August 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Lombard effect in humpback whales
by Regina Guazzo 04 Aug '20

04 Aug '20

Dear Colleagues, I hope you are all well. My co-authors and I are excited to announce the following open-access publication: Guazzo RA, Helble TA, Alongi GC, Durbach IN, Martin CR, Martin SW, Henderson EE (2020). The Lombard effect in singing humpback whales: Source levels increase as ambient ocean noise levels increase. J. Acoust.Soc. Am. 148(2): 542-555. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0001669 Abstract: Many animals increase the intensity of their vocalizations in increased noise. This response is known as the Lombard effect. While some previous studies about cetaceans report a 1 dB increase in the source level (SL) for every dB increase in the background noise level (NL), more recent data have not supported this compensation ability. The purpose of this study was to calculate the SLs of humpback whale song units recorded off Hawaii and test for a relationship between these SLs and background NLs. Opportunistic recordings during 2012-2017 were used to detect and track 524 humpback whale encounters comprised of 83,974 units on the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility hydrophones. Received levels were added to their estimated transmission losses to calculate SLs. Humpback whale song units had a median SL of 173 dB re 1 uPa at 1 m, and SLs increased by 0.53 dB/1 dB increase in background NLs. These changes occurred in real time on hourly and daily time scales. Increases in ambient noise could reduce male humpback whale communication space in the important breeding area off Hawaii. Since these vocalization changes may be dependent on location or behavioral state, more work is needed at other locations and with other species. Please email me (regina.guazzo(a)spawar.navy.mil) if you have any questions about this work. All my best, Regina Regina A. Guazzo, PhD Whale Acoustics Reconnaissance Program (WARP) Environmental Readiness Branch Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (c) 908.507.1421

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Seal Rescue Ireland Internship Opportunities!
by Gale Loescher 04 Aug '20

04 Aug '20

Seal Rescue Ireland is accepting applications for our exciting internship positions! Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a charity organisation which operates a busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation centre located in Courtown, Co. Wexford. As the only facility that fully rehabilitates seals within the Republic of Ireland, SRI responds to strandings nationwide. Most reports are for young grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and common seal (Phoca vitulina) pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the Irish coastline. In addition, SRI pursues understanding and public engagement of ocean conservation and sustainability through education, community outreach and research programmes. SRI is currently accepting applications for their internship programmes for next year. With rolling start dates year around, these high paced, full-time positions are for a minimum of 12 weeks, but longer time commitments are encouraged. After completion of initial training, interns who excel may be invited to stay longer and offered higher levels of responsibility with the potential for compensation through living expenses. Due to Covid-19, Seal Rescue Ireland is only considering applications from Irish residents until further notice. All offers of internship positions with Seal Rescue Ireland may be subject to change depending on government regulations and advice, as well as SRI’s decisions on what is best for the health and well-being of our team. We thank everyone for their flexibility and understanding during this crisis. Seal Rescue Ireland offers 4 different internship opportunities: Animal Care and Education Internship - provides a well rounded experience, with the interns time divided between caring for seals in rehabilitation and giving educational tours to visitors of our centre. Marketing and Media Internship - provides the intern with experience in producing quality media content to help Seal Rescue Ireland promote our mission, ocean conservation, and our fundraising efforts. Education Internship - provides the intern with experience in developing and presenting educational programs and activities for groups of all ages that focus on ocean conservation and sustainability. Community Engagement Internship - provides the intern with experience in community outreach to raise awareness of SRI and ocean conservation, event planning, and fundraising to support our centre. There are unpaid positions. Intern housing is available for 90 Euro/week (including food) on a first come first served basis. Interns are responsible for their own travel expenses. Application Deadlines: 1st of September, 2020 for January, February, March and April, 2021 start dates - At this time, we will also be hiring for a few remaining positions starting October to December 2020 2nd of January, 2021 for May, June, July, and August, 2021 start dates 1st of May, 2020 for September, October, November, and December, 2021 start dates Please visit our website at (http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/) for full descriptions of our internships and to download the application form. Completed applications can be submitted to: intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Registered Charity: RCN 20108519

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New Article: Repeated Vessel Interactions and Climate- or Fishery-Driven Changes in Prey Density Limit Energy Acquisition by Foraging Blue Whales
by Marie Guilpin 03 Aug '20

