September 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication - Decadal changes in blood δ13C values, at-sea distribution, and weaning mass of southern elephant seals from Kerguelen Islands
by Julie Mestre 14 Sep '20

14 Sep '20

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper titled Decadal changes in blood ��13C values, at-sea distribution, and weaning mass of southern elephant seals from Kerguelen Islands Mestre, J., Authier, M., Cherel, Y., Harcourt, R., McMahon, C.R., Hindell, M.A., Charrassin, J.-B., Guinet C. 2020. Decadal changes in blood ��13C values, at-sea distribution, and weaning mass of southern elephant seals from Kerguelen Islands. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 287: 2020154. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.1544<https://webmail.cnrs.fr/owa/redir.aspx?C=Gn7Ur2Ql5F0bNW_irvxlWfR8k7dtCDny8r…> Abstract: Changes in the foraging environment and at-sea distribution of southern elephant seals from Kerguelen Islands were investigated over a decade (2004�C2018) using tracking, weaning mass, and blood ��13C values. Females showed either a sub-Antarctic or an Antarctic foraging strategy, and no significant shift in their at-sea distribution was detected between 2004 and 2017. The proportion of females foraging in sub-Antarctic versus Antarctic habitats did not change over the 2006�C2018 period. Pup weaning mass varied according to the foraging habitat of their mothers. The weaning mass of sub-Antarctic foraging mothers' pups decreased by 11.7 kg over the study period, but they were on average 5.8 kg heavier than pups from Antarctic foraging mothers. Pup blood ��13C values decreased by 1.1�� over the study period regardless of their sex and the presumed foraging habitat of their mothers. Together, these results suggest an ecological change is occurring within the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean with possible consequences on the foraging performance of southern elephant seals. We hypothesize that this shift in ��13C is related to a change in primary production and/or in the composition of phytoplankton communities, but this requires further multidisciplinary investigations. The paper can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.1544<https://webmail.cnrs.fr/owa/redir.aspx?C=Gn7Ur2Ql5F0bNW_irvxlWfR8k7dtCDny8r…> or email me for any question. Best regards, Julie Mestre --- Julie Mestre PhD student julie.mestre(a)cebc.cnrs.fr<https://webmail.cnrs.fr/owa/redir.aspx?C=RHXSuanXpbHLBmqM4Ho_jb4f90w1Sbiu_-…>; j.mestre(a)hotmail.fr<https://webmail.cnrs.fr/owa/redir.aspx?C=P5sEwP0VaTfgC_zru3hS8i5lBxcY4JSkT6…> Centre d��Etudes Biologiques de Chiz�� (CEBC) CNRS UMR 7372 �C Universit�� de La Rochelle 405 Route de la Canauderie 79360 Villiers-en-Bois France https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julie_Mestre<https://webmail.cnrs.fr/owa/redir.aspx?C=uBsDzMBb1bTweXwLH2Pcvtu_K0k2a_yRTt…> https://www.cebc.cnrs.fr/predateurs-marins/julie-mestre/?lang=en [https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-anima…]<https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Garanti sans virus. www.avast.com<https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…>

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Issue 46.5 of Aquatic Mammals available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 14 Sep '20

14 Sep '20

Dear MARMAM and ECS Talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The titles listed below represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 46, issue 5, 2020) of Aquatic Mammals that is published online. This issue includes Dr. Blair Irvine’s Historical Perspectives essay, which is introduced by Dr. Randy Wells. This issue’s cover commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. Congratulations! Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Volume 46, Issue 4 (Items preceded by an * are open access) *Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Suzanne A. Cornelisse, Linde N. Defillet, and Léonie A. E. Huijser. (2020). Temporary Threshold Shift in a Second Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) After Exposure to a One-Sixth-Octave Noise Band at 1.5 kHz and a 6.5 kHz Continuous Wave. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 431-443. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.431 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.431> *Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Suzanne A. Cornelisse, Léonie A. E. Huijser, and Robin Gransier. (2020). Temporary Hearing Threshold Shift at Ecologically Relevant Frequencies in a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Due to Exposure to a Noise Band Centered at 88.4 kHz. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 444-453. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.444 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.444> Errol I. Ronje. (2020). Dart Speed and Energy for Potential Cetacean Remote Sampling Devices. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 454-460. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.454 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.454> Seán A. O’Callaghan and Nick Massett. (2020). Short-Beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) Observed Bow-Riding Basking Sharks (Cetorhinus maximus). Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 461-465. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.461 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.461> Jared R. Towers, Eric M. Keen, Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Jason Vonick, and Debbie Davis. (2020). Live Strandings of Bigg’s Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) Along the West Coast of North America. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 466-477. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.466 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.466> Gonzalo Mucientes and Adriana González-Pestana. (2020). Depredation by Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) on a Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) in Northeastern Atlantic. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 478-482. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.478 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.478> 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.46.5.2020.483 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.483> Aline Athayde, Júlio Cardoso, Arlaine Francisco, and Salvatore Siciliano. (2020). Bryde’s Whales (Balaenoptera brydei) off the North Coast of São Paulo, Brazil: First Photo-Identification Study. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 488-501. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.488 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.488> *Randall S. Wells. (2020). The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program in 2020: Celebrating 50 Years of Research, Conservation, and Education. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 502-503. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.502 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.502> Historical Perspectives *A. Blair Irvine. (2020). The Accidental Marine Mammalogist. Aquatic Mammals, 46(5), 504-529. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.504 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.46.5.2020.504> Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Director, Dolphin Communication Project kathleen(a)dcpmail.org www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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New publications on fat embolism in stranded cetaceans
by marina arregui 14 Sep '20

