March 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication- From a calf’s perspective: humpback whale nursing behavior on two US feeding grounds
by Jenn Tackaberry 05 Mar '20

05 Mar '20

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new open access publication in *PeerJ* about humpback whale nursing behavior on the feeding grounds: Tackaberry JE, Cade DE, Goldbogen JA, Wiley DN, Friedlaender AS, Stimpert AK. 2020. From a calf’s perspective: humpback whale nursing behavior on two US feeding grounds. *PeerJ* 8:e8538 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.8538 Link to full text with videos: https://peerj.com/articles/8538 Abstract: Nursing influences growth rate and overall health of mammals; however, the behavior is difficult to study in wild cetaceans because it occurs below the surface and can thus be misidentified from surface observations. Nursing has been observed in humpback whales on the breeding and calving grounds, but the behavior remains unstudied on the feeding grounds. We instrumented three dependent calves (four total deployments) with combined video and 3D-accelerometer data loggers (CATS) on two United States feeding grounds to document nursing events. Two associated mothers were also tagged to determine if behavior diagnostic of nursing was evident in the mother’s movement. Animal-borne video was manually analyzed and the average duration of successful nursing events was 23 s (±7 sd, n = 11). Nursing occurred at depths between 4.1–64.4 m (along the seafloor) and in close temporal proximity to foraging events by the mothers, but could not be predicted solely by relative positions of mother and calf. When combining all calf deployments, successful nursing was documented eleven times; totaling only 0.3% of 21.0 hours of video. During nursing events, calves had higher overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) and increased fluke-stroke rate (FSR) compared to non-nursing segments (Mixed effect models, ODBA: F1,107 = 13.57756, p = 0.0004, FSR: F1,107 = 32.31018, p < 0.0001). In contrast, mothers had lower ODBA and reduced FSR during nursing events compared to non-nursing segments. These data provide the first characterization of accelerometer data of humpback whale nursing confirmed by animal-borne video tags and the first analysis of nursing events on feeding grounds. This is an important step in understanding the energetic consequences of lactation while foraging. -- Jennifer Tackaberry Vertebrate Ecology Lab <https://www.mlml.calstate.edu/birdmam/> - Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Research Biologist - Cascadia Research Collective <http://www.cascadiaresearch.org> Adjunct Scientist - Center for Coastal Studies <http://coastalstudies.org>

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Dauphin Island Sea Lab- Veterinarian/Post-Doctoral Researcher
by Mackenzie Russell 05 Mar '20

05 Mar '20

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) seeks a full-time veterinarian and research post-doc to join our dedicated team of staff, students, researchers and volunteers as part of the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN). The candidate filling this full-time, research-based position would be eligible to seek research assistant faculty status or adjunct appointment at DISL and any of the 22 consortial schools in the state of Alabama. The successful candidate will lead live animal response and necropsy of cetaceans and manatees, as well as write necropsy reports, make diagnostic assessments, assist with training support staff in stranding and necropsy techniques, and support and conduct independent research projects related to pathology, diagnostic assessments, or other relevant topics that lead to peer-reviewed publications. The successful candidate will co-mentor students and interns to assist with research. Teaching is not mandatory, but the candidate may opt to develop and teach courses as part of the DISL undergraduate summer or year-round graduate programs. The candidate will be encouraged to attend relevant scientific and professional meetings to share data and for career development. The ideal candidate has flexibility to respond to and consult on strandings on short notice, often during non-business hours including nights, weekends and holidays. Applicant should be able to conduct a thorough physical examination (including blood draws and administration of medications) and assess the status of live stranded marine mammals. Applicant must be a team player who communicates well with volunteers, technicians, the public and media. The candidate will work closely with the Stranding Coordinator and Primary Investigator (Dr. R.H. Carmichael) and in collaboration with the Southeast Region Stranding Network, state and local partners under NOAA NMFS and USFWS. Requirements: • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) and hold a valid U.S. veterinary license • Experience conducting independent research in a relevant field • Prior experience with veterinary care of stranded marine mammals (cetaceans and manatees preferred) • Obtain Alabama Veterinary and DEA licenses within 3 months of employment • Have a clean driving record • Applicants must be familiar with and able to comply with all policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines applicable to marine mammals in the U.S and be willing to gain specific knowledge needed to successfully accomplish professional tasks in the southeast region and in the state of Alabama Preferred Qualifications: • Applicant should be (or plan to become) a member of the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine • Experience writing peer-reviewed publications • Experience with statistical methods • Public speaking and teaching experience Training will be provided to further develop project management, research, leadership and teaching skills, obtain stranding network certification, and enhance ongoing career development. The position is salaried with full benefits, with initial contract for 2 years with possibility of extension. Application deadline is March 20, 2020 and start date is negotiable, with preferred start date at the end of April 2020. To apply, please send a cover letter, including a research statement and potential collaborators, CV and list of three references to vetpostdoc(a)disl.org If you have questions or would like further information about the position, please contact Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael at 251-861-2141, x7555 or rcarmichael(a)disl.org.

