. Accurate accounting for these “lost” individuals is essential for reconstructing the impact of whaling on cetacean populations and for a proper assessment of their initial population size and demographic trends. The article is open access and freely available online at https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaa205. Don't hesitate to contact me for any questions or curiosities regarding our research. All the best, Morgana -- Morgana Vighi, PhD +34 633656763 +39 3388269806 skype: morgana.vighi

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