May 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Respiration Cycle Duration and Seawater Flux through open blowholes
by maria clara martins 30 May '20

30 May '20

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science: Martins, MCI, Miller, C, Hamilton, P, Robbins, J, Zitterbart, DP, Moore, M. Respiration cycle duration and seawater flux through open blowholes of humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis) whales. Mar Mam Sci. 2020; 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12703 ABSTRACT: Little is known about the dynamics of baleen whale respiratory cycles, especially the mechanics and activity of the blowholes and their interaction with seawater. In this study, the duration of complete respiration cycles (expiration/inhalation events) were quantified for the first time in two species: North Atlantic right whale (NARW) and humpback whale (HW) using high resolution, detailed imagery from an unoccupied aerial system (UAS). The mean duration of complete respiration cycles (expiration/inhalation event) in the NARW and HW were 3.07 s (SD = 0.503, n = 15) and 2.85 s (SD = 0.581, n = 21), respectively. Furthermore, we saw no significant differences in respiration cycle duration between age and sex classes in the NARW, but significant differences were observed between age classes in the HW. The observation of seawater covering an open blowhole was also quantified, with NARW having 20% of all breaths with seawater presence versus 90% in HW. Seawater incursion has not been described previously and challenges the general consensus that water does not enter the respiratory tract in baleen whales. Prevalent seawater has implications for the analysis and interpretation of exhaled respiratory vapor/mucosa samples, as well as for the potential inhalation of oil in spills. The full article is open access, and available online: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12703 Please feel free to contact me (maria.martins.15(a)ucl.ac.uk) with any questions All the best, Maria Clara Iruzun Martins Master of Research Alumna Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation, University College London

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VOLUNTEER AND INTERN RECRUITMENT FOR THE MONTENEGRO DOLPHIN RESEARCH (SOUTH ADRIATIC SEA)
by Selina Brouwer 30 May '20

30 May '20

Dear all, Please find below details of Summer Vacancies at our Montenegro Dolphin Research project. WHO ARE DMAD AND WHAT DO WE DO? DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association has scientific projects running in Turkey, Montenegro and Albania. We conduct long-term studies of marine mammals in Istanbul, Antalya, the Levantine Sea, Montenegrin coastal waters and the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to hydrocarbon exploration. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. More details on the project can be found here: http://www.dmad.org.tr/montenegro-dolphin-research WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates, that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose passion for marine mammals is strong and sincere. Opportunities are available from August 2020. The minimum duration of the placements is 2 MONTHS, with possible exceptions for skilled candidates. REQUIREMENTS -True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment; -Respect for the organisation's rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures; -Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team; -Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills; -Willingness to learn new software applications. -Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once a fortnight (occasionally more if possible). -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavioural data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloguing and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. -Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -GIS mapping -Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; -Photo-identification; -Discovery, Darwin and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; -Visual and acoustic behaviour of marine mammals -Scientific manuscript and technical report writing skills PROJECT PARTICIPATION FEE The project participation fee for volunteers is €600 per month for a timeframe longer than 3 months or €700 per month for a timeframe of 3 months or shorter. For interns, it’s €650 per month for a timeframe longer than 4 months and €750 per month for periods of four months or shorter. All of which goes directly to supporting the projects. The fee *includes*: -Accommodation and expenses; -Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania; -Training and lectures with a copy of the lecture on PDF; -Fieldwork (land- and boat survey); -Use of the equipment; And for *Interns *it also *includes*: -Scientific support; -Additional courses related to the selected subject; Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are a suitable asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our internships and work please take a look at some of our web pages and social media: Our research: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects Our internships: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-internships Our publications: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-publications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, -- Selina Brouwer *Volunteer Coordinator at the **Marine Mammal Research Association* *Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)* *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>*

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New Publication on Arctic Ambient Noise
by Brandon Southall 29 May '20