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Summer internships in animal care and Training
by Stefani Skrovan 05 Mar '20

05 Mar '20

*Would you like to work with a team that always puts the animals first?* Short-Term Seasonal Internships applications are now being accepted! *Animal Professionals to be proud of*: The SLEWTHS (*Science Learning and Exploration With The Help of Sea lions*) project is the non-profit arm of Animal Training and Research Intl, and is affiliated with Moss Landing Marine Laboratories and the California State University system. Located on the beautiful central coast of California, we function as a small teaching aquarium specializing in the highest levels of training with compassionate care. SLEWTHS is a long-term rescue facility for un-releasable sea lions. For more information, please visit our website at www.animaltraining.us Internship Applications are now being accepted for the SLEWTHS project. Two intensive internship levels are available for our June – August 2020 terms: *Animal Care* (entry level), and *Animal Training* (candidates with training/animal experience). Each unpaid internship is 3 months in duration (extensions available for excellent candidates). Application deadline is April 1, 2020. These are unpaid positions, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, SLEWTHS staff will do their best to assist in finding rental housing options. International applicants are encouraged, however no visa assistance can be provided. The *Animal Care Internship* is designed for those interested in a career with animals to gain valuable experience with world class animal training in a force-free environment. Interns will participate in and learn all aspects of husbandry such as food preparation, record keeping, daily cleaning, and facility maintenance. Interns may also participate in public outreach and conservation programs and current research, all with the cooperative help of sea lions. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training exposure. Optional certification is available in Animal Care. *"I love the passion everyone has in providing the best care for the animals. This project exceeded my expectations."* -Jacqueline Olvera (intern) *“The positive and enthusiastic attitudes of the SLEWTHS staff, gives this program really great energy. You all have created a safe environment which has made it easy and fun to learn.”* -Jennifer LaBar The *Animal Training Internship* is available for professionals or those who already have hands-on experience training or caring for animals. They will perform all the tasks above, but in addition, can train and work directly with our animals in both protected and free contact. Interns may also get credentialed up to trainer level (according to past experience). Interns must take the Animal Training 101course (additional cost), offered online at: https://animaltraining.us/registration-open-at-101-online/ or have taken another ATR workshop/course. *“The most valuable experience was my animal training sessions because it was the most hands on experience I had because I was able to see my improvements from the first session to the last and get valuable insight.”-* Mia Young (intern) *Interns must be:* • 18 years or older. • Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week minimum. • Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. • Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours, and work outside in all weather conditions. • Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. • Able to obtain housing and transportation (public transportation in our area is very poor). *To Apply:* Instructions and applications at https://animaltraining.us/seasonal-volunteer-internship-position/ -- Stefani Skrovan Curator of Animals Moss Landing Marine Labs Animal Training and Research Intl. 8272 Moss Landing Rd Moss Landing CA 95039 831-771-4191

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Deadline Approaching - Marine Animal Response Internships in Hawaii
by kelsey.wheeler＠h-mar.org 05 Mar '20

05 Mar '20

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New Publication - Comparison of fin whale 20 Hz call detections by deep-water mobile autonomous and stationary recorders
by Selene Fregosi - NOAA Affiliate 05 Mar '20

05 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the following publication: Fregosi S, Harris DV, Matsumoto H, Mellinger DK, Negretti C, Moretti DJ, Martin SW, Matsuyama B, Dugan PJ, Klinck H (2020). Comparison of fin whale 20 Hz call detections by deep-water mobile autonomous and stationary recorders. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 142 (2): 961-977 https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0000617 Abstract: Acoustically equipped deep-water mobile autonomous platforms can be used to survey for marine mammals over intermediate spatiotemporal scales. Direct comparisons to fixed recorders are necessary to evaluate these tools as passive acoustic monitoring platforms. One glider and two drifting deep-water floats were simultaneously deployed within a deep-water cabled hydrophone array to quantitatively assess their survey capabilities. The glider was able to follow a pre-defined track while float movement was somewhat unpredictable. Fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) 20 Hz pulses were recorded by all hydrophones throughout the two-week deployment. Calls were identified using a template detector, which performed similarly across recorder types. The glider data contained up to 78% fewer detections per hour due to increased low-frequency flow noise present during glider descents. The glider performed comparably to the floats and fixed recorders at coarser temporal scales; hourly and daily presence of detections did not vary by recorder type. Flow noise was related to glider speed through water and dive state. Glider speeds through water of 25 cm/s or less are suggested to minimize flow noise and the importance of glider ballasting, detector characterization, and normalization by effort when interpreting glider-collected data and applying it to marine mammal density estimation are discussed. Please contact me at selene.fregosi(a)oregonstate.edu for a PDF or if you have any additional questions. Best, Selene -- *Selene Fregosi* Department of Fisheries and Wildlife | Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies Oregon State University | NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Hatfield Marine Science Center | 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365 (o)541.867.0177 (c)707.373.8299 bioacoustics.us <http://www.bioacoustics.us/> | fregosi.weebly.com

