December 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Survey: Bioacoustics Workflows for Marine Mammal Researchers
by Jenna James 03 Dec '20

03 Dec '20

Hello! My name is Jenna. I am a User Experience Designer at Vulcan Inc., supporting a project on dolphin signature whistle annotation. I am interested in gathering more information and understanding about the marine mammal bioacoustics community, specifically acoustic dataset processes, and annotations. All information collected will be used for research purposes to help inform how we can best support this community. If you’re interested in participating, the survey should take around 10 minutes to complete, and here is the link<https://forms.gle/jvRXh3kjYHKPqUZ78>. Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey. Your input is greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please contact me at jennaj(a)vulcan.com Cheers, Jenna, User Experience Designer at Vulcan Inc.<https://vulcan.com/>

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New Publication: Fur seal consumption of commercially important prey
by Elizabeth A McHuron 03 Dec '20

03 Dec '20

Dear colleagues, My collaborators and I are excited to announce the publication of our new paper "Practical application of a bioenergetic model to inform management of a declining fur seal population and their commercially important prey" in Frontiers in Marine Science. The abstract is below and the full article is available open-access here <http://links.email.frontiersin.org/ls/click?upn=Dpg5ochww630xh6EMvshS4k2vZe…>. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Happy Holidays! Liz McHuron *Abstract* Food availability is a key concern for the conservation of marine top predators, particularly during a time when they face a rapidly changing environment and continued pressure from commercial fishing activities. Northern fur seals (*Callorhinus ursinus*) breeding on the Pribilof Islands in the eastern Bering Sea have experienced an unexplained population decline since the late-1990s. Dietary overlap with a large U.S. fishery for walleye pollock (*Gadus chalcogrammus*) in combination with changes in maternal foraging behavior and pup growth has led to the hypothesis that food limitation may be contributing to the population decline. We developed age- and sex-specific bioenergetic models to estimate fur seal energy intake from May–December in six target years, which were combined with diet data to quantify prey consumption. There was considerable sex- and age-specific variation in energy intake because of differences in body size, energetic costs, and behavior; net energy intake was lowest for juveniles (18.9 MJ sea-day–1, 1,409.4 MJ season–1) and highest for adult males (66.0 MJ sea-day–1, 7,651.7 MJ season–1). Population-level prey consumption ranged from 255,232 t (222,159 – 350,755 t, 95% CI) in 2006 to 500,039 t (453,720 – 555,205 t) in 1996, with pollock comprising between 41.4 and 76.5% of this biomass. Interannual variation in size-specific pollock consumption appeared largely driven by the availability of juvenile fish, with up to 81.6% of pollock biomass coming from mature pollock in years of poor age-1 recruitment. Relationships among metabolic rates, trip durations, pup growth rates, and energy intake of lactating females suggest the most feasible mechanism to increase pup growth rates is by increasing foraging efficiency through reductions in maternal foraging effort, which is unlikely to occur without increases in localized prey density. By quantifying year-specific fur seal consumption of pollock, our study provides a pathway to incorporate fur seals into multispecies pollock stock assessment models, which is critical for fur seal and fishery management given they were a significant source of mortality for both juvenile and mature pollock. Elizabeth McHuron, PhD Research Scientist, UW CICOES

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New Publication: Extreme Effects of Extreme Disturbances: A Simulation Approach to Assess Population Specific Responses
by Joshua Reed (HDR) 02 Dec '20

