August 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Estimating protected species bycatch from limited observer coverage : A case study of seal bycatch in static net fisheries
by Luck, Cian 12 Aug '20

12 Aug '20

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new open-access publication "Estimating protected species bycatch from limited observer coverage : A case study of seal bycatch in static net fisheries" in Global Ecology and Conservation. The paper can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01213 Abstract: Fisheries bycatch represents a major anthropogenic threat to marine megafauna worldwide. To identify populations at risk, it is essential to estimate the total number of individuals removed from a population as bycatch. However, estimating total bycatch remains challenging due to the often-limited scope of monitoring programmes. In this study, we aimed to maximise the value of limited bycatch data collected by scientific observers and self-reported by fishers to provide estimates of total seal bycatch for static net fisheries operating in Irish waters. We constructed a model of bycatch rate as a function of known predictors of seal bycatch, and used this to predict bycatch rates throughout the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone. Annual estimates of seal bycatch, from 2011 to 2016, ranged between 202 (90% CI: 2-433) and 349 (90% CI: 6-833) seals per annum. Estimated bycatch exceeded the precautionary threshold of Potential Biological Removal (PBR = 165-218; Fr=0.5) for the national grey seal population but was below less conservative threshold values (PBR = 330-437; Fr=1.0), with confidence intervals spanning both. Further research on the population structure of grey seals in the Northeast Atlantic is needed to set appropriate bycatch thresholds. Nonetheless, this study shows that by utilising predictive models to maximise the value of limited bycatch observer effort, we can produce informative estimates of protected species bycatch and highlight areas of high bycatch risk. We present this as a case study for maritime nations with comparatively limited bycatch data to fill key data gaps in protected species bycatch worldwide. Please don't hesitate to contact me at cian.luck(a)ucc.ie<mailto:cian.luck@ucc.ie> if you have any questions. Kind regards, Cian

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New paper: Fraser's dolphin population genetic structure
by Ing Chen 陳瑩 12 Aug '20

12 Aug '20

Dear colleagues, On behave of my colleagues, I am delighted to announce our latest paper about Fraser's dolphin population genetics has been published in MPES a couple of months ago: Chen, I., Nishida, S., Chou, L.-S., Isobe, T., Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., & Hoelzel, A. R. (2020). Population genetic diversity and historical dynamics of Fraser’s dolphins *Lagenodelphis hosei*. Marine Ecology Progress Series, *643*, 183-195. *Abstract* Marine organisms face relatively few barriers to gene flow, and yet even highly mobile species such as dolphins often show population structure over regional geographic scales. Understanding the processes that promote this pattern of differentiation helps us understand the evolutionary radiation of this group, and to promote more effective measures for conservation. Here we report the first population genetic study of Fraser’s dolphin *Lagenodelphis hosei* (Fraser, 1956), a species that was not recognized by the scientific communities until the early 1970s. We use 18 microsatellite DNA loci and 1 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) locus to compare 112 Fraser’s dolphins collected in various locations, mainly from the waters off Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, but also including samples from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Our results indicate differentiation between populations in waters off Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, and support the findings from earlier morphological assessments for differentiation between Japanese and Philippine waters. Small sample sets also show likely differentiation between other regions in the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. Moreover, neutrality tests and mismatch analysis based on mtDNA data indicate that the populations in the western North Pacific Ocean have expanded demographically and spatially, possibly since the latest global deglaciation, when sea levels and global temperatures started to rise. Full-text access is available for Inter-Research subscribers ( https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v643/p183-195/) Otherwise, please feel free to contact Rus (a.r.hoelzel /at/ dur.ac.uk) or myself (ingchen /at/ ntnu.edu.tw) for a private pdf copy. Regards, Ing Chen -- Ing Chen (陳瑩), PhD Assistant Professor Department of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University 162 Section 1, Heping East Road, Taipei 10610 TAIWAN website <https://bit.ly/2yCj56A> | ORCID <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3880-2098> | email <ingchen(a)ntnu.edu.tw> | twitter <https://twitter.com/NTNU_BBG>

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New publication
by Joshua Smith 11 Aug '20

