June 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Read the e-book “Vaquita” for free this summer!
by Jen Hawse 29 Jun '20

29 Jun '20

>From June 29 – July 7, Island Press is offering the e-book Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez<https://islandpress.org/books/vaquita> by Brooke Bessesen<https://islandpress.org/author/brooke-bessesen> for free. This conservation detective story examines the world’s most endangered marine mammal, the vaquita. Living in Mexico’s Upper Gulf region, the “panda of the sea” has seen its numbers drastically reduced in the past several decades. Who is to blame? Brooke Bessesen takes us on a journey to uncover the story. She interviews townspeople, fishermen, scientists, and activists, teasing apart a complex story filled with villains and heroes, a story whose outcome is unclear. In this fast-paced, soul-searing tale, Brooke learns that there are no easy answers when extinction is profitable. If you’d like to dive deeper into the subject we have a webinar<https://islandpress.org/videos/webinar-saving-vaquita> and study/reader’s guide<https://islandpress.box.com/s/1qpf5nqu4n55praq31970lokwr7fc6vx> available as well. Read Vaquita<https://islandpress.org/books/vaquita>, for free, now till July 7. Please share this with your network far and wide! Together, we can spread the word about this vulnerable species before it’s too late. Jen Hawse | Partnerships Manager | she, her Island Press 2000 M St NW, Suite 650 Washington, DC 20036 202.232.7933 x60 | http://www.islandpress.org<http://www.islandpress.org/> Twitter: @IslandPress | Facebook.com/IslandPress Join our newsletter: http://bit.ly/IP-newsletter This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the addressee and may not be disclosed to or used by anyone other than the addressee. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender immediately and delete the email (and all attachments) from your computer system. Thank you.

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New publication on Tursiops taxonomy in Australian waters
by Maria Jedensjö 29 Jun '20

29 Jun '20

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication in Canadian Journal of Zoology: Taxonomy and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (genus Tursiops) in Australian waters: an osteological clarification. Abstract: Species relationships in the bottlenose dolphin (genus Tursiops Gervais, 1855) are controversial. We carried out a comprehensive osteological study of 264 skulls, including type specimens, and 90 postcranial skeletons of Tursiops spp. to address taxonomic uncertainties in Australia using two-dimensional (2D) measurements, and three-dimensional geometric morphometrics (3DGM), tooth and vertebral counts, and categorical data. Analyses provided support for the presence of two forms, aligned to the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus (Ehrenberg, 1832)) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821)), including type specimens. The Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis Charlton-Robb, Gershwin, Thompson, Austin, Owen and McKechnie, 2011) fell well within T. truncatus for both 2D and 3DGM methods. Thirteen Tursiops spp. specimens, no T. australis specimens, were of intermediate size (2D) and could not be assigned to either species. For 3DGM data, there was a strong allometric influence and few non-allometric differences between species. Length and width of the cranium and rostrum were important discriminating variables. Tursiops aduncus was smaller, had more teeth, fewer vertebrae, and more erosion on the pterygoids and frontals than T. truncatus. Overall cranium shape was round in T. aduncus and angular in T. truncatus. Skull length of T. aduncus was smaller in low than in high latitudes. This study highlights the importance of large sample size, multiple analytical methods, and extensive geographical coverage when undertaking taxonomic studies. The full citation is: Jedensjö, M., Kemper, C.M., Milella, M., Willems, E. and Krutzen, M., 2020. Taxonomy and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (genus Tursiops) in Australian waters: an osteological clarification. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 98: 461–479. A full copy of the manuscript can be downloaded from https://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjz-2018-0270, or a pdf can be emailed upon request from Maria (m_jedensjo(a)hotmail.com<mailto:m_jedensjo@hotmail.com>). Kind regards, Maria Jedensjö (on behaf of all co-authors) University of Zürich, Switzerland South Australian Museum, Adelaide

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ABC Conference Going ONLINE
by ABC 29 Jun '20