03 Aug '20

Dear MARMAM, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Frontiers in M <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00626/full>arine Science: Guilpin M, Lesage V, McQuinn I, Brosset P, Doniol-Valcroze T, Jeanniard-du-Dot T and Winkler G (2020) Repeated Vessel Interactions and Climate- or Fishery-Driven Changes in Prey Density Limit Energy Acquisition by Foraging Blue Whales. Front. Mar. Sci. 7:626. ABSTRACT: Blue whale survival and fitness are highly contingent on successful food intake during an intense feeding season. Factors affecting time spent at the surface or at depth in a prey patch are likely to alter foraging effort, net energy gain, and fitness. We specifically examined the energetic consequences of a demonstrated reduction in dive duration caused by vessel proximity, and of krill density reductions potentially resulting from krill exploitation or climate change. We estimated net energy gain over a simulated 10-h foraging bout under baseline conditions, and three scenarios, reflecting krill density reductions, vessel interactions of different amplitudes, and their combined effects. Generally, the magnitude of the effects increased with that of krill density reductions and duration of vessel proximity. They were also smaller when peak densities were more accessible, i.e., nearer to the surface. Effect size from a reduction in krill density on net energy gain were deemed small to moderate at 5% krill reduction, moderate to large at 10% reduction, and large at 25 and 50% reductions. Vessels reduced cumulated net energy gain by as much as 25% when in proximity for 3 of a 10-h daylight foraging period, and by up to 47–85% when continuously present for 10 h. The impacts of vessel proximity on net energy gain increased with their duration. They were more important when whales were precluded from reaching the most beneficial peak densities, and when these densities were located at deeper depths. When krill densities were decreased by 5% or more, disturbing foraging blue whales for 3 h could reduce their net energy gain by ≥30%. For this endangered western North Atlantic blue whale population, a decrease in net energy gain through an altered krill preyscape or repeated vessel interactions is of particular concern, as this species relies on a relatively short feeding season to accumulate energy reserves and to fuel reproduction. This study highlights the importance of distance limits during whale-watching operations to ensure efficient feeding, as well as the vulnerability of this specialist to fluctuations in krill densities. The paper is open access and available here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00626/full Best regards, Marie Guilpin Marie Guilpin, PhD Candidate in Oceanography Université du Québec à Rimouski - Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski 300, allée des Ursulines Rimouski, Qc, G5L 3A1, Canada Phone: (418) 723-1986 poste #1252 O.202 marieguilpin(a)gmail.com

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New publication: Changes of airway microbiota in humpback whales
by Catharina Vendl 02 Aug '20

02 Aug '20

Dear colleagues, Do the bacterial communities in the airways of whales reflect the physical state of the whales? We found first evidence that they do. We would like to announce the publication of our paper 'Respiratory microbiota of humpback whales may be reduced in diversity and richness the longer they fast' in Scientific Reports last week. The paper is available (free access) via: https://rdcu.be/b5TJR The Australian Academy of Science created this short video about the paper: https://vimeo.com/435003703/4222edc479 This is the press release of the University of New South Wales: https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/whale-snot-reveals-likely-po… [https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/1._whale_…]<https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/whale-snot-reveals-likely-po…> Whale 'snot' reveals likely poor health during migration | UNSW Newsroom<https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/whale-snot-reveals-likely-po…> Whale-watching season is delighting the viewing public along the east Australian coast but while it’s a boon for the tourism industry, for the majestic humpback whale it’s potentially a time of less optimal health. newsroom.unsw.edu.au Abstract: Humpback whales endure several months of fasting while undertaking one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, which depletes the whales’ energy stores and likely compromises their physiological state. Airway microbiota are linked to respiratory health in mammals. To illuminate the dynamics of airway microbiota in a physiologically challenged mammal, we investigated the bacterial communities in the blow of East Australian humpback whales at two stages of their migration: at the beginning (n = 20) and several months into their migration (n = 20), using barcoded tag sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. We show that early in the fasting the whale blow samples had a higher diversity and richness combined with a larger number of core taxa and a different bacterial composition than later in the fasting. This study provides some evidence that the rich blow microbiota at the beginning of their fasting might reflect the whales’ uncompromised physiology and that changes in the microbiota occur during the whales’ migration. Thank you and kind regards, Catharina -- Catharina Vendl | DVM | PhD | Inter-Disciplinary Ecology and Evolution Lab | School of Biology, Earth & Environmental Sciences | University of New South Wales Sydney | Australia | Phone +61 4 1655 2101 https://cvendl.wixsite.com/catharina @ScienceCath

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Remote Internship at DMAD
by Selina Brouwer 02 Aug '20

02 Aug '20

Dear all, *Please find below details of our Remote Internship with DMAD* Unfortunately COVID-19 is starting to increase in numbers again and the borders of many countries are closing again, this is why it is currently almost impossible to travel safe due to the outbreak of COVID-19, but that doesn't mean that you can't benefit from our knowledge and develop your career or get help with your thesis remotely. You can receive both research and public outreach experience working with the DMAD team. http://www.dmad.org.tr/remote-internships WHO ARE DMAD AND WHAT DO WE DO? DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association have scientific projects running in Turkey, Montenegro and Albania. We conduct long-term studies of marine mammals in Istanbul, Antalya, the Levantine Sea, Montenegrin coastal waters and the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to hydrocarbon exploration. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. More details on the projects can be found here: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP: The DMAD team provides lectures and training as well as constant support. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -Cetacean species identification within the Mediterranean -Population statuses and threats to marine mammals within the Mediterranean -Software used in the field (Pythagoras, Logger 2010) -Data analysis using GIS, R, Distance, Mark -Passive Acoustic Monitoring using PamGuard -Residency Pattern Analysis -Scientific support on manuscript and technical report writing including thesis supervision-Population PARTICIPATION FEE: The internship is for 2 months and is about 100 hours and requires a contribution fee of 380euro, which fully goes to supporting the project. WHATS INCLUDED IN THE FEE: -PDF copies of the training and lectures -Audio recordings -Scientific support through weekly Skype calls -Real data and practical examples to work through -Certification HOW TO APPLY Our next Remote Internship starts on the 24th of August 2020 and has a limited number of places. Email your CV and cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining the subject of your thesis in the cover letter. If you wish to have more info about our other internships and work please take a look at some of our web pages and social media: Our research: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects Our remote internships: http://www.dmad.org.tr/remote-internships Our publications: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-publications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, DMAD team *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>*

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 02 Aug '20

02 Aug '20

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