July 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Alkenones as water temperature proxy in cetacean tissues
by Diego Rita 10 Jul '20

10 Jul '20

Dear Marmam, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Limnology and Oceanography: Methods: *Alkenones as a temperature proxy in fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) tissues* *Rita, D.; Borrell, A.; Aguilar, A (2020) *Alkenones as a temperature proxy in fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) tissues. Limnol. oceanogr.: Methods. DOI:10.1002/lom3.10375 *Abstract*: Alkenones are a group of extremely resilient molecules produced by cosmopolitan haptophyte organisms. The unsaturation index (Uk’37) of di- versus tri-unsaturated C37 alkenones (C37:2·(C37:2+C37:3)-1) can be used to estimate the temperature of the water in which the alkenone-producing organisms grew. Alkenones have been widely used in palaeoceanography, but they have received little attention in other fields. In this study, a method to detect alkenones in fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) tissues is developed to adapt this technique to the marine ecology field. Five replicas of five tissues (stomach content, external blubber, internal blubber, muscle and liver) were analysed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Alkenones were present in both blubber tissues (66 ±57 ng·g-1 in external blubber and 145 ±89 ng·g-1 in external blubber), and in the stomach content (3126 ±2643 ng·g-1). The calculated Uk’37 index was very similar in the three tissues: 0.54 ±0.03 in the external blubber, 0.55 ±0.08 in the internal blubber and 0.71 ±0.06 in the stomach content. These indexes are equivalent to a sea surface temperature estimates of 17.79 ±0.68ºC in the external blubber, 17.84 ±1.84ºC in the internal blubber and 21.07 ±1.23ºC in the stomach content, which are very similar to the expected temperature for the region. The results of the current study indicate that alkenones biodilute in the trophic web, which could hinder the analyses of alkenones in species with a high trophic level. However, it is shown that alkenones can be detected in fin whale tissues and can be used to approximate the environmental water temperature where these animals feed. The paper can be accessed using the following link: https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lom3.10375 Or send me an e-mail (diegorita(a)ub.edu) for the full text. Best regards, Diego Rita

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Sperm whale responses to suction-cup tag attachment - new publication
by Victoria Warren 09 Jul '20

09 Jul '20

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Short-term responses of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) to the attachment of suction-cup tags. Victoria E. Warren, Patrick J.O. Miller, and Peter L. Tyack Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2020, Vol 645, 219-234; doi: https:// doi.org/10.3354/meps13344 ABSTRACT Animal-mounted data logging devices are used to study the behaviour, physiology, and ecology of free-ranging marine mammals, as well as their reactions to controlled exposures. It is important to consider whether collected data are representative of natural behaviour or biased by responses to tagging. In species with stereotypical diving behaviour, tagging responses can be quantified by identifying anomalous dives. Data from 36 suction cup tag deployments on sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus)* from 4 locations were analysed to consider whether tagging effects were evident within 5 dive parameters: maximum dive depth, dive duration, descent speed, depth difference between start of clicking and first prey capture attempt, and buzz rate. Linear mixed models were generated for each response parameter and covariates for dive index were added to assess whether model fit improved when the order of dives was taken into account. Time-decaying tagging effects were noted in maximum dive depth (first dives were 25% shallower than average) and buzz rate (first dives contained 34% fewer buzzes per minute than average). In the Azores, the first 3 dives subsequent to tag attachment featured faster descent speeds than average. The whales were likely responding to the cumulative ‘dose’ of research activity at the surface: multiple boat approaches, tag placement, and general disturbance. Disturbance should be minimised during tagging, and the extent and duration of responses should be quantified. Modelling of quantified tagging responses could enable correction of these responses in tag data. The article can be downloaded from https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v645/p219-234/ or a PDF can be requested via email to vwar775(a)aucklanduni.ac.nz Kind regards, Victoria Warren -- Victoria Warren PhD Candidate, Leigh Marine Laboratory, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 0985, New Zealand

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New aerial photogrammetry toolset
by KC Bierlich 09 Jul '20

