July 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job opening: Marine Mammal Regulatory Biologist - Anchorage, Alaska
by Emma Dvorak 16 Jul '20

16 Jul '20

Marine Mammal Regulatory Biologist - Anchorage, Alaska Integrated Statistics is looking for an Ecologist (marine Mammal Regulatory Biologist) to work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service Marine Mammals Management Office’s Regulatory program to implement portions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act for the conservation and management of polar bears, northern sea otters, and Pacific walruses in Alaska. This position will focus on identifying, evaluating, and analyzing data collected as part of MMPA incidental take authorizations. *Duties* The Marine Mammal Regulatory Biologist's responsibilities include: * Collecting, verifying, and analyzing data on species distribution and abundance as well as habitat quantity and quality of natural resources. * Conducting or participating in research and monitoring projects. * Entering data and conducting quality control reviews and querying databases to extract data or determine the status of actions. * Conducting biological analysis of proposed actions. * Evaluating the effect of proposed actions on species and habitats. * Implementing habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement projects. * Evaluating the effectiveness of management decisions on species and habitats. * Preparing maps and other geographical displays and analysis. * Conducting literature reviews. * Drafting responses, letters, reports and reviews. * Conducting and documenting site visits. * Attending meetings and conferences. * Organizing and maintaining filing systems (including electronic filing); copying documents and compiling records (including responses to Freedom of Information Requests and Administrative records); and providing meeting support including organization, material preparations, participant assistance, facilitation, and debriefing. *Qualifications* * A Master’s degree in biology, wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science or a closely related field. * At least 2 years of related work experience, including: o Using statistics, quantitative biology, biometrics, and/or population modeling to develop and analyze data relevant to anthropogenic disturbance of wildlife. o Analyzing changes in distribution, abundance, density, age composition, annual survival, and sex ratios of wildlife. o Using one or more statistical and database management software packages, including R and ArcGIS, to assess potential changes in abundance, distribution, density, and trends in wildlife populations. * Experience participating in regulation and management pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act: o Preparing issue papers, briefing documents, Federal Register notices, rulemaking documents, or other similar species issue papers. o Participating in teams with multiple State and Federal Agencies, Tribes, private industry, and non-government entities. o Working across multiple cultures. o Presenting complex or controversial issues to a variety or audiences. o Reviewing proposed resource development projects and developing recommendations. o Developing written analyses of complex or controversial regulatory proposals, including developing management strategies. * Willingness and desire to work in a fast paced, interdisciplinary environment. * Demonstrated ability to manage timelines and produce materials in a timely manner. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Proficiency in R and GIS. * Excellent writing and analytical skills; track record of success in writing technical reports and policy papers. * Strong oral communication skills. The position is expected to last one year. The rate of pay is $32-35/hr, and the position is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website. To apply for this position, go to https://jobs.intstats.com/JobDetails.jsp?jobListingId=262 or visit www.integratedstatistics.com, click Employment Opportunities, click the job name and click the Apply Here link. Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans. For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms, and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office. -- Integrated Statistics, Inc. 16 Sumner Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Cell: (508) 648-8308 Office: (508) 540-8560 Fax: (508) 721-6841

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 16 Jul '20

16 Jul '20

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI or SSDI instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of July to 31st November 2020. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Access and collect environmental data; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; · Measure water visibility with the Secchi disk methodology; · Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2020 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 14 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: https://www.aimmportugal.org/application-form AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement or a video, on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want to do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/> -- *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 Publication on Moving towards a sustainable cetacean-based tourism industry – A case study from Mozambique.
by Dolphin Encountours Research Center 16 Jul '20

