January 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opportunity: President & Executive Director, National Marine Life Center, Massachusetts, USA
by Kathy Zagzebski 19 Jan '21

19 Jan '21

PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (full-time): The National Marine Life Center, a non-profit marine animal hospital and science and education center in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, seeks a mission-driven and experienced nonprofit business leader skilled in successfully executing strategic plans and empowering a high performing team. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President & Executive Director will be based at its facility in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA, and have overall management responsibility for growing an impactful organization. This full-time position is for immediate hire and reports to the Board of Trustees. This impactful leadership position is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, fundraising, and strategic plan of the organization. This position requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader who is passionate about leading hands-on operations, fostering growth, as well as developing and managing programs. For information and a job description, visit http://nmlc.org/about/staff/job-opportunities. Send cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to Beth Jones, Interim Executive Director, NMLC-Search-Committee(a)nmlc.org<mailto:NMLC-Search-Committee@nmlc.org>. Position open until filled. The National Marine Life Center rehabilitates and releases stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation. We are a small, independent, non-profit organization. To learn more, visit our website at www.nmlc.org<http://www.nmlc.org>. The National Marine Life Center is an equal opportunity employer. *********************************** Kathy Zagzebski President & Executive Director National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 kzagzebski(a)nmlc.org<mailto:kzagzebski@nmlc.org> www.nmlc.org<http://www.nmlc.org/> FB/Insta: NationalMarineLifeCenter Twitter: @MarineLifeCtr YouTube: SaveMarineLife 508-743-9888 x301 Fax 508-759-5477 Cell 774-313-8850 I Goodsearch.com for the National Marine Life Center! I #shopwithasmile for the National Marine Life Center at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/04-3290276<https://www.amazon.com/gp/f.html?C=2J5HJCK1RSMM0&K=A4Z00E3QMTMD6&R=F2FJK4GD…> **********************************

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New article: "Using claws to compare reproduction, stress and diet of female bearded and ringed seals in the Bering and Chukchi seas, Alaska, between 1953–1968 and 1998–2014."
by Dani Crain 19 Jan '21

19 Jan '21

My co-authors and I would like to announce our recent publication in Conservation Physiology, "Using claws to compare reproduction, stress and diet of female bearded and ringed seals in the Bering and Chukchi seas, Alaska, between 1953–1968 and 1998–2014." *This article is open access and available here: https://bit.ly/38WDZg5 <https://bit.ly/38WDZg5>* *Abstract: *Rapid climate warming is decreasing sea ice thickness, extent and duration. Marine mammals such as bearded (Erignathus barbatus) and ringed (Pusa hispida) seals, which use sea ice for pupping, molting and resting, may be negatively affected. Claws from bearded and ringed seals store up to 14 and 12 years of sequential analyte data, respectively. These data can be used to compare reproduction, stress and diet across decades. In this study, we compare progesterone, cortisol and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in female bearded and ringed seals during 1953–1968 (pre-1968, a period prior to sea ice decline) to 1998–2014 (post-1998, a period during sea ice decline). When comparing these periods, bearded seals had statistically higher cortisol concentrations post-1998, and for both species δ13C was more negative post-1998, while progesterone and δ15N did not change. There was a positive relationship between progesterone and cortisol Z-scores for both species, except for ringed seals post-1998. There was a negative relationship between cortisol Z-scores and δ13C for bearded seals evident in post-1998 indicating that higher cortisol Z-scores are associated with more negative δ13C in bearded seals in recent years. This negative relationship between cortisol and δ13C in bearded seals suggests a shift to higher prey diversity, possibly due to changes in sea ice in the Pacific Arctic evident post 1998. Progesterone Z-scores corresponded to expected differences among non-pregnant, unimplanted, implanted and post-partum individuals. Using these data, pregnancy history was determined for reproductive years for each individual female sampled, which could allow for yearly pregnancy rates to be calculated given a large enough representative sample of the population. These results combine decades of observational studies with hormones and stable isotopes to infer changes in reproduction, stress and diet, as well as the connection between these life history parameters. Should you have any questions or have trouble accessing the article, please email the corresponding author, Dani Crain, at ddiancrain(a)gmail.com Dani -- Danielle Crain Baylor University | PhD candidate 2021 Duke University | MEM, 2012 UC Santa Cruz | B.Sc, 2009 E-mail: ddiancrain(a)gmail.com

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New paper on airway microbiota in dolphins
by Catharina Vendl 19 Jan '21

