May 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

IMarEST Accreditation for Online Course
by Elizabeth Ferguson 27 May '20

27 May '20

Good Morning Colleagues, Ocean Science Analytics is proud to share that* PAM Software Basics* is now recognized as an accredited continuing professional development (CPD <https://www.imarest.org/membership/education-careers/imarest-recognised-cpd…>) course through the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology! The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST <https://www.imarest.org/>) is an international society for marine professionals. IMarEST provides a peer-reviewed assessment of courses to ensure effective delivery of rigorous technical content. We have two upcoming online training groups in June and August with limited availability. You can start at any time in the month and still have thirty days of access and support during your navigation of PAM software. Find out more information at the PAM Software Basics <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/pam-software-basics> course page. Stay safe and healthy everyone! Regards, Liz Ferguson *CEO and Founder* *Ocean Science Analytics* *www.oceanscienceanalytics.com <http://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com>*

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Shared whistle type in a group of bottlenose dolphins: New Publication
by Brittany Jones 26 May '20

26 May '20

My colleagues and are proud to share our new open access publication in PLOS ONE. Please visit the link below, or email brittanyjones(a)nmmf.org for a .pdf download. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0233658 Jones BL, Daniels R, Tufano S, Ridgway S (2020) *Five members of a mixed-sex group of bottlenose dolphins share a stereotyped whistle contour in addition to maintaining their individually distinctive signature whistles. *PLOS ONE 15(5): e0233658. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233658 *Abstract* Most commonly, animal communication systems are driven by shared call repertoires, with some individual distinctiveness encoded as a byproduct of voice cues. We provide evidence that bottlenose dolphins produce both individually distinctive whistles, and a shared whistle type. A stereotyped whistle contour (termed the group whistle) is shared by five bottlenose dolphins that have lived, worked, and traveled together for at least 21 years. These five dolphins are members of a group of eight dolphins that work as a specialized team for the Navy Marine Mammal Program. Each dolphin is routinely recorded during periods when an individual is isolated from the others in above ground pools as part of their routine training. Each of the eight dolphins has an individually distinctive signature whistle. In addition, at least five of these dolphins share a distinct non-signature whistle type. This shared whistle contour was produced an average of 22.4% +/- 9.0% of the time during periods in which individuals were isolated. During these isolations the signature whistle was produced an average of 42.9% +/- 11.9% of the time. This is consistent with decades of signature whistle research. A group of 10 naïve observers rated the similarity of the different whistle contours. The observers rated the group whistle contour produced by all five dolphins as highly similar (P < 0.01). Their ratings further showed that the signature whistles of the five dolphins were very different (P < 0.01). These findings were further supported by discriminant function analyses. That said, the shared whistle contours still exhibited individual differences which may allow conspecifics to identify the producer even when a whistle contour is shared among multiple dolphins. This is the first in-depth analysis of a non-signature whistle type shared among multiple conspecifics.

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LAST CALL: FULL TIME PAID RESEARCH POSITION
by AIMM Internships 26 May '20

26 May '20

The Marine Environment Research Association – AIMM is recruiting a Researcher to join its team! The successful candidate will be expected to work effectively within a small team and will get involved in the multiple tasks of our NGO, such as, research projects and educational activities, logistics and administration management. More details will be given to selected candidates for interview. Ideal candidates for this paid position will: - have a background in Biological or Environmental Sciences - hold a PhD degree (awarded or to be awarded soon) in a relevant area (mandatory) - have previous experience with cetaceans and marine sciences - have Portuguese nationality (highly desirable) or EU nationality (mandatory) - be fluent in Portuguese (highly desirable) and/or English - be able to start working soon (July 2020) - have proven experience in team leadership and group supervision - have demonstrated capacity to work independently and a proactive attitude at work - have good knowledge of data analysis and experience writing technical reports - have experience in writing scientific articles - have experience in writing grant applications - have experience in fundraising - be highly motivated, versatile and responsible - be organised with genuine attention to details - competitive salary based on experience - 12 months contract, with possibility of renewal - location: mainland Portugal To apply please send a copy of your CV (including two references) and motivation letter written in Portuguese or English to hr(a)aimmportugal.org with the subject "Investigador 2020". Motivation letter should describe applicant experience, long term research, interests and background (age, gender, work/life experience, etc). Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applications need to be submitted by June 10, 2020. Thank you, -- *AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] <https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal> [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/AimmportugalOrg>