14 Sep '20

Dear colleagues, On behalf of the animal pathology laboratory of the Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, we are pleased to announce the following two publications on fat embolism in stranded cetaceans: Arregui, M., Glandon, H. L., Bernaldo de Quirós, Y., Felipe-Jiménez, I., Consoli, F., Caballero, M. J., Koopman, H. N. and Fernandez, A. (2020a). Lipids of lung and lung fat emboli of the toothed whales (Odontoceti). Sci. Rep. 10, 14752. Abstract: Lipids are biomolecules present in all living organisms that, apart from their physiological functions, can be involved in different pathologies. One of these pathologies is fat embolism, which has been described histologically in the lung of cetaceans in association with ship strikes and with gas and fat embolic syndrome. to assess pathological lung lipid composition, previous knowledge of healthy lung tissue lipid composition is essential; however, these studies are extremely scarce in cetaceans. In the present study we aimed first, to characterize the lipids ordinarily present in the lung tissue of seven cetacean species; and second, to better understand the etiopathogenesis of fat embolism by comparing the lipid composition of lungs positive for fat emboli, and those negative for emboli in Physeter macrocephalus and Ziphius cavirostris (two species in which fat emboli have been described). Results showed that lipid content and lipid classes did not differ among species or diving profiles. In contrast, fatty acid composition was significantly different between species, with C16:0 and C18:1ω9 explaining most of the differences. This baseline knowledge of healthy lung tissue lipid composition will be extremely useful in future studies assessing lung pathologies involving lipids. concerning fat embolism, non-significant differences could be established between lipid content, lipid classes, and fatty acid composition. However, an unidentified peak was only found in the chromatogram for the two struck whales and merits further investigation. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-71658-8 Arregui, M., Fernández, A., Paz-Sánchez, Y., Santana, Á., Sacchini, S., Sierra, E., Arbelo, M. and Bernaldo de Quirós, Y. (2020b). Comparison of three histological techniques for fat emboli detection in lung cetacean’s tissue. Sci. Rep. 10, 8251. Abstract: Fat embolism is the mechanical blockage of blood vessels by circulating fat particles. it is frequently related to traumas involving soft tissues and fat-containing bones. Different techniques have been used for decades to demonstrate histologically fat emboli, being the extremely toxic post-fixation with osmium tetroxide one of the most used techniques in the last decades. in the present study, the osmium tetroxide technique was compared qualitatively and quantitatively, for the first time, with chromic acid and Oil Red O frozen techniques for histological fat emboli detection in the lungs of eight sperm whales that died due to ship strikes. This was also the first time that chromic acid technique was tested in cetaceans. Results showed that the three techniques were valuable for the histological detection of fat embolism in cetaceans, even when tissues presented advanced autolysis and had been stored in formaldehyde for years. Although quantitative differences could not be established, the Oil Red O frozen technique showed the lowest quality for fat emboli staining. on the contrary, the chromic acid technique was proven to be a good alternative to osmium tetroxide due to its slightly lower toxicity, its equivalent or even superior capacity of fat emboli detection, and its significantly lower economic cost. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-64821-8 Best regards, Marina Arregui Antonio Fernández Enviado desde Outlook<http://aka.ms/weboutlook> [https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-green-avg-v1.png]<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Libre de virus. www.avg.com<http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…>

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Interactions between orcas and boats
by Ruth Esteban 13 Sep '20