29 May '20

MARMAM readers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on ambient noise in the Alaskan Arctic. Recorders at multiple sites, many occurring over the Arctic winter, enable measurements of soundscapes spanning seasons and large areas. As indicated, there are various environmental, biological (marine mammal), and anthropogenic sources that contribute to these underwater soundscapes in different ways across the areas of the Beringia region that were sampled. The reference, location, and abstract are provide below. Sincerely, Brandon Southall (on behalf of my co-authors) —— Southall B.L., Southall, H., Antunes, R., Nichols, R., Rouse, A., Stafford, K. M., Robards, M., and Rosenbaum H. (2020). Seasonal trends in underwater ambient noise near St. Lawrence Island and the Bering Strait. Marine Pollution Bulletin 157, 111283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111283 We measured spatial and temporal patterns of ambient noise in dynamic, relatively pristine Arctic marine habitats and evaluate the contributions of environmental and human noise sources. Long-term acoustic recorders were deployed around St. Lawrence Island and the Bering Strait region within key feeding and migratory corridors for protected species that are inherently important to Native Alaskan cultures. Over 3000 h of data from 14 recorders at nine sites were obtained from October 2014 to June 2017. Spatial and temporal ambient noise patterns were quantified with percentile statistics in 1/3rd-octave bands (0.02–8 kHz). Ice presence strongly influenced ambient noise by influencing the physical environment and presence of marine mammals. High variability in noise was observed within and between sites, largely as a function of ice presence and associated factors. Acute contributions of biological and anthropogenic sources to local ambient noise are compared to monthly averages, demonstrating how they influence Arctic soundscapes. ——

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New publication: Reducing effort in the U.S. American lobster fishery to prevent North Atlantic right whale entanglements may support higher profits and long-term sustainability
by Hannah Myers 29 May '20

29 May '20

Dear all, Michael Moore and I are pleased to share our recent publication in Marine Policy: Myers, H.J., and M.J. Moore. 2020. Reducing effort in the U.S. American lobster (*Homarus americanus*) fishery to prevent North Atlantic right whale (*Eubalaena glacialis*) entanglements may support higher profits and long-term sustainability. Marine Policy 118:104017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104017 Abstract: North Atlantic right whales (*Eubalaena glacialis*) feed and migrate in areas of the inshore and offshore trap fishery for American lobster (*Homarus americanus*) in the Northeast U.S. In addition to a recent increase in lethal and sub-lethal interactions with Canadian snow crab gear, entanglement in both Canadian and U.S. lobster trap gear threatens the continued existence of this endangered species. The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service is considering a number of measures to prevent right whale entanglement bycatch that could impact lobster fishing effort. The U.S. lobster fishery in Maine expends approximately 7.5 times as much effort as the Canadian fishery in Lobster Fishing Area 34, where Canadian fishers catch about 3.7 times more lobster per trap than their counterparts in Maine. From 2007 to 2013 in Maine, lobster landings doubled as the number of traps fell 10.5% and landings per trap increased by about 125%. The state of Massachusetts has achieved record high landings since trap/pot seasonal closures have been implemented to protect right whales, especially within the Statistical Reporting Areas most affected by the closures. Therefore, a negative economic impact should not be assumed with effort reduction. In fact, reducing effort may serve to increase fishing profits while supporting the protection of endangered North Atlantic right whales and the long-term sustainability of the lobster fishery. Link to full paper: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1b7Nh,714MctTb Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Best, Hannah Graduate Student, Marine Biology College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks hmyers8(a)alaska.edu

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Article: Modeling cetacean habitat use in an urban coastal area in southeastern Brazil
by Liliane Lodi 29 May '20

29 May '20

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Lodi L, Tardin R, Maricato G (2020) Modeling cetacean habitat use in an urban coastal area in southeastern Brazil. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 642:227-240. https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v642/p227-240 ABSTRACT Most studies of cetacean habitat use do not consider the influence of anthropogenic activities. We investigated the influence of environmental and anthropogenic variables on habitat use by humpback Megaptera novaeangliae and Bryde's whales Balaenoptera brydei off the coast of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. Although there are 2 marine protected areas (MPAs) in this area, few data are available on cetacean habitat use or on the overlap of different cetacean species within these MPAs. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the MPAs and propose a buffer zone to better protect the biodiversity of the study area. We conducted systematic surveys and developed spatial eigenvector generalized linear models to characterize habitat use by the species in the study area. Habitat use by humpback whales was influenced only by depth, whereas for Bryde's whales there was the additional influence of anthropogenic variables. For Bryde's whales, which use the area for feeding, sea surface temperature and the distance to anchorages had a major influence on habitat use. We also showed that neither of the MPAs in the study area adequately protects the hotspots of either whale species. Most of the humpback whale grid cells with high sighting predictions were located within 2 km of the MPAs, while areas of high sighting prediction of Bryde's whales were located up to 5 km from the MPAs, closer to beaches. Our findings provide important insights for the delimitation of protected areas and zoning of the MPAs. Cheers, Liliane Projeto Baleias & Golfinhos do Rio de Janeiro