29 Jun '20

[image: image.png]Please circulate this email to relevant mailing lists/to people of interest: *WE'RE GOING ONLINE!!!* 2nd - 5th November 2020 - Worldwide! In light of the global COVID-19 crisis, the ABC organization committee has decided to push forward with a hybrid conference, moving all presentations to an online space with an option of attending in-person in accordance with governmental restrictions. Through this decision, we hope to be more inclusive and to ensure the health and safety of all of our delegates! We are offering the same great opportunities to participate in the African Bioacoustics Community Conference, without the need to travel. >From the 2nd of November 2020, we'll be diving straight into 4 days of fascinating talks and poster presentations from scientists and researchers all over the world! This conference has a strong marine mammal focus, as acoustic methodology is a common and important tool in marine mammal research, used for passive acoustic monitoring, behavioural studies, and marine mammal conservation. As a result, there will be many talks concerning bioacoustics research done on marine mammals and a plenary presented by Prof Magnus Wahlberg on hearing in marine species. This year our focus is on even greater representation! We are seeking plenary speakers for the conference who are preferably living and working in Africa. Get in touch with us if you want to be considered for a plenary talk. *Abstract Deadline has been extended to: 15th August 2020* We sincerely hope that you will join us! Please visit our website and take note of the fees updates and changes to the conference deadlines and events. https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity Best regards, The ABC Team

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New publication: Blowhole anomaly in pantropical spotted dolphin
by Carolina Relvas 28 Jun '20

28 Jun '20

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the new publication: "Blowhole anomaly in pantropical spotted dolphin (Delphinidae: *Stenella attenuata*)". Relvas CI, Moore M, Milmann L. Blowhole anomaly in pantropical spotted dolphin (Delphinidae: *Stenella attenuata*). Mar Mam Sci. 2020;1–5. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12708 *Abstract* The note documented a blowhole anomaly in a pantropical spotted dolphin (*Stenella attenuata*) that occurred in offshore waters of South eastern Brazil (21°11’02.54”S, 39°54’37.74”W) at 1,539 m depths. During the observation an adult with a very distinguished blowhole was observed and the sequence of photos not only recorded the structure, but also the moment when the dolphin opened the blowhole for expiration, inspiration, and closure as it submerges again in the water. It appears that two functional blowholes are present in the individual, with separate nasal passages and blowhole-associated muscles that can be seen in action. The hypothesis of an ontogenetic anomaly since fetal development should not be discarded. The sequence of photographs showed that the individual had control over the closure of the vestibular bag using the closing musculature while submerging. During the sighting and confirmed by the photographs it was apparent that the individual was an adult, suggesting that it had a healthy life. An influence of the nasal apparatus configuration may exist for the individual's vocalization. We believe this is the first record of this type of anomaly in the respiratory tract of a functional odontocete. This article can be found at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12708 Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly for any queries ( carolrelvas(a)gmail.com) Best wishes, *MSc. Carolina Iozzi Relvas* Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)

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New paper on Cuvier's beaked whale diving behavior
by Greg Schorr 26 Jun '20

26 Jun '20

Dear colleagues, We are writing to share a link to our new paper, recently published in Marine Ecology Progress Series. Barlow, J. Schorr, G.S., Falcone, E.A., Moretti, D. 2020. Variation in dive behavior of Cuvier's beaked whales with seafloor depth, time-of-day, and lunar illumination. Marine Ecology Progress Series 644: 199-214. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13350 The paper can be downloaded from: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v644/p199-214/ or you can email gschorr(at)marecotel.org, or any of the other authors directly for a copy. ABSTRACT: Depth distributions were analyzed from a study of 19 Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) that were tagged with satellite transmitting tags off southern California. Over 113,000 depth measurements were made over the equivalent of ~200 sampling days. The mean foraging depth was 1,182 m (standard deviation, s.d. = 305 m) and the mean of the maximum depth of all foraging dives is 1,427 m (s.d. = 298 m). Mean foraging depths increased with seafloor depths up to a maximum of ~1,300 m at a seafloor depth of 1,900 m, but decreased slightly to a mean of ~1,200 m at seafloor depths of 2,000-4,000 m. Near-bottom habitat appears to be important for foraging; whales spent ~30% of their foraging time within 200 m of the bottom at seafloor depths of 1,000-2,000 m. However, little foraging time was spent near the bottom at seafloor depths greater than 2,000 m. The percentage of time spent at near-surface depths (< 50 m) was more than twice as high at night (25%) as during the day (12%). Lunar light also appears to affect diving, with 28% of dark nights and only 17% of brightly moon-lit nights spent at these near-surface depths. The apparent avoidance of surface waters during daytime and on brightly moon-lit nights is consistent with avoidance of visual predators. A considerably greater fraction of time was spent foraging at night (24.8%) than during the day (15.7%), possibly due to energetic constraints imposed by predator avoidance during the day Best regards, Greg -- Greg Schorr Research Scientist Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2468 Camp McKenzie Trail NW, Seabeck WA 98380-4513 206-931-4638 www.marecotel.org Follow MarEcoTel on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/marecotel/> Follow MarEcoTel on Twitter <https://twitter.com/marecotel>

