May 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Causes of mortality in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) population at equilibrium
by Elizabeth Ashley 21 May '20

21 May '20

Dear colleagues, We are excited to share our open access paper published in Frontiers in Marine Science under the Research Topic "Pathologic Findings in Stranded Marine Mammals: A Global Perspective." Ashley EA, Olson JK, Adler TE, Raverty S, Anderson EM, Jeffries S and Gaydos JK (2020) Causes of mortality in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) population at equilibrium. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:319. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00319 Abstract: The harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) population in the Salish Sea has been at equilibrium since the mid-1990s. This stable population of marine mammals resides relatively close to shore near a large human population and offers a novel opportunity to evaluate whether disease acts in a density-dependent manner to limit population growth. We conducted a retrospective analysis of harbor seal stranding and necropsy findings in the San Juan Islands sub-population to assess age-related stranding trends and causes of mortality. Between January 01, 2002 and December 31, 2018, we detected 882 harbor seals that stranded and died in San Juan County and conducted necropsies on 244 of these animals to determine primary and contributing causes of death. Age-related seasonal patterns of stranded animals were evident, with pups found in the summer, weaned pups primarily recovered during fall, and adults and sub-adults recovered in summer and fall. Pups were the most vulnerable to mortality (64% of strandings). Pups predominantly died of nutritional causes (emaciation) (70%), whereas sub-adults and adults presented primarily with clinical signs and gross lesions of infectious disease (42%) and with non-anthropogenic trauma (27%). Primary causes of weaned pup mortality were distributed equally among nutritional, infectious, non-anthropogenic trauma, and anthropogenic trauma categories. Nutritional causes of mortality in pups were likely related to limitations in mid- and late-gestational maternal nutrition, post-partum mismothering, or maternal separation possibly related to human disturbance. Infectious causes were contributing factors in 33% of pups dying of nutritional causes (primarily emaciation–malnutrition syndrome), suggesting an interaction between poor nutritional condition and enhanced susceptibility to infectious diseases. Additional primary causes of harbor seal mortality were related to congenital disorders, predation, human interaction, and infections, including zoonotic and multidrug-resistant pathogens. Bottom-up nutritional limitations for pups, in part possibly related to human disturbance, as well as top-down predatory influences (likely under-represented through strandings) and infectious disease, are important regulators of population growth in this stable, recovered marine mammal population. Thank you! Lizzy Ashley Research Assistant, The SeaDoc Society lashley(a)ucdavis.edu www.seadocsociety.or<http://www.seadocsociety.org/>g

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New publication: evidence of link between marine mammal phylogeny and skin microbiota
by Amy Van Cise 21 May '20

21 May '20

Dear MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm happy to announce the publication of our new paper, available at RSOS <https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.192046>: Apprill A, Miller C, Van Cise A, U’Ren JM, Leslie MS, Weber L, Baird RW, Robbins J, Landry S, Niemeyer M, Rose K, Bogomolni A, Waring G. 2020. Marine mammal skin microbiotas are influenced by host phylogeny. Royal Society of Open Science. 7: 192046. doi.org/10.1098/rsos.192046 *Abstract*: Skin-associated microorganisms have been shown to play a role in immune function and disease of humans, but are understudied in marine mammals, a diverse animal group that serve as sentinels of ocean health. We examined the microbiota associated with 75 epidermal samples opportunistically collected from nine species within four marine mammal families, including: Balaenopteridae (sei and fin whales), Phocidae (harbour seal), Physeteridae (sperm whales) and Delphinidae (bottlenose dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, short-finned pilot whales and melon-headed whales). The skin was sampled from free-ranging animals in Hawai‘i (Pacific Ocean) and off the east coast of the United States (Atlantic Ocean), and the composition of the bacterial community was examined using the sequencing of partial small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA genes. Skin microbiotas were significantly different among host species and taxonomic families, and microbial community distance was positively correlated with mitochondrial-based host genetic divergence. The oceanic location could play a role in skin microbiota variation, but skin from species sampled in both locations is necessary to determine this influence. These data suggest that a phylosymbiotic relationship may exist between microbiota and their marine mammal hosts, potentially providing specific health and immune-related functions that contribute to the success of these animals in diverse ocean ecosystems. The paper is open access and can be downloaded from RSOS <https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.192046>, but please feel free to reach out to myself or the primary author, Amy Apprill ( aapprill(a)whoi.edu) with any questions you may have. Warm regards, Amy Van Cise <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. Research Biologist, Cascadia Research Collective <http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/> Guest Investigator, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution <https://www.whoi.edu/> 218 1/2 4th Ave W Olympia, WA 98501 https://amyvancise.weebly.com/ <https://amyvancise.wordpress.com/>