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New paper: Assessing the effects of Banana Pingers as a bycatch mitigation device for harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)
by Omeyer, Lucy 26 May '20

26 May '20

Dear MARMAN community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our newest publication at Frontiers in Marine Science. The full article can be found here and is open access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00285/full Omeyer LCM, Doherty PD, Dolman S, Enever R, Reese A, Tregenza N, Williams R, Godley BJ (2020) Assessing the effects of Banana Pingers as a bycatch mitigation device for harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Frontiers in Marine Science Abstract: Bycatch is a significant cause of population declines of marine megafauna globally. While numerous bycatch mitigation strategies exist, acoustic alarms, or pingers, are the most widely adopted strategy for small cetaceans. Although pingers have been shown to be an effective measure for numerous species, there are some concerns about their long-term use. Bycatch is recognized as a persistent problem in waters around Cornwall, United Kingdom, where several cetacean species are resident, with harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) being the most-commonly sighted. In this study, we assessed the effects of a Banana Pinger (Fishtek Marine Limited) on harbour porpoises in Cornwall between August 2012 and March 2013. Two passive acoustic loggers (C-PODs; Chelonia Limited) were deployed 100 m apart to record cetacean activity during cycles of active and inactive pinger periods. Harbour porpoises were 37% less likely to be detected at the C-POD near the pinger when the pinger was active, while they were only 9% less likely to be detected 100 m further away. The effect of the pinger was constant over the study period at both C-PODs despite the temporal variation in harbour porpoise detections. In addition, we found no evidence of reduced pinger effect with changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, harbour porpoise detections at the C-POD near the pinger did not depend on the time elapsed since the pinger turned off, with harbour porpoises returning to the ensonified area with no delay. Together these results suggest that (1) harbour porpoises did not habituate to the pinger over an 8-month period, (2) the pinger effect is very localized, and (3) pinger use did not lead to harbour porpoise displacement over the study period, suggesting an absence of long-term behavioral effects. We suggest that the deployment of pingers on fishing nets would likely reduce net-porpoise interactions, thereby mitigating bycatch of harbour porpoises and potentially other cetacean species. As the small-scale fishery dominates in United Kingdom waters, there is an acute need for cost-effective mitigation strategies with concurrent monitoring to be implemented rapidly in order to address the problem of harbour porpoise, and more generally, cetacean bycatch. Best wishes, Lucy Dr Lucy Omeyer Post Doctoral Research Associate Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn Campus TR10 9FE

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New Publication: Short-term Effects of Hurricane Harvey
by Kristi F 25 May '20

25 May '20

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share our new article published in the 'Impact of 2017 Hurricanes' Special Issue of Estuaries and Coasts entitled "Short-term Effects of Hurricane Harvey on Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Upper Galveston Bay, TX" Fazioli, K., and V. Mintzer. 2020. Short-term Effects of Hurricane Harvey on Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Upper Galveston Bay, TX. *Estuaries and Coasts*. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-020-00751-y Shareable full-text link: https://rdcu.be/b4mY7 ABSTRACT: >From August 26 to 30, 2017, Hurricane Harvey inundated the Galveston Bay estuary in Texas with record-breaking rainfall. As a result, salinity levels in the bay declined rapidly from an average of 14 to < 1 ppt, altering aquatic habitat in the weeks following the storm. Long-term photo-identification monitoring efforts provided an opportunity to undertake a case study describing the effects of this extreme flood event on the bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) inhabiting upper Galveston Bay. We compared dolphin encounter rates for the months preceding and following Harvey to a year with no hurricane, examined shifts in habitat-based encounter rates, and evaluated the prevalence and extent of dolphin skin lesions, typically presenting as ulcerated or degraded epidermis. Encounter rates decreased from 1.09 dolphins per linear kilometer (d/km) in August 2017 before Harvey to 0.29 d/km in September 2017 (compared to 0.85 d/km in August 2016 and 0.91 d/km in September 2016). While most dolphins evacuated the upper portion of the bay, many remaining dolphins shifted habitats from shallow open bay to deep channels where salinity increased with depth. Of the dolphins that were sighted in the upper bay during the low salinity event, 96% exhibited at least one lesion and 65% of those dolphins had lesions of medium or high extent (significant increases compared to pre-Harvey levels). After salinity returned to levels above 11 ppt (approximately 8 weeks after Harvey), encounter rates increased and extent of lesions decreased, but prevalence of lesions remained elevated for at least 4 months after Harvey. Please feel free to reach out to myself (fazioli(a)uhcl.edu) or my co-author (vmintzer(a)galvbay.org) with questions or to obtain a pdf copy of the article. Thank you, Kristi Fazioli Research Associate Environmental Institute of Houston University of Houston - Clear Lake Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program Fazioli(a)uhcl.edu