11 Aug '20

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our open access paper in Ecological Applications Validation of presence‐only models for conservation planning and the application to whales in a multiple‐use marine park Joshua N. Smith, Natalie Kelly and Ian W. Renner Identification of species’ Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) is fundamental to conservation planning and species distribution models (SDMs) are a powerful tool commonly used to do this. Presence‐only data are increasingly being used to develop SDM’s to aid the conservation decision‐making process. The application of presence‐only SDM’s for marine species’ is particularly attractive due to often logistical and economic costs of obtaining systematic species’ distribution data. However, robust model validation is important for conservation management applications that require accurate and reliable species’ occurrence data (e.g. spatially explicit risk assessments). This is commonly done using a random subset of the data and less commonly with fully independent test data. Here, we apply a spatial block cross‐validation (CV) approach to validate a MaxEnt presence‐only model using independent presence/absence survey data for a highly mobile, marine species (humpback whale, Megaptera novaengliae) in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). A MaxEnt model was developed using opportunistic whale sightings (2003 - 2007) and then used to identify areas differing in habitat suitability (low, medium, high) to conduct a systematic, line‐transect aerial survey (2012) and derive a density surface model. A spatial block CV buffering strategy was used to validate the MaxEnt model, using the opportunistic sightings as training data and independent aerial survey sightings data as test data. Moderate performance measures indicate MaxEnt was reliable in identifying the distribution patterns of a mobile whale species on their breeding ground, indicated by areas of high density aligned to areas of high habitat suitability. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MaxEnt models can be useful and cost‐effective for designing a sampling scheme to undertake systematic surveys that significantly reduces sampling effort. In this study, higher quality information on whale reproductive class (calf versus non‐calf groups) was obtained that the presence‐only data lacked, while sampling only 18% of the GBR World Heritage Area. The validation approach using fully independent data provides greater confidence in the MaxEnt model, which indicates significant overlap with the main breeding ground of humpback whales and the inner shipping route. This is important when evaluating presence‐only models within certain conservation management applications, such as spatial risk assessments. The paper is in the Accepted Articles section of the journal and available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2214 Regards Josh

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Biologging Societies COVID19 initiative
by Mark Hindell 11 Aug '20

11 Aug '20

COVID19.Bio-Logging.Initiative The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have devastating impact around the world. In this time of human tragedy and hardship, there are indications that some animal populations respond to reduced levels of human activity, as many countries go into lockdown to control the spread of the virus. Bio-logging offers an opportunity to measure how COVID-19-related changes in human behaviour affect wildlife. Members of the International Bio-Logging Society have decided to launch a collaborative global project to document this phenomenon, with researchers pooling their data and expertise. If you are potentially interested in participating in this project, please fill in our brief online questionnaire -- this should only take 10 minutes of your time. We are particularly keen to include marine mammal data in the project. Please note that, at this early planning stage, we wish to take stock of what data are available: there are no restrictions with regards to locality, taxa studied (marine/terrestrial, birds/mammals, etc.), bio-logging approaches used (movement, activity, physiology, etc.), sample size, and likelihood of local COVID-19 effects. We are aware that there are other related initiatives underway and are keen to coordinate efforts. In fact, we have already agreed to collaborate with colleagues from the Max Planck-Yale Center for Biodiversity Movement and Global Change, and the Movebank repository for animal tracking data. We are also coordinating with the team that led a recent study on terrestrial mammal movement using GPS data (Tucker et al. 2018, Science 359, 466-469), and with the PAN-Environment working group (which plans to collate a broad range of data). If you are involved in a project with similar objectives, you can use the final comment field in the online questionnaire to let us know. We believe that the international bio-logging community can make a valuable contribution during these extraordinary times, and we hope that many of you will decide to join this global effort. If you are interested in participating we'd appreciate it if you can fill out the questionnaire on the COVID19.Bio-Logging.Initiative website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf34sRZLxfnkrwnje7tt14sXkauqb3evRF… Thank you very much for your interest and support, Mark Hindell, Fran Cagnacci, Matthias Loretto, and Christian Rutz University of Tasmania Electronic Communications Policy (December, 2014). This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipient organisation is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of the University of Tasmania, unless clearly intended otherwise.

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New publication: Beaked whales in El Salvador
by Wojtek Bachara 11 Aug '20

11 Aug '20

Dear Readers, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our new paper: Bachara, W., Ibarra Portillo, R., Martínez de Navas, E.and Pineda, L. (2020) Beaked whales strandings in El Salvador. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 15(1): 21-24 Abstract: This short communication summarizes all the stranding records of beaked whales in El Salvador that could be located or were available, all in the Pacific Ocean and presents first records of Peruvian, Cuvier's and Blainville's beaked whales in El Salvador. This paper can be downloaded here:: https://www.lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/article/view/767 Feel free to contact me (ziphiid(a)gmail.com) if you have any questions. Wojtek Bachara https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wojtek_Bachara2 http://independent.academia.edu/WojtekBachara <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Wolny od wirusów. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Science writing opportunities (Anaïs Remili)
by Anaïs Remili 10 Aug '20

