September 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Detection functions from shore
by Eric Keen 19 Sep '20

19 Sep '20

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Wildlife Research. Keen, E.M., J. Wray, B. Hendricks, É. O'Mahony, C.R. Picard, H. Alidina. (2020) Determining marine mammal detection functions for a stationary land-based survey site. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR19232 Pre-print PDF is available upon request. Best wishes, Eric Keen ericmkeen(a)gmail.com ABSTRACT Context: The shore-based survey is a common, non-invasive, and low-cost method in marine mammal science, but its scientific applications are currently limited. Such studies typically target populations whose distributions are not random with respect to nearshore sites and involve repeated scans of the same area from single, stationary platforms. These circumstances prohibit the use of classic distance sampling techniques for estimating animal densities or distributions, particularly the derivation of a detection function that describes the probability of detecting targets at various distances from the observer. Aims: Here, we present a technique for estimating land-based detection functions, as well as quantifying uncertainty in their parameterisation, on the basis of the range-specific variability of observations from one scan to the next. Methods: This Bayesian technique uses Monte Carlo simulation to determine the likelihood of thousands of candidate detection functions, then conducts weighted sampling to generate a posterior distribution estimate of the detection function parameterisation. We tested the approach with both archival and artificial datasets built from known detection functions that reflect whale and porpoise detectability. Key results: When the base distribution of targets was random, the whale detection function was estimated without error (i.e. the difference of the median of the posterior and the true value was 0.00), and the porpoise detection function was estimated with an error equal to 4.23% of the true value. When the target base distribution was non-random, estimation error remained low (2.57% for targets concentrated offshore, 1.14% when associated with nearshore habitats). When applied to field observations of humpback whales and Dall’s porpoises from a land-based study in northern British Columbia, Canada, this technique yielded credible results for humpback whales, but appeared to underestimate the detectability of Dall’s porpoises. Conclusion: The findings presented here indicate that this approach to detection function estimation is appropriate for long-running surveys in which scan regularity is high and the focus is on large, slow-moving, low herd-size, and easily detectable species. Implications: The derivation of a detection function is a critical step in density estimation. The methodology presented here empowers land-based studies to contribute to quantitative monitoring and assessment of marine mammal populations in coastal habitats.

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NEWS RELEASE - U.S. Navy releases Northwest Training and Testing Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS
by Stanford, Julianne E CIV USN COMNAVREG NW BGR WA (USA) 18 Sep '20