16 Jul '20

Dear Marman Subscribers My co-authors and I are please to announce the publication of our article Moving towards a sustainable cetacean-based tourism industry – A case study from Mozambique. Diana Rocha, Benjamin Drakeford, Sarah A. Marley, Jonathan Potts, Michelle Hale, Angie Gullan. ABSTRACT Cetacean-Based Tourism (CBT) is often confused with sustainable tourism. However, not every CBT operator has an environmental education component attached to its programme. In reality, CBT has the potential to negatively impact the animals it is targeting; thus management is required to mitigate any harmful effects from tourism activities. This paper analyses the attitudes and perceptions of the marine operators and tourists that partake in dolphin-swim activities in the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR) in Mozambique. Hand-out ques- tionnaire surveys with closed and Likert scale type questions revealed that the tours are an effective means to promote pro-environmental behaviour and consequently increase compliance with the code of conduct. Non the less, in the PPMR, both tourists and operators presented only basic knowledge of the regulations of the reserve and of the dolphin, whale and whale shark code of conduct, indicating that there is a need for improvement. We provide recommendations for improving local management, which are also applicable at the national and international level. Overall, this paper provides knowledge and guidance for moving towards a sustainable based CBT industry in the PPMR. The article can be found here: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1bNnt,714Mcsed <https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1bNnt,714Mcsed> Pdf requests can be made here: angie(a)dolphincare.org For the Love of Dolphins Dolphin Encountours Research Center <https://goo.gl/maps/BjzkYKUw8m6ZxL2r5>, Main Beach, Ponta do Ouro Mozambique Behind beach front chalets on the way to the boat launch site! www.dolphinencountours.org <https://www.dolphinencountours.org/>| Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/dolphinresearchcentermoz> | DERC Report <https://www.academia.edu/40944124/2018_REPORT_PONTA_DO_OURO_PARTIAL_MARINE_…> Angie Gullan: +258 84 330-3859 Director & Citizen Scientist ABOUT: DolphinCareAfrica t/a Dolphin Encountours Research Center is an Association that was established in 1998 to fund the long term monitoring of cetaceans through educational and ethical marine mammal edu-tourism within the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve. Dolphin Center [Research]™ is the legal entity in Mozambique that trades under Dolphin Encountours Research Center. We celebrate two decades of working with the wild Dolphins of Ponta™.

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New publication on digestion process in the dolphin stomach
by Hiroshi OHIZUMI 15 Jul '20

15 Jul '20

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper on the digestion process of ingested prey in the dolphin stomach. Digestion Process of Ingesta in Forestomach of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Hiroshi Ohizumi, Makiko Koide, Hiroko Kusakabe, Keiichi Ueda, Makio Yanagisawa and Haruka Koga. Journal of the School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokai University. 17, pp 1-9. (2019) http://sdb01.scc.u-tokai.ac.jp/laec-s/mst/kiyou/bull/index.html (You can see the English menu on the page top right. Full text PDF in English is available.) Abstract We investigated the relationship between elapsed time and the process of food digestion in the forestomach and the estimated time for stomach evacuation in an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. The digestion process was observed with a gastroscope to reveal the characteristic progress of digestion of different prey species. Single flying fish (approximately 100 g) and mackerel (approximately 200 g) were similarly digested, despite the difference in their size. Single squid (approximately 100 g) was digested faster than similar sized flying fish. The weight of stomach contents and the digestion time to evacuation showed an apparent positive relationship, and a full stomach content of flying fish was digested to the point of evacuation within approximately 10 hours of ingestion. Since it is an experimental result using only one dolphin, it cannot be immediately applied to the stomach content analysis of wild individuals, but it is considered that the difference in digestion time among prey species can be compared. Best regards, Hiroshi Ohizumi ohizumi(a)scc.u-tokai.ac.jp Ph.D. Tokai University, Japan.

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International Save the Vaquita Day 2020
by Thomas Jefferson 15 Jul '20

15 Jul '20

This year, International Save the Vaquita Day will be on Saturday, 18 July, from 0900-1600 Pacific time. International Save the Vaquita Day is intended to be an annual event similar to Earth Day, but with a specific focus on raising awareness and appreciation of the world’s most endangered marine mammal, the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Events around the globe direct the attention of people to the plight of this tiny porpoise species, and what needs to be done to save it from extinction. The main purpose is to draw attention to and appreciation of the vaquita, Mexico’s “Panda of the Sea”. In 2020, due to the unique challenges arising from the COVID-19 epidemic, the event will take place entirely online, with a day-long live stream on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch. Find out more on the official event page: https://vaquita.mx/ or go to https://vivavaquita.org/international-save-the-vaquita-day/. Please tune in and participate to help in efforts to save the vaquita from extinction!

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JNCC MMO (UK) eLearning Course
by Alison Gill 15 Jul '20

15 Jul '20

Intelligent Ocean Ltd is pleased to announce the launch of our JNCC MMO eLearning Training Course pricedat £150 per person. This Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) registered course is required for you to work as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in UK Continental Shelf waters during offshore projects such as seismic surveys, pile-driving and projects involving the use of explosives. This course has been created in response to the coronavirus crisis and has been approved by the JNCC as a valid alternative to the usual classroom taught course. To complete the eLearning course you simply log in, read, learn and then pass assessments based on the course content. You set the pace of your learning. You will have access to the course for 12 months. Full details of how to purchase this course is available on our website at the following link where you can also find details of the course contents https://www.intelligentocean.com/JNCCMMOeLearning.htm Companies wishing to sign up members of their staff please email info(a)intelligentocan.com Intelligent Ocean’s staff have extensive experience of working offshore as MMOs and PAM operators in addition to marine mammal survey work and nature guiding. Our training experience and client list can be viewed here https://www.intelligentocean.com/clientlist.htm Intelligent Ocean Ltd www.intelligentocean.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> -- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com