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New Publication - Improved Pregnancy Detection in Humpback Whales
by Susan Bengtson Nash 05 Mar '20

05 Mar '20

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, We are happy to announce our latest publication in Scientific Reports: Dalle Luche, G., A. Boggs, J. Kucklick and S. Bengtson Nash (2019). "Androstenedione and testosterone but not progesterone are potential biomarkers of pregnancy in Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) approaching parturition." Scientific Reports. In this paper, we uncover a ‘missing link’ in current understanding of the reproductive endocrinology of female humpback whales, and provide an improved method of pregnancy detection in females approaching parturition. Abstract The blubber steroid hormone profiles of 52 female humpback whales migrating along the east coast of Australia were investigated for seasonal endocrine changes associated with reproduction. Individuals were randomly sampled during two stages of the annual migration: before reaching the breeding grounds (northward migration; June/July), and after departing from the breeding grounds (southward migration; September/October). Assignment of reproductive status of the sampled individuals was based on season, single-hormone ranks and multi-variate analysis of the hormonal profiles. High concentrations of progesterone (>19 ng/g, wet weight), recognised as an indicator of pregnancy in this species, were only detected in one sample. However, the androgens, testosterone and androstenedione were measured in unusually high concentrations (1.6–12 and 7.8–40 ng/g wet weight, respectively) in 36% of the females approaching the breeding grounds. The absence of a strong accompanying progesterone signal in these animals raises the possibility of progesterone withdrawal prior to parturition. As seen with other cetacean species, testosterone and androstenedione could be markers of near-term pregnancy in humpback whales. Confirmation of these androgens as alternate biomarkers of near-term pregnancy would carry implications for improved monitoring of the annual fecundity of humpback whales via non-lethal and minimally invasive methods. Link to full text: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-58933-4#Sec2 Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash Program Director Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP) SCAR: Chair of ImPACT | ARC: College of Experts | Scientific Reports: Editor Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI), Griffith University, Nathan Campus. 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia. Email: s.bengtsonnash(a)griffith.edu.au | Phone: +61 (0)7 3735 5062 | Mobile: +61 (0)437 888 711 Twitter: @Antarctica_POPs | Skype: s.bengtsonnash | Website: http://www.griffith.edu.au/environment-planning-architecture/southern-ocean… [cid:e27b154c-4e71-4540-874a-30061f428dd0]

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Seeking 'Gene-jockey' for SOPOPP Humpback Whale PhD Position
by Susan Bengtson Nash 05 Mar '20

05 Mar '20

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, The Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP) at Griffith University's Environmental Futures Research Institute, is currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our team investigating the fasting physiology and toxicological sensitivity of humpback whales through ‘omic approaches. Suitable candidates will demonstrate a background in biochemistry and competence in molecular approaches. The successful applicant will need to secure an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship /Griffith University Postgraduate Scholarship. Scholarships are merit based and applicants will need to demonstrate that they hold a 1st class honours or equivalent qualifications. Application Details: Interested applicants should send an expression of interest and CV to Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash (s.bengtsonnash(a)griffith.edu.au<mailto:s.bengtsonnash@griffith.edu.au>). Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash Program Director Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP) SCAR: Chair of ImPACT | ARC: College of Experts | Scientific Reports: Editor Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI), Griffith University, Nathan Campus. 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia. Email: s.bengtsonnash(a)griffith.edu.au | Phone: +61 (0)7 3735 5062 | Mobile: +61 (0)437 888 711 Twitter: @Antarctica_POPs | Skype: s.bengtsonnash | Website: http://www.griffith.edu.au/environment-planning-architecture/southern-ocean… [cid:9e5d60a0-6cfb-4104-84c4-3d40b9196438]

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Dauphin Island Sea Lab – Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Elizabeth Hieb 04 Mar '20