18 Sep '20

Good morning, The U.S. Navy has completed a final supplement to the 2015 Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Final Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with proposed ongoing and future military readiness activities in the Pacific Northwest. In the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS, the Navy evaluated new, relevant information, such as more recent marine mammal density data and scientific information, and updated previous environmental analyses as appropriate. The completion of the analysis follows years of research, stakeholder and tribal engagement, and public involvement. Visit www.NWTTEIS.com for more information and to view the document. For more information or to receive assistance with a media query, please contact Julianne Stanford with the Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Office at 360-867-8525 or her email at julianne.stanford(a)navy.mil. Very respectfully, Julianne Stanford Environmental Public Affairs Specialist, Navy Region Northwest (360)-867-8525 julianne.stanford(a)navy.mil ### NORTHWEST TRAINING AND TESTING FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 18, 2020 Release #20-0918 SILVERDALE, Wash - The U.S. Navy has completed a final supplement to the 2015 Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Final Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with proposed ongoing and future military readiness activities within the NWTT Study Area, referred to as the "Study Area." Military readiness activities include training and research, development, testing, and evaluation activities, referred to as "training and testing." In the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS, the Navy evaluated new, relevant information, such as more recent marine mammal density data and scientific information, and updated previous environmental analyses as appropriate. The Navy prepared the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS to support the issuance of federal regulatory permits and authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Proposed Action: The Navy's Proposed Action is to continue training and testing activities at sea and in associated airspace within the Study Area. These activities include the use of active sonar and explosives. The Navy will continue to implement mitigation measures to avoid or reduce potential impacts on marine species and the environment from training and testing activities. Proposed activities are similar to those that have occurred in the Study Area for decades and previously analyzed in the 2015 document. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to conduct training and testing activities to ensure the Navy can accomplish its mission to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas. To achieve and maintain military readiness, the Navy proposes to: . Continue training and testing activities at sea and in associated airspace at levels required to support military readiness requirements beyond 2020. . Incorporate evolving mission requirements, including those resulting from the development, testing, and introduction of new vessels, aircraft, and weapons systems into the fleet. The Study Area remains unchanged from the 2015 NWTT Final EIS/OEIS. The Study Area is comprised of established maritime operating areas and warning areas in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, including areas within the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, and the Western Behm Canal in southeastern Alaska. The Study Area includes air and water space within and outside Washington state waters and established special use airspace, Navy pierside and harbor locations within Washington state waters, and air and water space outside the state waters of Oregon and Northern California. A predominant portion of the Study Area offshore remains outside of 12 nautical miles from the coastlines of Washington, Oregon, and California. No land-based activities were analyzed in the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Availability of the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS: In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act regulations, the Navy will wait a minimum of 30 days after publication of the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS before making a final decision on the action. The Navy is committed to providing an accessible version of the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS to the public during COVID-19 conditions. The document will be available to the public on the project website www.NWTTEIS.com beginning Sept. 18, 2020. If you need assistance accessing the document, please contact Ms. Julianne Stanford, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Office, at julianne.stanford(a)navy.mil or 360-867-8525. If you would like additional information, please visit www.NWTTEIS.com or contact: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest Attention: NWTT Supplemental EIS/OEIS Project Manager 3730 N. Charles Porter Ave., Building 385 Oak Harbor, WA 98278-3500 Please help inform your community by sharing the information in this news release. -USN-

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Fwd: New publication - Oceanographic Determinants of the Abundance of Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the South of Portugal
by Joana Castro 18 Sep '20

18 Sep '20

Dear all, My co-authors and I are please to announce and share our latest paper titled Oceanographic Determinants of the Abundance of Common Dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) in the South of Portugal Castro, J.; Couto, A.; Borges, F.O.; Cid, A.; Laborde, M.I.; Pearson, H.C.; Rosa, R. Oceanographic Determinants of the Abundance of Common Dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*) in the South of Portugal. *Oceans* *2020*, *1*, 165-173. https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans1030012 Abstract: Off mainland Portugal, the common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*) is the most sighted cetacean, although information on this species is limited. The Atlantic coast of Southern Portugal is characterized by an intense wind-driven upwelling, creating ideal conditions for common dolphins. Using data collected aboard whale-watching boats (1929 sightings and 4548 h effort during 2010–2014), this study aims to understand the relationships between abundance rates (AR) of dolphins of different age classes (adults, juveniles, calves and newborns) and oceanographic [chlorophyll a (Chl-a) and sea surface temperature (SST)] variables. Over 70% of the groups contained immature animals. The AR of adults was negatively related with Chl-a, but not related to SST values. The AR of juveniles was positively related with SST. For calves and newborns, although the relationship between SST and AR is similar to that observed for juveniles, the effect could not be distinguished from zero. There was no relationship between Chl-a levels and the AR of juveniles, calves and newborns. These results corroborate previous findings that common dolphins tend to occur in highly productive areas demonstrating linkages between their abundance and oceanographic variables, and that this region may be a potential nursery ground. The paper can be found here: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/1/3/12/htm Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Best regards Joana Castro

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Job Posting: Marine Mammal Rescue Specialist
by Artie Wong 17 Sep '20