09 Jul '20

We are pleased to announce the publication of two open-source software packages developed for aerial photogrammetry: MorphoMetriX and CollatriX MorphoMetriX is a flexible photogrammetry graphical user interface (GUI) developed in PyQt5 for making efficient manual morphometric measurements of wild animals via aerial imagery. It was designed as a simple to use and accurate program for robust morphometric analysis that does not require knowledge of any scripting language for customization. The user can import an image and create custom length, area, and angle measurements, as well as measure perpendicular widths based off a length measurement (i.e., used to calculate body condition). MorphoMetriX allows the user to input flight and sensor parameters (such as altitude, focal length, pixel dimensions) so that all measurements in pixels are automatically scaled to real world values (i.e., meters). All measurements and their labels are exported into a .csv, along with an image (.png) of all the measurements that were made on the animal. CollatriX is a graphical user interface (GUI) developed using PyQt5 to collate outputs from MorphoMetriX (Torres & Bierlich, 2020). CollatriX was designed as a user-friendly GUI that collates the measurement outputs into a single data sheet (.csv) based on the animal’s individual ID. CollatriX includes a “safety” function to correct user input errors by allowing the user to provide the correct altitude, focal length, and pixel dimension per image through a csv. Furthermore, CollatriX has two add-on functions, one to correct for altitude error from Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS or drone) flights and another for calculating different animal body condition metrics, following body volume from Christiansen et al. (2018) and body area index (BAI) from Burnett et al. (2018). The framework of CollatriX was also designed to have the flexibility to accommodate and encourage other future add-on functions. Papers: Torres, W., & Bierlich, K. (2020). MorphoMetriX: a photogrammetric measurement GUI for morphometric analysis of megafauna. Journal of Open Source Software, 5(45), 1825. doi:10.21105/joss.01825 Available at joss.theoj.org/papers/10.21105/joss.01825<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://joss.theoj.org/papers/10.21105/joss.018…> Bird, C. & Bierlich, K. (2020). CollatriX: A GUI to collate MorphoMetriX outputs. Journal of Open Source Software, 5(51), 2328. doi:10.21105/joss.02328 Available at https://joss.theoj.org/papers/10.21105/joss.02328 Cheers, KC Kevin (KC) Bierlich, MEM 2016 PhD Candidate Duke University Marine Lab Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab<https://sites.nicholas.duke.edu/uas/> kcb43(a)duke.edu<mailto:kcb43@duke.edu>

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New publication: Individual home ranges of Tursiops truncatus and their overlap with ranges of Stenella frontalis and fishermen in Aragua, Venezuela, South Caribbean (Sergio Cobarrubia-Russo).
by Sergio Cobarrubia 08 Jul '20

08 Jul '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Cobarrubia-Russo SE, Barreto-Esnal GR, Molero-Lizarraga AE, Mariani-Di Lena MA (2020). Individual home ranges of Tursiops truncatus and their overlap with ranges of Stenella frontalis and fishermen in Aragua, Venezuela, South Caribbean. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1–10. https://doi.org/ 10.1017/S0025315420000557 Abstract The coast of Aragua is a home of bottlenose dolphins (BND), Atlantic spotted dolphins (ASD) and fishermen (FIS) from four towns. A photo-identification study was carried out on BND to estimate their home ranges. From 2004 to 2008, 100 field surveys were carried out along 30 km of coastline (92.12 km2 ). In each sighting of BND, information regarding date, time, latitude/longitude and photographs were registered (ASD and FIS were registered without photography). The data were analysed using a Geographic Information System to estimate Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Fixed Kernel (FK) at 95%. The home ranges of BND were estimated for seven individuals. This included three females (29–31 sightings) with estimated areas ranging from 33.90–39.90 km2 with MCP (36.79–43.31% of the study area) and from 80.47–101.31 km2 with FK (109.97–104.26%). For the remaining four dolphins (14–20 sightings) the estimated areas ranged from 9.67–22.34 km2 (MCP), the predominant depth of these home ranges varied from 51–100 m (χ2 = 24.5, df = 2, P = 4.785 × 10−6 ). For the pods of ASD the estimated area ranged 75.23 km2 with MCP (81.66%) and 119.86 km2 with FK (130.11%) with predominant depths of 101–200 m (χ2 = 24.5, df = 2, P = 4.785 × 10−6 ). The area used by FIS ranged 93.27 km2 by MCP and 228.49 km2 by FK. Finally, the overlap area of BND, ASD and FIS ranged 24.75 km2 (26.86%). We point out this locality presents important oceanographic and ecological aspects which deserve to be the subject of application of management plans for the conservation of its habitat and species. A pdf copy can be requested at the following email: sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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Fundraiser in support of the Bernd And Melany Würsig Excellence in Marine Studies Scholarships
by Mithriel MacKay 08 Jul '20