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New paper: Mycotic infections in Free-ranging Harbor Porpoises
by IJsseldijk, L.L. (Lonneke) 25 May '20

25 May '20

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our newest open access publication in Frontiers in Marine Sciences: Kapetanou, A., IJsseldijk, L. L., Willems, D. S., Broens, E. M., Everaarts, E., Buil, J. B., Verweij, P. E., Kik, M. J. L., & Gröne, A. (2020). Mycotic infections in Free-ranging Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Frontiers in Marine Science, 7, 344. Abstract: Studies on the occurrence of fungal communities in the marine environment are still scarce, but mycotic infections in cetaceans are increasingly reported. Fungal disease following infection with Aspergillus species is most frequently reported, with the respiratory tract commonly affected in cetaceans and other taxa, like humans and birds. Infection with Aspergillus spp. is dependent on the characteristics of the fungus as well as the hosts immune status, with dissemination into other organs being relatively common. Along the southern North Sea, harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) strandings increased significantly since 2005 and necropsies to determine causes of death have been conducted since 2008. Here we describe the post-mortem findings in stranded, free-ranging harbor porpoises on the Dutch coast which were diagnosed with fungal disease, to determine the prevalence of mycotic infections, and to compare them to those described in other species. A total of 18/754 (2.4%) harbor porpoises showed lesions compatible with localized or disseminated fungal disease as confirmed by histological examination. The respiratory tract was most commonly affected (67%), followed by the central nervous system (CNS, 35%) and auditory system (AS, 18%). Aspergillosis was confirmed for 11/18, by fungal growth (as A. fumigatus species complex, n=9) and PCR (as Aspergillus spp., n=1, and as A. fumigatus sensu strictu by sequence analysis, n=1). One live stranded and euthanized animal presented partial hemiplegia of the blowhole and therefore an MRI was conducted, which resulted in a unique image of the extensive, fungus-induced lesion in the left cerebellar hemisphere, deforming and displacing the brainstem, and additionally affected the AS. The gross- and histologic lesions in the 18 porpoises diagnosed with fungal disease were similar to changes described in other mammalian species. The prevalence of fungal disease in free-living harbor porpoises is lower than seen in captive and rehabilitated animals, suggesting that captivity increases the risk to develop mycotic infections. Finally, fungal infection in the CNS and AS are usually considered consequences of vascular dissemination originating from pulmonary foci. However, only 1/7 cases with otitis and/or encephalitis demonstrated pulmonary aspergillosis, suggesting a different pathogenesis. Here is the link to the full article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00344/full Kind regards, Lonneke IJsseldijk Lonneke L. IJsseldijk<https://www.uu.nl/medewerkers/LLIJsseldijk> | Project Manager Cetacean Research | Utrecht University | Veterinary<https://www.uu.nl/organisatie/faculteit-diergeneeskunde> Medicine | Biomolecular Health Sciences | Pathology | Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht | room O.170 | (+3130) 253 5312 | (+316) 244 556 98 | l.l.ijsseldijk(a)uu.nl<mailto:l.l.ijsseldijk@uu.nl>| Follow us @ | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/strandingresearch> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonneke-ijsseldijk-64014226/> | Online<http://www.uu.nl/strandingsonderzoek> [cid:image001.png@01D62AC4.B25156C0]