04 Mar '20

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) Marine Mammal Research Program seeks a motivated undergraduate or post BS-level intern to assist in data collection and sample processing related to ongoing marine mammal research projects. Successful applicants will assist graduate students and staff with various aspects of field and lab research on dolphin and manatee habitat use in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Field work will primarily include assisting with bottlenose dolphin photo-ID surveys, with potential for cetacean and manatee stranding response with the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN). Field work will involve long hours on a boat in various weather conditions including heat, humidity, and rain. Lab responsibilities will include sample processing, data entry, and assisting with DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network (DISL/MSN) operations, including processing sighting reports, distribution of education and outreach materials, and participation in outreach events. DISL/MSN is a citizen-science based network to collect data on manatees in Alabama and nearby waters. You can learn more about DISL’s Marine Mammal Research Program at https://www.manatee.disl.org and https://www.disl.org/about/faculty/rcarmichael. Interested applicants should send a brief letter of interest, current CV, and availability to start to ehieb(a)disl.org. Start and end dates are flexible, but will run approximately mid-May through mid-August. Review of applications will begin immediately and end when the position is filled. Internship is paid through the Dauphin Island Sea Lab at a rate of $12/hr with a commitment of ~30 hours a week for 12 weeks with the potential to extend the internship depending on applicant fit and funding. Applicants are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation in the Mobile/Dauphin Island, Alabama area. Last date to apply: March 22, 2020. Elizabeth Hieb, M.S. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Manatee Sighting Network Research Technician 101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Phone: (251) 861-2141 ext.7547 This document, including any attachments, contains privileged and/or confidential information. You may neither use, copy, nor deliver to anyone this document or any of its contents or attachments. All data (broadly defined as but not limited to numerical, descriptive, narrative, image, biological or environmental samples, raw or summary data, or any other content herein) belong to the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) and/or the Manatee Sighting Network under the auspices of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) as an agent of the state of Alabama. Use of these data in any form must be requested and approved by contacting Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael (rcarmichael(a)disl.org) contingent upon corresponding approval of the attending Veterinarian Dr. Alissa C. Deming ( ademing(a)disl.org) ALMMSN/MSN and DISL reserve the right to review, comment and consult on all data sharing and requests for data use. All data use, including analyses and products of any kind (print, oral, visual, archival, internal or external), after approval, must acknowledge and properly cite the DISL, ALMMSN and/or MSN, and data-specific personnel (that may include but not be limited to students, staff, faculty or administrators who contributed data). Approved data users must request the most up-to-date citation from Dr. Carmichael immediately prior to each use.

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River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony Martin 04 Mar '20

04 Mar '20

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. Unfortunately, there can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive for all. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. Over the years, our interns have collected vital data on the loss of dolphins that we are now directly using to help conserve and protect them. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible. Because of visa restrictions introduced by the Brazilian Government, which restrict the length of stay of many nationalities, we may need to give priority to applicants from South American countries. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. A typical day involves 7 hours on the water in a covered boat, photographing each dolphin in each group encountered. On return to base, the photos are downloaded, dolphins identified and the data entered into a database. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of 700 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $100 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. You will see dolphins, monkeys, caimans and exotic birds every day. These appointments reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 and physically fit speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. We will give preference to those available soon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com<https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam>) & Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk<mailto:boto@live.co.uk>). Closing date is 18 March 2020. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 2 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 22 March at the latest.

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NEW PAPER: Functions of post-conflict affiliation in bottlenose dolphins
by Chisato Yamamoto 03 Mar '20

03 Mar '20

Dear Marmam list members, I'm pleased to announce the following paper on post-conflict bystander affiliation in bottlenose dolphins. Yamamoto C., Ishibashi T., Kashiwagi N., Amano M. (2020) Functions of post-conflict bystander affiliations toward aggressors and victims in bottlenose dolphins. Scientific Reports 10: 3776 This is an open-access and everyone can download this paper from the following site: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-60423-6 [Abstract] Post-conflict affiliations initiated by bystanders (bystander affiliation) toward aggressors or victims have been suggested to represent the function of conflict management in some social living species. However, the function of bystander affiliations toward aggressors and victims has not been examined in marine mammals. In the present study, we investigated the function of bystander affiliations to aggressors and victims in bottlenose dolphins: self-protection, the substitute of reconciliation, social facilitation and tension relief of opponents. These bystander affiliations did not reduce post-conflict attacks by former opponents against group members. Bystander affiliation to aggressors tended to be performed by a bystander who had an affiliative relationship with the aggressor but not with the victim. Bystander affiliation to victims also tended to be initiated by a bystander who had an affiliative relationship with the victim but not the aggressor and was close to former opponents at the end of aggressions. Affiliation among group members who stayed near former opponents during aggressions did not increase after aggressions compared to that under control conditions. Renewed aggressions between former opponents decreased after bystander affiliations in our previous study. Bystanders who showed social closeness to former opponents may initiate bystander affiliation toward their affiliative former opponents because they may feel emotion, such as anxiety and excitement, of former opponents. Bystander affiliation toward aggressors and victims may function as tension relief between former opponents. Bystanders of bottlenose dolphins, who may have a relaxed dominant style, might initiate post-conflict affiliation to affiliative individuals unaffected by the dominance relationships among them, unlike despotic species. All the best, Chisato Yamamoto

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