08 Jul '20

The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center (MCERC) has set up the "Bernd and Melany Würsig Excellence in Marine Studies" scholarship program. The annual fundraiser for MCERC will support this resource to fund marine mammal research combined with education programs. Bernd and Mel have generously lent their names to this initiative after a request by the MCERC Board of Directors to honor the decades of support and encouragement for students and professionals of marine mammal science. We are currently drafting plans for scholarship support in memory of our colleague and friend, Adrian Dahood-Fritz. Adrian shared her passion for the organisms in the oceans in many formats and forums. We miss her greatly and wish to add another link in the chain of memories she left with us and the enthusiasm she inspired. This fundraiser will also support this resource for marine mammal research and education. We hope you will participate in the fundraiser so that MCERC can be a long-term extension of the support from Bernd, Mel, and Adrian in research and education. Please navigate to www.Marine-Eco.org for more information and opportunities to pitch in to these MCERC scholarship initiatives. You can learn more about the programs offered to university students and professionals as well as citizens scientists on the Education Hub ( www.Education.Marine-Eco.org) Thank you in advance from the faculty and staff at MCERC on behalf of the future beneficiaries of these scholarships.

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New Publication on the emergence of mucormycosis in marine mammals of the Pacific Northwest
by Jessie Huggins 07 Jul '20

07 Jul '20

My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on the emergence of the fungal disease mucormycosis in marine mammals of the Pacific Northwest. Citation: Huggins JL, Garner MM, Raverty SA, Lambourn DM, Norman SA, Rhodes LD, Gaydos JK, Olson JK, Haulena M and Hanson MB (2020) The Emergence of Mucormycosis in Free-Ranging Marine Mammals of the Pacific Northwest. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:555. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00555 Abstract: Primary fungal diseases in marine mammals are rare. Mucormycosis, a disease caused by fungi of the order Mucorales, has been documented in few cetaceans and pinnipeds. In 2012, the first case of mucormycosis in the Pacific Northwest was documented in a dead stranded harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in Washington state. Since then, mucormycosis has been detected in a total of 21 marine mammals; fifteen harbor porpoises, five harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and one southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca). Infected animals were predominately found in the inland waters of Washington and British Columbia, and one harbor seal was recovered in northern Oregon. Fungal hyphae were detected histologically in a variety of tissues, including brain, lung, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, muscle, lymph nodes, and skin. Three fungal species were identified from seven cases by PCR screening or fungal culture; Rhizomucor pusillus (four cases), Lichtheimia corymbifera (two cases), and Cunninghamella bertholletiae. Underlying conditions such as emaciation, current or recent pregnancy, multisystemic parasitism, protozoal infection, and herpesvirus were found in several affected animals. Reasons for the appearance and subsequent increase of these fungal infections in marine mammals are unknown. The emergence of this disease as a source of marine mammal mortality in the Pacific Northwest is of particular concern for endangered southern resident killer whales that spend time in this region. Current population-level stressors such as insufficient prey, high levels of contaminants, and noise pollution, could predispose them to these fatal infections. This article is open access and can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00555 Jessie __________________ Jessie Huggins Stranding Coordinator Cascadia Research Collective 218 ½ W 4th Ave Olympia, WA 98501 USA www.cascadiaresearch.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.cascadiaresearch.or…> Follow Cascadia on Facebook<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_pages…>

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Live Webinar on Chronic Stress in Captive Orcas
by Lori Marino 07 Jul '20

07 Jul '20

Join Drs. Lori Marino, Naomi Rose and Veronica Slootsky for a discussion of their findings on how chronic stress impacts orcas in captivity. Date: July 14 Time: 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM EDT Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qJuus9jWRzusAb5us77VuA For more information and background: Journal of Veterinary Behavior<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787819300164>. For questions contact info(a)whalesanctuary.org<mailto:info@whalesanctuary.org> Thank you.

