March 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: The genetic legacy of extreme exploitation in a polar vertebrate
by A.J. Paijmans 25 Mar '20

25 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues, We are please to announce the following paper recently published in Scientific Reports: "The genetic legacy of extreme exploitation in a polar vertebrate". The paper is open access and freely available for download at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-61560-8 ABSTRACT Understanding the effects of human exploitation on the genetic composition of wild populations is important for predicting species persistence and adaptive potential. We therefore investigated the genetic legacy of large-scale commercial harvesting by reconstructing, on a global scale, the recent demographic history of the Antarctic fur seal (/Arctocephalus gazella/), a species that was hunted to the brink of extinction by 18^th and 19^th century sealers. Molecular genetic data from over 2,000 individuals sampled from all eight major breeding locations across the species’ circumpolar geographic distribution, show that at least four relict populations around Antarctica survived commercial hunting. Coalescent simulations suggest that all of these populations experienced severe bottlenecks down to effective population sizes of around 150–200. Nevertheless, comparably high levels of neutral genetic variability were retained as these declines are unlikely to have been strong enough to deplete allelic richness by more than around 15%. These findings suggest that even dramatic short-term declines need not necessarily result in major losses of diversity, and explain the apparent contradiction between the high genetic diversity of this species and its extreme exploitation history. All the best, Anneke Paijmans -- Anneke Paijmans, MSc PhD candidate Bielefeld University Department of Animal Behaviour Room 203a Postfach 100131 33501 Bielefeld Germany Phone: +49 521 106 2192 https://thehoffmanlab.com/group/anneke-paijmans/

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New publication: The use of passive acoustic monitoring as a census tool of gray whale migration
by burnhamr 24 Mar '20

24 Mar '20

My co-author and I are pleased to announce the recent publication of the latest in a series of papers on the acoustic life of gray whales in Ocean and Coastal Management THE USE OF PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING AS A CENSUS TOOL OF GRAY WHALE (_ESCHRICHTIUS ROBUSTUS_) MIGRATION Passive acoustic monitoring adds to knowledge of whale presence and distribution over space and time. The gray whale (_Eschrictius robustus_) undertakes an annual migration between remote feeding and breeding locales, with its highly sonorous nature suggesting employment of low-frequency calls to be inherent to travel behaviours, perhaps aiding navigation and social cohesion. We consider whether these calling behaviours can be used to better understand the process of migration, where call presence and relative abundance might represent a means to track the progress of migrating whales. Passive acoustic recordings made on the west coast of Vancouver Island, a mid-way point of gray whale migration, were first analysed for abundance over time to examine the progression of migration. Then the acoustic record was compared to shore-based recordings undertaken from Point Vincente, California to better assess their use as a census tool. The timing in peaks of calling, particularly of far-ranging moan-like calls, and shore counts showed a high degree of congruence when considered with a lag time of 8 days to account for travel time between the two survey locations. This suggests that passive acoustic monitoring could complement the long running and shore-based counts in recording annual population movement, and add to our understanding of gray whales on poorly known segments of their migration route or at times when visual observations are not possible. The paper is available here: Burnham, R.E, Duffus, D.A. 2020. The use of passive acoustics as a census tool of gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) migration. Ocean and Coastal Management, 118: 105070 https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S0964569119309391?token=4A15584C9… [1] Or email me for a PDF Best, Rianna Burnham, PhD Links: ------ [1] https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S0964569119309391?token=4A15584C9…

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NWSSMM 2020 Cancelled
by Nathaniel Guilford 24 Mar '20

24 Mar '20

Dear NWSSMM community, In support of the efforts of the Whatcom County Health Department, the State of Washington, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the WWU community to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we will unfortunately be cancelling the spring meeting in Bellingham, WA originally scheduled for 05/02/2020-05/03/2020. Thank you to those of you who expressed interest in attending and/or presenting; we are sorry we won’t get to see your research this spring. Hopefully we can all catch up soon! Keep up the good work and stay healthy! Best, WWU Marine Mammal Lab

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New publication: Spatial distribution modelling of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) at different geographical scales within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, central‐eastern Mediterranean Sea
by antonella.arcangeli＠isprambiente.it 24 Mar '20

