January 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Resistance and susceptibility of dolphins to cetacean morbillivirus (Kimberley Batley)
by Kimberley Batley 17 Mar '21

17 Mar '21

Dear all, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Batley KC, Sandoval‐Castillo J, Kemper CM, Attard, CRM, Zanardo, N, Tomo, I, Beheregaray, LB, Möller, LM (2018). Genome-wide association study of an unusual dolphin mortality event reveals candidate genes for susceptibility and resistance to cetacean morbillivirus. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Abstract: Infectious diseases are significant demographic and evolutionary drivers of populations, but studies about the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility are scarce in wildlife populations. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly contagious disease that is increasing in both geographic distribution and incidence, causing unusual mortality events (UME) and killing tens of thousands of individuals across multiple cetacean species worldwide since the late 1980’s. The largest CeMV outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere reported to date occurred in Australia in 2013, where it was a major factor in a UME, killing mainly young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Using cases (non-survivors) and controls (putative survivors) from the most affected population, we carried out a genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes for resistance and susceptibility to CeMV. The genomic dataset consisted of 278,147,988 sequence reads and 35,493 high quality SNPs genotyped across 38 individuals. Association analyses found highly significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies amongst cases and controls at 65 SNPs, and Random Forests conservatively identified eight as candidates. Annotation of these SNPs identified five candidate genes (MAPK8, FBXW11, INADL, ANK3, and ACOX3) with functions associated with stress, pain and immune responses. Our findings provide the first insights into the genetic basis of host defence to this highly contagious disease, enabling the development of an applied evolutionary framework to monitor CeMV resistance across cetacean species. Biomarkers could now be established to assess potential risk factors associated with these genes in other CeMV affected cetacean populations and species. These results could also possibly aid in the advancement of vaccines against morbilliviruses. The PDF is freely accessible at https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Regards, Kimberley Batley, on behalf of all co-authors Kimberley Batley PhD candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU) College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University P +61 8 8201 3865 | E kimberley.batley(a)flinders.edu.au www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au<http://www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/>

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New publication, Using gliders to explore fin whale habitat in coastal and offshore waters
by burnhamr 21 Feb '21

21 Feb '21

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our latest publication from our use of gliders to explore whale habitat: _Remote sensing and mapping habitat features pertinent to fin whale life histories in coastal and offshore waters of Vancouver Island, British Columbia_ Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 537, 151511 Abstract: Current knowledge of the population size and movement of fin whales in the northeast Pacific is lacking, but is critical in implementing effective management actions. Here we used ocean gliders to survey the deep-coastal and offshore waters of Vancouver Island to add to what is known about fin whale habitat use in the Canadian Pacific. Passive acoustic recordings were made continuously, from which fin whale vocalizations were used as a proxy to presence. Oceanographic and preyscape variables were also taken to better delineate habitat units in horizontal and vertical space. Comparisons were made between on-shelf and shelf-break zones, and measures taken in- and out-side submarine canyons. Temporal comparisons between winter and spring were also possible. An on-shelf and shelf-break divide was seen, with cooler, fresher waters present closer to the coast for both deployments. The spring deployment showed fin whale acoustic presence focused around topographical features, including the shelf-break and canyons. The most prevalent cue was their 40-Hz call, which suggests foraging. Echosounder readings suggested denser aggregations of larger bodied zooplankton prey were present at canyon heads and along the shelf break. During the winter, calls in the acoustic record were more numerous than in the spring, and dominated by the 20-Hz call. A proportion of the recordings also showed 'song' patterning, which suggests breeding activity. Interpolated surfaces were used to examine the spatiotemporal relationships between the high-resolution habitat point data and presence of far-propagating fin whale calls. The predicted use of habitat by fin whales, as represented by their calls, was examined through Random Forest machine learning models using oceanographic and preyscape measures as input variables from these interpolations. Distance from the shelf break and preyscape variables were determined important in predicting whale habitat use in the spring, with model accuracy exceeding 80%. Call presence showed a much weaker relationship to environmental var-iables for the winter recordings with reduced accuracy of model predictions (13%). An understanding of habitat selection by fin whales may also aid in determining the importance of habitat units and areas that may critical to life history functions. The paper is free to read/download from JEMBE online at https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1cThA51aUfmHA [1] until March 16, 2021 Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, or for a PDF after that time Best, Rianna Burnham, PhD Links: ------ [1] https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1cThA51aUfmHA