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Short review of whale carcass behavior
by Michael Moore 21 May '20

21 May '20

Please see the Open Access paper Moore MJ, Mitchell GH, Rowles TK, Early G (2020) Dead Cetacean? Beach, Bloat, Float, Sink. Frontiers in Marine Science https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00333 Abstract: Variably buoyant, dead Cetacea may float, or sink and later bloat to refloat if ambient temperature and pressure allow sufficient decomposition gas formation and expansion. Mortality can result from acute or chronic disease, fishery entanglement, vessel collision, noxious noises, or toxicant spills. Investigators often face the daunting task of elucidating a complex series of events, in reverse order, from when and where an animal is found, and to diagnose the cause of death. Various scenarios are possible: an animal could die at sea remaining there or floating ashore, or strand on a beach alive, where it dies and, if cast high enough, remain beached to be scavenged or decompose. An animal that rests low on a beach may refloat again, through increased buoyancy from decomposition gas and favorable tides, currents, and wind. Here we review the factors responsible for the different outcomes, and how to recognize the provenance of a cetacean mortality found beached, or floating at sea. In conclusion, only some carcasses strand, or remain floating. Negatively buoyant animals that die at depth, or on the surface, and sink, may never surface, even after decomposition gas accumulation, as in cold, deep waters gas may fail to adequately reduce the density of a carcass, precluding it from returning to the surface.

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Greece Cetacean Research Micro-Internships Summer 2020
by Κimonas Koemtzopoulos 21 May '20

21 May '20

Dear All, On behalf of MOm/ Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for our summer 2019 research season of the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project. The project takes place in the pristine National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades and focuses on the photo-identification and behavioural data collection for the populations of Striped Dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba*), Common Dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) and Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) regularly found in the area as well as the occasional encounter with Cuvier’s Beaked Whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*) and Risso’s Dolphins (*Grampus griseus*). *Location*: National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades - Alonissos, Greece *Dates*: 29 June – 6 September 2020 *Duration*: Minimum 1 Week *You will*: - Receive Training and Experience in marine mammal research methods - Participate in daily boat-based research expeditions (weather-dependent) - Participate in data collection and data analysis (Behavioural data, Photo-ID) - Learn about cetacean biology, ecology and conservation - Actively contribute to marine conservation in a Marine Protected Area - Experience life on a beautiful Greek Island in a pristine Marine Protected Area in Europe. *Requirements*: No previous experience is required. All you need is an interest in Cetacean biology, ecology and conservation and a positive attitude. Joining one of our weekly expeditions requires a *participation fee* which covers shared accommodation (*COVID 19 Note: Only co-travellers will be sharing a room*), two meals/day, training/lessons and part of the operational costs of the project. *How to Participate*: To participate in the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project please visit: www.northernaegeandolphinproject.com or send an email to d.tsiakalos(a)mom.gr For information on MOm please visit: www.mom.gr For reviews of the experience by previous participants please visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/mom.gr *COVID19 Health Safety Notes: * - Greece has been very effective with handling the pandemic with the lowest cases/mil population in Europe - Only co-travellers will be sharing a room - The research vessel is large and direct physical contact and close proximity can be avoided at all times - Most project activities are outdoors. During indoors activities (photo-ID analysis which requires a computer) all precautions will be taken and regulations followed (e.g. undertaken in pairs), lessons will take place outdoors. - The island where the project takes place has had no COVID19 cases to date and its population density is low even during the touristic season Our warmest wishes to all during these trying times. Κίμων Κοεμτζόπουλος - *Βιολόγος MSc* *MOm/Εταιρεία Μελέτης & Προστασίας Μεσογειακής Φώκιας* Kimon Koemtzopoulos - *Biologist MSc* *MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal* www.mom.gr info(a)mom.gr T: 0030 *2105222888* M: 0030 *6937580071*

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Funded PhD position available at the Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
by Rebecca Wellard 20 May '20