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New publication: Spinner dolphins in Hawai‘i
by Stephanie Stack 26 Jun '20

26 Jun '20

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our latest research paper on spinner dolphins in Hawai‘i. Stack SH, Olson GL, Neamtu V, Machernis AF, Baird RW, Currie JJ (2020) Identifying spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris longirostris movement and behavioral patterns to inform conservation strategies in Maui Nui, Hawai‘i. Marine Ecology Progress Series 644:187-197. ABSTRACT: Spinner dolphins in Hawai‘i exhibit a predictable diurnal behavioral pattern which makes them vulnerable to human disturbance: feeding at night in offshore waters and resting during daytime in bays. There is concern that human activity, such as swimming with and viewing wild dolphins from vessels, is altering their natural behavioral patterns and preventing them from having adequate rest. In light of this, state and federal management agencies are proposing enhanced protection measures. Research on spinner dolphins has largely focused off Hawai‘i Island and there are insufficient data from Maui Nui (Maui, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, and Moloka‘i) to inform appropriate management measures for the genetically distinct stock that resides around these islands. Using location data from 316 encounters between 1996 and 2019, we identified 2 hotspots for spinner dolphins within the region, located along west Maui and south Lāna‘i. The predominant behavior observed was traveling, and there was little resting behavior documented throughout the study period, with no resting behavior observed along the coastline of Maui. Our findings revealed that spinner dolphins use a wide variety of available habitat in Maui Nui and were observed resting both near the shore of Lāna‘i and in the channels between islands. Based upon these findings, the proposed lone area for closure in south Maui is inadequate for providing protection to spinner dolphins during resting hours, and we propose that the identified hotspots be considered as additional sites for closures, in addition to an approach limit for vessels transiting Maui Nui. To read more, the paper is open-access and freely available at https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v644/p187-197<https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v644/p187-197/> Stephanie Stack Chief Biologist Pacific Whale Foundation www.pacificwhale.org/research<https://www.pacificwhale.org/research/publications/>

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Workshop registration open: Mark-recapture distance sampling, 24-25th August 2020
by Len Thomas 26 Jun '20

26 Jun '20

Mark recapture distance sampling training workshop Registration is now open for our latest online interactive training workshop, on mark-recapture distance sampling. Join us by video from anywhere around the world! For full details, and to register, please go to https://www.creem.st-andrews.ac.uk/mark-recapture-distance-sampling-worksho… Workshop Overview Conventional distance sampling methods assume that all animals at zero distance are detected with certainty. However, in some situations this assumption is violated, and some animals are missed, causing a negative bias in the density and abundance estimates. This occurs on some shipboard surveys of marine mammals, for example, where animals may be missed on the trackline because they are underwater while the survey vessel passes, or because the sea conditions are rough so that even some animals right on the line are missed. The former (being underwater and so not available for detection) is often called availability bias and the latter perception bias. In this two-day workshop, we cover survey protocols and analytical methods for dealing with both perception bias and availability bias. The workshop is intended for those already familiar with the basics of distance sampling. Instructors Len Thomas and David Borchers Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Timing 24th and 25th August 2020 17:00-19:30 British Summer Time // 12:00-14:30 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) // 09:00-11:30 Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) Enrolment limit 15 participants Format and delivery method The workshop will be a mix of live online interactive sessions, delivered via videoconference software (Microsoft Teams), and computer exercises. There will be two sessions in total, on successive days, with a total class time of 4 hours (including breaks) and an additional computer exercise to complete after the first day and before the second. Exercises can be undertaken using Distance for Windows or R (via the mrds package). -- Len Thomas len.thomas(a)st-andrews.ac.uk lenthomas.org @len_thom Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling and School of Mathematics and Statistics The Observatory, University of St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9LZ Office: UK+1334-461801 Admin: UK+1334-461842 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013532.

