February 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

NWSSMM 2020 Conference at WWU
by Nathaniel Guilford 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

Hello northwest marine mammalogy students! We are pleased to announce that the annual spring meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society of Marine Mammalogy (NWSSMM) will take place on the weekend of May 2rd - 3th 2020, at Western Washington University (WWU) in Bellingham, WA. We would like to invite all graduate and undergraduate students in the Pacific Northwest (BC, Yukon, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Idaho) doing research on marine mammals to present their work at this conference. The purpose of the meeting is to gather students in a relaxed atmosphere to share research ideas, tribulations, and triumphs. It is an opportunity to meet others across the region, collaborate, and generally have a good time in a supportive and informal setting. This year we are encouraging those students that are in the planning and proposal stage of their projects to present a poster, and for those researchers with results to give an oral presentation. This will allow each speaker more time to present their work, and provide a chance those in the preparatory stages more time to receive feedback and field questions during the poster sessions. Please indicate your preference for presentations on the registration form, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone’s wishes! Oral presentations and poster sessions will take place on Saturday May 3rd on the WWU campus. We are also happy to accept guests that are not presenting, but who are interested in the research being done in this region! Saturday presentations are scheduled to take place from roughly 8:00AM-5:00PM. On Sunday May 3rd we will be taking a tour of WWU’s Shannon Point Marine Center and taking a wildlife-watching trip on one of their research vessels (additional charge of $20/person). Shannon Point is ~50 minutes south of Bellingham in Anacortes, WA, so if you would like to attend this activity, keep that in mind for your return trip home! Please indicate on the registration form if you would like to participate in this cruise, and the method of payment as well as departure times will be announced later. There is no registration fee for attending the conference! We will be providing a light breakfast followed by lunch at the University dining hall on Saturday. That evening we will be hosting a conference dinner at a local restaurant. All attendees are encouraged to attend, but this will not be covered. Free accommodations for the weekend are available with WWU students on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to book other accommodations, these arrangements can be made on your own. Registration and abstract submissions for posters and oral presentations are being accepted until April 1st 2020. Registration/submissions will be done via Google forms (link below). If you have any questions or would like any clarification about the upcoming meeting, please do not hesitate to contact the planning committee via Nathan Guilford at guilfon(a)wwu.edu<mailto:guilfon@wwu.edu>. We look forward to seeing you all in Bellingham very soon! REGISTRATION LINK https://forms.gle/cbiPjPXVmfZESCya6

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DNA preservation in Ambergris article
by Ruairidh Macleod 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

Dear all, Just in case it happens to be of interest, attached is an article <https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2019.0819> that has just been published on our preliminary results from sequencing DNA preserved in jetsam ambergris. If any of you have seen the accompanying New York Times article, I would reassure you that we are definitely well aware that most evidence already pointed to it having a sperm whale origin! This paper simply presents absolute confirmation in that respect (or that at least our few samples were). All best, Ruairidh

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Announcing North American Scholarship for new marine vertebrate MSc!
by Godley, Brendan 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

Dear Colleagues As you may have already noticed, we have launched a new MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> at the University or Exeter, Penryn Campus (See also message below from October). We are now also pleased to confirm that we are offering an additional specific North American Scholarship<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> of a 50% reduction in the international tuition fee for 2020. More details can be found here<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…>. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/#Fees More information on our staff and students involved in our MSc programmes can be found on the ExeterMarine Blog http://blogs.exeter.ac.uk/exetermarine/ and social media channels (Twitter<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.c…>, Facebook<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.faceb…>, Instagram<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insta…>). Best, Brendan Dear Colleagues At the University of Exeter we have a proud history of training students at all levels from BSc to PhD. Building on our research strengths in marine vertebrates, including marine mammals, we are launching a new MSc programme "MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation" (1 year, full time) starting September 2020 and now open for applications. http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> Please share with likely interested students and colleagues! Although this is our first announcement, we have already received a deal of interest. More material such as alumni profiles, lists of collaborating organisations and affiliated staff will be shared on the website and through our @ExeterMarine social media channels on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Linkedin, but for the moment: Structure of the course: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/#Programme-s…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> Educational style and key staff: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/#Learning<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> Scholarships: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/international/globalexcellencetaught/<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> As course director, I am happy to answer any queries. With kind regards Brendan Brendan Godley Chair in Conservation Science #ExeterMarine Strategy Lead Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) University of Exeter, Penryn Campus https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/marine/researchthemes/<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exete…> Twitter: @BrendanGodley Twitter: @ExeterMarine I recently gave a TEDx Talk "Sea Turtles: United by Oceans" You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT3PQN9bojc<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtu…>