19 Jan '21

Dear colleagues, I would like to announce the publication of our new open access paper in BMC microbiology: Highly abundant core taxa in the blow within and across captive bottlenose dolphins provide evidence for a temporally stable airway microbiota https://rdcu.be/cdkfW Check out the UNSW press release: https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/science-tech/how-study-dolphin-airways-co… Abstract: Background The analysis of blow microbiota has been proposed as a biomarker for respiratory health analysis in cetaceans. Yet, we lack crucial knowledge on the long-term stability of the blow microbiota and its potential changes during disease. Research in humans and mice have provided evidence that respiratory disease is accompanied by a shift in microbial communities of the airways. We investigate here the stability of the community composition of the blow microbiota for 13 captive bottlenose dolphins over eight months including both sick and healthy individuals. We used barcoded tag sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Four of the dolphins experienced distinct medical conditions and received systemic antimicrobial treatment during the study. Results We showed that each dolphin harboured a unique community of zero-radius operational taxonomic units (zOTUs) that was present throughout the entire sampling period (‘intra-core’). Although for most dolphins there was significant variation over time, overall the intra-core accounted for an average of 73% of relative abundance of the blow microbiota. In addition, the dolphins shared between 8 and 66 zOTUs on any of the sampling occasions (‘inter-core’), accounting for a relative abundance between 17 and 41% of any dolphin’s airway microbiota. The majority of the intra-core and all of the inter-core zOTUs in this study are commonly found in captive and free-ranging dolphins and have previously been reported from several different body sites. While we did not find a clear effect of microbial treatment on blow microbiota, age and sex of the dolphins did have such an effect. Conclusions The airways of dolphins were colonized by an individual intra-core ‘signature’ that varied in abundance relative to more temporary bacteria. We speculate that the intra-core bacteria interact with the immune response of the respiratory tract and support its function. This study provides the first evidence of individual-specific airway microbiota in cetaceans that is stable over eight months. Thanks, 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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The Animal Audiogram Database, a ressource for marine mammal specialists - Open Workshop
by Dähne Michael Dr. 19 Jan '21

19 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM community and marine mammal noise experts, we have developed a web based, interactive database to make audiogram data, especially of marine mammals and seabirds, more accessible to the public, but especially to serve as a tool and data repository for further research. Currently audiogram data and relevant background information are reported in heterogeneous formats and are only embedded in individual scientific publications. Furthermore, differences between in-air and underwater hearing capabilities and measurement units have led to confusion especially about conservation issues. This makes it hard to access, compare and integrate audiograms into other research, impact assessments and decision making processes. Based on a systematic survey of the scientific literature and manual data curation, the Animal Audiogram Database (https://animalaudiograms.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin<https://animalaudiograms.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/>) assembles audiogram data, metadata about the corresponding experiments, and links to original publications in a consistent format established by community involvement. Focusing currently on vertebrates and underwater environments, the database is drafted as a free resource whose structure and content can be extended collaboratively for audiogram data from any taxonomic group and habitat. We are aiming at establishing this database also as a data repository to serve as a quality check and allow for easy access to this very necessary information. The database now contains 269 underwater audiograms (mostly marine mammals) and 110 in-air audiograms from the published literature. It contains behavioral audiograms and auditory evoked potential research. We hope you will like our idea! If you would like to support the project of developing the database further collaboratively with regard to both structure and content, based on community input, let us know your comments and suggestions. We would also greatly appreciate being notified of publications and audiogram data which haven’t yet been included in the audiogram database. There is also the need for a quality check of our work from independent researchers to ensure that this effort serves as a useful scientific tool. We are inviting experts and potential users to a half-day virtual workshop on 25 Jan 2021, 1 – 4:30 PM (Central European Standard Time), in which we will introduce and develop the audiogram database by means of a joint discussion and an online survey, which can be carried out in advance. The workshop will also be an opportunity for us to gather a first feedback from you on the audiogram database. Please contact us at audiograms(a)mfn.berlin<mailto:audiograms@mfn.berlin> and let us know until 23 Jan 2021 whether you would be interested in attending the workshop. You will then receive a zoom link to attend and a survey link. If you are interested and if, due to short announcement schedule cannot make it, please also indicate that. We will then give considerations to a repetition of the workshop. Best regards, Michael Dähne, on behalf of the project „Hearing in Penguins<https://www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/en/science-research/projects/current-…>” and the especially the audiogram database developers at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin<https://www.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/de>, Denise Jäckel, Alvaro Ortiz Troncoso<https://www.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/de/ueber-uns/team/alvaro.ortiz> and Christian Bölling<https://www.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/de/ueber-uns/team/christian.boelling> The Animal Audiogram Database was developed as part of the project "Hearing in Penguins" funded by the German Environment Agency<https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en> (UBA) with means of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety<https://www.bmu.de/en/> (BMU, FKZ3777182440). +++apologies for cross posting, this mail unfortunately was delayed+++ __ Dr. Michael Dähne Kurator für Meeressäugetiere / Curator of Marine Mammals Deutsches Meeresmuseum Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei ∙ Aquarium Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts Tel.: +49 (0) 3831 2650-310 Fax: + 49 (0) 3831 2650-309 michael.daehne(a)meeresmuseum.de<mailto:michael.daehne@meeresmuseum.de> https://www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/wissenschaft/mitarbeiter/daehne-micha… Direktorium Dr. Harald Benke Andreas Tanschus Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/126/00068 Hinweis zum Datenschutz: www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/datenschutz<http://www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/datenschutz> Mailing address: Katharinenberg 14 - 20 18439 Stralsund Office: Neue Badenstraße 4 18439 Stralsund

