July 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on gray whale maternal behaviour
by burnhamr 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

My colleague and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on the maternal behaviour of gray whales in a foraging area on Canada's west coast Burnham, R.E., Duffus, D.A. Maternal behaviors of gray whales (_Eschrichtius robustus_) on a summer foraging site Mar Mam Sci. 2020;1-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12710 Abstract: The weaning period for gray whale (_Eschrichtius robustus_) calves is important for maternal instruction and learning. We examined observational and acoustic data from a foraging site for evidence of calf development and mother-young information transfer. Site survey data demonstrated an initial prioritization of calf protection by using shallow shoreline areas. Foraging in more open water was only noted in late summer, perhaps an indicator of the maturation of the calf. Other indicators of development were found in acoustic recordings made over two summers. Motherese call types have been reported from recordings made in breeding lagoons, but have not before been described outside of calving regions. They were present in recordings from this study site, predominantly in the early summer and not heard past late July. We suggest vocal repertoire may evolve as the calf ages, and more adult calling behaviors eventually replace motherese. Long-term mark-recapture analyses demonstrated a high return of calves to the area to forage in summers subsequent to weaning, suggesting maternally inherited prey preference and site use behaviors. From our findings we suggest a calf's first summer is a highly critical period for development and may be formative in shaping future behaviors and habitat use patterns. The paper can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12710 or email me for a PDF Best, Rianna Burnham, PhD

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New publication: Prey-related asphyxiation in harbor porpoises and importance of American shad on adult female mortality
by cindy Elliser 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication on prey-related asphyxiation of harbor porpoises in the Oceans special issue, Marine Mammals in a Changing World. Reference: Elliser, C.R.; Calambokidis, J.; D'Alessandro, D.N.; Duffield, D.A.; Huggins, J.L.; Rice, J.; Szczepaniak, I.; Webber, M. Prey-Related Asphyxiation in Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) along the U.S. West Coast: Importance of American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) on Adult Female Harbor Porpoise Mortality. Oceans 2020, 1, 94-113. <https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans1030008> https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans1030008 Abstract: Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) diets are predominantly comprised of small fish species (<30 cm) and squid. However, predation on larger species (up to 63 cm) occurs, raising the question of increased risk of asphyxiation associated with this behavior. Literature was reviewed and stranding data from 1983 to 2020 from the U.S. West Coast (including California, Oregon and Washington) were searched for cases of prey-related asphyxiation of harbor porpoises and analyzed in relation to age, sex, reproductive status and prey species. Twenty-nine cases were documented. Twenty-seven cases involved large prey; non-native American shad caused the asphyxiation in 87% of the cases where the prey species was identified. The majority (92%) of harbor porpoises were females, and at least 83.3% were pregnant or recently post-partum. Reproductively active females may be more likely to attempt potentially risky behavior in order to compensate for their increased energetic needs. Increasing numbers of non-native American shad may pose a unique danger in this region for harbor porpoises not adapted to deal with the challenges of that prey. This may be a cause for concern, as there is likely an interaction between location, age and reproductive status on the diet composition and foraging strategies of harbor porpoises. The article is open access and can be found at this link: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/1/3/8 Please feel free to email with any questions: cindy.elliser(a)pacmam.org <mailto:cindy.elliser@pacmam.org> Thanks, Cindy R. Elliser, PhD Research Director Pacific Mammal Research www.pacmam.org <http://www.pacmam.org> 360-202-2860 Cindy R. Elliser, PhD Research Director Pacific Mammal Research www.pacmam.org <http://www.pacmam.org> 360-202-2860