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New publication on the use of drone photogrammetry to estimate elephant seal mass
by Diana Alvarado 15 Jul '20

15 Jul '20

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the Early View of our publication in Marine Mammal Science: Alvarado DC, Robinson PW, Frasson NC, Costa DP, Beltran RS. Calibration of aerial photogrammetry to estimate elephant seal mass. Mar Mam Sci. 2020;1-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12714 <https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12714> Abstract Body mass measurements can provide important insights into the physiology and foraging ecology of marine mammals. Unmanned aerial system (UAS) photogrammetry offers a method that is safer for both animals and researchers and is logistically simpler than traditional weighing methods. Our objectives were: 1) to evaluate the accuracy of UAS photogrammetry for estimating the mass of adult female northern elephant seals and 2) to examine the effect of body position on mass estimates obtained using UAS. We analyzed a series of UAS images of 22 adult female northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) of known mass at Año Nuevo Reserve (San Mateo County, California, USA). Complete body areas (hereafter, footprint areas, measured in m2) of seals in a dorsal (laying on ventral surface, N=45) or lateral (laying on side, N=7) body position were measured in ImageJ using the standard polygon area selection tool and compared to mass measurements. Linear regressions of measured mass against footprint suggest that mass is more strongly related to dorsal footprints (R2= 0.895, N=45) than lateral footprints (R2= 0.822, N=7). Residual error ranged from -68.7 to +69.3 kg and seal mass was estimated with a mean error of 7.7 kg, or 2.4%, of total body mass. With the predictive models found, UAS photogrammetry will allow us to expand our knowledge of seasonal energetic intake and expenditure, especially in large-bodied and fully aquatic species in remote areas. Mass measurements can inform ecosystem-based resource management by providing information about the inter-annual productivity of the ocean environment and in turn individual, population, and ecosystem-level health in marine mammals. The publication can be found at this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12714 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12714> PDF requests can be sent to dicalvar(a)ucsc.edu <mailto:dicalvar@ucsc.edu> Best regards, Diana Alvarado

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Summer Update from Aquatic Mammals journal
by Kathleen Dudzinski 15 Jul '20

15 Jul '20

Dear MARMAM and ECS Talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The titles listed below represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 46, issue 4, 2020) of Aquatic Mammals that is published online. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> In other journal news: 1) At the end of July, we will resume shipping the print copies of Aquatic Mammals to print subscribers; issues 1 thru 4 will be sent in one packet to each print subscriber. 2) We have one Historical Perspectives essay in issue 46.4 and will have one in 46.5. Given these challenging times, we have decided to make all HP essays (from Vic Scheffer’s first essay through current and forward) available for free download to any interested reader. You can access them in the various issues from 2008 through present year. 3) The journal has crept into social media with a Facebook page. Thankfully, Dagmar Fertl, who volunteers her time, uploads posts in advance of each issue’s publication. Authors provide a few sentences and a photo (or 2) about their article as a previous to the full issue being published online. So far, response has been positive. 4) The index files for volumes 44 and 45 (key word and author indices) are now also available for free download from the journal’s index page (under the Issues tab). Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> Volume 46, Issue 4 Claire Vergneau-Grosset, Stéphane Lair, Mario Guay, Karine Béland, Benjamin Lamglait, Marion Jalenques, Noémie Summa, Jean-François St-Cyr, and Hugo Joly. (2020). Diagnosis and Management of Goiter in an Atlantic Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 331-336. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.331 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.331> Cayetano Espinosa-Miranda, Benjamín Cáceres, Olivia Blank, Marjorie Fuentes-Riquelme, and Sonja Heinrich. (2020). Entanglements and Mortality of Endemic Chilean Dolphins (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) in Salmon Farms in Southern Chile. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 337-343. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.337 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.337> Audra E. Ames and Valeria Vergara. (2020). Trajectories of Vocal Repertoire Development in Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) Calves: Insights from Studies a Decade Apart. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 344-366. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.344 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.344> Jennifer L. Garten and Frank E. Fish. (2020). Comparative Histological Examination of the Integument of Odontocete Flukes. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 367-381. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.367 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.367> Holli C. Eskelinen, Jill L. Richardson, and Juliana K. Wendt. (2020). The Effects of Reproductive Status and Water Temperature on the Caloric Intake of Tursiops truncatus. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 382-394. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.382 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.382> Long Vu, Michael R. McGowen, Charles W. Potter, Truong Anh Tho, Sui Hyang Kuit, Salma T. Abdel-Raheem, and Ellen Hines. (2020). New Records of Fraser’s Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) from the Whale Temples and Fishing Communities of Vietnam. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 395-401. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.395 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.395> Jodi G. Frediani, Nancy A. Black, and Fred Sharpe. (2020). Postmortem Attractions: Humpback Whales Investigate the Carcass of a Killer Whale-Depredated Gray Whale Calf. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 402-410. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.402 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.402> Juan P. Gallo-Reynoso, Ana L. Figueroa-Carranza, Isai D. Barba-Acuña, Donaxi Borjes-Flores, and Itzel J. Pérez-Cossío. (2020). Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopias jubatus) Along the Western Coast of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 411-416. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.411 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.411> Historical Perspectives: Jay Sweeney. (2020). Genesis and Benefits of Human/Dolphin Interactions Leading to Dolphin Interaction Programs: Personal Observations from 1969 to 2020. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 417-428. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.417 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.417> Erratum: Divya Panicker, Dipani Sutaria, Ajith Kumar, and Kathleen M. Stafford. (2020). Erratum: Cetacean Distribution and Diversity in Lakshadweep Waters, India, Using a Platform of Opportunity: October 2015 to April 2016. Aquatic Mammals, 46(4), 429. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.429 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.4.2020.429>