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New article on the use of drone for blow sampling in small odontocetes
by Sandro Mazzariol 06 Jul '20

06 Jul '20

Dear collegues we're happy to share with you the publication on Plos One of a paper investigating the application of a specific sampling tool attached to a UAV to analyze the blow from small cetaceans and their respiratory microbiome. *Centelleghe C, Carraro L, Gonzalvo J, Rosso M, Esposti E, Gili C, Bonato M., Pedrotti D., Cardazzo B, Povinelli M., Mazzariol S. (2020) The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to sample the blow microbiome of small cetaceans. PLoS ONE 15(7): e0235537. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235537* Recent studies describe the use of UAVs in collecting blow samples from large whales to analyze the microbial and viral community in exhaled air. Unfortunately, attempts to collect blow from small cetaceans have not been successful due to their swimming and diving behavior. In order to overcome these limitations, in this study we investigated the application of a specific sampling tool attached to a UAV to analyze the blow from small cetaceans and their respiratory microbiome. Preliminary trials to set up the sampling tool were conducted on a group of 6 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) under human care, housed at Acquario di Genova, with approximately 1 meter distance between the blowing animal and the tool to obtain suitable samples. The same sampling kit, suspended via a 2 meter rope assembled on a waterproof UAV, flying 3 meters above the animals, was used to sample the blows of 5 wild bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Ambracia (Greece) and a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy), to investigate whether this experimental assembly also works for large whale sampling. In order to distinguish between blow-associated microbes and seawater microbes, we pooled 5 seawater samples from the same area where blow samples' collection were carried out. The the respiratory microbiota was assessed by using the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene via Illumina Amplicon Sequencing. The pooled water samples contained more bacterial taxa than the blow samples of both wild animals and the sequenced dolphin maintained under human care. The composition of the bacterial community differed between the water samples and between the blow samples of wild cetaceans and that under human care, but these differences may have been mediated by different microbial communities between seawater and aquarium water. The sperm whale's respiratory microbiome was more similar to the results obtained from wild bottlenose dolphins. Although the number of samples used in this study was limited and sampling and analyses were impaired by several limitations, the results are rather encouraging, as shown by the evident microbial differences between seawater and blow samples, confirmed also by the meta-analysis carried out comparing our results with those obtained in previous studies. Collecting exhaled air from small cetaceans using drones is a challenging process, both logistically and technically. The success in obtaining samples from small cetacean blow in this study in comparison to previous studies is likely due to the distance the sampling kit is suspended from the drone, which reduced the likelihood that the turbulence of the drone propeller interfered with successfully sampling blow, suggested as a factor leading to poor success in previous studies. The publication can be found at the link here below https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235537 Sandro Mazzariol -- Prof. Sandro Mazzariol, DVM, PhD Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA) - Università degli Studi di Padova Cetaceans strandings Emergency Response Team (CERT) Centro Interuniversitario per la Ricerca sui CEtacei (CIRCE) AGRIPOLIS - Ed. Museo Viale dell'Università 16 35020 - Legnaro (PD) tel.: +39 049 827 2963 fax: +39 049 827 2973 skype: smazzariol

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[New Publication] Pairing Sighting Histories with Endocrine Markers to Assess Stress In Humpback Whales
by Kelly Cates 06 Jul '20