17 Sep '20

Marine Animal Rescue is a small non-profit organization providing rescue response as far north as the Pacific Palisades, south to Long Beach, and as far west as Catalina Island. MAR conducts hundreds of marine mammal rescues annually. Rescued animals consist primarily of sea lions, seals, with occasional dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds. MAR also works as a member of the large whale disentanglement network. We have an opening for a Marine Mammal Rescue Specialist, which requires significant field and wildlife capture experience. This is an extremely physical, inherently dangerous position with risk of injury. During the busy season, from January-June, the Rescue Specialist can work over 40hrs/week, as well as evenings, weekends and holidays. *Job duties:* * Marine mammal rescue involving capture, handling, and transport * Assessing distressed marine mammals * Working independently and in small teams with assistance from lifeguards, firefighters, police, and volunteers * Utilizing hoop net and floating net capture systems * Capturing and carrying seals and sea lions weighing 20- 600 lbs * Working on jetties, cliffs, rocky shorelines, beaches, piers, and urban areas * Driving 4x4 truck on sand and steep terrain * Operating winches and air compressors * Trailering and small boat driving via tiller steer outboard engine * Maintaining and repairing vehicle, boat, and equipment *Minimum Experience:* * Wildlife capture and handling experience * Knowledge and ability to identify marine wildlife * Able to learn numerous beach and shoreline access points * Physically fit and comfortable lifting at least 75 lbs * Strong swimmer * Experienced trailering and boat driving * Working well with others in challenging situations *Preferred Experience:* Pinniped capture experience and skill operating small boats is preferred. However, a strong field background with wildlife capture and handling experience may initially be sufficient, with the expectation that the employee will quickly become proficient in the other job duties. *Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes:* * Non-exempt 40 hours/week base pay * On-call and overtime pay * Health insurance *To Apply:* Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to MAR Founder & President, Peter Wallerstein at pw(a)marspecialists.org Web: http://www.marspecialists.org Phone: (310) 455 2729

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New publication on fin whale stranding in the northern Aegean Sea
by Arda M. Tonay 17 Sep '20

17 Sep '20

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new paper on fin whale stranding in the northern Aegean Sea has been published in the Journal of Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment. Tonay, A.M., Dede, A., Gül, B., Öztürk A.A. 2020. First record of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) stranding on the northern Aegean Sea coast of Turkey. J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 26(2): 223-230. http://blackmeditjournal.org/first-record-of-a-fin-whale-balaenoptera-physa… Abstract A stranding of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) was reported for the first time from the Turkish coast of the northern Aegean Sea. A part of skeleton; posterior part of skull, a part of left mandible, ribs with mummified tissues of an individual were found in Saros Bay near Danişment village. The stranded whale was likely to be a juvenile as the estimated body size (13.5-14 m) was lower than the mature body size of those in the northern hemisphere. Although many parts of the specimen were missing and the exact date of the stranding was unknown, the information about such strandings of rare and threatened species like the fin whale is valuable in terms of understanding the regional distribution of the species. Pdf requests can be sent to atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr Regards Arda Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, İstanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:8 Laleli, 34134 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: ¬+90 212 455 5700/16459 Fax: +90 212 514 0379 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, 34820 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------ Lütfen bu e-postayı yazdırmadan önce çevreye olan etkisini dikkate alınız. Unutmayınız ki; dünyadaki kağıt tüketiminin yarısı kazanılırsa, her yıl 8 milyon hektar orman alanı (Ege Bölgesi büyüklüğünde) yok olmaktan kurtulacaktır. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Please take into account the impact on the environment before printing this e-mail. Do not forget that if we reduce our paper consumption by half, every year 8 million hectares of forest (an area the size of Aegean Region in Turkey) will be saved from vanishing. ------------------------------------------------------------------

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Job Opportunity: Deputy Director of the Marine Mammal Laboratory
by Peter Boveng - NOAA Federal 16 Sep '20

