August 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on trend detection
by Gilles, Anita 23 Aug '20

23 Aug '20

Dear all, on behalf of Matthieu Authier and co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our recent article on estimating and detecting trends in cetacean abundance. Happy reading! Authier M, Galatius A, Gilles A, Spitz J. 2020. Of power and despair in cetacean conservation: estimation and detection of trend in abundance with noisy and short time-series. PeerJ 8:e9436 DOI 10.7717/peerj.9436 open access https://peerj.com/articles/9436/ Abstract: Many conservation instruments rely on detecting and estimating a population decline in a target species to take action. Trend estimation is difficult because of small sample size and relatively large uncertainty in abundance/density estimates of many wild populations of animals. Focusing on cetaceans, we performed a prospective analysis to estimate power, type-I, sign (type-S) and magnitude (type-M) error rates of detecting a decline in short time-series of abundance estimates with different signal-to-noise ratio. We contrasted results from both unregularized (classical) and regularized approaches. The latter allows to incorporate prior information when estimating a trend. Power to detect a statistically significant estimates was in general lower than 80%, except for large declines. The unregularized approach (status quo) had inflated type-I error rates and gave biased (either over- or under-) estimates of a trend. The regularized approach with a weakly-informative prior offered the best trade-off in terms of bias, statistical power, type-I, type-S and type-M error rates and confidence interval coverage. To facilitate timely conservation decisions, we recommend to use the regularized approach with a weakly-informative prior in the detection and estimation of trend with short and noisy time-series of abundance estimates. Please send any questions to Matthieu: matthieu.authier(a)univ-lr.fr Cheers, Anita ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Anita Gilles University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 | 25761 Büsum Germany Phone: +49 (0)511-8568177 Fax: +49 (0)511-8568181 anita.gilles(a)tiho-hannover.de http://www.tiho-hannover.de/index.php?id=5380

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Jobs Posting - National Marine Fisheries Service West Coast and Alaska Regions
by Penny Ruvelas - NOAA Federal 22 Aug '20

22 Aug '20

The National Marine Fisheries Service’s Alaska and West Coast Region’s Protected Resources Divisions are seeking candidates for Marine Mammal Biologist positions in Long Beach, CA, Seattle, WA, and Anchorage or Juneau, AK. An announcement for full-time permanent Marine Mammal Specialist positions, ZP-401-2/3, opens on USA Jobs on 08/25/2020, and will close on 08/31/2020 (SEVEN DAYS). The positions are open to both internal and external candidates. The successful applicants will perform the following duties: Assist with the conservation or recovery of protected marine mammals under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). -Conduct formal and informal consultations with federal action agencies under section 7 of the ESA. -Work independently and in teams to complete projects related to the sustainable management of marine mammals. -Contribute to written products as assigned, such as Biological Opinions, Letters of Concurrence, Federal Register notices, other documents or correspondence. -Provide advice to internal and external stakeholders regarding the ESA, MMPA, and protected species conservation and recovery. * These duties are described at the Full Performance Level ZP-3, the ZP-2 is developmental leading to such performance. Of note, although these positions are titled as Marine Mammal specialists, the West Coast Region Protected Resources Division works on a variety of protected species, including turtles, fish, invertebrates, and mammals. Below are the links to the full text of the MAP and DE vacancy announcements. NMFS-2020-0034: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/576870000 NMFS-2020-0035: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/576870100 -- Penny Ruvelas Long Beach Office Branch Chief - Protected Resources Division NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region U.S. Department of Commerce Office:(562) 980-4197 Mobile: (562) 225-3453 penny.ruvelas(a)noaa.gov <first.last(a)noaa.gov> www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov -- Penny Ruvelas Long Beach Office Branch Chief - Protected Resources Division NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region U.S. Department of Commerce Office:(562) 980-4197 (*on mandatory telework status, please use mobile)* Mobile: (562) 619-3512 (*note new number)* penny.ruvelas(a)noaa.gov <first.last(a)noaa.gov> www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov

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New publication: Vulnerability of a top marine predator to coastal storms: a relationship between hydrodynamic drivers and stranding rates of newborn pinnipeds
by Maritza Sepulveda 22 Aug '20