06 Jul '20

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new manuscript in General and Comparative Endocrinology: Cates, K. A., Atkinson, S., Pack, A. A., Straley, J. M., Gabriele, C. M., & Yin, S. (2020). Corticosterone in Central North Pacific Male Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): Pairing Sighting Histories with Endocrine Markers to Assess Stress. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 113540. Abstract: Developing a better understanding of the stress response is critical to ensuring the health and sustainability of marine mammal populations. However, accurately measuring and interpreting a stress response in free-ranging, large cetaceans is a nascent field. Here, an enzyme immunoassay for corticosterone was validated for use in biopsy samples from male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Analyses were conducted on 247 male North Pacific humpback whale blubber samples, including 238 non-calves and 9 calves that were collected on the Hawaiian breeding and Southeast Alaskan feeding grounds from 2004 to 2006. Significant relationships were found when corticosterone concentrations were examined by year, age class and distribution between locations. When examined by year, corticosterone concentrations for male humpback whales were higher in Hawaii in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006 (p < 0.05). Corticosterone concentration also varied by age class with initially high concentrations at birth which subsequently tapered off and remained relatively low until sexual maturity was reached around age 8–10 years. Corticosterone concentrations appeared to peak in male humpback whales around 15–25 years of age. Blubber biopsies from Alaska and Hawaii had similar mean corticosterone concentrations, yet the variability in these samples was much greater for whales located in Hawaii. It is clear that much work remains to be done in order to accurately define or monitor a stress response in male humpback whales and that specific attention is required when looking at age, sex, and yearly trends. Our results suggest that a stress response may be most impacted by age and yearly oceanographic conditions and needs to be initially examined at the individual level. The URL can be found here <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016648020302938?casa_to…>or please contact kacates(a)alaska.edu to request a copy of the manuscript. Cheers, *Kelly Cates, *PhD Student College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Juneau Fisheries Division, University of Alaska Fairbanks 'May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view'* ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.><((((º>*

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Quantitative Modeler
by Emma Dvorak 06 Jul '20

06 Jul '20

Quantitative Modeler Integrated Statistics is looking for a Quantitative Modeler to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This position will support the Protected Species Branch (PSB) of NOAA NMFS NEFSC. PSB’s mission includes assessing the population status of protected species (cetaceans, sea turtles, seabirds, and seals) within U.S. waters, and evaluating threats to species and populations due to anthropogenic activities. Detailed assessments of species distributions and abundances are essential to understand broad scale spatial and temporal movements and behaviors. For risk assessment and mitigation of impacts, information on seasonal and inter-annual variability in distribution, ecology, and behavior at smaller spatial scales is used to estimate potential impacts on protected species due to localized activities (e.g., fishery bycatch, military exercises, energy exploration, shipping traffic, etc.). The Quantitative Modeler will work on a project modeling spatial analysis of whales and other marine species, relative to fishing gear and aquaculture. The modeler will build on an existing software product to expand its capabilities and support its use by stakeholders. *Duties* The Quantitative Modeler will take responsibility for these tasks: * Rebuild the current R shiny app, or potentially develop another user interface. The goal is to improve graphics, maps, outputs, etc. * Expand the current application to: o Cover other whale species. o Cover other gear types. o Update and/or expand whale layers. o Expand the geographical scope to Canada. o Add the ability to input/collect data on stratified / targeted rope strength. * Provide modeling support to GARFO Protected Resources Division. * Collaborate with NEFSC staff on related economic analyses. * Collaborate with aquaculture entanglement working group. * Improve the gear threat model by expanding it to gather external data (such as entanglement of other species and location) and to work in collaboration with other organizations such as the New England Aquarium. *Qualifications* The Quantitative Modeler should possess these qualifications and skills: * A Master's degree in Quantitative Ecology, Fisheries, or a closely related subject that involves spatial manipulation and analysis of multivariate data streams. Work experience may potentially be substituted. * At least five (5) years of extensive experience working with and knowledge of: o Statistical analyses using generalized linear or additive models; o Bayesian hierarchical models; o Development of species distribution models; o Computer programming experience to create simulated object or animal distribution data; o Commercial fishery observer data. * Excellent programming skills in at least one of the following platforms of statistical software: R, Splus, SAS, AD Model Builder, Template Model Builder, or C++. * Experience and understanding of basic statistical methods. * Excellent communication skills both verbally and using written materials (including visual presentations), targeting a variety of audiences including technical, scientific, and the general public, as appropriate. * Independent worker with strong time management skills and attention to detail. * Able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and strict timelines. The position is expected to last one year. The rate of pay will be $33-37/hr, depending on skills and experience, and the position will be eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website. To apply for this position, go to https://jobs.intstats.com/JobDetails.jsp?jobListingId=259 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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