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New paper on southern right whale population structure in the South Atlantic
by Emma Carroll 24 May '20

24 May '20

My colleagues and I are happy to announce the publication of a new paper on southern right whale population structure in the South Atlantic. Details below and it is available free via open access from the Journal of Heredity: https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article/111/3/263/5826886 Title: Genetic Diversity and Connectivity of Southern Right Whales (*Eubalaena australis*) Found in the Brazil and Chile–Peru Wintering Grounds and the South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur) Feeding Ground Authors: Emma L. Carroll, Paulo H. Ott, Louise F. McMillan, Bárbara Galletti Vernazzani, Petra Neveceralova, Els Vermeulen, Oscar E. Gaggiotti, Artur Andriolo, C. Scott Baker, Connor Bamford, Peter Best, Elsa Cabrera, Susannah Calderan, Andrea Chirife, Rachel M. Fewster, Paulo A. C. Flores,Timothy Frasier, Thales R. O. Freitas, Karina Groch, Pavel Hulva, Amy Kennedy, Russell Leaper, Matthew S. Leslie, Michael Moore, Larissa Oliveira, Jon Seger, Emilie N. Stepien, Luciano O. Valenzuela, Alexandre Zerbini, and Jennifer A. Jackson Abstract: As species recover from exploitation, continued assessments of connectivity and population structure are warranted to provide information for conservation and management. This is particularly true in species with high dispersal capacity, such as migratory whales, where patterns of connectivity could change rapidly. Here we build on a previous long-term, large-scale collaboration on southern right whales (*Eubalaena australis*) to combine new (nnew) and published (npub) mitochondrial (mtDNA) and microsatellite genetic data from all major wintering grounds and, uniquely, the South Georgia (Islas Georgias del Sur: SG) feeding grounds. Specifically, we include data from Argentina (npub mtDNA/microsatellite = 208/46), Brazil (nnew mtDNA/microsatellite = 50/50), South Africa (nnew mtDNA/microsatellite = 66/77, npub mtDNA/microsatellite = 350/47), Chile–Peru (nnew mtDNA/ microsatellite = 1/1), the Indo-Pacific (npub mtDNA/microsatellite = 769/126), and SG (npub mtDNA/ microsatellite = 8/0, nnew mtDNA/microsatellite = 3/11) to investigate the position of previously unstudied habitats in the migratory network: Brazil, SG, and Chile–Peru. These new genetic data show connectivity between Brazil and Argentina, exemplified by weak genetic differentiation and the movement of 1 genetically identified individual between the South American grounds.The single sample from Chile–Peru had an mtDNA haplotype previously only observed in the Indo-Pacific and had a nuclear genotype that appeared admixed between the Indo-Pacific and South Atlantic, based on genetic clustering and assignment algorithms.The SG samples were clearly South Atlantic and were more similar to the South American than the South African wintering grounds.This study highlights how international collaborations are critical to provide context for emerging or recovering regions, like the SG feeding ground, as well as those that remain critically endangered, such as Chile–Peru. thank you Emma Carroll Rutherford Discovery Fellow | Senior Research Fellow Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora | School of Biological Sciences Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau | University of Auckland e: e.carroll(a)auckland.ac.nz | t: @EmzLCarroll w: whalednalab.auckland.ac.nz | https://unidirectory.auckland.ac.nz/people/e-carroll

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Online course @ Duke University: Building a Database for Marine Mammal Molecular Genetics, Anatomy, and Physiology.
by Andreas Fahlman 23 May '20