22 Aug '20

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new open-access publication “*Vulnerability of a top marine predator to coastal storms: a relationship between hydrodynamic drivers and stranding rates of newborn pinnipeds*”, published in Scientific Reports. The paper can be accessed here: https://rdcu.be/b5Ys6 Abstract: Coastal storms have increased in recent decades, affecting many species, including the South American sea lion (Otaria byronia). Reports of stranded sea lion pups are becoming common in Chile, presumably due to the increase in the frequency and intensity of coastal storms. To validate this assumption, a 10-year database was built by coupling wave generation and coastal propagation models to correlate pure wave parameters (significant wave height Hs, peak period Tp, normalized wave power Hs2Tp) and wave parameters including the tidal level (maximum surface elevation η, modified wave power η2 Tp) with records of stranded pups in Cobquecura, the largest breeding colony in central Chile. The correlation between the number of pups stranded per day and wave parameters in the first half of January and the last half of February is poor, while they are stronger for the second half of January and the first half of February. The higher number of stranded pups coincide with coastal storms with normalized wave power values exceeding a threshold of 100 m2/s. Conversely, below this threshold there is wide dispersion between the number of strandings and wave parameters. Identifying wave parameter thresholds could be used to predict when newborn pups will be most affected by coastal storms, and thus help institutions to develop remediation techniques for animals at risk. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Kind regards, Maritza -- *Dra.**Maritza Sepúlveda* Profesor Titular Laboratorio de Ecología de Mamíferos Marinos (LECMMAR) Instituto de Biología Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Valparaíso Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha Valparaíso Fono: (56) 322508346

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New publication: Healing the wounds of marine mammals by protecting their habitat
by Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara 21 Aug '20

21 Aug '20

Dear All, we are happy to announce the publication of our paper on the journal: Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics (ESEP). The paper, part of a Theme Section entitled: “Marine biology in a world of wounds”, is Open Access. Thank you, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara and Erich Hoyt Notarbartolo di Sciara G, Hoyt E (2020) Healing the wounds of marine mammals by protecting their habitat. Ethics Sci Environ Polit 20:15-23. https://doi.org/10.3354/esep00190 <https://doi.org/10.3354/esep00190> Abstract Important marine mammal areas (IMMAs)—‘discrete habitat areas, important for one or more marine mammal species, that have the potential to be delineated and managed for conservation’ (IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force 2018, p. 3)—were introduced in 2014 by the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force to support marine mammal and wider ocean conservation. IMMAs provide decision-makers with a user-friendly, actionable tool to inform them of the whereabouts of habitat important for marine mammal survival. However, in view of their non-prescriptive, evidence-based and biocentric nature, the conservation effectiveness of IMMAs is strictly dependent on politicians’ willingness to make use of them. It has been the customary task of advocacy non-governmental organisations to lobby decision-makers to stimulate respect for environmental law, but the scientific community is increasingly joining this effort. Scientists can effectively strengthen a healthy relationship between scientific objectivity and political advocacy without damaging the credibility of conservation science. Thus, those undertaking the identification of IMMAs can be among those responsible for strongly advocating the implementation of IMMAs and other conservation initiatives. Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Ph.D., Co-chair IUCN Joint Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force www.marinemammalhabitat.org/immas <http://www.marinemammalhabitat.org/immas> Via Benedetto Marcello 43, 20124 Milano, Italy disciara(a)gmail.com • +39 335 6376035 • Skype: patmos1999

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Job Opportunity
by Rebeccah Hazelkorn - NOAA Federal 21 Aug '20

21 Aug '20

JOB OPPORTUNITY - Associate Scientist II – Cetacean modeling Closing date Sept 1st 2020 NMFS with a cooperative agreement with UCAR is looking for a POPULATION MODELER to join the National Marine Fisheries Service in Miami FL. The incumbent will utilize a solid foundation in population dynamics models to develop a “Population Consequences of Multiple Stressors” (PCOMS) model to characterize the population responses of cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico to natural and anthropogenic stressors with a focus on sperm whales and pantropical spotted dolphins. The incumbent will be responsible for working with a team to develop and implement a model, evaluate and present results, develop plans for field projects, and provide model outputs to end users. Primary knowledge, skills, and abilities required are as follows: · Working knowledge of data management systems (e.g., Oracle, SQLServer, MS Access). · Working knowledge of statistical and/or mathematical programming languages (e.g., R, S-PLUS, Matlab, C++). · Demonstrated experience developing population models for marine mammals, sea turtles, or other long-lived species is required, and experience working with marine mammals is highly desired. Please see full job posting for entire list of qualifications, responsibilities, and how to apply https://ucar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UCAR_Careers/job/Foothills-Lab-4/A… Best, Rebeccah Hazelkorn -- Rebeccah A. Hazelkorn Protected Resources Division NOAA, NMFS, Southeast Regional Office 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Office: 727-551-5751 Cell: 941-724-3906