13 Sep '20

Dear Mamam community, Since July there have been interactions between orcas and mainly sailing vessels around the Iberian Peninsula, as far as we know it all started in southern Spain. According to witnesses, normally the animals go around the vessel, and ram the hull, making the boat to turn some degrees and even breaking parts of the rudder. There have been cases also in Portugal, and now the interactions are concentrated in northern Spain. It is probably the same group that has been travelling up north, but unfortunately we don't have pictures/videos which are good enough to confirm it, or even confirm to which population do they belong to. It has been all over the news in Spain and Portugal, and now more broadly (The Guardian: https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/13/killer-whales-launch-or…) We have no clue what could be the motivation of the whales to behave like this, for this reason it would be really helpful if we could get any input from other places, where those types of interactions between boats and killer whales have been happening before. So can you please contact me if you have any info on something similar?. We would really appreciate it. Kind Regards, Ruth Ruth Esteban, PhD. +34675837508 +351912847395 <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. 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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FWC Manatee internship-Tequesta
by Faucett, Blake 12 Sep '20

12 Sep '20

The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one Winter/Spring 2021 internship! Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, necropsy and research in Tequesta, Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one 6-month internship for the Winter/Spring 2021 session. The expected start date for the 6-month internship will be around January 1st, 2021. Start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically 5 days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with some nights and weekends required. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid and housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: § A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability § A résumé describing training and experience § A list of three references § An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 http://myfwc.com/research/manatee/information/internships-volunteers/se-fl-…

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Marine Mammals Library sale to benefit VIVA Vaquita
by Jay R Cordeiro 12 Sep '20

12 Sep '20

A message to our friends and colleagues. Northeast Natural History & Supply is pleased to offer here a fine collection of marine mammal and whaling books from the private collection of marine mammal biologist Dr. Thomas A. Jefferson and transferred to the non-profit organization, VIVA Vaquita. Dr. Jefferson is a marine mammal conservation biologist at the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center in southern California Most of the books have been donated (many by the late Dr. Edward D. Mitchell, and bearing his signature and/or stamp) with the proceeds used to raise funds for conservation work on the world's most endangered species of marine mammal, the vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) of Mexico. 100% of the funds raised will be donated to VIVA Vaquita and used in work to prevent the extinction of this and other species of endangered marine mammals. For more information on VIVA Vaquita, visit the website: http://vivavaquita.org/ The complete list with titles and pricing is online on our website at: https://sites.google.com/site/northeastnaturalhistory/home/Newest-Lists For those hungry for MORE MARINE MAMMALS BOOKS, please see our former book catalogue of over 450 works issued previously. Many of these remain and are still available for purchase. The complete catalogue is viewable HERE: https://sites.google.com/site/northeastnaturalhistory/home/Prior-Catalogues… Please direct all correspondence to Northeast Natural History & Supply by emailing j.cordeiro(a)nenaturalhistory.com Jay “for there is no folly of the beast of the earth which is not infinitely outdone by the madness of men” ― Herman Melville, Moby Dick<https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2409320> Jay Cordeiro Northeast Natural History & Supply PO Box 361 West Dennis, MA 02670 j.cordeiro(a)nenaturalhistory.com<mailto:unionid@comcast.net> Website: https://sites.google.com/site/northeastnaturalhistory/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastNaturalHistorySupply/

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Habitat Internship - Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 11 Sep '20

11 Sep '20

Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Right Whale Ecology Program – Habitat Internship Internship Announcement The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal Right Whale Ecology Program intern from January 04 - May 29, 2021. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will assist the habitat research associate in the collection and processing of zooplankton in the field and lab. Fieldwork responsibilities include zooplankton collection through tow and pump techniques, marine observer, and environmental data collector. Lab responsibilities include zooplankton species identification and counts, plastics analysis, archiving samples, data entry and maintenance, and maintaining field equipment. Minimum Requirements - A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences - Good memorization skills and strong attention to details - Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is preferred - Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be prone to serious seasickness - Must be able to live and work well in a team - Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods - Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure Preferred Qualifications: - Plankton identification - Microscopy and laboratory experience - Not prone to seasickness - A valid US driver’s license The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions. The intern will often process zooplankton samples independently in the lab, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full five months and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a small stipend to cover general living expenses. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques and zooplankton analysis; and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in boat-based research, zooplankton and environmental collections, plankton identification, plastic analysis, and data entry and analysis. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ How to Apply: The application package should include the following attachment(s): 1) A cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals 2) CV/resume 3) College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient) 4) The names and contact information of two references Application materials must be e-mailed to: Stephanie Richardson, HR Manager, srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org with the following text in the subject line: 2020 RW habitat internship. *Deadline for submissions: September 30th, 2020.* -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113

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Observer Internship - Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 11 Sep '20