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Interdisciplinary PhD Position: Marine Mammal Ecology & One Health (University of Maine)
by Kristina Cammen 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

As part of a new National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) program in Convergence of Social and Biophysical Sciences to Optimize Training in One Health, the University of Maine seeks to hire a PhD student to study marine mammal disease ecology and ocean health. The student will be expected to take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the biological, ecological, and social drivers of disease outbreaks in gray and harbor seals in the North Atlantic. We anticipate that immunogenomic sequencing and epidemiology-informed population models will be used to explore differential species susceptibility, and stakeholder surveys will be used to assess the incorporation of disease risk and public perception in the protected species management decision-making process. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in a related internship with a state, regional, or federal agency or non-profit partner to gain direct experience with relevant policy. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Kristina Cammen (http://cammenlab.org) and Dr. Carly Sponarski (https://umaine.edu/sponarskilab/) Graduate students can join our labs through the School of Marine Sciences or Ecology and Environmental Sciences programs at the University of Maine, located in Orono, an hour to the ocean and an hour and a half to Maine’s highest peak. As part of the new NRT program, the student will enter these programs as a member of an interdisciplinary cohort of PhD and MS students who share similar interests across One Health. For more information about the interdisciplinary graduate training program in One and the Environment, see our program website here: https://nsfa.umaine.edu/one-health/one-health-nrt/ The successful candidate must have a strong background in marine mammal ecology and/or ecological genomics, as well as a demonstrated interest in human dimensions of wildlife and/or wildlife policy. Prior experience with genetics, genomics, and/or bioinformatics will be particularly beneficial. Individuals who are intellectually curious, responsible, willing to learn, team-oriented, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. An M.S. in a related field is preferred, but qualified candidates with extensive experience will be considered. The selected candidate is guaranteed an annual stipend, free tuition and fees, and subsidized health insurance coverage for two years supported by the current NSF grant. We anticipate that subsequent years of support will be provided through a combination of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and student-awarded fellowships. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to receive NRT funding. As part of the National Science Foundation’s and our commitment to broadening participation, we especially encourage women, underrepresented minorities, first-generation students, veterans, and students with disabilities to apply. To apply, please send a cover letter describing your qualifications, why you are interested in pursuing a PhD and in this NRT program in particular, and your prior experience working in interdisciplinary teams. Please also send a curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and the contact information for at least three references. All application materials should be sent to kristina.cammen(a)maine.edu <Kristina.cammen(a)maine.edu> with “Marine Mammal Health PhD Student Search” as the subject line of your email. All applications received before February 21, 2020 will receive full consideration, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter until the position is filled. A start date of September 2020 is strongly preferred. The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. Please contact the Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 N. Stevens Hall, Orono, ME 04469 at 207-581-1226 (voice), TTY 711 (Maine Relay System), or equal.opportunity(a)maine.edu with questions or concerns. -- Kristina Cammen Assistant Professor of Marine Mammal Science School of Marine Sciences 5735 Hitchner Hall, Rm 151A University of Maine Orono, ME 04469 Email: kristina.cammen(a)maine.edu Phone: 207-581-2820 cammenlab.org

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PSO Certification Course in Clearwater, FL Feb 29-Mar 1, 2020
by Angela Bostwick 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

MPSC is holding a training course which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification in Clearwater, FL on February 29 - March 1, 2020. This class will include a vessel trip and admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the course will be taking place. The vessel trip will provide opportunity to practice the protected species monitoring identification techniques discussed in class; students will also be able to practice manual settings for wildlife photography using digital SLR cameras, and will learn to estimate distance using binoculars with reticles (cameras and binoculars provided for use). 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 in the Gulf of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in various other regions or industries (such as renewable energy, dredging, construction, blasting, and pile driving) where monitoring and mitigation for protected species is needed. 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. Discounts are available for students/recent graduates, government/veterans, and members of non-profit organizations. Lunch is provided each day, along with various identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), advice on applying to PSO positions, admission to the aquarium, the vessel trip, and the professional certification. MPSC is also offering a PSO Certification course in Charleston, SC on June 6-7, 2020. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting us 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 role of morphology and body size in heat conservation and dissipation
by Stephanie Adamczak 04 Feb '20