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New Publication: Novel Necropsy Findings Linked to Peracute Underwater Entrapment in Bottlenose Dolphins
by Alexandra L. Epple 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to announce the publication of our recent article in Frontiers in Marine Science that highlights novel internal lesions in bottlenose dolphins entangled in fishing gear. Epple, Alexandra L., Joanna T. Daniel, Susan G. Barco, David S. Rotstein, and Alexander M. Costidis. 2020. "Novel Necropsy Findings Linked to Peracute Underwater Entrapment in Bottlenose Dolphins (<https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00503>Tursiops truncatus<https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00503>)<https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00503>." Frontiers in Marine Science 7:503. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00503. Abstract: Peracute underwater entrapment (PUE) is a recognized cause of death associated with anthropogenic trauma in marine mammals. We describe internal lesions likely resulting from extreme agonal exertion in bottlenose dolphins due to entanglement and forced submergence in fishing gear during PUE. We reviewed necropsy findings from bottlenose dolphins with known PUE statuses in Virginia, United States from 2016–2019 (n = 31) for the presence of five lesions: pulmonary petechiae, pulmonary perivascular edema, hemorrhagic pulmonary lymph, separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, and acute abdominal hernias. Of the 31 cases, 23 were considered PUE cases due to the presence of external ligature marks consistent with entanglement in fishing gear. Of the animals examined, pulmonary perivascular edema, pulmonary petechiae, and hemorrhagic pulmonary lymph were found in both PUE and non-PUE cases. Though found in one non-PUE case, pulmonary perivascular edema was significantly related to PUE. There was no significant relationship between PUE and pulmonary petechiae or hemorrhagic pulmonary lymph. Rectus abdominis muscle separations and acute abdominal hernias were only found in PUE cases and nine animals exhibited either one (n = 7) or both (n = 2) of these traumatic lesions. Although these two lesions were relatively rare, there was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of one or both of the lesions and positive PUE status. This study suggests that pulmonary perivascular edema, acute hernias and separations of the rectus abdominis muscles may be useful for diagnosing PUE in the absence of external fishery interaction lesions, and highlights the severity of agonal fisheries interactions. The article is open access and can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00503 or a PDF can be requested from AEpple(a)VirginiaAquarium.com. Alexandra Epple, M.Sc. Stranding & Research Scientist: Data & Operations Office: (757) 385-6487 AEpple(a)VirginiaAquarium.com Stranding Response Hotline: (757) 385-7575 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center<http://www.VirginiaAquarium.com> 717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 [cid:2d04e441-658e-46ed-9100-9afeb69af723]

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Special Issue - Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare
by Miller, Lance 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you of a new special issue in the Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens entitled "Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare." I would like to encourage anyone to submit research articles, review articles, or short communications that would advance our understanding on the topic. Submissions are now being accepted, the deadline is March 1, 2021 and accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Thank you for your consideration, and if you have any questions please reach out to me directly. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/special_issues/cetaceans Sincerly, Lance Miller, Ph.D. Vice President of Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 Phone: 708-688-8433 Email: Lance.Miller(a)CZS.org<mailto:Lance.Miller@CZS.org> Website: https://www.czs.org/Centers-of-Excellence/Center-for-Animal-Welfare Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare Research on cetaceans is of continued importance to help ensure the sustainability, health, and welfare of both wild and professionally managed populations. With the sustained increase in anthropogenic factors impacting wild cetaceans, determining strategies to help to conserve populations while monitoring their health and welfare is critical. Similarly, it is also essential to continuously look for new ways to enhance the health and welfare of cetaceans under professional care. The Special Issue is dedicated to research on cetaceans both in the wild and under professional care that advances our understanding of their conservation, health, and welfare. Examples of potential submissions include: * Studies of population abundance, distribution, and behavior; * Impact of anthropogenic factors and conservation management strategies; * Statistical, technological, and methodological advancements; * Validation and reference values for positive and negative indicators of health and welfare; * Factors impacting health and welfare; * Conservation education research and visitor studies; * Review articles on conservation, health, or welfare. Dr. Lance Miller Guest Editor Manuscript Submission Information Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com<https://www.mdpi.com/> by registering<https://www.mdpi.com/user/register/> and logging in to this website<https://www.mdpi.com/user/login/>. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form<https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload/?journal=JZBG>. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website. Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/instructions> page. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/> is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI. Please visit the Instructions for Authors<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/instructions> page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC)<https://www.mdpi.com/about/apc/> for publication in this open access<https://www.mdpi.com/about/openaccess/> journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service<https://www.mdpi.com/authors/english> prior to publication or during author revisions. Keywords * animal behavior, animal welfare, conservation biology, conservation education, population abundance, population management, sustainability, veterinary medicine