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M.Sc. position at UBC - pinniped navigation
by David Rosen 18 Jan '21

18 Jan '21

Dr. David Rosen is seeking a M.Sc. student to join The Marine Mammal Energetics and Nutrition Lab, part of the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF) at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada). The student will be working on aspects of pinniped navigation and at-sea movement. The position ideally starts Spring 2021, although consideration will be given to a Fall 2021 start. The position is open to both Canadian and international applicants, and students will be registered in the IOF graduate program. As per IOF regulations, the two-year degree program has independent financial support which includes some work as a teaching assistant. Additional information about the lab is available at https://mmeanlab.oceans.ubc.ca/ <https://mmeanlab.oceans.ubc.ca/>. The bulk of the project involves analyzing tag location data, so previous experience in this type of analysis or skills in GIS/spatial analysis would be helpful, but not essential. Applications should contain a cover letter, CV, unofficial academic transcripts, and contact information for 2-3 academic/personal references (you do not need to send actual letters). Deadline for applications is noon PST February 15th, 2021 and should be sent to Dr. David Rosen at rosen(a)zoology.ubc.ca <mailto:rosen@zoology.ubc.ca>.

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New publication: Current Knowledge Already Justifies Underwater Noise Reduction
by Denise Risch 18 Jan '21

18 Jan '21

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I would like to share the recent publication of the following letter: Denise Risch, Susannah Calderan, Russell Leaper, Lindy Weilgart, Stefanie Werner, "Current Knowledge Already Justifies Underwater Noise Reduction", in which we discuss management of anthropogenic underwater noise impacts on marine mammals, and other marine species and ecosystems. We argue that in many circumstances engineering solutions that will greatly reduce risk to individuals and populations of marine mammals and other species already exist, and that their application may be the best use of resources in addressing anthropogenic sound on an ecosystem scale. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1cPKPcZ3Wn%7E9u Best wishes, Denise ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Denise Risch, SAMS Oban, Argyll Scotland, UK, PA37 1QA email: denise.risch(a)sams.ac.uk phone: +44/(0)1631-711850

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Recommendations and mitigation of anthropogenic underwater noise – implications for marine mammal conservation
by Chou, Emily 18 Jan '21