04 Feb '20

Dear MARMAM, My colleagues and I are excited to announce our new publication assessing the role that body and appendage morphology plays in heat dissipation and conservation in pilot whales and implications for ecogeographic roles. The article has been published in the Journal of Biogeography, available here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.13796. Please feel free to contact me at sadamcza(a)ucsc.edu if you have any questions. Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to determine if marine mammals follow ecogeographic rules. We examined Bergmann's rule and Allen's rule in two pilot whale species with contrasting latitudinal distributions. Location Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Taxon *Globicephala *spp. Methods We analysed morphometric data collected from strandings of short‐ and long‐finned pilot whales in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean to assess intraspecific and interspecific variation in surface area to volume ratios (SA:V) of the body core and appendage surface area relative to body core SA (normalized appendage SA) using a novel 3D modelling method. Results Our results suggest that ecogeographic variation in morphometrics between the two pilot whale species is consistent with morphological adaptations required to balance heat conservation and heat dissipation. Interspecific differences in morphology supported Bergmann's rule for fully grown individuals: the more temperate long‐finned pilot whale had a larger body size and lower body core SA:V than the short‐finned pilot whale, which has a more tropical distribution. Allen's rule was not supported; when all appendages were considered together, long‐finned pilot whales had larger normalized SA than short‐finned pilot whales. However, the pectoral flippers were the primary driver of this relationship; while long‐finned pilot whales had proportionally larger pectoral flippers, short‐finned pilot whales had proportionally larger dorsal fins and flukes. In addition, larger long‐finned pilot whales (i.e. males and mature individuals) had proportionally larger pectoral flippers than smaller long‐finned pilot whales. Main Conclusions Pilot whales follow Bergmann's rule but do not follow Allen's rule when fully mature. Thinly insulated appendages in marine mammals can be used to dissipate heat as the core warms, and larger and better insulated marine mammals may require relatively larger appendages in order to offload heat and thermoregulate effectively. Our results provide novel insight into ecogeographic rules and suggest that species in higher latitude climates towards the poles will demonstrate tradeoffs between core body heat conservation and appendage heat dissipation. -- _______________________ Stephanie K. Adamczak, M.S. Ph.D. Student, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Santa Cruz

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Information on Cetacean Data Collection or Research done in Colombian
by Carole V 04 Feb '20

04 Feb '20

We are agroup of Colombian scientists who are gathering information on previouscetacean research studies done in Colombia. We are creating this data base withthe objective of determining what research(es) had been done (when, where, whatspecies and which subjects’ matter). Theinformation provided and gathered will be used for the process of designatedImportant Marine Mammals Area(s) IMMAs. These areas are defined by the MarineMammal Protected Areas Task Force as a discrete portion of habitat, importantto marine mammal species, that have the potential to be delineated and managedfor conservation. We are considering the importance of these area for Colombianwaters. These areas may serve as protection and/or monitoring and can be seenas indicative of biodiversity and potential ecosystem health for considerationby governments, intergovernmental organizations, conservation groups and thegeneral public (Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force) For this reason, weneed as much robust information on this matter. If someonehas information about this region such as: thesis (bachelors/Master)manuscripts, approved or in transition articles, data collected and notprocess, we are welcoming all such information. You can contact Ann CaroleVallejo at ann.carole.vallejo(a)gamil.com or Dalia C. Barragan Barrera at daliac.barraganbarrera(a)gmail.com Beforehand,we would like to thank you for your time and contribution to this recollection. Kind Regards, Ann Carole Vallejo Ann Carole VallejoExecutive Director and Lead ResearcherMSc. Nordic Marine Ecosystems and ClimateR&E Ocean Community Conservation Foundation Oakville, ON, Canada, L6M 5H5t: +57 (300) 281-0324Wapp: +1 (289) 885-3930Email: carole.vallejo@oceancommunityconservation.orgwww.oceancommunityconservation.org | | | | | | | | | | | Ocean Community Conservation | | | The content of this e-mail isintended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it isaddressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware thatforwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person,is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error,please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately. Please consider the environmentbefore printing this email or it's attachments.