02 Dec '20

Dear MARMAN readers, We are pleased to announce our new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science. Reed J, Harcourt R, New L and Bilgmann K (2020) Extreme Effects of Extreme Disturbances: A Simulation Approach to Assess Population Specific Responses. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:519845. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.519845 Abstract: In South Australia, discrete populations of bottlenose dolphins inhabit two large gulfs, where key threats and population estimates have been identified. Climate change, habitat disturbance (shipping and noise pollution), fishery interactions and epizootic events have been identified as the key threats facing these populations. The Population Consequences of Disturbance (PCoD) framework has been developed to understand how disturbances can influence population dynamics. We used population estimates combined with population specific bioenergetics models to undertake a partial PCoD assessment, comparing how the two populations respond to the identified regional threats. Populations were modeled over a 5 year period looking at the influence of each disturbance separately. As expected, the most extreme epizootic and climate change disturbance scenarios with high frequency and intensity had the biggest influence on population trends. However, the magnitude of the effect differed by population, with Spencer Gulf showing a 43% and Gulf St Vincent a 23% decline under high frequency and high impact epizootic scenarios. Epizootic events were seen to have the strongest influence on population trends and reproductive parameters for both populations, followed by climate change. PCoD modeling provides insights into how disturbances may affect different populations and informs management on how to mitigate potential effects while there is still time to act. The paper is available at https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.519845 Kind Regards, Josh Reed PhD Candidate Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia

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new paper on consumption of salmonids and monkfish by seals
by Mark Jessopp 02 Dec '20

02 Dec '20

Dear MARMAM, I’m pleased to share with you our recent paper available as early online view in Marine Mammal Science “Genetic evidence for seasonal consumption of monkfish (Lophiusspp.) and salmonids (Salmo spp.) by gray seals” by Mette Schiønning et al. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12768 Abstract Recoveries of gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) populations across their eastern Atlantic distribution have led to a steady increase in seal‐fishery interactions. Fishers have estimated depredation of salmonids (Salmo spp.) and monkfish (Lophius spp.) as high as 40% and 59% respectively in Ireland. However, empirical evidence for the consumption of these species has been extremely limited due to diagnostic hard part remains not being found in scats or stomach samples. We applied species‐specific primers and tested for the presence of monkfish and salmonids in gray seal diet genetically using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on scats. Monkfish occurred in 29.7% of sampled scats, while salmonids occurred in 12.7%. Seasonal and regional variability in occurrence were noted for both species, likely related to the migratory behavior of the prey species and proximity of seal haul‐outs to aquaculture sites. Traditional hard part analysis of scats, including scats that tested positive for monkfish and salmonid DNA, failed to find any evidence of either species. This study provides important empirical evidence for the consumption of these species in Ireland that can inform management.