11 Sep '20

Right Whale Ecology Program - Observer Internship Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown MA USA The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal intern in the Right Whale Ecology Program from 04 January – 29 May 2021. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will be the primary vessel observer for the project and will participate in research cruises up to four days a week. Fieldwork responsibilities include photographing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, collecting behavioral and environmental data, recording other sightings events (species, vessels and fishing gear), and working with a habitat research team both in the field and office. Office responsibilities include photo-analysis (downloading images, inputting sightings information, matching individuals to known animals using an online and in-house catalog, cataloging), database entry and maintenance, assisting the aerial team and maintaining vessel field equipment. *Minimum Requirements:* ● A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences ● Previous marine mammal survey experience, including background in photo-identification of large cetaceans ● Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters ● Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is preferred ● Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be prone to serious seasickness ● Must be able to live and work well in a team ● Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods ● Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure *Preferred Qualifications:* ● Experience using iMatch image database software ● Experience using GPS equipment ● Ability to estimate object ranges from a vessel ● Not prone to seasickness ● A valid US driver’s license The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions. The intern will often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full field season and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a small stipend to cover general living expenses. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques, and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, matching, and data entry and analysis. Experience in oceanographic sampling can also be gained. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ How to Apply: The application package should include the following attachment(s): 1. A cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals 2. CV/resume 3. College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient) 4. The names and contact information of two references Application materials must be emailed to Stephanie Richardson, srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org, with the subject line: 2021 RW Observer Internship *Deadline for submissions: September **30, 2020.* -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113

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Aerial Observer Position - Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 11 Sep '20

11 Sep '20

Right Whale Ecology Program – Aerial Observer Position Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown MA USA The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking one aerial survey observer for the upcoming 2021 right whale survey season. Observers will work on the aerial team, which operates between January 1 and May 31 every year, flying surveys to assess the abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay. Primary Responsibilities: - Participate in right whale aerial surveys by rotating through the three positions: observer/data recorder, observer/photographer, and ground contact - Processing aerial survey data: entering and proofing data recorded during surveys, completing effort and sightings data tables, photo-analysis and photo-identification of individuals, updating in-house identification catalog, and preparing data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium - Familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols, as well as individuals of interest Other responsibilities may include: - Assisting program director, data manager, or flight coordinator with relevant projects - Writing field notes to be shared with the public - Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons Minimum Requirements: - A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences - Proficient with DSLR cameras in a variety of lighting conditions - Experience in species-identification of marine mammals, and photo-identification of individuals - Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, Powerpoint) - Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable - Ability to work in small aircraft for up to 9 hours per day with continual focus - Must not suffer from air sickness. Preferred Qualifications: - Working knowledge of R, iMatch, and/or Mysticetus software - Previous aerial survey experience - Aircraft ditch and EBS training within the last five years - Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to learn We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season. Observers are sometimes required to work on weekends and holidays, often for long hours in a small aircraft and/or aboard a research vessel. Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This is a paid position. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found on our website: coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ Application process: Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email in PDF format to srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org <scrockett(a)coastalstudies.org> with the subject line: 2021 RW Aerial Observer Position Deadline for submissions: September 30, 2020. No applications will be accepted after this date. -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113

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new publication - Abundance of bottlenose dolphins in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (Errol Ronje)
by Errol Ronje 10 Sep '20

10 Sep '20

Dear MARMAM community, please note a new publication is available: "Abundance and Occurrence of Common Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in Three Estuaries of the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico" The publication is open-access and available online at this link: https://aquila.usm.edu/gcr/vol31/iss1/9/ Abstract: Current abundance estimates for populations of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*, Montagu, 1821) in bays, sounds, and estuaries are lacking throughout most of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM), including areas of Texas and western Louisiana. To address this issue, we conducted 92 small—boat photographic identification surveys covering ~2000 km2 and comprising ~11,000 km of track—line in winter and summer seasons in West Bay, TX (2014—2015, n = 25), the Galveston Bay, TX system (2016, n = 50), Sabine Lake, TX (2017, n = 17), and adjacent coastal waters. Individual dolphin encounter histories were constrained by spatiotemporal parameters to approximately represent 1) a “Bay” estimate of individuals limited to the interior of each embayment, and 2) a “Selective” estimate of the number of individuals in each survey area (including nearshore coastal waters), filtered for potential transient dolphins. Using the Selective dataset, estimated bottlenose dolphins (95% CI) were (winter and summer, respectively) 38 (29—47) and 37 (33—40) for West Bay, 842 (694—990) and 1,132 (846—1,417) for Galveston Bay, and 122 (73—170) and 162 (114—210) for Sabine Lake. A range of 4—15% of marked individuals in each study area were identified as inter—bay matches. These results provide new insights on the potential spatial range of each population, update previous abundance estimates for West Bay and Galveston Bay, and contribute novel population information for Sabine Lake and adjacent coastal waters of the northwestern GOM.

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