20 May '20

Funded PhD position available at the Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia We are seeking a PhD student to work on a marine acoustic habitat model for Australia’s Northwest Shelf. There are 9 species of baleen whales that annually migrate to the NW Shelf and 18 species of toothed whales. This region has experienced strong industrial (mostly oil & gas) development over the years. CMST has >50 1-year datasets of underwater acoustic recordings from Western Australia, collected over 20 years. This dataset provides a unique record of the marine soundscape, marine fauna (fish spawning choruses, migrating whale song), anthropogenic operations (shipping, oil & gas), ocean weather (wind, storms), and changes over time. We are synthesising the lot to build an acoustic habitat model for the NW Shelf. The process includes various steps: 1) Building a library of acoustic detectors. 2) Building a database of acoustic detections (by species, noise source, location and time). 3) Sourcing environmental covariates. 4) Exploring spatial and temporal correlations and dependencies. 5) Building the habitat model. 6) Applying the model to answer acoustic ecological questions (incl. the effects of noise). In discussion with the PhD student, this thesis can contribute to any of the above steps and focus on one or more species and sites to study specific acoustic ecological questions. While all the data is available, there might be opportunities for fieldwork, if desired. Supervisors: Professor Christine Erbe, Assoc Professor Robert McCauley. Applications close 30 June 2020. Enrolment and project start: 1 August 2020. A PhD stipend (28,000 AUD/year, indexed annually) is available at CMST for the successful applicant. Eligibility: Australian permanent residents and citizens, New Zealand citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders. The successful applicant will be expected to start as soon as is convenient, but by 1 September 2020 the latest. Information about research conducted at CMST can be found at http://cmst.curtin.edu.au/ Please send a letter stating why you are interested in this PhD position and outlining your relevant experience, along with your CV and one reference letter, to director(a)cmst.curtin.edu.au<mailto:director@cmst.curtin.edu.au> Rebecca Wellard Centre for Marine Science and Technology Department of Physics Curtin University Tel | +61 8 9266 1782 Email | rebecca.wellard(a)curtin.edu.au<mailto:rebecca.wellard@postgrad.curtin.edu.au> Web | www.projectorca.com.au<http://www.curtin.edu.au/>

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Marine Mammal Observers Needed for Falkland Islands
by Amy Whitt 20 May '20

20 May '20

*Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) for Falkland Islands* MMOs will be deployed on bottom trawl vessels in the Falkland Islands Loligo squid fishery. They will be fishing in the Southwest Atlantic. The main role of the MMO on each vessel will be to conduct observations to estimate seal abundance per species and describe seal-fishing gear interactions. Additionally, MMO duties will include sampling Loligo catches on a daily basis for biometrics, monitoring the performance of bird scaring lines (BSL), documenting seabird mortality, and weighing and measuring samples of juvenile toothfish. Work will begin approximately mid July 2020 in the Falkland Islands. There will be two seasons of 68 days each (64 continuous days at sea for each season). The second season will be in February 2021. Additional cruises in the following years may be an option. Although 64 continuous days at sea are expected during each season, short transshipment port calls may occur. *Duties* · Monitor at least three trawls per day (i.e., shooting and hauling) and record seal abundance, their interactions with fishing gear, live escapees, live releases and incidental mortalities · Real-time reporting of seal bycatch. Carcass sampling or measurement and marking · Complete two excel data sheet forms on a daily basis and send the files to the client three times per week (laptop computer and internet will be provided onboard the vessel) · Record details from fishing activity: shoot, turn, and haul times and positions, commercial catch and bycatch (provided by the vessel/logbook) · Monitor Seal Exclusions Devices (SED) and BSL type and maintenance, net cleaning and discard management · Daily monitor and record seabird interactions with fishing gear during seal observations · Record seabird mortalities and reveal their possible causes; collect and preserve all carcasses if required · Daily measure 100 Loligo specimens and weigh the entire squid sample · Daily weigh all identifiable toothfish bycatch and measure total length of an accumulated number of 100 specimens per week *Requirements* · University degree, minimum a BSc in Biology/Marine Sciences/Fisheries or a related field · A minimum of 100 days of MMO experience at sea · High level of written and spoken English · Medium level of Spanish language. Conversational Spanish is accepted. Non-native speakers should provide proof of studies. · Valid ENG1 or an equivalent that is of an IMO (International Maritime Organisation) standard · Valid STCW sea survival certificate. BOSIET certificate is also accepted. · Valid passport and the ability to travel overseas · The ability to pass a medical physical and spend at least 64 continuous days at sea · Be open to diverse food options served at sea · You can commit to 68 days of continuous work beginning on or around 27 July 2020 · Provide your own raingear, boots, gloves and personal items for deployment · Provide your own cell phone with international calling plan and WhatsApp Please send your resume and cover letter as soon as possible to amy(a)azuraco.com. In your resume, please describe how you meet all of the requirements listed above and list contact information for three references who can attest to your previous work experience. In your cover letter, please describe why you would be a good fit for this job, any work/travel overseas, and your work on boats as an MMO. If you have questions, please email them to amy(a)azuraco.com. If you do not meet ALL of the requirements, please do not apply.