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Recruitment: Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program 2021 Seasonal Field Camp Positions - Closing date December 7, 2020
by Lizabeth Kashinsky - NOAA Affiliate 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works with > the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a > cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii to conduct population > assessment and recovery activities on Hawaiian monk seals. JIMAR hires > program staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii > (RCUH) and is currently seeking applicants for *two separate > recruitments *for the 2021 field research season: > > > > *HMSRP Field Camp Research Technician-serves as field camp leader* > > *HMSRP Field Camp Research Assistant-serves as assistant to field camp > leader* > > > > Selected individuals will study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the > Northwestern Hawaiian Islands within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National > Monument. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal > population monitoring and conservation program by NOAA Fisheries and > includes: conducting trend counts, tagging seals, identifying individual > seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks, > monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, > vaccinating against morbillivirus, performing necropsies, collecting scat & > spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis, > collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis, and removing debris capable of > entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected > at some sites. Researchers at some sites may participate in shark > mitigation activities. > > > > General information about the program can be found via the links below: > > > > http://www.conservationcompass.org/index.php/career-guidance/fantastic-fiel… > > https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian-monk-seal#science > > > The number of positions and/or continuation of the program are subject to > funding and program needs. These positions will be for all or a subset of > the 6 major monk seal sub-populations in the NWHI. Fieldwork is > accomplished by 2-4 member teams consisting of a leader and one or more > assistants in remote camps. Researchers live in either wall tents or > buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 > day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and one is also accessible by > plane. Few (if any) resupply opportunities exist and communication with > others outside of field sites is limited throughout deployment due to the > remoteness and lack of infrastructure. > > > The employment period is expected to include approximately one month of > training and packing in Honolulu. Once the field season is over, an > additional ~1-2 weeks of employment may take place in Honolulu to clean up > gear and summarize data. Dates are subject to change, but the positions > may begin as early as late February/early March or April with a field > deployment approximately 4-6 weeks after start dates. Field staff could be > deployed for approximately 4.5-5 months with a tentative return date in > early September. The position end date is expected to be 1-3 weeks upon > return from the field. Applicants must be flexible in their availability as > dates could change, including unforeseen delays such as inclement weather > or other hip delays. > > Travel to and from Honolulu and food, lodging, and transportation in > Honolulu before deployment are not provided. Transportation between > Honolulu and field sites and food and lodging costs during deployment and > in the field are covered by the program. Due to unforeseen circumstances, > departure delays could result in longer periods in Honolulu that may result > in additional uncompensated living expenses. > > Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, and must be > able to meet both the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and > Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access the work > location, and also the health requirements to board a NOAA vessel. > > > Instructions to apply for both positions are in the job postings below. *You > must clearly address all qualifications in your cover letter and resume. If > you do not clearly address all qualifications, we may not be able to > consider you as an applicant. *For example, to address the experience > qualification, you must indicate in your cover letter how many years of > field experience you have and be sure that is reflected in your resume. > > > > Interested individuals will need to apply directly to RCUH Human Resources > via one of the methods stated in the job posting. Applications for both > positions must be submitted/received by the* closing date on > 12/7/2020 (11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time receipt time). * If you do not > have access to the RCUH system and the closing date is imminent, you may > send additional documents to rcuh_employment(a)rcuh.com. If you have > questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call > (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872. Follow the link below to access both > recruitments. *If applying for both positions, you must do so > separately. * > > > > > > JIMAR/PIFSC HMSRP Field Camp Research Technician (leader) – search job ID > # 220543 > > > > JIMAR/PIFSC HMSRP Field Camp Research Assistant - search Job ID #220542 > > > https://hcmweb.rcuh.com/psc/hcmprd_exapp/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_S… > > -- > Lizabeth Kashinsky (she/her) > *JIMAR Program Supervisor* > Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program > > *Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center * > > NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce > > 1845 Wasp Blvd, Building 176 > Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 > > Office: (808) 725-5719 > > Mobile: (808) 285-4578 > > www.fisheries.noaa.gov > > > > > -- Lizabeth Kashinsky (she/her) *JIMAR Program Supervisor* Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program *Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center * NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce 1845 Wasp Blvd, Building 176 Honolulu, Hawaii 96818 Office: (808) 725-5719 Mobile: (808) 285-4578 www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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New publication: competition for food between dolphins and small pelagic fisheries in the North Aegean Sea
by Nino Pierantonio 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are very pleased to share with you our most recent paper published in the Ocean and Coastal Management journal. The manuscript presents information on the competition for food between dolphins and fisheries of small pelagic fishes in North Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean Sea). The paper is freely available online for the next 50 days (until January 19, 2021) at https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1c9~M3RKK-nkh3. Feel free to read and share the paper with your colleagues and peers. Tsagarakis, K., Panigada, S., Machias, A., Giannoulaki, M., Foutsi, A., Pierantonio, N., & Paximadis, G. (2020). Trophic interactions in the “small pelagic fish - dolphins - fisheries” triangle: Outputs of a modelling approach in the North Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean, Greece). Ocean & Coastal Management 105474. Abstract – The aim of this work is to assess potential effects on dolphins caused by fishing Small Pelagic Fish (SPF) in the North Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean, Greece) ecosystem due to competition for food. To this end, an existing Ecopath ecosystem model was updated with dolphins' abundance estimates derived from a recent dedicated aerial survey. The approach included the quantification of trophic impacts and the estimation of the fraction of production of SPF that is consumed by dolphins and their main competitor, the purse seine (PS) fishery. Overall, competition for resources (i.e., SPF) between purse seines and dolphins was at relatively low levels as revealed by the analyses of flows in the "small pelagic fish - dolphins - fisheries" triangle, despite the relatively high abundance of dolphins in the NAS compared to adjacent areas. Specifically, the consumption of anchovy's production by dolphins was very low (3.6%) while consumption by the PS fleet was almost four times higher (13.1%). A much larger fraction (71.8%) of consumption of anchovy's production was attributed to other predators. The competition for sardine was at slightly higher levels than for anchovy (4.6% consumption by dolphins and 20.4% removals by the PS fleet). Even when different SPF abundance estimates were assumed to take into account uncertainty and historical records from acoustic surveys, food competition didn't seem to be an important issue. Nevertheless, as anchovy (and to a lower extent sardine) was found to be a key forage species in the North Aegean Sea ecosystem according to two food web indices (SURF and Connectance indices) estimated, special attention should be placed to ensure that the dolphins' populations are not threatened by food depletion in the future. Please feel free to email with any questions. On behalf of all authors, Nino -- Research Associate Tethys Research Institute www.tethys.org ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1210-8831 Mobile: +44 (0)7581737669 Phone: +44 (0)1249813815 Skype: pierantonio_nino