18 Jan '21

On behalf of my co-authors, I’m pleased to announce the publication of our article in Ocean & Coastal Management on international efforts to address anthropogenic underwater noise, including recommended policies, actions and mitigation measures for marine mammals: Chou E, Southall BL, Robards M, and Rosenbaum HC. 2021. International policy, recommendations, actions and mitigation efforts of anthropogenic underwater noise. https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1cNz13RKK-nkZl<https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1cNz13RKK-nkZl> Abstract Anthropogenic underwater noise levels have generally increased as industrial activities in the ocean have become more prevalent. Because of the central nature of sound in the lives of many marine animals, and the known and potential adverse impacts of noise, it is also gaining increased international recognition as an important global conservation issue. Here, a current compilation and synthesis of official documents, reports, and strategic plans from various intergovernmental, governmental, and international organizations, and noise-related projects and programs, demonstrate increasing efforts to understand anthropogenic underwater noise, and the mitigation and management measures that are being considered to reduce noise. While some entities aim to better understand and quantify underwater noise and its impacts, others have recommended explicit mitigation measures including spatio-temporal approaches to managing noise sources, and vessel quieting technologies. New approaches also include the development of certification or voluntary noise-reduction programs and agreements. We highlight four considerations that will better link the potential impacts of noise with corresponding mitigation and noise reducing efforts: 1) collaboration to address the transboundary and cumulative nature of underwater noise; 2) differing countries’ implementation capabilities for addressing noise; 3) time and intensity tradeoffs (e.g., louder noise for a shorter time period versus quieter but for longer); and 4) variable noise impacts depending on specific life history stages and life functions. Our review affirms the international consensus that anthropogenic underwater noise is a currently pervasive yet relatively transient form of pollution, the effects of which can be significantly reduced through effective mitigation and regulatory action. The article is available for free at the above link until end of February 2021. Best regards, Emily Chou Research Assistant, Ocean Giants Program Wildlife Conservation Society 2300 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10460 USA office: +1 (718) 741-1455 skype: echou. -- [signature_916422070] Emily Chou Research Assistant, Ocean Giants Program Wildlife Conservation Society 2300 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10460 USA office: +1 (718) 741-1455 skype: echou.

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Education & Outreach Assistant internship
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 18 Jan '21

18 Jan '21

Subject to Covid-19 restrictions, the Sea Watch Foundation is seeking an Education and Outreach Assistant for the 2021 season at its field office in Cardigan Bay. This position will suit a volunteer who has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving the public from all age groups. This position can be very busy, so applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to deal with varied and heavy workloads, and to multi-task. They will be encouraged to take initiatives with education & outreach activities in the region which due to its natural beauty and accessible dolphin population receives large numbers of visitors during the summer. Important Note: We have a wide-ranging Education & Outreach Programme beyond Cardigan Bay which we are continually trying to improve and develop. For that, we welcome remote-working volunteers from the education sector and related interests. For the past 20 years, Sea Watch Foundation (http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/) has been monitoring the dolphins, porpoises and whales that inhabit Cardigan Bay in West Wales, documenting abundance trends, identifying conservation threats, and advising on the best ways to protect the populations both within and outside the Special Areas of Conservation. Alongside its own scientific surveys and research, Sea Watch has for more than a quarter of a century pioneered citizen science as well as run a range of education and outreach programmes. The assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Running the Visitor Centre/Education Hub. This is your workspace (your domain); you will be based here during your time with us, and will need to keep it clean and presentable for the public. Become familiar with it, the content, displays, merchandise etc. so you can talk easily to the public about what goes on here Raising Sea Watch Foundation’s profile locally (organising events, organising & manning the Sea Watch stand on the pier, liaising with local boat operators to produce educational materials) Working closely with our main boat operator in New Quay, Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips, on occasions presenting our Boat Talk on their 1 & 2hr trips, and otherwise organising interns to do so, and visiting their office regularly to check that our leaflets and cards are displayed properly and stocked up Promoting and organising the National Whale and Dolphin Watch education and outreach activities in New Quay (24th July – 1st August 2021) Participating in presentations and creating activities to take to local schools/groups, as well as using our specialised talks within the Visitors Centre and within schools/groups Creating educational/promotional materials (posters, displays, flyers), and maintaining external signage and a daily sightings board Social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, website) on a routine basis Interacting with the media (radio, TV and newspapers), including preparing press releases Participating in training courses in New Quay Representing Sea Watch at public events in New Quay Liaising with the Sightings Officer, Chiara, and Adopt a Dolphin Coordinator, Kirsten, for the promotion of NWDW and our Adopt a Dolphin scheme, respectively. Kirsten and Chiara will provide training and supervise the chosen EA for the duration of their stay. The field season will run from April to October 2021 and for Research Interns it has been split into four periods of seven weeks. Our Education and Outreach Assistant is required to stay for at least half of the season (choosing Period 1-2 or 3-4) but can also choose to stay the whole season. The assistant will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation can be provided in a house shared with the Research Interns (in those circumstances, cost of accommodation for the Education & Outreach Assistant will be subsidised by Sea Watch). The assistant is responsible for their own travel and other living expenses. However, local volunteers with an interest in education and outreach are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly given the possibility of the covid-19 situation extending through 2021. Education & Outreach Assistant periods for summer 2021:   Period 1 & 2: 12/04 – 18/07 Periods 3 & 4: 19/07 – 24/10  Important skills/qualifications Essential: a strong interest in marine conservation and education outgoing personality, confidence and experience in public awareness some experience of working with children/young people excellent verbal and writing skills and some experience of public speaking experience with postings on social media must have initiative, motivation, the ability to bring their own ideas and personality to the position and be able to think on your feet strong commitment to volunteering work work independently, in an organised and reliable manner and to manage a variable workload. the ability to delegate, get on well with others in a small team and within shared accommodation should always represent SWF and AAD professionally, always wear branded clothing when at work (in the centre and when involved in outreach work)  Desirable: a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar a strong interest and some knowledge of British marine mammals good IT skills (Office package) willingness to work long hours, sometimes outdoors in very changeable Welsh weather To apply:  Please send your CV and a cover letter reporting any relevant experience you have, specifying the period(s) for which you would prefer to volunteer, as well as contact details of two referees, to: Dr Chiara Giulia Bertulli (Sightings Officer) - chiara.bertulli(a)gmail.com and Kirsten Hintner (Adopt a Dolphin Manager) - kirsten.hintner(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk.  Deadline: 1st February 2021.  Please specify “EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ASSISTANT APPLICATION” in your subject title. Applicants must be available for interview via Skype between the 8th and 12th February and will be notified of the outcomes by the 15th February 2021.