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Seal Rescue Ireland Operations Manager Position
by Brigitte Walsh 31 Jan '21

31 Jan '21

*Seal Rescue Ireland - Operations Manager* *Background* Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a registered charity (RCN 20108519) that works around the clock to rescue, rehabilitate and release seal pups found sick, injured or orphaned across the coast of Ireland. Based in Courtown, Co Wexford, as the only seal rescue centre in the Republic of Ireland, they respond to reports nationwide and aim to rehabilitate the pups back to full health so they can be returned to the wild. SRI promotes ocean conservation and sustainability through active education, community engagement and research programmes, in order to protect our marine environment and all life within. Position SRI is currently accepting applications for the Operations Manager position for a start date of *1st March 2021*. This is a full-time position with a salary, and food/accommodation in staff and volunteer housing is provided free of charge. The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations at Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI). SRI is a small organisation so candidates must be extremely versatile with the ability to take on multiple roles. Duties will include but are not limited to overseeing the finances, office administration, HR, Health & Safety, delegating out duties, recruiting/training new staff and volunteers, networking, programme development, and execution of its mission. The successful candidate will supervise Animal Care Managers, interns, & volunteers and will work closely with the Executive Director and senior managers to help the organisation to be as productive and efficient as possible through continuous review, problem solving and improvement of key processes, policies and procedures. This person must be passionate about the mission and be self-motivated with the ability to juggle multiple projects/tasks at once. Although the Animal Care Managers are responsible for the daily care of the seals, the Operations Manager will be involved in planning releases and other aspects that deal with animal care - yet it must be noted this position is expected to be overseeing the departments rather than directly being involved in animal care daily - but stepping in when needed or being there for advice or training new management. This position must be available to work on site. *Reporting Relationship *This position reports to the Executive Director *Full Time Position: *40 hrs/week Responsibilities - General Management Ensure smooth running of daily operations of the animal hospital, gift shop/education centre, and staff/volunteer housing. - Work closely with management team to identify improvement opportunities and create action plans - Utilise Salesforce CRM for programme management and animal database - Oversee programme management and development - Represent SRI positively at public facing and networking events - Aid in fundraising and administrative tasks - Participate in educational talks, tours and events - Assist on animal care, research, conservation projects when needed - Human Resources -Oversee scheduling, timesheets and annual leave requests of staff/volunteers -Implementing Company Handbook and employee/volunteer policies -Team Management - Schedule and facilitate team meetings and check ins - Aid in Intern/volunteer recruitment, training, evaluations and management - Delegate duties as needed - Health & Safety - Oversee, review and ensure compliance with existing policies and procedures to ensure safety of staff, volunteers and visitors - Serve as COVID-19 Health & Safety Representative - Finances -Oversee invoicing, bill payment and cash handling -Utilise Sage One accounting programme -Monitor and report on budgets across programmes -Liaise with SRI's bookkeeper, accountant and auditors to oversee and maintain financial compliance The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation. Experience and Qualities required: *Essential* - Minimum of 2 years management experience; track record of effectively leading organisations and staff. Prior experience managing volunteers is desired. - Qualification in Business Administration, Operation Management, Project Management, Communication Management, HR or similar - Experience in a growing organisation with complex processes and structures - Driven to work under own initiative with the ability to problem solve complex issues and find workable solutions - Ability to create clear measurable plans and communicate them effectively to audiences at all levels - Must be proficient in Microsoft programs such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint. - Public speaking skills are required - Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people - Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to program management - Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed. - Excellence in organisational management with the ability to coach staff, manage and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives and manage a budget. - The ability to multitask and handle multiple projects at once is a requirement. - Must be able and willing to delegate duties since a successful operation depends on this. - Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills. Fluency in English is required. - Willingness to work long, irregular hours, weekends and holidays when needed. - The role involves lifting of animals, feed and equipment. Applicant could be lifting up to 25 kg when covering for animal care. - Must be eligible to work within Ireland/EU and must be physically based in Ireland at time of hiring due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. - The Operations Manager must be thoroughly committed to SRI's mission. Desired - Interest/experience in the field of conservation, environmental protection and/or animal care - Full, clean driving license - Experience event planning, marketing, or fundraising is desired. - Advanced Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Project Management, Communication Management, HR or similar Role details The position is full-time, 40-hour workweeks within a dynamic team. The position will be based in Courtown, Co. Wexford. Onsite accommodation is required for the first 6 months of the position. In order to facilitate this, the successful candidate will be provided with accommodation in our volunteer & staff housing at no cost. Utilities and basic groceries will also be provided. The salary will be in the region of €22.000-€25.000 (negotiable depending on skills and experience). SRI requires flexibility around the role and staff may be asked to move between departments and locations. All staff support fundraising, communications and campaigns. These terms are subject to change. You must undergo garda vetting. The deadline for applying is February 14th and the starting date for the job would be March 1st. All applications can go to info(a)sealrescueireland.org *Application form:* file:///Users/mac/Downloads/2021%20Operations%20Manager%20-%20Application%20Form/2021OperationsManagerApplicationForm.html *Brigitte Walsh* Intern Coordinator | Seal Rescue Ireland Phone: 053 942 4980 Rescue hotline: 087 195 5393 Site: www.sealrescueireland.org Email: intern(a)sealrescueireland.org Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20108519 Address: Courtown Harbour, Co. Wexford, Ireland Visit North Wexford this Summer! <https://lovegorey.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Wake-up-in-North-Wexford-Su…> <https://www.facebook.com/sealrescueireland> <https://twitter.com/seal_rescue> <https://www.instagram.com/sealrescueireland/?hl=en> <https://sealrescueireland.tumblr.com/>