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New Publication Neurobrucellosis due to Brucella ceti ST26 in three Sowerby’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon bidens)
by Nicholas Davison 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

Dear MARMAM readers, we are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper online in the Journal of Comparative Pathology. Nicholas J Davison, Andrew Brownlow, Mariel ten Doeschate, Emma-Jane Dale, Geoffrey Foster, Jakub Muchowski, Lorraine L Perrett†, Mara Rocchi, Adrian M Whatmore and Mark P Dagleish. (2021) Neurobrucellosis due to Brucella ceti ST26 in Three Sowerby’s Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon bidens). Journal of Comparative Pathology 2021, Vol.182, 1-8 Summary Fatal meningoencephalitis due to Brucella ceti infection has been described in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus), short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas), which are all within the family Delphinidae. We report B. ceti-associated neurobrucellosis in three juvenile male Sowerby’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon bidens) that all had typical lesions of lymphocytic meningoencephalitis, which increased in severity from rostral to caudal regions of the brain. In two cases there was loss of ependymal cells lining the cerebral ventricular system, with large numbers of lymphocytes in the underlying neuropil. This finding suggests that B. ceti gains access to, and multiplies in, the cerebrospinal fluid, and confirms that this is the sample of choice for bacteriological recovery of the causative organism. These findings expand the increasing range of cetaceans susceptible to neurobrucellosis to members of the family Ziphiidae. The paper is available here https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1c7vD506oOYrV Kind Regards. Nick Davison MSc. Stranding Coordinator Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Northern Faculty, An Lòchran, Inverness Campus, Inverness Scotland IV2 5NA +00 44 (0)1463 246043 +00 44 (0)7979245893 www.strandings.org<http://www.strandings.org/> Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. This e-mail message is confidential to the intended recipient at the email address to which it has been addressed. If the message has been received by you in error, it may not be disclosed to or used by anyone other than the intended addressee, nor may it be copied in any way. If it is not intended for you please inform us, immediately, then delete it from your system. If the content is not about the business of the organisation then the message is not from us nor is it sanctioned by us. Anything in this e-mail or its attachments which does not relate to SRUC's or SAC Commercial Limited's official business is neither given nor endorsed by SRUC or SAC Commercial Limited. SRUC A Charitable company limited by guarantee, Scottish Charity Number: SC003712. Registered in Scotland, Company Number: SC103046 - Registered Office: Peter Wilson Building, King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG SAC Commercial Limited, an SRUC company Registered in Scotland, Company Number: SC148684 - Registered Office: Peter Wilson Building, King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG

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Postdoc position opening - cetacean foraging ecology
by fvisser＠kelpmarineresearch.com 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