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New paper: Diving apart together: call propagation in diving long-finned pilot whales
by Annebelle Kok 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Kok, ACM, van Kolfschoten, L, Campbell, JA, von Benda-Beckmann, AM, Miller, PJO, Slabbekoorn, H, and Visser, F (2020). Diving apart together: call propagation in long-finned pilot whales. Journal of Experimental Biology 223, jeb207878. Abstract: Group-living animals must communicate to stay in contact. In long- finned pilot whales, there is a trade-off between the benefits of foraging individually at depth and the formation of tight social groups at the surface. Using theoretical modelling and empirical data of tagged pairs within a group, we examined the potential of pilot whale social calls to reach dispersed group members during foraging periods. Both theoretical predictions and empirical data of tag pairs showed a potential for communication between diving and non-diving group members over separation distances up to 385 m (empirical) and 1800 m (theoretical). These distancesmatch orexceed pilot whale dive depths recorded across populations. Call characteristics and environmental characteristics were analysed to investigate determinants of call detectability. Longer calls with a higher sound pressure level (SPL) that were received in a quieter environment were more often detected than their shorter, lower SPL counterparts within a noisierenvironment. Ina noisierenvironment, calls were louderand had a lower peak frequency, indicating mechanisms for coping with varying conditions. However, the vulnerability of pilot whales to anthropogenic noise is still ofconcern as the ability to cope with increasing background noise may be limited. Our study shows that combining propagation modelling and actual tag recordings provides new insights into the communicative potential for social calls in orientation and reunion with group members for deep-diving pilot whales. The paper is available online at https://jeb.biologists.org/content/223/10/jeb207878 or as accepted manuscript on Research Gate. Kind regards, Annebelle Kok (email: akok at ucsd.edu)

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New publication: Comparing temporal patterns in body condition of ringed seals living within their core geographic range with those living at the edge
by Ferguson, Steve 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I would like to share our recently published paper on ringed seal body condition changes: Ferguson, S.H., D. J. Yurkowski, B. G. Young, A. T. Fisk, D. C. G. Muir, X. Zhu, and G. W. Thiemann. 2020. Comparing temporal patterns in body condition of ringed seals living within their core geographic range with those living at the edge. Ecography http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ecog.04988 ABSTRACT: Ecological theory suggests that demographic responses by populations to environmental change vary depending on whether individuals inhabit central or peripheral regions within the species’ geographic range. Here, we tested this prediction by comparing a population of ringed seals Pusa hispida located at high latitudes as part of their core range (core) with a population located at the southern extremity of their range (peripheral). First, we compared the two regions’ environmental trends in timing of sea-ice breakup and freeze-up, open-water duration and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). We found that the core region shifted to progressively warmer conditions in the early 1990s; whereas, in the peripheral region, the warming trend shifted in 1999 to one with no warming trend but high inter-annual variability. Next, we examined how body condition, inferred from blubber depth, responded to temporal changes in sea-ice and climatic variables – variables that have been shown to influence ringed seal demography. Core seals displayed minimal seasonal changes in body condition; whereas peripheral seals displayed a 20–60% amplitude seasonal change in body condition with a phase shift to earlier initiation of fat accumulation and loss. Finally, we tested for interannual differences and found that both core and peripheral seals responded similarly with decreased body condition following more positive NAO. Environmental variables influenced body condition in opposite directions between the two regions with core seals declining in body condition with later spring breakup and shorter open-water duration, whereas peripheral seals showed opposite relationships. Seals living at the core likely benefit from an evolved match between adaptation and environmental variation resulting in dampened seasonal and interannual fluctuations in body condition. Knowledge of how different populations respond to environmental change depending on geographic location within a species range can assist in anticipating population specific responses to climate warming. Previous episodes of the north-south trilogy are also available here: Ferguson SH, Yurkowski DJ, Young BG, Willing C, Zhu X, Muir DCJ, Fisk AT, Thiemann GW. 2019. Do intraspecific life history patterns follow interspecific predictions? A test using latitudinal variation in ringed seals. Population Ecology 61(4): 371-382. https://esj-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/1438-390X.120… Ferguson, S.H., X. Zhu, B.G. Young, D.J. Yurkowski, G.W. Thiemann, A.T. Fisk, D.C.G. Muir. 2018. Geographic variation in ringed seal growth rate and body size. Canadian Journal of Zoology 96: 649–659. https://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full/10.1139/cjz-2017-0213#.XvJsWm-P7X4 Please let me know if you'd like a PDF copy. Thanks, Steven Ferguson Fisheries and Oceans Canada University of Manitoba steve.ferguson(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:steve.ferguson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>