16 Sep '20

*JOB OPPORTUNITY:* *DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF **THE MARINE MAMMAL LABORATORY* The Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (NOAA Fisheries) has posted a vacancy announcement for a permanent federal position as MML Deputy Director. This job is a full-time, Band IV, supervisory position in the federal ZP-401 series. The vacancy announcement is currently available for review. This position is open to all U.S. citizens and applications will be accepted during a 7-day open period from 24 – 30 September 2020. Information can be found at USAJOBS under the following link: Announcement number NMFS-AKC-2020-0057 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/578503100. The Marine Mammal Laboratory ( https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/marine-mammal-laboratory) is responsible for conducting research on a broad range of marine mammals and ecosystems in Alaskan waters (from the North Pacific Ocean to the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas) as well as in Washington, Oregon, and California (the Pacific Ocean’s California Current and associated waterways). Recent studies have focused on pinnipeds such as Steller and California sea lions; northern and Guadalupe fur seals; harbor, bearded, ringed, ribbon, and spotted seals; and cetaceans such as North Pacific right, bowhead, gray, humpback, beluga, and killer whales; as well as Dall’s and harbor porpoise. Species-specific information is gathered on abundance, trends, stock structure, habitat use, seasonal movements, and feeding ecology through the use of visual and photographic observations, acoustic studies, satellite telemetry and other remote sensors, genetic studies, and aerial-, vessel- and shore-based platforms. MML currently has a total of about 75 staff, including permanent employees and affiliate scientific collaborators. The MML Deputy Director is responsible for engaging in discussions about MML science priorities, overseeing the preparation and execution of the annual budget, and tracking external and internal scientific and administrative requirements. The incumbent also provides oversight for the annual development of the Alaska marine mammal stock assessment reports, including routine communication with Alaska Region and NOAA Fisheries Headquarters staff. Candidates are sought who have demonstrated leadership skills, supervisory experience, and a broad scientific vision. A Ph.D. in biology (or a related field) and a strong scientific publication record are considered highly desirable. This is a special opportunity to join and lead a talented and dynamic group of marine mammal researchers. We welcome applications from all qualified and interested members of the marine mammal research community. If that is you, please go to USAJOBS and submit an application. And please pass this notification along to others who may be interested as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or give me a call (contact info below). All the best, John L. Bengtson, Director Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Seattle, Washington USA email: john.bengtson(a)noaa.gov tel: +1 (206) 930-6271

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin occurrence off southeastern South Africa
by Michelle Caputo 16 Sep '20

16 Sep '20

Dear Marmam community, We are pleased to announce the publication of our manuscript in Marine Mammal Science: "Occurrence of Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) off the Wild Coast of South Africa using photographic identification” Abstract: The present study represents the first reported boat‐based photographic identification study of Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) off the Wild Coast of southeast South Africa. This area is known for the annual sardine run, which attracts apex predators to the region during the austral winter. Dedicated photo‐identification surveys were conducted along this coast at three different study sites in February, June, and November of each year from 2014 to 2016. During 47 surveys, 136 bottlenose dolphin groups were encountered, an estimated 4,474 dolphins observed, and 2,149 individuals were identified. Although most individuals (N = 1,770, 82.4%) were only observed once, some were resighted 2–7 times (N = 379, 17.6%), with an average of 305 days (range: 88–705 days) between resightings. The majority of bottlenose dolphins were resighted within the same study site (N = 192), indicating some degree of residency. However, 65 individuals were observed at two different study sites, indicating individual movements along the coast. Our findings contrast earlier suggestions that bottlenose dolphins only use the Wild Coast during the sardine run, as we found large number of animals year‐round with some level of site fidelity. This highlights the importance of the Wild Coast to bottlenose dolphins and provides further information on their status off southeastern South Africa. It is available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/mms.12740 Please feel free to contact me for a pdf version. Best Regards, Michelle ---------------------------- Dr. Michelle Caputo Post-doctoral Research Fellow Rhodes University/Florida International University

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New publication: Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Resighted Eight Years After Stranding
by Mariana C Neves 15 Sep '20