24 Mar '20

Dear MARMAM members, on behalf of the collegues, I am pleased to share our recent study on “Spatial distribution modelling of striped dolphin ( Stenella coeruleoalba ) at different geographical scales within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, central‐eastern Mediterranean Sea ” Azzolin, M., Arcangeli, A., Cipriano, G., Crosti, R., Maglietta, R., Pietroluongo, G., [ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorStored=Saintin… | Saintingan ] S., Zampollo A., [ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorStored=Fanizza… | Fanizza ] C. & Carlucci, R.. (2020). Spatial distribution modelling of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) at different geographical scales within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, central‐eastern Mediterranean Sea. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems . [ https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3314 | https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3314 ] Abstract : The striped dolphin ( Stenella coeruleoalba ) is one of the most abundant cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, it is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN Red List experts. To implement conservation strategies within the Mediterranean Sea, it is crucial to understand how striped dolphins are distributed at different geographical scales. The present study investigates its distribution within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region. To model striped dolphin distribution, topographic (distance from shore, depth and slope) and oceanographic variables (sea surface temperature and phytoplankton concentration) were employed, and species distribution models (SDMs) were developed using Maxent software. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to improve the information supplied by the SDMs, allowing the description of response curves to striped dolphin occurrences. Statistical analysis shows that striped dolphins are not evenly distributed within the investigated area. The higher encounter rates observed in the Gulf of Taranto and the Gulf of Corinth confirm that both sub ‐ regions are crucial for its conservation. Furthermore, SDMs also indicate suitable areas in the offshore waters of the Adriatic Sea, along the continental slope of the north ‐ eastern Ionian Sea and over its continental shelf. Within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, striped dolphins prefer areas at a greater distance from shore, with steeper slopes, deeper waters, and higher sea surface temperature. The topographic variables are the most explicative factors for both modelling approaches. The analysis of striped dolphin SDMs allows the identification of important areas for conservation and highlights zones where appropriate mitigation strategies could reduce the impact of human activities on this Vulnerable species. Further analysis of SDMs for different periods of the year, as well as a genetic study, could highlight seasonal movements across and within sub ‐ regions. The paper can be accessed at: [ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/aqc.3314 | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/aqc.3314 ] The full text is also available upon request from the authors All the best and be safe, antonella

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New publication: Spatio-temporal patterns in marine mammal community composition
by Ilse van Opzeeland 24 Mar '20

24 Mar '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to inform you of our publication in Marine Ecology Progress Series, titled: Year-round passive acoustic data reveal spatio-temporal patterns in marine mammal community composition in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. The article is published under open access and can be found at: https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m638p191.pdf. The abstract can be found below. Van Opzeeland I, Hillebrand H Year-round passive acoustic data reveal spatio-temporal patterns in marine mammal community composition in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica MEPS 638:191-206 Best Regards, Ilse Van Opzeeland ------------------------------ ABSTRACT: To date, the majority of studies investigating marine mammal distribution and behavior take a single-species perspective, which is often driven by the logistic difficulties of collecting appropriate data at sea. Passive acoustic monitoring, provided recording tools exhibit sufficient bandwidth, has the potential to provide insights into community structure as devices operate autonomously simultaneously collecting data on baleen, pinniped and toothed whale acoustic presence. Data can provide information on local species diversity, residency times and co-occurrence. Here, we used multi-year passive acoustic data from 6 sites in the Weddell Sea, Southern Ocean, to explore how local marine mammal community compositions develop over time and in relation to sea-ice. Diversity peaked in austral late spring and early summer, shortly before seasonal sea-ice break-up. The effective number of species exhibited little variation over time, reflecting that species remain in Antarctic waters throughout austral winter. Community composition showed almost complete seasonal overturn, indicating that species replace each other throughout the year. For all 6 sites, community dissimilarity increased with increasing temporal distance,reflecting temporal trends in community composition beyond seasonality. Several species exhibited significant positive or negative co-occurrence patterns over time. These seasonal associations were consistent across all 5 oceanic sites, but partly inversed at the Western Antarctic Peninsula recording site. This study shows that the application of biodiversity metrics to passive acoustic monitoring data can foster insights into the timing of behaviors and community composition, which can boost the interpretation of responses in the light of ongoing environmental changes.

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New publication on ML and beluga acoustics
by Manuel Castellote - NOAA Affiliate 23 Mar '20

23 Mar '20

Dear MARMAM recipients, We are happy to announce our new publication: Zhong, Castellote, Dodhia, Lavista Ferres, Keogh, Brewer. 2020. Beluga whale acoustic signal classification using deep learning neural network models. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 147(3): 1834-1841. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0000921 ABSTRACT: Over a decade after the Cook Inlet beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) was listed as endangered in 2008, the population has shown no sign of recovery. Lack of ecological knowledge limits the understanding of, and ability to manage, potential threats impeding recovery of this declining population. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, in partnership with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, initiated a passive acoustics monitoring program in 2017 to investigate beluga seasonal occurrence by deploying a series of passive acoustic moorings. Data have been processed with semi-automated tonal detectors followed by time intensive manual validation. To reduce this labor intensive and time-consuming process, in addition to increasing the accuracy of classification results, the authors constructed an ensembled deep learning convolutional neural network model to classify beluga detections as true or false. Using a 0.5 threshold, the final model achieves 96.57% precision and 92.26% recall on testing dataset. This methodology proves to be successful at classifying beluga signals, and the framework can be easily generalized to other acoustic classification problems. Please contact me for a pdf copy if needed. And our Github repo for our Python scripts: https://github.com/microsoft/belugasounds Sincerely, Manuel Castellote -- Manuel Castellote, PhD Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington & Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program, Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way N.E. F/AKC3 Seattle, WA 98115-6349 (206) 526-6866 (voice) (206) 526-6615 (fax)