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3D porpoise beam profile
by Jamie Donald John Macaulay 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share our new publication in JASA on the 3D beam pattern of porpoise clicks: Macaulay J, Malinka CE, Gillespie D, & PT Madsen (2020) “High resolution three-dimensional beam radiation pattern of harbour porpoise clicks with implications for passive acoustic monitoring.” J Acoust Soc Am 147: 4175-4188. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0001376 Abstract: The source properties and radiation patterns of animal vocalisations define, along with propagation and noise conditions, the active space in which these vocalisations can be detected by conspecifics, predators, prey, and by passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). This study reports the 4π (360° horizontal and vertical) beam profile of a free-swimming, trained harbour porpoise measured using a 27-element hydrophone array. The forward echolocation beam is highly directional, as predicted by a piston model, and is consistent with previous measurements. However, at off-axis angles greater than ±30°, the beam attenuates more rapidly than the piston model and no side lobes are present. A diffuse back beam is also present with levels about −30 dB relative to the source level. In PAM, up to 50% of detections can be from portions of the beam profile with distorted click spectra, although this drops substantially for higher detection thresholds. Simulations of the probability of acoustically detecting a harbour porpoise show that a traditional piston model can underestimate the probability of detection compared to the actual three-dimensional radiation pattern documented here. This highlights the importance of empirical 4π measurements of beam profiles of toothed whales, both to improve understanding of toothed whale biology and to inform PAM. View this, along with recent publications from our lab, here<https://marinebioacoustics.wordpress.com/publications/>. On behalf of all coauthors, Jamie Macaulay Marine Bioacoustics Lab<https://marinebioacoustics.wordpress.com/>, Aarhus University, Denmark @jam_machund<https://twitter.com/jam_machund>

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Job opportunity: Statistical Modeller
by Admin Team 02 Jul '20