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Reminder: DOSITS Webinar on the Fundamentals of Underwater Sound, Tuesday, June 2, 12pm EDT
by Holly Morin 28 May '20

28 May '20

***apologies for cross-postings*** As part of the *2020 Underwater Acoustics Webinar Series* <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2020-webinar-series/>, the* Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) <http://www.dosits.org/>* Team will host a free, *60-minute webinar discussing the fundamentals of underwater sound on** Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at 12pm EDT*. This webinar, led by *Tracianne Neilsen (Brigham Young University),* will provide an overview of underwater sound including the role of sound levels and spectrograms in ocean acoustics. An extended period of facilitated discussion will also be included. *Interested individuals must register in advance for this webinar.* To register, please visit the 2020 Webinar Series webpage: https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2020-webinar-series/ Please note: 1. An *outline for this webinar presentation*, with links to relevant DOSITS content and other associated resources, is available for download. * Webinar participants are encouraged to review this outline and associated DOSITS content in advance. * 2. All webinars in the Underwater Acoustics: 2020 DOSITS Webinar Series for the International Regulatory Community will be hosted using Zoom. Webinar testing and troubleshooting tips can be found here <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/webinar-troubleshooting/>. Although Zoom is the preferred mode of connection, if participants are unable to use this platform, a YouTube link will be provided. *Registration is required to receive this YouTube link. * 3. *All webinars will be recorded and archived on the DOSITS website (Decision Makers Webinars <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/>).* To learn more about this webinar series or to view previous webinars, please visit the DOSITS webpage, Decision Makers Webinars <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/>. Questions? Please contact Holly Morin at holly_morin(a)uri.edu.

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New publication: Blue whale habitat modeling under different oceanographic regimes
by Barlow, Dawn Renee 28 May '20

28 May '20

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Barlow DR, Bernard KS, Escobar-Flores P, Palacios DM, Torres LG (2020) Links in the trophic chain: modeling functional relationships between in situ oceanography, krill, and blue whale distribution under different oceanographic regimes. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 642:207-225. ABSTRACT: The response of marine predators to global climate change and shifting ocean conditions is tightly linked with their environment and prey. Environmental data are frequently used as proxies for prey availability in marine predator distribution models, as the ephemeral nature of prey makes sampling difficult. For this reason, the functional, ecological links between environment, prey, and predator are rarely described or explicitly tested. We used 3 years of vessel-based whale survey data paired with oceanographic sampling and hydroacoustic backscatter to model trophic relationships between water column structure, krill availability, and blue whale Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda distribution in New Zealand's South Taranaki Bight region under typical (2014 and 2017) and warm (2016) austral summer oceanographic regimes. The warm regime was characterized by a shallower mixed layer, and a stronger, thicker, and warmer thermocline. Boosted regression tree models showed that krill metrics predicted blue whale distribution (typical regime = 36% versus warm regime = 64% cross-validated deviance explained) better than oceanography (typical regime = 19% versus warm regime = 31% cross-validated deviance explained). However, oceanographic features that predicted more krill aggregations (typical regime) and higher krill density (warm regime) aligned closely with the features that predicted higher probability of blue whale presence in each regime. Therefore, this study confirms that environmental drivers of prey availability can serve as suitable proxies for blue whale distribution. Considering changing ocean conditions that may influence the distribution of marine predators, these findings emphasize the need for models based on functional relationships, and calibrated across a broad range of conditions, to inform effective conservation management. The full article is open access, and available online: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13339 Please feel free to contact me (dawn.barlow(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:dawn.barlow@oregonstate.edu>) with any questions or to request a PDF copy. Cheers, Dawn Dawn Barlow PhD Student Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab> dawn.barlow(a)oregonstate.edu