23 May '20

Building a Database for Marine Mammal Molecular Genetics, Anatomy, and Physiology. Online course @ Duke University Decades of research in molecular biology and physiology has produced a treasure trove of data that illuminate how different cell types and organ systems respond to environmental stimuli across marine mammal species. Yet, despite this wealth of knowledge, access to this incredible resource is hampered by the lack of a central database in which to access and integrate these data sets. In this problem- and team-based on-line course, we will work with students as a virtual team to create and publish a comparative molecular, anatomical and physiological data base. The students, Teaching Assistant (TA), and instructors (the team) will work together to search for published peer reviewed articles for marine mammals. The information will be extracted and inserted into a central place for searching. We are specifically interested in adaptations from a range of marine species with a focus on integrating marine mammal physiologic and molecular systems and environmental adaptations. The class will produce a deliverable in the form of the launch of a web-based platform with a searchable body with different organs and systems in one marine mammal species that includes details about which of these are absent or anatomically different in other species. Another output would be updated information on allometric scaling relationships that include more species and that are phylogenetically corrected. Prerequisites: college introductory biology, introductory chemistry, or consent of the instructor. Instructors: · Andreas Fahlman (afahlman(a)duke.edu <mailto:afahlman@whoi.edu>) · Jason Somarelli (jason.somarelli(a)duke.edu <mailto:jason.somarelli@duke.edu>) Undergraduate Registration: ENV 390-02 Tuition: $2,500+fees Dates: July 7 - July 30, 2020, Weekdays 9-12 EST To apply: Visit Duke’s Summer Session website: https://summersession.duke.edu/visiting-college-students <https://summersession.duke.edu/visiting-college-students> and complete the online application:https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_22XiGjJTUGVB7lb <https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_22XiGjJTUGVB7lb> Tuition and fees can be found here: https://summersession.duke.edu/visiting-college-students/u-s-students/tuiti… <https://summersession.duke.edu/visiting-college-students/u-s-students/tuiti…>

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Comments Requested: Proposed Rule for the Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the Navy's Training and Testing Activities in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area
by Leah Davis - NOAA Federal 22 May '20

22 May '20

Hi all, NOAA Fisheries is proposing to authorize seven-year regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to govern the incidental take of marine mammals by the U.S. Navy’s training and testing activities in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area from November 2020 through November 2027. NOAA Fisheries’ proposed regulations require mitigation and monitoring measures that are expected to reduce adverse impacts to marine mammals. NOAA Fisheries and the Navy have worked together to develop a comprehensive suite of mitigation measures including procedural mitigations that reduce the likelihood of mortality, injury, hearing impairment, and more severe behavioral responses for most species, as well as time/area mitigation that further protect areas where marine mammals conduct important behaviors and/or sensitive species congregate, which reduces the likelihood of takes that are likely to impact reproduction or survival. NOAA Fisheries and the Navy have developed a robust monitoring plan specifically for these training and testing activities to help better understand the effects of Navy activities on protected marine species. ● The NWTT Study Area includes air and water space off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and northern California; in the Western Behm Canal, Alaska; and portions of waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, including Navy pierside and harbor locations in Puget Sound (see map of the NWTT Study Area here). <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-us-navy…> Please visit our NWTT webpage for more information <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-us-navy…> about this action or https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-… for more information on NOAA’s incidental take program under the MMPA. Kindly, *Leah Davis* *Marine Resources Management Specialist* *Office of Protected Resources* *National Marine Fisheries Service*

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Good news from the Glacier Bay, Alaska Humpback Whale Monitoring Program
by Neilson, Janet L 21 May '20

21 May '20

A report summarizing humpback whale monitoring results from Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, Alaska in 2019 is now available. Following a five-year period (2014-2018) of dramatic decline in humpback whale abundance, we documented two calves and an encouraging uptick in whale numbers in 2019. Foraging conditions last summer appeared to be good, and we saw the return of several reproductive females who had not been sighted in recent years. Read our short Resource Brief for summer 2019 here: https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/640111 Read a Currents blog post about the 2019 results, plus our preliminary 2020 observations here: https://www.nps.gov/glba/blogs/good-news-from-the-humpback-whale-monitoring… -- Janet Neilson Humpback Whale Monitoring Program Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, AK 99826 907-697-2658

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