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Publication announcement
by bam B 21 Aug '20

21 Aug '20

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I would like to announce the recent publication of the following paper: “A comparison of baleen whale density estimates derived from overlapping satellite imagery and a shipborne survey”. The paper is open access, and available to all from: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-69887-y. Abstract: As whales recover from commercial exploitation, they are increasing in abundance in habitats that they have been absent from for decades. However, studying the recovery and habitat use patterns of whales, particularly in remote and inaccessible regions, frequently poses logistical and economic challenges. Here we trial a new approach for measuring whale density in a remote area, using Very-High-Resolution WorldView-3 satellite imagery. This approach has capacity to provide sightings data to complement and assist traditional sightings surveys. We compare at-sea whale density estimates to estimates derived from satellite imagery collected at a similar time, and use suction-cup archival logger data to make an adjustment for surface availability. We demonstrate that satellite imagery can provide useful data on whale occurrence and density. Densities, when unadjusted for surface availability are shown to be considerably lower than those estimated by the ship survey. However, adjusted for surface availability and weather conditions (0.13 whales per km2, CV = 0.38), they fall within an order of magnitude of those derived by traditional line-transect estimates (0.33 whales per km2, CV = 0.09). Satellite surveys represent an exciting development for high-resolution image-based cetacean observation at sea, particularly in inaccessible regions, presenting opportunities for ongoing and future research. Regards, Connor Connor Bamford | PhD Researcher | British Antarctic Survey High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET

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Long term occurrence of Southern right whales in northern Argentina
by Diego Rodríguez 21 Aug '20

21 Aug '20

Hi all, On behalf of all the authors, we would like to call your attention to our paper on the long term occurrence of Southern right whales in northern Argentina. PDFs are available upon request to dhrodri(a)gmail.com Thank you! Diego Rodríguez Mandiola, M. A., Giardino, G., Bastida, J., Morón, S., Rodríguez, D. H., & Bastida, R. (2020). Half a century of sightings data of southern right whales in Mar del Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 100(1), 165-171. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315419001036 Abstract In South-western Atlantic waters, individuals of the southern right whale (SRW) Eubalaena australis spend part of the year (the austral winter and spring) in northern inshore waters where they breed and then migrate to southern feeding grounds during the summer. Mar del Plata (MDP) is located between two main reproductive areas (Península Valdés-Argentina and Santa Catarina-Brazil). The purpose of the present study is to report the presence of SRWs on their journey off the coast of MDP based on sighting records during the past half century. We carried out whale observations through systematic weekly coastal marine mammal surveys in different points of the MDP area from 1966 to 2016. The first SRW sighting was recorded in 1970; since then, sighting frequency has gradually increased, reaching a peak of 28 sightings (N = 63 whales) in 2016. These are unique long-term sighting records of SRWs in Argentina and the first on their journey off the shores of Buenos Aires province. We expect that these results will help local authorities to regulate tourism and other activities in the area and thereby contribute to the conservation of the species. -- Dr.Diego Rodríguez Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET. Casilla de Correos 1260 (Correo Central) (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina TE + 54 (0) 223 4754060 (Int.244) FAX +54 (0) 223 4753150 Skype: diego291162 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/136323163081610/ Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Diego_Rodriguez16 ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5080-3739 "Si los pueblos no se ilustran, si no se divulgan sus derechos, si cada hombre no conoce lo que puede, vale, debe, nuevas ilusiones sucederán a las antiguas y será tal vez nuestra suerte cambiar de tiranos sin destruir la tiranía" (Mariano Moreno)

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Leopard Seal Research Volunteer Position, Auckland, New Zealand
by Krista Hupman 20 Aug '20