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North Atlantic right whale conservation event Feb 10, 730 pm US eastern
by Michael Moore 29 Jan '21

29 Jan '21

FYI - stuck at home - not enough screen time yet? https://www.whoi.edu/ocean-encounters/ <https://www.whoi.edu/ocean-encounters/> February 10, 2021 | 7:30 - 8:30 EDT Saving the North Atlantic Right Whale Exploring partnerships and solutions for survival Speakers: Michael Moore, Whale Trauma Specialist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; Rob Martin, Commercial Fisherman; Michael Asaro, Ecological Economist, NOAA Fisheries, and host Véronique LaCapra, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered whales in the world, with an estimated 360 left on the planet. These animals are often found on the Continental Shelf of the East Coast of North America, making them vulnerable to human activities including fishing gear entanglements. In recent years, more whales have died than have been born. Join us as we examine the top threats facing North Atlantic right whales, and discuss the crucial efforts by the scientific community, fishing industry, and policy makers to develop the most effective and viable solutions to ensure the long-term survival of this critically endangered species. Michael Moore Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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BOEM hiring marine mammal bioacoustician
by Lewandowski, Jill K 29 Jan '21

29 Jan '21

JOB OPPORTUNITY for MARINE MAMMAL BIOACOUSTICIAN ... Must apply no later than February 22, 2021. BOEM is advertising for a marine mammal bioacoustician(s) to join its new Center for Marine Acoustics (CMA). Note that the position(s) will be filled as a biologist (marine) at the GS-11, 12 or 13 level(s). Closing date to apply is February 22, 2021. As per U.S. Federal government requirements, the position is only open to U.S. citizens. See the link below for more information and instructions to apply. Also, be sure any resume submitted clearly shows the experience and education required in the job announcement. BOEM-MMGG-21-KN-034(DH): https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/590752000 BOEM<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boem.g…> is a small agency with a big mission and a fantastic group of colleagues. The marine mammal bioacoustician(s) will join BOEM's Center for Marine Acoustics. When fully built, the center will develop in-house, customized underwater acoustic models and ecological risk assessment frameworks for the sources we regulate (e.g., related to offshore energy and minerals mining). It will target priority science gaps, drive policy development, and improve how BOEM communicates acoustic impact risk to all stakeholders. It will also partner with domestic and international organizations addressing these same issues. Please forward this announcement to any interested parties.