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Deadline extension - Special Issue Frontiers in Marine Science
by Jeremy KISZKA 28 May '20

28 May '20

Dear colleagues, Due to the impact of COVID-19 on our community, the deadline for submission of articles for the Research Topic "Small Cetacean Conservation: Current Challenges and Opportunities" has been extended to September 15th, 2020. Please visit the Research Topic webpage for more details. https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/11206/small-cetacean-conservati… <http://links.email.frontiersin.org/ls/click?upn=AAaFa03elZRFPXQ6ShiKwAPsR8o…> Sincerely. The Research Topic Editors, R. Davis, J. Kiszka, R. Harcourt, M. Meekan, L. Bejders, D. Horacio Rodriguez, K. Stockin Jeremy Kiszka (PhD) Assistant Professor Marine Conservation Ecology Lab. https://marineconservationecologylab.com Department of Biological Sciences Coastlines and Oceans Division, Institute of Environment Florida International University 3000 NE 151 St., FL-33181, North Miami, USA. Office (direct): (305)-919-5234

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New publication: Pathological findings in White beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) and Atlantic White-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) from the South-Eastern North Sea
by Schick, Luca Aroha 27 May '20

27 May '20

Dear Colleagues, we are happy to inform you about the publication of the following paper about White beaked and Atlantic White-sided dolphins in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Schick L, IJsseldijk LL, Grilo ML, Lakemeyer J, Lehnert K, Wohlsein P, Ewers C, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Baumgärtner W, Gröne A, Kik MJL and Siebert U (2020) Pathological Findings in White-Beaked Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) and Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) From the South-Eastern North Sea. Front. Vet. Sci. 7:262. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00262 Abstract: In the North Sea, white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) occur regularly and are the second most common cetacean in the area, while their close relative, the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), prefers the deeper waters of the northern North Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean. Though strandings of both species have occurred regularly in the past three decades, they have decreased in the southern North Sea during the last years. Studies describing necropsy findings in stranded Lagenorhynchus spp. are, to date, still scarce, while information gained through post-mortem examinations may reveal valuable information about underlying causes of this decline, including age structure and the reproduction status. Therefore, we retrospectively assessed and compared the necropsy results from fresh Lagenorhynchus spp. stranded along the southeastern North Sea between 1990 and 2019. A full necropsy was performed on 24 white-beaked dolphins and three Atlantic white-sided dolphins from the German and Dutch coast. Samples of selected organs were taken for histopathological, bacteriological, mycological, parasitological and virological examinations. The most common post-mortem findings were emaciation, gastritis and pneumonia. Gastritis and ulceration of the stomach was often associated with an anisakid nematode infection. Pneumonia was most likely caused by bacterial infections. Encephalitis was observed in three animals and morbillivirus antigen was detected immunohistochemically in one case. Although the animal also showed pneumonic lesions, virus antigen was only found in the brain. Parasitic infections mainly affected the gastro-intestinal tract. Lungworm infections were only detected in two cases and no associations with pathological alterations were observed. Stenurus spp. were identified in two of three cases of parasitic infections of the ears. Twelve of the 26 white-beaked dolphins stranded in Germany were found between 1993 and 1994, but there was no evidence of epizootic disease events or mass strandings during the monitored period. Best regards -- Luca Aroha Schick Veterinarian Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation Werftstraße 6/ 25761 Büsum/ Germany Phone: +49 511-856 8174 Fax: +49 511-856 8181 Luca.aroha.schick(a)tiho-hannover.de<mailto:Luca.aroha.schick@tiho-hannover.de> https://www.tiho-hannover.de/index.php?id=7891

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Marine Mammal Online Experience
by Ari Friedlaender 27 May '20