10 Aug '20

Dear all, I recently founded a marine mammal science website called Whale Scientists <https://whalescientists.com/> with my colleague, Naomi Mathew. We are two PhD students working on marine mammals. The goal of our website is to 1) share scientific knowledge with the public in a fun and accessible way; 2) provide tips for aspiring marine mammalogists; and 3) share stories of early career marine mammalogists, to inspire the public and aspiring scientists. We are looking for guest writers in our marine mammal science <https://whalescientists.com/whale-science/>page; topics could range from but are not limited to: how whales evolved, explanation of a recent paper, or the latest news on a specific event like the release of two captive belugas. The goal of these posts is to explain a scientific topic in an understandable and enjoyable manner for the general public. We are also looking for guest writers for our "how to <https://whalescientists.com/how-to/>" pages to provide tips for aspiring marine mammalogists. We already have posts on how to find internships, how to find a graduate program, etc. Even though we launched three months ago, we received a lot of positive feedback and over 10 000 visits. We are still growing as we explore new information sharing platforms and post more articles. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation for your contributions, but we do create for each guest writer a specific author page with their posts. You will be able to include your author page to a CV or grant application to show your contributions to scientific communication. Here is an example of an author page here <https://whalescientists.com/author/anaisremili/ >. We prepared writing guidelines to help you with drafting your posts and we are available to help you through the entire publishing process. You can contact us at: whalescientists(a)gmail.com. Best wishes, __ Anaïs Remili, PhD student, McGill University

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Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Marine Mammal Research Program- Graduate Student Opening
by Mackenzie Russell 10 Aug '20

10 Aug '20

*MS or PhD Student– Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Marine Mammal Research Program* We are searching for a graduate student at the MS or PhD level to join the Marine Mammal Research Program at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab <http://www.disl.org> through the Department of Marine Sciences <http://www.southalabama.edu/marinesciences/> at the University of South Alabama (USA). The selected student will be co-advised by Senior Marine Scientist, Dr. Ruth Carmichael <https://www.disl.org/about/faculty/rcarmichael/>*,* and the Program Veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Bloodgood, and will work closely with the staff, researchers and volunteers as part of the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) <http://almmsn.disl.org>. The selected student will conduct research on the effects of water quality on skin conditions in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Mobile Bay, Alabama and adjacent waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Research will focus on pathophysiology of freshwater skin lesions and how the skin microbiome changes in response to these conditions. The student will work in field and laboratory settings, with live and dead dolphins. The required start date is no later than Fall 2021, with an opportunity to join ALMMSN as a research technician prior to matriculation. Candidates must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Marine Sciences Department at USA. For applicants to the PhD program, an MS degree or DVM with relevant research experiences and outputs (papers, presentations, etc.) is preferred. The candidate should be comfortable sampling dolphins in a necropsy (animal autopsy) setting. The ideal student will have strong written and verbal communication skills, be motivated and organized, and work well independently and with a team. Interested applicants should first ensure eligibility <https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/artsandsci/marinesciences/Requirement…>, and then contact Drs. Ruth H. Carmichael and Jennifer Bloodgood ( rcarmichael(a)disl.org, jbloodgood(a)disl.org) to express interest and discuss ideas before completing the online application process through USA. Please use the email subject “ALMMSN Graduate Student Research Opportunity” and include: 1) a BRIEF description of your research interests as they relate to this project; 2) CV, including GPA, GRE test scores, and 3 references; and 3) a writing sample or pdf of a peer-reviewed publication, if applicable. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama value diversity in every sense of the word. DISL and USA are equal opportunity employers and encourage applications from a diverse pool of prospective students. Best, Mackenzie Russell, M.S. Stranding Coordinator Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 09 Aug '20

09 Aug '20

*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 | -- *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: Beaked whales strandings in El Salvador
by Wojtek Bachara 08 Aug '20

08 Aug '20

Dear Readers, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our new paper: Bachara, W., Ibarra Portillo, R., Martínez de Navas, E.and Pineda, L. (2020) Beaked whales strandings in El Salvador. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 15(1): 21-24 Abstract: This short communication summarizes all the stranding records of beaked whales in El Salvador that could be located or were available, all in the Pacific Ocean and presents first records of Peruvian, Cuvier's and Blainville's beaked whales in El Salvador. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5597.00257 Feel free to contact me (ziphiid(a)gmail.com) if you have any questions. Wojtek Bachara https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wojtek_Bachara2 http://independent.academia.edu/WojtekBachara

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Sociality in Marine Mammals
by Janet Mann 07 Aug '20

07 Aug '20

Dear Marmam Colleagues, I am co-editing a special issue in Frontiers in Marine Science on "Sociality in the Marine Environment". We are particularly interested in papers on marine mammals, although other marine fauna will be part of this issue. Our focus is on what aspects of the marine environment drive (or constrain!) social living - a topic which can be approached from a variety of perspectives. Marine mammalogists have led the way in developing methods and analytic techniques for understanding social dynamics in the marine environment. Abstracts are due *October 8th* and submissions from the marine mammal community are* strongly *encouraged. https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/15283/sociality-in-the-marine-e… <https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/15283/sociality-in-the-marine-e…> Janet Mann, Ph.D. website <https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014RY0bAAG/janet-mann> Professor of Biology & Psychology, Georgetown University she/her/hers

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