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New publication on aortic arch of Antillean manatee
by Fernanda Löffler Niemeyer Attademo 26 Jun '20

26 Jun '20

DearMARMAM-Users, Dr Oliveira and I,together with our team, are happy to share our recently published article onaortic manatee bow with you. "Angioarchitectureof collateral arteries of the aortic arch of Antillean manatee (Trichechusmanatus manatus Linnaeus, 1758)" Abstract: The aortic arrangement is an important structureassociated with the maintenance of homeostasis. Based on this information, thisstudy was conducted to describe the collateral arteries of the aortic arch ofAntillean manatee and define the standard model for the species. Threespecimens, an adult male, adult female and a male neonate, all strandings onthe coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, were used. The study wasperformed in the Laboratory of Morphophysiology of Vertebrates of the FederalUniversity of Rio Grande do Norte, where in situ photographs were taken todemonstrate their topography. Subsequently, their hearts were removed and fixedin 10% formaldehyde and after 72 hr were dissected and analysed, obtainingschematic drawings and photographs of the vascular arrangement. The aortic archwas represented by three collateral arteries identified as the brachiocephalictrunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery. This arrangementwas similar to that found for other sirenians, and yet, for other mammals likehooded seal, murine, margarita island capuchin, black‐handed tamarin, Mongoliangerbil and human. The morphological similarity presented in this study with differentspecies of mammals, including humans, may contribute valuable information froman evolutionary point of view. Link: https://doi.org/10.1111/ahe.12477

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Manatee Behavior - Illustrated Guide
by Fernanda Löffler Niemeyer Attademo 26 Jun '20

26 Jun '20

DearMARMAM-Users, It is withgreat pleasure that I, along with my co-authors, shared our book on manateebehavior. "ManateeBehavior - Illustrated Guide" The guidewas prepared by ICMBio, together with sirenian researchers in Brazil. Thematerial illustrates the various behaviors of the species, using simplelanguage, with didactic illustrations on the subject, so that the reader has abetter view of the manatee's activities and a standardized interpretation ofwhat is being observed. The"Manatee Behavior - Illustrated Guide" addresses guidelines on how todevelop research involving the behavior of Amazonian and marine manatees, fromresearch planning, choice of data collection methodologies, identification ofbehavior, interpretation and analysis of the results. Downloadnow and learn more about these amazing animals. Right link: https://bit.ly/36o88Ci See thisand other publications there on our website. ICMBio / CMA publications https://bit.ly/3bXDalw

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Marine mammal job posting: St Andrews opportunities
by Cormac Booth 26 Jun '20

26 Jun '20

We are pleased to announce two new job marine mammal postings: SMRU Consulting – Principal Scientist/Consultant: “SMRU Consulting are looking to attract a highly motivated, experienced person with a passion for the application of robust, evidence-based approaches to the assessment, monitoring and management of anthropogenic impacts on marine mammals. The initial focus of this role will be to support the needs of our industry and government clients in dealing with challenges of marine mammal conservation in relation to the sustainable development of renewable energy projects. SMRU Consulting’s services span the breadth of the industry – from the provision of project specific advice and technical services, to the delivery of strategic research projects, assessment and tools. We are looking for candidates with existing experience that can be applied to our current and future project portfolio, with a focus on the offshore wind sector, although there will be the opportunity to get involved in a wide variety of sectors and projects. Much of this activity is specifically related to the potential for impacts from underwater noise, a stimulating and growing field of marine mammal science. We are keen therefore to attract talented candidates with experience in this area.” For full particulars please see: http://www.smruconsulting.com/job-vacancies/ CREEM/SMRU Consulting (shared position) – Statistical Consultant (2 year post): “This is a two year fixed-term post. We are looking for a statistical consultant to support both the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) and SMRU Consulting (SMRUC). The two groups have a history of successfully collaborating on applied projects that require statistical expertise. We require additional personnel to support this collaboration and allow us to be more agile in our responses to funding opportunities with short deadlines, which are quite common in calls from NGOs, industry, and some government agencies. In particular we would like to be more responsive to the increasing number of opportunities to engage with marine renewable energy initiatives. The post holder will be expected to generate funding income, in collaboration with CREEM and SMRUC staff, by responding to proposal calls and tenders, particularly those released by government and industry.” For full particulars please see: https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/6839/0/271020/889/statis… and http://www.smruconsulting.com/job-vacancies/ Dr Cormac Booth Principal Scientist [SMRU_Consulting_Horizontal_(rgb) (1)_smaller] SMRU Consulting | New Technology Building | North Haugh | St Andrews | Fife KY16 9SR | UK Email: cgb(a)smruconsulting.com<mailto:cgb@smruconsulting.com> |Tel: +44 (0)131 46 38 555 |Mob: +358 40 321 9235 | Main Office: +44-1334-464746 www.smruconsulting.com<http://www.smruconsulting.com/> | Twitter: @SMRU_Consulting | http://www.linkedin.com/company/smru-marine P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU Consulting is a trading name of SMRU Limited, which is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: SC296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ.

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