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Flukebook.org: Release v.2020-12-31
by Jason Holmberg 17 Jan '21

17 Jan '21

We are pleased to announce the Wildbook software release v.2020-12-31, which is reflected in the Flukebook.org platform for cetacean photo ID. - Wildbook DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4443984Related - Wildbook Image Analysis (WBIA) DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4390992 Release notes for December 2020 For all Wildbooks - Improved loading time of data summary on My Account page. - Improved error handling around matching results. - Added the ability to remove an annotation. - Clarified the remove image option and the impact on related annotations. - Transitioned all ia.properties files to json to allow for a consistent and flexible method of setting species, classes, and subclasses. - Added a simplified export based on the OBIS export. For spot mapping users, new export indicates if left and/or right side images are available per encounter. - Update the spot mapping tool to relate the created annotations to their mediaAssets. Flukebook-specific updates - New location IDs (study sites) have been added. - Orca individual ID machine learning models have been retrained to with clarified data. - Released a new lightnet detection model for humpback whales with a balance of fluke and dorsal annotations. Related Resources - Documentation: https://docs.wildme.org - Community support: https://community.wildbook.org Jason Holmberg (he/him/his) Executive Director, Wild Me

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New publication announcement
by Shannon McCluskey 17 Jan '21

17 Jan '21

Dear Marmam Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper on stomach content and stable isotope analysis of a population of bottlenose dolphins off the west coast of Australia. McCluskey, S.M., K.R. Sprogis, J.M. London, L. Bejder, and N.R. Loneragan. 2021. ‘Foraging Preferences of an Apex Marine Predator Revealed through Stomach Content and Stable Isotope Analyses’. *Global Ecology and Conservation* 25 (January): e01396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01396. Abstract Insights into the food habits of predators are essential for maintaining healthy predator populations and the functioning of ecosystems. Stomach content and stable isotope analyses were used to investigate the foraging habits of an apex predator, the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops aduncus*) in south-western Australia. A total of 2,594 prey items from 26 families were identified from the stomachs of 10 deceased stranded dolphins. Fish otoliths from stomach contents were used to identify fish to family or species level. Ninety-three percent of identified stomach contents were perciforme fishes, however, perciformes comprised only 30% of the catch during prey sampling. Gobiidae species, small fish generally <100 mm in total length, were the most prevalent family identified in dolphin stomachs, accounting for 82% of identified prey, yet Gobiidae accounted for 12.7% of the catch during prey sampling. For stable isotope analyses, tissue samples from 14 free-ranging dolphins were analyzed for nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) ratios. From stable isotope analyses and boat-based dolphin photo-identification surveys (n = 339, 2007–2011), results indicated niche differentiation between coastal and inshore (bay and estuarine habitat) dolphins. Carbon signatures showed that coastal dolphins had a more pelagic diet compared to a benthic diet observed in the inshore dolphins. Whereas, nitrogen signatures of inshore dolphins showed higher nitrogen levels than coastal dolphins, likely attributed to feeding on enriched prey typical of estuarian environments. Overall, these results indicated that bottlenose dolphins in the study area were selective foragers and that their foraging is specialized by the habitats most frequently used. The article is open-access and can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989420309379?via%3Di… Thank you very much for sharing, Shannon

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