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New publication: Life history and social structure as drivers of persistent organic pollutant levels and stable isotopes in Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens)
by Michaela Kratofil 20 May '20

20 May '20

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Science of the Total Environment: Kratofil MA, Ylitalo GM, Mahaffy SD, West KL, and Baird RW. 2020. Life history and social structure as drivers of persistent organic pollutant levels and stable isotopes in Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Science of the Total Environment 733:138880. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138880 ABSTRACT: False killer whales are long-lived, slow to mature, apex predators, and therefore susceptible to bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Hawaiian waters are home to three distinct populations: pelagic; Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) insular; and main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) insular. Following a precipitous decline over recent decades, the MHI population was listed as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act in 2012. This study assesses the risk of POP exposure to these populations by examining pollutant concentrations and ratios from blubber samples (n = 56) related to life history characteristics and MHI social clusters. Samples were analyzed for PCBs, DDTs, PBDEs, and some organochlorine pesticides. Skin samples (n = 52) were analyzed for stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N to gain insight into MHI false killer whale foraging ecology. Pollutant levels were similar among populations, although MHI whales had a significantly higher mean ratio of DDTs/PCBs than NWHI whales. The ∑PCB concentrations of 28 MHI individuals (68%) sampled were equal to or greater than suggested thresholds for deleterious health effects in marine mammals. The highest POP values among our samples were found in four stranded MHI animals. Eight of 24 MHI adult females have not been documented to have given birth; whether they have yet to reproduce, are reproductive senescent, or are experiencing reproductive dysfunction related to high POP exposure is unknown. Juvenile/sub-adults had significantly higher concentrations of certain contaminants than those measured in adults, and may be at greater risk of negative health effects during development. Multivariate analyses, POP ratios, and stable isotope ratios indicate varying risk of POP exposure, foraging locations and potentially prey items among MHI social clusters. Our findings provide invaluable insight into the ongoing risk POPs pose to the MHI population’s viability, as well as consideration of risk for the NWHI and pelagic stocks. A link to the full article available from the publisher for the next 50 days: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1b5bwB8ccoD%7E6<https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1b5bwB8ccoD~6> For more information on our Hawai’i research see https://www.cascadiaresearch.org/projects/hawaii Best regards, Michaela Kratofil Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective<https://www.cascadiaresearch.org/> 218 ½ W. 4th Ave Olympia, WA 98502 michaela-kratofil.com<https://michaela-kratofil.com/>

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New Publication
by Adam Frankel 20 May '20

20 May '20

We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper in Marine Mammal Science: Gray whales hear and respond to signals from a 21–25 kHz active sonar Adam S. Frankel and Peter J. Stein Shore‐based theodolite tracking of eastern gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) movements was conducted to test for potential whale responses to a high‐frequency sonar system. Southbound migrating whales were observed from two California shore observation stations as the whales swam past the source vessel that was moored in their migration path. The sonar transducer was deployed from the vessel during all observations, broadcasting 21–25 kHz sweeps for half of each day, the other half remaining silent. The order of control and experimental periods was randomized. No readily apparent response to sonar transmissions was observed in the field or in the visual data. Statistical analysis of tracking data indicates that, compared to control data, gray whales deflected inshore at ranges of 1–2 km from the vessel during sonar transmissions at a received sound pressure level of approximately 148 dB re 1 μPa2 (134 dB re 1 μPa2s). These data suggest that the functional hearing sensitivity of gray whales extends to at least 21 kHz. The paper is available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12700 or PDFs can be requested from adam.frankel(a)marineacoustics.com Mahalo, adam

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Registration open: introductory distance sampling training workshop, 06-17 July 2020
by Eric Rexstad 20 May '20