02 Jul '20

Ocean Science Consulting Limited is currently seeking a Statistical Modeller Vacancy: Statistical Modeller Type: Full-time, permanent position Salary: £34,000 - £40,500 depending on qualifications and experience Location: Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland, UK Application deadline: 31st August 2020 Company Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is a privately-owned technology-focused marine-science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise and marine mammal monitoring, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests >80% of profits into Research & Development (R&D), orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine mammal species, Rigs-to-Reefs using Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage, underwater noise measurement and modelling, and improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide. See www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers<http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers>. Role OSC seeks to expand its UK-based team. This is a rare opportunity for permanent employment as a Statistical Modeller. The commercial post doc role involves working primarily in OSC's R&D wing, although suitable candidates may also be considered for a combination of consultancy/commercial duties. It is anticipated that over the course of the first year, the candidate will bring to completion ca. five manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Applicants must therefore be able to source, consolidate, analyse, interpret, and present these data in the form of high-level, peer-reviewed papers, that must be brought to completion on commercial and not academic timescales (i.e. weeks, not months), with minimal supervision from line managers. This is a highly unusual position for academic research in a commercial consultancy. The candidate may also be presented with urgent commercial requests as these arise and must therefore be able to switch from one project to another. Prioritisation is of high importance. Additional details can be found on: http://www.osc.co.uk/careers/vacancies<http://www.osc.co.uk/careers/vacancies/> or https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CAO635/statistical-modeller Key duties -Conduct statistical analysis of pre-existing datasets; -Write manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals; -Oversee the peer-review process; and, -Support colleagues with analysis of commercial datasets as and when required. A successful candidate will have the following: Required -A completed PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (statistics/oceanography/marine biology/marine ecology, etc.); -The position requires a PhD; however, students may apply, but be aware that starting salary will be £27,000-30,000 (depending on qualifications and experience until the PhD is completed), and the position would be part time until the PhD was completed; -Strong statistical analysis background ideally in R (e.g. GLM, GAM, PCA, HBM, INLA, time series analysis, distance sampling, abundance estimation, survey design, PCoD, etc.); -A minimum of two, first author, ecological-modelling related peer-reviewed scientific papers in a top journal (i.e. not a proceedings paper); -Experience sourcing and processing oceanographic datasets (synoptic satellite-derived or modelled data, etc.) and handling data of various types including: netCDF, csv, txt, etc.; -Excellent spoken and written English (to peer-reviewed, non-copy-edited level); -A genuine interest in marine mammals and benthic ecology, and an understanding of the physical parameters of the ocean which affect them; -Ability to collaborate within a team setting to produce high-calibre publications and reports; and, -Must be legally allowed to work in the UK prior to employment (we cannot assist with visas). Desirable -Machine learning and image processing (of ROV imagery); -Experience making publication-quality maps in QGIS; and, -Experience with referencing software (e.g. EndNote). Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to: admin(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:admin@osc.co.uk>. This address can also be used for informal enquiries. Successful candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams. An interview task will be provided comprising both written and practical components. The successful candidate will be working under the supervision of Dr Victoria Todd and Dr Laura Williamson. Best wishes, Laura -- Dr. Laura Williamson Senior Analyst Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7528 545 167 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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Re: [MARMAM] Call for applications: ESR Editors (Marine Mammal Expertise Sought)
by Godley, Brendan 01 Jul '20

01 Jul '20

Dear Colleagues As a new strategy to recruit new Editors for the journal Endangered Species Research (ESR), we have published a Call For Applications<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fint-res.u…> for prospective Editors (linked via the ESR home page). The call has also been posted on ESR's Twitter<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fint-res.u…> and Facebook<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fint-res.u…> pages. Please help spread the word so that we can reach as many potential candidates as possible. ESR has become a major venue for marine mammal research so we definitely seek to enhance our strengths. Best, Brendan Brendan Godley Chair in Conservation Science #ExeterMarine Strategy Lead Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) University of Exeter, Penryn Campus  https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/marine/researchthemes/<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exete…>   Twitter: @BrendanGodley Twitter: @ExeterMarine I recently gave a TEDx Talk “Sea Turtles: United by Oceans” You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT3PQN9bojc<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtu…>

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New publication: Animal welfare needs unbiased science
by Kelly Jaakkola 01 Jul '20

01 Jul '20

Dear All, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication: Jaakkola, K., Bruck, J. N., Connor, R. C., Montgomery, S. H., & King, S. L. (2020). Bias and misrepresentation of science undermines productive discourse on animal welfare policy: A case study. /Animals, 10/, 118. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071118 Abstract: Reliable scientific knowledge is crucial for informing legislative, regulatory, and policy decisions in a variety of areas. To that end, scientific reviews of topical issues can be invaluable tools for informing productive discourse and decision-making, assuming these reviews represent the target body of scientific knowledge as completely, accurately, and objectively as possible. Unfortunately, not all reviews live up to this standard. As a case in point, Marino et al.’s review regarding the welfare of killer whales in captivity contains methodological flaws and misrepresentations of the scientific literature, including problematic referencing, overinterpretation of the data, misleading word choice, and biased argumentation. These errors and misrepresentations undermine the authors’ conclusions and make it impossible to determine the true state of knowledge of the relevant issues. To achieve the goal of properly informing public discourse and policy on this and other issues, it is imperative that scientists and science communicators strive for higher standards of analysis, argumentation, and objectivity, in order to clearly communicate what is known, what is not known, what conclusions are supported by the data, and where we are lacking the data necessary to draw reliable conclusions. The paper is open access, available here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/7/1118 All the best, Kelly ------------------ / Kelly Jaakkola, PhD Director of Research, Dolphin Research Center Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums /

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