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Northumberland Dolphin Dataset 2020 Release (NDD20)
by Cameron Trotter (PGR) 15 Jul '20

15 Jul '20

Dear Colleagues, We are very happy to share our new dataset, the Northumberland Dolphin Dataset 2020 (NDD20). This dataset would be of particular interest to those wishing to utilise machine learning models for mammal re-identification or the development of automatic photo-id systems, such as Siamese Neural Networks or more conventional Convolutional Neural Networks. Please see below for details: We introduce the Northumberland Dolphin Dataset 2020 (NDD20), a challenging image dataset annotated for both coarse and fine-grained instance segmentation and categorisation. This dataset, the first release of the NDD, was created in response to the rapid expansion of computer vision into conservation research and the production of field-deployable systems suited to extreme environmental conditions - an area with few open source datasets. NDD20 contains a large collection of above and below water images of two different dolphin species for traditional coarse and fine-grained segmentation. All data contained in NDD20 was obtained via manual collection in the North Sea around the Northumberland coastline, UK. NDD20 was released at this year’s FGVC7 Workshop as a part of CVPR2020. Our accompanying paper can be accessed at https://arxiv.org/pdf/2005.13359.pdf, with the dataset itself available at https://doi.org/10.25405/data.ncl.c.4982342. On behalf of all coauthors, Cameron Trotter c.trotter2(a)ncl.ac.uk Cloud Computing CDT & Marine MEGAfauna Lab, Newcastle University, UK

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New publication on juvenile social development in bottlenose dolphins
by Ali G 14 Jul '20

14 Jul '20

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new article in Behavioral Ecology: *Juvenile social dynamics reflect adult reproductive strategies in bottlenose dolphins* Allison A Galezo, Vivienne Foroughirad, Ewa Krzyszczyk, Céline H Frère, Janet Mann ABSTRACT The juvenile period is a challenging life-history stage, especially in species with a high degree of fission–fusion dynamics, such as bottlenose dolphins, where maternal protection is virtually absent. Here, we examined how juvenile male and female bottlenose dolphins navigate this vulnerable period. Specifically, we examined their grouping patterns, activity budget, network dynamics, and social associations in the absence of adults. We found that juveniles live in highly dynamic groups, with group composition changing every 10 min on average. Groups were generally segregated by sex, and segregation was driven by same-sex preference rather than opposite-sex avoidance. Juveniles formed strong associations with select individuals, especially kin and same-sex partners, and both sexes formed cliques with their preferred partners. Sex-specific strategies in the juvenile period reflected adult reproductive strategies, in which the exploration of potential social partners may be more important for males (which form long-term alliances in adulthood) than females (which preferentially associate with kin in adulthood). Females spent more time alone and were more focused on foraging than males, but still formed close same-sex associations, especially with kin. Males cast a wider social net than females, with strong same-sex associations and many male associates. Males engaged in more affiliative behavior than females. These results are consistent with the social bonds and skills hypothesis and suggest that delayed sexual maturity in species with relational social complexity may allow individuals to assess potential associates and explore a complex social landscape without the risks associated with sexual maturity (e.g., adult reproductive competition; inbreeding). The full article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/araa068. <https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/araa068> Feel free to email me at aligalezo(a)gmail.com for a PDF of the article. Cheers, Allison Galezo PhD Candidate, Duke University, Alberts Lab

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