15 Sep '20

On behalf of my co-authors I would like to share our recent note on a successful rescue of a humpback whale published in Aquatic Mammals. Mariana C. Neves, Hugo G. Neto, Ana L. Cypriano-Souza, Berenice M. G. da Silva, Shirley P. de Souza, Milton C. C. Marcondes, and Marcia H. Engel. (2020). Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Resighted Eight Years After Stranding. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 483-487. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.465.2020.483 Abstract: Refloating is a common strategy to deal with stranded whales, but resighting reports are rare, especially after long periods of several years. Here, we report the longest known period between rescue and resighting of an adult male humpback whale (8 years) identified through DNA analyzes. The whale stranded in a beach (Ubatuba, São Paulo state, Brazil) in the end of the breeding season (November 2000), and was resighted after eight years within the main Southwest Atlantic breeding area (Abrolhos Bank, Bahia state, Brazil) as part of a competitive group (July 2008). The novel refloating procedure involved the use of a rope behind the pectoral fin region. Our report provides useful information for similar operations and clarifies conditions under which refloating of large cetaceans is worth-attempting, such as whale’s physical condition, site characteristics,equipment availability, and adequate procedures. The note is available at <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.483> Please email me if you have any questions or difficult in assessing it: maricneves(a)gmail.com Best regards, Mariana -- Msc. Mariana Cappello Neves Ph.D. student Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA) Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brasil 20550-013 Tel: +55 21 99867-9542 <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Livre de vírus. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…>. <#m_1479554834122672321_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) sightings in Israel 2009–2020
by elasar.ma＠gmail.com 15 Sep '20

15 Sep '20

Dear colleagues Apologies for cross-posting. On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to draw your attention to a new paper on Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) sightings in Israel: Roditi-Elasar M, Bundone L, Goffman O, Scheinin P.A, Kerem H.D. 2020. Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) sightings in Israel 2009–2020: Extralimital records or signs of population expansion?. Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12734 Abstract After 50 years of absence and a ‘Possibly Extinct’ classification by IUCN, numerous reports of Mediterranean monk seal along the Israeli coast accumulated since 2010. Eighty-three encounters, 16% of which were also photographed, were reviewed, categorized according to reliability of information and subjected to natural-markings photo-identification. Two different individuals were identified until April 2020. One, a female named ‘Maya’, was photographed repeatedly over the years. 'Maya' was also identified in early 2020 north of Beirut, Lebanon, stressing the importance of a regional cooperative research and conservation plan. Please e-mail me at elasar.ma(a)gmail.com <mailto:elasar.ma@gmail.com> for further information. Best wishes, Mia ---------------- Mia Elasar, Ph.D Research fellow, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies, University of Haifa. P.O.Box 77, Kfar Rosh Hanikra 22825, Israel Telefax: +972-4-9826861 Mobile: +972-50-3225227 _________________________________________________________________________

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New paper on pollution in humpback whales from Antarctica
by Anaïs Remili 15 Sep '20

15 Sep '20

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in Environmental Pollution: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) breeding off Mozambique and Ecuador show geographic variation of persistent organic pollutants and isotopic niches Here is a free access link to our paper <https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1bkwszLNSVsY7> You can find an explanation of our main findings here, in a non academic way: https://whalescientists.com/humpback-whales-pollution-antarctica/ Here is the abstract: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the Southern Hemisphere carry information on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from their feeding zones in Antarctica to their breeding grounds, making this species a sentinel of contaminants accumulation in the Southern Ocean. This study aimed to evaluate driving factors, namely feeding areas, trophic level, and sex, affecting POP concentrations in the blubber of humpback whales breeding off Mozambique and off Ecuador. Biopsies of free-ranging humpback whales including blubber and skin were collected in 2014 and 2015 from Ecuador (n = 59) and in 2017 from Mozambique (n = 89). In both populations, HCB was the major contaminant followed by DDTs > CHLs > PCBs > HCHs > PBDEs. POP concentrations were significantly higher in males compared to females. HCB, DDTs, HCHs and PBDEs were significantly different between whales from the Mozambique population and the Ecuador population. Sex and feeding habits were important driving factors accounting for POP concentrations in Ecuador whales. The whales from our study had some of the lowest POP concentrations measured for humpback whales in the world. These whales fed predominantly on krill as reflected from the low δ13C and δ15N values measured in the skin. However, the isotopic niches of whales from Mozambique and Ecuador did not overlap indicating that the two populations are feeding in different areas of the Southern Ocean. Do not hesitate to share the good news. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749120362631 Cheers, Anaïs Remili

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