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New publication: Circumpolar acoustic occurrence of Ross and leopard seals
by Fannie Shabangu 29 Jan '21

29 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM Colleagues My co-author and I are delighted to announce the publication of our new paper published in Polar Biology. Shabangu, F.W., Rogers, T.L. Summer circumpolar acoustic occurrence and call rates of Ross, Ommatophoca rossii, and leopard, Hydrurga leptonyx, seals in the Southern Ocean. Polar Biol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-021-02804-9 Abstract Two of the Antarctic pack ice seals, Ross, Ommatophoca rossii, and leopard, Hydrurga leptonyx, seals, are extremely difficult to study via traditional visual survey techniques, yet are ideal for an acoustic survey as they are highly vociferous and produce an array of underwater sounds during the austral summer. To determine their acoustic occurrence in the Antarctic pack ice, we use their calls, detected within 680 acoustic recordings made between 1999 and 2009 as part of two multinational programmes. Siren calls of Ross seals were detected mainly in January, and 9.88 calls per minute from low siren calls was the highest call rate for this species. High numbers of Ross seal calls were detected close to the ice edge in areas between 0° and 20° E and 60° and 130° E, suggesting these are important summer habitats. Leopard seal calls were detected mainly in December and January, and December had the highest percentage of calls. Call rate of 11.93 calls per minute from low double trills was the highest call rate for leopard seals. Leopard seal calls were detected throughout the Southern Ocean with more calls detected throughout the pack ice. There was little spatio-temporal overlap in call occurrence of Ross and leopard seals, but both species were more vocally active during the day. Longitude and latitude were the most important predictors of Ross seal occurrence, and month of the year highly predicted leopard seal occurrence. This is the first study to examine the circumpolar acoustic occurrence of Ross and leopard seals in the Southern Ocean pack ice. The publication is open access and downloadable at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-021-02804-9 Best regards, Fannie _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Fannie W. Shabangu, PhD Marine Biologist Fisheries Management Branch Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Cape Town, South Africa Email: FannieS(a)daff.gov.za; fannie.shabangu(a)yahoo.com Mobile: +27 74 220 0210 Tel: +27 21 402 3553

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New publication: role of pollutants in long-finned pilot whale mass strandings (Ana García)
by Ana M Garcia Cegarra 29 Jan '21