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New article on drone-based photoID of manatees in Endangered Species Research
by Eric Angel Ramos 04 Feb '20

04 Feb '20

Greetings MARMAM, We are pleased to announce the publication of our newest Open Access article on using small drones for photo-identification of Antillean manatees in Endangered Species Research titled “Using small drones to photo-identify Antillean manatees: a novel method for monitoring an endangered marine mammal in the Caribbean Sea.” The article is part of the ESR Special: Drones in Conservation. ABSTRACT Population assessments and species monitoring for many endangered marine megafauna are limited by the challenges of identifying and tracking individuals that live underwater in remote and sometimes inaccessible areas. Manatees can acquire scars from watercraft injury and other incidences that can be used to identify individuals. Here we describe a novel method for photo-identification of Antillean manatees Trichechus manatus manatus using aerial imagery captured during flights with a small multirotor drone. Between 2016 and 2017, we conducted 103 flights to detect and observe manatees in Belize, primarily at St. George’s Caye (SGC) near the Belize Barrier Reef. Review of aerial videos from these flights resulted in 279 sightings of manatees (245 adults, 34 calves). High-resolution images of individual manatees were extracted and classified according to image quality and distinctiveness of individual manatees for photo-identification. High-quality images of manatees classified as sufficiently distinctive were used to create a catalog of 17 identifiable individuals. At SGC, 21% of all sighted adult manatees (N = 214) were considered photo-identifiable over time. We suggest that the method can be used for investigating individual site fidelity, habitat use, and behavior of manatee populations. Our photo-identification protocol has the potential to improve long-term monitoring of Antillean manatees in Belize and can be applied throughout clear, shallow waters in the Caribbean and elsewhere. The article can be found at the following link: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v41/p79-90/ Cite this article as: Landeo-Yauri SS, Ramos EA, Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Niño-Torres CA, Searle L (2020) Using small drones to photo-identify Antillean manatees: a novel method for monitoring an endangered marine mammal in the Caribbean Sea. Endang Species Res 41:79-90. If you have any questions or want to discuss our research please contact the corresponding author Sarah Landeo-Yauri: sslandeo(a)gmail.com Cheers, ***************************** Eric Angel Ramos Ph. D. Candidate in Animal Behavior & Comparative Psychology The Graduate Center, City University of New York E-mail: eric.angel.ramos(a)gmail.com On Mon, Feb 3, 2020 at 2:04 PM <marmam-request(a)lists.uvic.ca> wrote: > Send MARMAM mailing list submissions to > marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > marmam-request(a)lists.uvic.ca > > You can reach the person managing the list at > marmam-owner(a)lists.uvic.ca > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of MARMAM digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. new publication on whale temporomandibular joint (Alex Werth) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2020 20:38:21 +0000 > From: Alex Werth <awerth(a)hsc.edu> > To: "marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca" <marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca> > Subject: [MARMAM] new publication on whale temporomandibular joint > Message-ID: > < > DM5PR0801MB3829EB644B2F7A1FF650333AC5070(a)DM5PR0801MB3829.namprd08.prod.outlook.com > > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="gb2312" > > On behalf of my colleagues (Haruka Ito and Keiichi Ueda) I am pleased to > announce the publication of our new article in the Journal of Morphology on > whale feeding and TMJ motion: > https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10974687 > > Werth, A.J., H. Ito, and K. Ueda. Multiaxial movements at the minke whale > temporomandibular joint. Journal of Morphology, 2020;1?11. > https://doi.org/10.1002/ > jmor.21107 > > > Abstract: Mandibular mobility accompanying gape change in Northern and > Antarctic minke whales was investigated by manipulating jaws of carcasses, > recording jaw movements via digital instruments (inclinometers, > accelerometers, and goniometers), and examining osteological and soft > tissue movements via computed tomography (CT)?scans. We investigated > longitudinal (?) rotation of the mandible and mediolateral displacement at > the symphysis (?1) and temporomandibular joint (?2) as the mouth opened > (?). Results indicated three phases of jaw opening. In the first phase, as > gape increased from zero to 8?, there was slight (<1?) ? and ? rotation. As > gape increased between 20 and 30?, the mandibles rotated slightly laterally > (Mean 3?), the posterior condyles were slightly medially displaced (Mean > 4?), and the anterior ends at the symphysis were laterally displaced (Mean > 3?). In the third phase of jaw opening, from 30? to full (?90?) gape, these > motions reversed: mandibles rotated medial! > ly (Mean 29?), condyles were laterally displaced (Mean 14?), and > symphyseal ends were medially displaced (Mean 1?). Movements were observed > during jaw manipulation and analyzed with CT?images that confirmed > quantitative inclinometer/accelerometer data, including the unstable > intermediate (Phase 2) position. Together these shifting movements maintain > a constant distance for adductor muscles stretched between the skull's > temporal fossa and mandible's coronoid process. Mandibular rotation > enlarges the buccal cavity's volume as much as 36%, likely to improve prey > capture in rorqual lunge feeding; it may strengthen and stabilize jaw > opening or closure, perhaps via a simple locking or unlocking mechanism. > Rotated lips may brace baleen racks during filtration. Mandibular movements > may serve a proprioceptive mechanosensory function, perhaps via the > symphyseal organ, to guide prey engulfment and water expulsion for > filtration. > > > Best regards, > Alex > _______________________________ > Alexander J. Werth, Ph.D. > Trinkle Professor of Biology > Hampden-Sydney College > Box 162, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943 > 434-223-6326, fax 434-223-6374 > http://www.hsc.edu/alex-werth > >