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New publication: Environmental drivers of large-scale movements of baleen whales in the mid-North Atlantic Ocean
by Sergi Pérez Jorge 23 Mar '20

23 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following paper recently published in Diversity and Distributions: *Environmental drivers of large-scale movements of baleen whales in the mid-North Atlantic Ocean. * Sergi Pérez-Jorge, Marta Tobeña, Rui Prieto, Frederic Vandeperre, Beatriz Calmettes, Patrick Lehodey and Mónica A. Silva *Abstract* *Aim: *Understanding the environmental drivers of movement and habitat use of highly migratory marine species is crucial to implement appropriate management and conservation measures. However, this requires quantitative information on their spatial and temporal presence, which is limited in the high seas. Here, we aimed to gain insights of the essential habitats of three baleen whale species around the mid-North Atlantic (NA) region, linking their large-scale movements with information on oceanographic and biological processes. *Location: *Mid-NA Ocean. *Methods: *We present the first study combining data from 31 satellite tracks of baleen whales (15, 10 and 6 from fin, blue and sei whales, respectively) from March to July (2008–2016) with data on remotely sensed oceanography and mid- and lower trophic level biomass derived from the spatial ecosystem and population dynamics model (SEAPODYM). A Bayesian switching state-space model was applied to obtain regular tracks and correct for location errors, and pseudo-absences were created through simulated positions using a correlated random walk model. Based on the tracks and pseudo-absences, we applied generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) to determine the probability of occurrence and predict monthly distributions. *Results: *This study provides the most detailed research on the spatio-temporal distribution of baleen whales in the mid-NA, showing how dynamic biophysical processes determine their habitat preference. Movement patterns were mainly influenced by the interaction of temperature and the lower trophic level biomass; however, this relationship differed substantially among species. Best-fit models suggest that movements of whales migrating towards more productive areas in northern latitudes were constrained by depth and eddy kinetic energy. *Main conclusions: *These novel insights highlight the importance of integrating telemetry data with spatially explicit prey models to understand which factors shape the movement patterns of highly migratory species across large geographical scales. In addition, our outcomes could contribute to inform management of anthropogenic threats to baleen whales in sparsely surveyed region. The paper is open access and freely available for download at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddi.13038 Or contact me at sergiperezjorge(a)gmail.com All the best, Sergi Pérez-Jorge -- Sergi Pérez-Jorge, PhD IMAR - Institute of Marine Research Okeanos R&D Center Rua Prof Dr Frederico Machado 4 9901-862 Horta, Azores, Portugal Tel. +351 292200400 Skype: sergi_perez, Twitter: @sergiperezjorge <https://twitter.com/sergiperezjorge?lang=ca> Azores Whale Lab: http://whales.scienceontheweb.net

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New Publication: Diets of walruses in Bristol Bay, Alaska
by John Maniscalco 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of "Contemporary diets of walruses in Bristol Bay, Alaska suggest temporal variability in benthic community structure." Available at PeerJ: https://peerj.com/articles/8735/ ABSTRACT *Background.* Pacific walruses (*Odobenus rosmarus divergens*) are a conspicuous and important component of the Bristol Bay ecosystem and human social systems, but very little is known about walrus ecology in this region, principally their feeding ecology. The present work provides contemporary data on the diets of walruses at four haulout locations throughout Bristol Bay between 2014 and 2018. *Methods.* We analyzed scat and gastrointestinal tract samples from these animals using quantitative polymerase chain reaction to amplify prey DNA, which allowed for diet estimates based on frequencies of prey item occurrence and on the relative importance of dietary items as determined from DNA threshold cycle scores. *Results.* Diets were highly diverse at all locations, but with some variation in com- position that may be related to the time of year that samples were collected (summer vs. autumn), or to spatial variability in the distribution of prey. Overall, polychaetes and tunicates had the highest frequencies of occurrence and relative abundances in 2014-15, but a major change in diet appears to have occurred by 2017-18. While some sample sizes were small, diets in these later years contrasted sharply, with a greater prevalence of sea cucumbers and mollusks, and reduced importance of decapods and fishes compared to the earlier years. Prey identified in scat samples from one collection site also contrasted sharply with those reported from the same location in 1981. The apparent temporal shifts in walrus prey may represent a changing benthic ecosystem due to warming waters in recent decades. -- *John M. Maniscalco, Ph.D., Capt.* Senior Research Scientist, Alaska SeaLife Center Owner/Operator, Alaska Seabird Charters www.alaskaseabirds.com PO Box 1675 Seward, AK 99664 <https://twitter.com/alaskasealife> <http://instagram.com/alaskasealifecenter> <https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaska-sealife-center> *John M. Maniscalco, Ph.D., Capt.* *Research Scientist* Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 <https://maps.google.com/?q=1329%C2%A0%E2%80%A2+301+Railway+Ave%C2%A0%E2%80%…> Direct: 907-224-6378 Fax: 907-224-6320 www.alaskasealife.org <http://www.pickclickgive.org/index.cfm/pfdorgs.info/Alaska-SeaLife-Center>