29 Jan '21

Hi everyone! On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to announce the publication of our new paper: Ana M. Garcia-Cegarra, Jean-Luc Jung, Rodrigo Orrego, Janeide de A. Padilha, Olaf Malme, Bernardo Ferreira-Braz, Ricardo E. Santelli, Karla Pozo, Petra Pribylova, Mario Alvarado-Rybak, Claudio Azati, Karen A. Kidd j, Winfred Espejo, Gustavo Chiang, Paulina Bahamonde. *Persistence, bioaccumulation and vertical transfer of pollutants in long-finned pilot whales stranded in Chilean Patagonia*. Science of the Total Environment, 770. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145259. Abstract Long-finned pilot whales (LFPW) are cetaceans with strong social groups often involved in mass strandings worldwide. However, these beachings occur for reasons that are not fully understood. In 2016, 124 LFPW were stranded on the Chilean Patagonian islands, offering a unique opportunity to obtain crucial information on the ecology, biology, and genetics of this population. In addition, we examined whether persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace elements (TEs) were responsible for this mass mortality. Stable isotopes (δ13C & δ15N) and genetic analyses were used to reconstruct the trophic ecology, social structure, and kinship of LFPW and compared to POPs and TEs levels found in LFPW. Mitochondrial DNA analyses on 71 individuals identified four maternal lineages within the stranded LFPW. Of these animals, 32 individuals were analyzed for a suite of POPs, TEs, and lipid content in blubber. The highest levels were found for ΣDDXs (6 isomers) (542.46 ± 433.46 ng/g, lw) and for total Hg (2.79 ± 1.91 mg/kg, dw). However, concentrations found in these LFPW were lower than toxicity thresholds and those reported for LFPW stranded in other regions. Evidence was found of ΣDDX, Σ7PCBs, and Cd bioaccumulation and maternal transfer of POPs in mother/offspring groups. Nevertheless, no clear relationship between contaminant concentrations and LFPW mortality was established. Further research is still needed to assess LFPW populations including conservation status and exposure to chemicals in remote areas such as Patagonia. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721003259?via… Please feel free to contact me if you need a pdf copy: *albatracu(a)gmail.com <albatracu(a)gmail.com>* All the best Ph.D. Ana M. Garcia Centro de Investigación de Fauna Marina y Avistamiento de Cetáceos, CIFAMAC, Chile

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Graduate Student Symposium April 16-18 2021 - marine mammal session topics included
by Lauren Clance 29 Jan '21

29 Jan '21

Hello everyone, The Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) Marine Science Graduate Student Organization would like to announce that we will be hosting a Graduate Student Symposium (GSS 2021) during the weekend of April 16th-18th! GSS is an annual conference of marine science graduate students from around the Gulf Coast who meet to present research, provide feedback, and network with others. Due to COVID-19, we have opted to hold the event virtually this year; however, this allows us to expand our range of opportunities to *all* grad students (not just those from Gulf Coast institutions) and to a wider variety of research topics, *including sessions for marine mammal research, *such as megafauna conservation. We will be holding the event as a* live virtual conference, *meaning that students will present in real-time in front of virtual audiences and receive live questions and feedback. To achieve this goal, we encourage all students, faculty and staff at research institutions and members of the press and general public to join us and participate throughout the weekend. To be a presenter, you must be either a graduate student or undergraduate, but you do not have to be a student to attend. The cost to register as a student or faculty member is $45, which will include a welcome packet and t-shirt (and abstract fee if you are a student). If you are a member of the general public or a technician or researcher that is not faculty, registration is $7.50. Included in this email is a flyer with general information and a graphic that contains session topics. Please feel free to distribute these materials to anyone that may be interested. Registration forms can be accessed at our conference website: https://whova.com/web/msgss_202104/ If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out at msgso.gss2021(a)gmail.com . We look forward to hosting y'all in April! Sincerely, The DISL Marine Science Graduate Student Organization

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post doctoral position available to study the effects of vessel noise on marine mammals using Dtags
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 29 Jan '21

29 Jan '21

Dear All, The Marine bioacoustics lab at Aarhus university has a post-doctoral position available to study the effects of vessel noise on marine mammals using Dtags. Please find the details here: https://www.au.dk/om/stillinger/job/post-doctoral-position-in-vessel-noise-… Best, Peter Zoophysiology, Department of Biology CF Mollers Alle 3, 8000 Aarhus C Aarhus University, Denmark www.marinebioacoustics.com<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com> https://www.facebook.com/MarineBioacoustics/

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Graphical reviews of marine mammal physiology
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 28 Jan '21

28 Jan '21

Dear All, To celebrate the centennial of August Kroghs Nobel Prize in physiology, a special volume of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry has been put together with a series of graphical reviews on animal physiology, including several om marine mammals that may be of interest to some of you. You can find them all here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/comparative-biochemistry-and-physiolo… Enjoy and best Peter Zoophysiology, Department of Biology CF Mollers Alle 3, 8000 Aarhus C Aarhus University, Denmark www.marinebioacoustics.com<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com> https://www.facebook.com/MarineBioacoustics/

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