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New publication on singing behaviour of humpback whales on the western coast of South Africa
by Erin Ross-Marsh 04 Feb '20

04 Feb '20

On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to announce the publication of our new article regarding the singing behaviour of humpback whales past the western coast of South Africa. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2019.1710254 Reference: E. C. Ross-Marsh, S. H. Elwen, A. S. Prinsloo, B. S. James & T. Gridley (2020) Singing in South Africa: monitoring the occurrence of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) song near the Western Cape, Bioacoustics, DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2019.1710254 Abstract: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are highly vocal, producing a wide repertoire of sounds often organised into song. Song is prolific at breeding sites but also documented along migration routes and at feeding sites, including along the west coast of South Africa (28°–34°S). Here we examine the occurrence of humpback whale song within False Bay, South Africa, using intermittent recording periods from moored hydrophones spanning September 2016 to January 2018. Recordings from four locations were scrutinised for humpback whale vocalisations using long-term spectral averages (LTSAs). In total, 7205 h were examined, with song identified in 3% (211 h) of recording hours. Song was exclusively documented in September and October 2016 and was more prevalent at the most westerly sites. Diel patterns of song presence were modelled, showing the likelihood of detection was higher in the early morning and late evening (GAM: p < 0.05). On 15 occasions, two or more singers were detected with temporally overlapping song components. These results indicate prevalent, albeit seasonal, song production by humpback whales off the coast of South Africa and highlight the utility of passive acoustic monitoring to indicate their presence, behaviour, and potential population linkages in the region. For a PDF copy, please contact me at eclaireza(a)gmail.com Best regards, *Erin Ross-Marsh* eclaireza(a)gmail.com

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New publication in MER: Wait your turn, North Atlantic fin whales share a common feeding ground sequentially
by Pauline Gauffier 04 Feb '20

04 Feb '20

Dear colleagues, On behalf on my co-authors, I am pleased to inform you that we have published a new article in Marine Environmental Research: Wait your turn, North Atlantic fin whales share a common feeding ground sequentially Pauline Gauffier, Asunción Borrell, Mónica A. Silva, Gísli A. Víkingsson, Alfredo López, Joan Giménez, Ana Colaço, Sverrir Daníel Halldórsson, Morgana Vighi, Rui Prieto, Renaud de Stephanis, Alex Aguilar Abstract: Highly migratory marine species pose a challenge for the identification of management units due to the absence of clear oceanographic barriers. The population structure of North Atlantic fin whales has been investigated since the start of whaling operations but is still the subject of an ongoing scientific debate. Here we measured stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in skin samples collected from 151 individuals from western Iceland, Galicia (NW Spain), the Azores archipelago and the Strait of Gibraltar (SoG). We found spatiotemporal differences in stable isotope ratios suggesting that fin whales sampled in these four areas may share a common feeding ground within the Northeast Atlantic at different times during the year. Our results also suggest that SoG whales use this common feeding ground in summer but exploit Mediterranean resources during the winter months, further supporting the existence of a limited but current exchange of individuals between these two basins. Marine Environmental Research, 2020, 155:104884, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104884 Here is a link with free access to the publication before March 25, 2020: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1aWKUW5UJ9jVi Alternatively, do not hesitate to contact me if you cannot access the link or need a pdf copy after this date. All the best, Pauline ------------------------- Pauline GAUFFIER -------------------------

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