20 Aug '20

Leopard Seal Research Volunteer Position, Auckland, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with ongoing research into the occurrence, residency and movement of leopard seals in the greater Auckland region. The role will involve both field-based and desktop research. This study is part of an ongoing research project for the Marine Megafauna Group at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research and is being undertaken in collaboration with LeopardSeals.Org. DETAILS OF ROLE: This role involves: 1) Observations of leopard seals within the greater Auckland region, including but not limited to the collection of photo-identification, scats and behavioural information. 2) Monitoring and collecting data from trail cameras in Auckland. 3) Liaison with various stakeholders (e.g., Iwi), agencies and organisations where leopard seals reside (e.g., marinas), government departments (e.g., Department of Conservation & Ministry of Primary Industries) and members of the public where required. 4) Assistance with data entry into the New Zealand Leopard Seal Database (i.e., into Microsoft Word and Excel software) 5) Assistance with various other leopard seal research projects throughout New Zealand as and when required (e.g., archiving samples, literature reviews, cross referencing data, extracting data from databases and from published literature). FIELD-BASED RESEARCH DETAILS With respect to (1) above, a 'typical' leopard seal call-out may come on any day of the week and the successful applicant would be required to attend the sighting as soon as possible. The applicant will receive training in the collection of photo-identification, scats and behavioural observations. The successful applicant will be issued with the appropriate materials to complete this field work (i.e., SLR camera, scat collection kit & data collection sheets). With respect to (2) above, the successful applicant would be expected to retrieve data from trail camera(s) once every two weeks, on a pre-determined schedule. During data retrieval visits they would also be expected to change the camera batteries. This task is required to be completed independent of the weather (but within safe operating conditions). Following data retrieval, the successful applicant would be required to upload the collected data to a cloud storage. The successful applicant will receive training in the operation of trail cameras and be supplied with any materials required for trail camera maintenance (i.e. batteries). APPLICANTS: We understand that due to COVID-19 restrictions this project will only be applicable to those residing in New Zealand. The applicant will be required to have suitable and reliable transport, be based in the greater Auckland region and have a flexible schedule allowing them to attend leopard seal sightings when they occur. DATES: September 2020 - February 2021. A minimum commitment of three months is required, and priority will be given to those who can commit to longer periods. During these months the volunteer should be available to respond to leopard seal callouts at short notice, including on weekends. The non-field work hours can be flexible to accommodate part-time work, although applicants who are available on a full-time basis (i.e. 38 hours per week), will be given priority. LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand LOGISTICS: As this is a volunteer position, there is no monetary compensation or living provisions provided. The successful applicant will be expected to arrange their own accommodation, living expenses, travel and costs. QUALIFICATIONS: The project is well suited to upper level undergraduates, recent graduates and graduate students who have some background in biology, marine biology, ecology, zoology or related fields. The successful applicant will be trustworthy, willing to work with a well-established team but also be able to work without direct supervision. We are seeking a well-rounded applicant who is dedicated and enjoys a mix of both field and desktop research, however, should an applicant be particularly strong in one aspect, we may consider splitting the position into two. APPLICATION PROCESS: Email your CV to krista.hupman(a)niwa.co.nz<mailto:krista.hupman@niwa.co.nz> and outline why you would like to work on this project, your availability, qualifications and relevant experience. [https://www.niwa.co.nz/static/niwa-2018-horizontal-180.png]<https://www.niwa.co.nz> Dr Krista Hupman Cetacean Biologist/Ecologist +64-4-386-0527 | National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA) 301 Evans Bay Parade Hataitai Wellington New Zealand Connect with NIWA: niwa.co.nz<https://www.niwa.co.nz> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/nzniwa> LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/niwa> Twitter<https://twitter.com/niwa_nz> Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/niwa_science> To ensure compliance with legal requirements and to maintain cyber security standards, NIWA's IT systems are subject to ongoing monitoring, activity logging and auditing. This monitoring and auditing service may be provided by third parties. Such third parties can access information transmitted to, processed by and stored on NIWA's IT systems

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Leopard Seal Volunteer Position, Remote Internship
by Krista Hupman 20 Aug '20