27 May '20

On behalf of my colleagues I would like to share the following opportunity aimed at high school and undergraduate students interested in Marine Mammal Science and Marine Biology in general. Marine Mammal Online Experience – July 2020 Interested in learning more about marine mammal research and conservation from experts in the field? The California Ocean Alliance invites you to sign up for The Marine Mammal Online Experience (MOE)! This is a unique and engaging one-week online educational course designed to provide each student the opportunity to work directly with world experts in marine mammal science and conservation. Each day we will explore the underwater world of seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, and sea otters, showing you our strategies for conserving and protecting ocean ecosystems. Target audience for this course is high school and college students interested in careers in marine mammal biology. Students will be presented with a combination of exciting lectures and group-based online, interactive activities. Additionally, individuals will have access to scientific papers, multi-media material, and guidance from top marine mammal researchers. Curriculum highlights include: Interactive lessons from researchers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on the evolution of marine mammals Virtual tours of seal breeding colonies in California Virtual tours of the newly-renovated captive marine mammal research facilities at UC Santa Cruz. See how we train captive seals, sea lions, and dolphins, and cooperatively conduct cutting edge research right here in Santa Cruz! Analyzing video data obtained from multi-sensor tags on the backs of humpback whales Learning about the use of drone technology to study the health of marine mammals, and how to measure animals, including killer whales Introduction to the underwater acoustic world of marine mammals, current threats of sound pollution, how to analyze marine mammal sounds, and why this is important Panel discussions with leaders in the field about how to pursue a career in marine mammal science and conservation Given this unique and unprecedented time, we have the opportunity to offer students the chance to virtually interact with and leading experts in the field of marine mammal science and conservation from around the United States. These professors and scientists include: Dr. Nicholas Pyenson – Research Geologist and Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals at the National Museum of Natural History. World expert on marine mammal evolution Dr. Ari Friedlaender – Associate Researcher at UC Santa Cruz and Director of Research for the California Ocean Alliance. Leading researcher in whale foraging ecology and use of tag technology Drs. John Durban and Holly Fearnbach – SEA Senior Scientist and Marine Mammal Research Director for SR3. Premier population ecologists and pioneers of using drones to study marine mammal health (including southern resident killer whales) Dr. Brandon Southall – President and senior Scientist of Southall Environmental Associates, Inc. (SEA). Leading scientist exploring communication, hearing, and the effects of noise on marine mammals Dr. David Wiley – Research Coordinator for Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Dr. Wiley’s groundbreaking research led to the relocation of shipping lanes to reduce ship strikes of large whales Dr. Charles Littnan – Division Director of the Protected Species Division/Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program for NOAA Fisheries. Conservation biologist leading the effort to save Hawaiian monk seals Dr. Lars Bejder – Associate Researcher and Director of the Marine Mammal Research Program at the University of Hawaii. Uses innovative technology to quantify habitat use, movements, and body condition of marine mammals for conservation purposes Dr. Caroline Casey – Director of Education, California Ocean Alliance. Behavioral ecologist and acoustician studying communication in marine mammals Dr. Colleen Reichmuth-Principal investigator and Senior research scientist of the UCSC Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Lab. Has led the research efforts in marine mammal cognition, bioacoustics, and behavioral ecology for over 25 years. Course details: Daily Schedule: 9:00am-12:00pm PST Monday-Friday 2020 Summer Sessions: July 6-10 or July 20-24th Cost: $200/student (scholarships available for qualified families) Application procedure: If interested, please visit our website https://www.caoceanalliance.org/marine-mammal-online- <https://www.caoceanalliance.org/marine-mammal-online-experience-moe> experience-moe <https://www.caoceanalliance.org/marine-mammal-online-experience-moe>for more information. You can register directly for one of the two courses being offered in July by visiting https://www.caoceanalliance.org/moe <https://www.caoceanalliance.org/moe>. For any other questions please email: ari.friedlaender(a)ucsc.edu <mailto:ari.friedlaender@ucsc.edu> Ari S. Friedlaender, PhD Associate Researcher, Institute of Marine Sciences Associate Adjunct Professor, Ocean Sciences & Ecology and Evolutionary Biology UC Santa Cruz 115 McAllister Way Santa Cruz, CA 95060 ari.friedlaender(a)ucsc.edu https://btbel.pbsci.ucsc.edu/ http://www.caoceanalliance.org/

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