20 May '20

Interactive introductory distance sampling training The University of St Andrews has been training people in design and analysis of distance sampling studies for decades. Perhaps you've wanted to attend but could not get permission for travel to Scotland? With social distancing in place, we are offering our training workshops over the internet. 🎙️Distance sampling methodology is particularly relevant to marine mammal investigation. We are offering the training workshop in 10 two-hour blocks in early July. You will be invited to interact in short lectures on distance sampling principles. 👩‍🎓 Exercises analysing data sets in R will reinforce those principles and the lecturer will be available to assist during the practical session via screen sharing. The block will conclude with a summary of the exercise and question/answer session for both lecture and exercise. 💻 You can participate in polls during the workshop to assess your comprehension of topics discussed. 🤔 The workshop will be delivered using Zoom web conferencing software along with R-Studio "in the cloud".☁️ You will need (free) accounts for both pieces of software. I encourage you to experiment with Zoom (at https://zoom.us) and https://rstudio.cloud before the course begins. 👩‍💻 There will be a training session prior to the first meeting on 06 July. Companion online training workshops We are planning an additional advanced distance sampling workshops later this summer. This workshop (mark-recapture distance sampling delivery in late August) will require knowledge of basic distance sampling principles derived from this introductory training workshop. Important details Workshop dates and time: 06-17 July 2020; 1700-1900 British summer time (1200-1400 EDT, 0900-1100 PDT) 🕰️ Registration deadline: 10 June 2020📅 Enrolment limit: 15 Cost: 200 British pounds 💵 What is included: Lectures, exercises, code, data all available online📃 What they are saying I would like to say I really liked RStudio Cloud and it is working just fine and I am really enjoying using it as a student. I'm looking forward to using it as an instructor too. I really liked the first half of the course. I love distance sampling and I am enjoying every second of the course! The only thing I can say about this particular workshop is it deserves more time. -- Kaan Özgencil, PhD student, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Further details are available at the CREEM website https://www.creem.st-andrews.ac.uk/distance-live-online-workshops/ At this page you will find a link to the St Andrews online shop where you a) register and b) make payment. Feel free to contact me with questions. Information regarding all distance sampling workshops can be found at https://www.creem.st-andrews.ac.uk/workshops/ Eric Rexstad Senior Research Fellow, CREEM, Univ. of St Andrews, Charity SC013532 eric.rexstad(a)st-andrews.ac.uk The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens, St Andrews KY16 9LZ

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Sealcentre Pieterburen Vet Internships 2020 & 2021
by Ana Rubio García | Zeehondencentrum 20 May '20

20 May '20

Dear all, We are pleased to announce: VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP – SEALCENTRE PIETERBUREN The Sealcentre Pieterburen, the Netherlands, has an exciting opportunity for two Veterinary Interns to work in our Veterinary and Seal Care Departments. Both positions last one year, one is scheduled to start in October 2020, and the other in April 2021. Previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. The Sealcentre’s Veterinary Department includes two full time veterinarians and two veterinary interns. We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic candidate who will join our team and will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, maintenance of daily nutritional and medical records, sampling for various research projects, and data entry. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. The interns must be veterinarians or veterinary students. They are required to find their own transportation to Pieterburen and we provide housing (gas, electricity, water and internet included), meals, and health insurance. These positions are unpaid. The interns should expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of shifts including weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills (a fluent English level is required). Due to Visa requirements we are currently only able to accept applicants with a European passport. The deadline for applications is June 30th 2020. Interested applicants should submit a copy of the CV, an intention letter, and two recommendation letters. Note that the application materials should be in English. Applications and questions should be submitted to vet(a)zeehondencentrum.nl indicating in the subject VETERINARY INTERN 2020/2021. For more information about the Sealcentre Pieterburen visit www.zeehondencentrum.nl *Ana Rubio García* *Head of the Veterinary & Research Department* Mobile phone: +31 (0)6 12 981154 Email: ana.rubiogarcia(a)zeehondencentrum.nl Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. Healthy sea, happy seal. Hoofdstraat 94a 9968 AG Pieterburen T +31 (0)595 526 526 E: info(a)zeehondencentrum.nl I: www.zeehondencentrum.nl [image: cid:image004.jpg@01D1D2D4.6A844C90] P Please consider the environment. Think before printing.

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