20 Aug '20

Leopard Seal Volunteer Position, Remote Internship A volunteer is required to assist with ongoing research into the occurrence, residency and movement of leopard seals around New Zealand. The role consists of desktop research, including data entry, photo-identification, emails and support with various ongoing research projects. This study is part of an ongoing project for the Marine Megafauna Group at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research and is being undertaken in collaboration with LeopardSeals.Org. DETAILS OF ROLE: This role involves: 1) Data organisation and entry into the New Zealand Leopard Seal Database (i.e., into Microsoft Word and Excel software). 2) Photo-identification of individual leopard seals as part of the New Zealand Leopard Seal Catalogue. 3) Liaison with various stakeholders (e.g., Iwi), agencies and organisations where leopard seals reside (e.g., marinas), government departments (e.g., Department of Conservation & Ministry of Primary Industries) and members of the public where required. 4) Remote assistance with various leopard seal research projects being conducted throughout New Zealand as and when it is required (e.g., literature reviews, cross referencing data, extracting data from databases and from published literature). LOCATION: There is no requirement to reside in a particular location as the volunteer work can be conducted remotely. Weekly check-ins and other additional meetings will be held with the project coordinator via Zoom. DATES: September 2020 - February 2021. A minimum commitment of three months is required, and priority will be given to those who can commit to longer periods. While hours can be flexible to accommodate part-time work, applicants who are available on a full-time basis (i.e. 38 hours per week), will be given priority. LOGISTICS: As this is a volunteer position, there is no monetary compensation or living provisions provided. As there is no requirement to reside in New Zealand, the successful applicant is responsible for their own costs. The applicant will be expected to provide their own computer. QUALIFICATIONS: The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent graduates and graduate students who have some background in biology, marine biology, ecology, zoology or related fields. Computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) is a requirement. The successful applicant will be trustworthy, willing to work with a well-established team but also be able to work without direct supervision. APPLICATION PROCESS: Email your CV to krista.hupman(a)niwa.co.nz<mailto:krista.hupman@niwa.co.nz> and outline why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist, your qualifications and relevant experience. [https://www.niwa.co.nz/static/niwa-2018-horizontal-180.png]<https://www.niwa.co.nz> Dr Krista Hupman Cetacean Biologist/Ecologist +64-4-386-0527 | National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA) 301 Evans Bay Parade Hataitai Wellington New Zealand Connect with NIWA: niwa.co.nz<https://www.niwa.co.nz> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/nzniwa> LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/niwa> Twitter<https://twitter.com/niwa_nz> Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/niwa_science> To ensure compliance with legal requirements and to maintain cyber security standards, NIWA's IT systems are subject to ongoing monitoring, activity logging and auditing. This monitoring and auditing service may be provided by third parties. Such third parties can access information transmitted to, processed by and stored on NIWA's IT systems

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New paper assessing the probability of exposure of blue and humpback whales to simulated seismic surveys
by Luis Huckstadt 20 Aug '20

20 Aug '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our article on Endangered Species Research, entitled "*A dynamic approach to estimate the probability of exposure of marine predators to oil exploration seismic surveys over continental shelf waters*". Abstract: The ever-increasing human demand for fossil fuels has resulted in the expansion of oil exploration efforts to waters over the continental shelf. These waters are largely utilized by a complex biological community. Large baleen whales, in particular, utilize continental shelf waters as breeding and calving grounds, foraging grounds, and also as migration corridors. We developed a dynamic approach to estimate the likelihood that individuals from different populations of blue whales *Balaenoptera musculus* and humpback whales *Megaptera novaeangliae* could be exposed to idealized, simulated seismic surveys as they move over the continental shelf. Animal tracking data for the different populations were filtered, and behaviors (transit and foraging) were inferred from the tracks using hidden Markov models. We simulated a range of conditions of exposure by having the source of noise affecting a circular area of different radii (5, 25, 50 and 100 km), moving along a gridded transect of 270 and 2500 km2 at a constant speed of 9 km h-1, and starting the simulated surveys every week of the year. Our approach allowed us to identify the temporal variability in the susceptibility of the different populations under study, as we ran the simulations for an entire year, allowing us to identify periods when the surveys would have an intensified effect on whales. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the behavior and ecology of individuals in a site-specific context when considering the likelihood of exposure to anthropogenic disturbances, as the habitat utilization patterns of each population are highly variable. If you are interested, the article is available on the following link (or you can email me): https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v42/p185-199/ On behalf of the co-authors, ---------------------------------------- Luis A. Huckstadt, Ph.D. Assistant Researcher Institute of Marine Sciences University of California Santa Cruz Adjunct Professor Department of Biology and Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington Ph: (831) 239-5762 http://lahuckst.wixsite.com/welcome

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