Dear Marmam, We are currently opening a position for a postdoc on marine predator-prey dynamics, with a focus on cetacean foraging ecology. The Royal NIOZ is looking for an excellent, highly motivated postdoc with a keen interest in marine foraging ecology and food web dynamics. The candidate will be working in a multidisciplinary research project driven by the NIOZ department of Coastal Systems and the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED, University of Amsterdam). The project aims to investigate the dynamics between cetacean predators and prey. This project will investigate the foraging strategy and target prey population of several cetaceans, off the Azores.In this multi-disciplinary project, we link expertise in animal movement, marine ecology and behavioural and social ecology. The study will be integrated in an existing long-term field study and NWO Veni Project, with field work taking place at the Azores (Portugal). For this project we seek an outstanding candidate with a special interest in predator-prey dynamics and marine foraging ecology, who combines strong analytical skills with excellent capability to conduct fieldwork in the marine environment. The candidate should have a PhD degree in the field of marine ecology/biology or animal behaviour and demonstrated strong ability in quantitative analysis of multivariate data sets, preferably echo sounder, acoustic and/or multi-sensor tag data. The candidate can handle the challenge of integrating data sets from a variety of sensors, and writing computer code (Matlab/R). The project requires a candidate with demonstrated proficiency in and experience with marine field research, including skills such as tracking/data collection, experiments, prey layer tracking. Furthermore, the candidate should have strong social skills, team-spirit, ability to supervise student teams, a strong work-ethic, ability to work independently and an intrinsic interest to explore new avenues of research. Good English oral and written skills are essential, knowledge of Dutch/Portuguese is a pre. We offer you a fulltime position for 2 years, a yearly 8% vacation allowance, year-end bonus and flexible employment conditions. Our labour policies are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of Research Centres (WVOI). Cost of relocation and help with housing is provided by the Royal NIOZ. The candidate will be employed by NIOZ. The work will be executed at NIOZ (Texel Island, the Netherlands) and University of Amsterdam. The full application can be viewed here: https://www.workingatnioz.com/our-jobs/postdoc-%E2%80%9Cpredator-prey-dynam… Closing date: January 6th. Interviews: week of January 18th For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Fleur Visser (f.visser(a)uva.nl) For additional information about the procedure, please contact Sigrid Moerbeek (senior HR advisor, NIOZ). Email: Sigrid.moerbeek(a)nioz.nl Best regards, Fleur Visser

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Job vacancy: statistical consultant
by SMRU Consulting Info 01 Dec '20

01 Dec '20

Dear Marmam, We are looking for a statistical consultant to support both the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) and SMRU Consulting (SMRUC). Possible areas of statistical application that we anticipate being important include assessment of impact, design of survey and monitoring schemes and density and abundance estimation. We welcome applications from candidates with a PhD in Statistics or a closely-related discipline, or with a Masters level qualification and PhD-equivalent experience in industry or academia, ideally in a consultancy role. Please see here for full details: https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/J/2325/19/283224/889/stati… Closing Date: 5 January 2021 Start date: March 2021 We look forward to receiving your applications. CREEM: https://www.creem.st-andrews.ac.uk/ SMRU Consulting: http://www.smruconsulting.com/

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Marine Mammals Management Job Announcement
by Lemons, Patrick R 30 Nov '20

30 Nov '20

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Marine Mammals Management office in Alaska is advertising to fill a senior level position in our office. Our office has trust responsibility of polar bears, Pacific walruses, and northern sea otters in Alaska. Our work primarily consists of implementing mandates under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, research and monitoring of these species to inform our management actions, implementing bilateral and international agreements, and working with Alaska Natives for co-management of subsistence use. The position being advertised here is for the lead of our Regulatory Program which is primarily responsible for managing a highly skilled and diverse team of biologists and overseeing their work to issue incidental take authorizations, identify information needs for informing those authorizations, and designing studies and collecting that information. We are looking for a highly motivated and committed individual to help guide the Marine Mammals Management Regulatory Program and implement policy to guide conservation of these key species at a critical time. It is a fast paced work environment and we are seeking individuals with a strong wildlife management and policy background, experience guiding and supervising teams, and with strong and proven partnering skills. Approaches to some of the key challenges we face require creativity and innovation building off the strong background and experience of our existing staff. More information about our programs can be found on our website (https://www.fws.gov/alaska/pages/marine-mammals) The job announcements can be found here (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/585441500 and https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/585441000) or by searching for the following job announcement numbers on the USAJobs website (R7-21-10973388-RR-DE and R7-21-10973388-RR-MP). Questions about the positions can be sent to the Chief of our office, Dr. Patrick Lemons at patrick_lemons(a)fws.gov. Patrick Lemons, Ph.D. Chief, Marine Mammals Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1011 E. Tudor Road Anchorage, AK 99503 Office: 907-786-3668 Mobile: 907-717-6787

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