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New publication: Post-Release Monitoring of a Stranded and Rehabilitated Short-Finned Pilot Whale Reveals Current-Assisted Travel
by Reny Tyson Moore 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce that the following article is now available online: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org Tyson Moore, R. B., Douglas, D. D., Nollens, H. H., Croft, L., and Wells. R. S. (2020). Post-Release Monitoring of a Stranded and Rehabilitated Short-Finned Pilot Whale (*Globicephala macrorhynchus*) Reveals Current-Assisted Travel. *Aquatic Mammals*. *46*(2): 200-2014. DOI 10.1578/AM.46.2.2020.200 *Abstract*: A subadult female short-finned pilot whale (*Globicephala macrorhynchus*), which stranded on the northeastern Gulf of Mexico coast of Florida in June 2017, was rehabilitated for 38 days and then monitored with a satellite-linked, time-depth recording tag for 32 days after being released off the West Florida Shelf. The individual, “Gale,” appeared to regularly use ocean currents to facilitate a southeastward movement around Florida, and then a northward movement along the continental shelf break to the waters off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Indeed, 57% of her travel along the coast of Florida was at speeds consistent with the surface speed and direction of the Gulf Stream. Overall, current-assisted travel contributed to a 19% increase in distance traveled (4,152 km) and to an average rate of travel (130 km/d) that was higher than previously reported for Globicephala spp. Gale’s dive behavior was typical of other short-finned pilot whale observations, with average dive depths (243 ± 136 m; max = 712 m) and durations (7.9 ± 2.2 min; max = 16.0 min) within the range of reported values for Globicephala spp. Gale also occupied habitats known to be used by pilot whales, and her movements and behaviors were consistent with those observed in other short-finned pilot whales in the Gulf of Mexico and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. The information presented herein contributes to a better understanding of short-finned pilot whales and to the assessment of rehabilitation and release protocols. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like a copy of the PDF. Best, Reny Tyson Moore, PhD Staff Scientist Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Chicago Zoological Society (352) 408-6018 cell rtysonmoore(a)mote.org <rtyson(a)mote.org>

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New publication on foraging ecology of sperm whales based on stable isotope analyses
by Marta Guerra 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My colleagues and I would like to announce the publication of the following article in Marine Ecology Progress Series: *'Stable isotope analyses reveal seasonal and inter-individual variation in the foraging ecology of sperm whales'* Marta Guerra, Lucy Wing, Stephen Dawson, William Rayment Abstract: Studying inter-individual variation in foraging by top predators is key for understanding the ecology of their populations, while knowledge of seasonal variability in foraging helps explain temporal changes in habitat use and ecological role. We investigated the inter-individual and seasonal differences in stable isotope ratios of sperm whales *(Physeter macrocephalus)* in the temperate foraging ground of the Kaikōura Canyon, New Zealand. Isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen were measured in 107 samples of sloughed skin from 37 individual males with a wide range of residency patterns and body lengths, sampled over four summers and three winters. Variability in individual isotope ratios was analysed with generalised additive mixed models. The whales’ residency patterns, but not body size, accounted for most heterogeneity of δ13C and δ15N. Specifically, whales that visited Kaikōura occasionally had more diverse and lower isotope ratios than more frequent visitors (by* ca. *-1‰ δ13C and -2‰ δ15N), likely reflecting a range of foraging habitats further offshore and/or south of Kaikōura Canyon. We suggest that these patterns reflect differences in large-scale foraging patterns within the population. In addition, whales sampled in winter had significantly lower values of δ13C than whales sampled in summer (by* ca. *-0.5‰), indicating seasonal differences in the use of food resources. Our results provide new insights into foraging patterns of sperm whales, and highlight the value of accounting for individual differences in the ecology of top predators. The article can be accessed via https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13255 (subscription only), or you can email me at marta.guerra(a)otago.ac.nz for a copy of the pdf. Best wishes, Marta Guerra

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