January 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on dolphins mixed-species associations in Brazil
by Renan Lima 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our new research article on the current issue of Aquatic Mammals: Lima, RC, Di Tullio JC, Secchi ER, Castro FR, and Troina, GC. Delphinid mixed-species associations in the oceanic waters of the Western South Atlantic. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.1.2021.53 Abstract Dolphins are highly social animals usually reported in large groups comprised of individuals of a single species, although they are often reported associating with other species as well. The drivers for the formation of these mixed-species associations (MSAs) are poorly understood, and records in Brazilian waters are scarce. To better understand their occurrence in the region, we assessed seasonal and spatial distribution of MSAs in waters over the outer continental shelf and slope off Brazil (22 to 33° S). Data were collected during spring and autumn between 2009 and 2014. >From a total of 187 Delphinidae sightings, 28 consisted of MSAs. Tursiops truncatus was the most frequently sighted species in an MSA (n = 22 sightings) and was mostly found in lower numbers than its associated counterparts: Globicephala melas, Stenella frontalis, Grampus griseus, and Pseudorca crassidens. MSAs between Stenella attenuata and Stenella longirostris or Delphinus delphis and S. frontalis were also reported. Our data did not show any seasonal or spatial trends in overall MSA frequency; nevertheless, the widely distributed T. truncatus appears to shift its associates according to their local abundance (e.g., associating with G. melas in the southern region of the study area and with S. frontalis in the southeastern region). Although a lot remains to be investigated regarding the ecological drivers for such associations between sympatric dolphins in Brazilian waters, this was the first effort to describe their occurrence and distribution patterns using cetacean dedicated surveys. The article is available at https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art… Please feel free to contact me via email (renancdl(a)gmail.com) for any questions or a pdf copy of the paper. Best regards, Renan Lima -- MSc Renan Costa de Lima Doutorando do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - EcoMega Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG) Fone: +55(53)99718994

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New Publication: Whiskers as a novel tissue for tracking reproductive and stress-related hormones in North Pacific otariid pinnipeds
by Charapata, Patrick 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

Hello MARMAM Members, On behalf of my colleagues and myself, I am pleased to share with you all our new research article: “Whiskers as a novel tissue for tracking reproductive and stress-related hormones in North Pacific otariid pinnipeds”, now available in Conservation Physiology. The article is Open Access and can be found here<http://bit.ly/3oFQ0fv>. Keogh MJ, Charapata P, Fadely BS, Zeppelin T, Rea L, Waite JN, Burkanov V, Marshall C, Jones A, Sprowls C, Wooller MJ (2021) Whiskers as a novel tissue for tracking reproductive and stress-related hormones in North Pacific otariid pinnipeds. Conserv Physiol 9(10): coaa134; doi:10.1093/conphys/coaa134. Abstract Keratinized tissues, including whiskers, are ideal for acquiring a record of physiological parameters. Most tissues provide a snapshot of physiological status; however, whiskers may support longitudinal sampling for reproductive and stress-related hormones, if hormones are incorporated as whiskers grow and concentrations change with physiological state. Whiskers from female Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) were serially sectioned and pulverized and steroid hormones were extracted. Standard methods were used to validate enzyme immunoassay kits for cortisol, progesterone, 17β-estradiol and testosterone. All hormones were measurable in whisker segments from both species with progesterone concentrations showing cyclical patterns, which appear to signify previous pregnancies or luteal phases. Yearly progesterone concentrations were greater in years a pup was produced compared with years when no pup was observed. Free-ranging female Steller sea lions had reproductive rates between 0 and 1.0 (0.53 ± 0.33, n = 12) using a yearly progesterone concentration of 30 pg/mg or greater to classify a reproductive year as producing a pup and below 30 pg/mg as non-reproductive. Cortisol concentrations were greater near the root and rapidly declined, lacking any obvious patterns, throughout the rest of the whisker. Progesterone and testosterone concentrations were able to help determine sex of unknown individuals. Immunohistochemistry revealed that steroid hormones most likely do not leach out of whiskers based on the deposition patterns of progesterone and cortisol being present throughout the whisker length. Overall, measuring steroid hormones in whiskers can reveal individual reproductive histories over multiple years in sea lions and fur seals. Cyclical patterns of δ15N were useful for identifying periods of up to ~10 years of growth within whiskers, and measuring both stable isotopes and hormones may be useful for differentiating periods of active gestation from diapause and potentially track multi-year reproductive histories of female otariids. Please email lead and corresponding author (Mandy Keogh, mandyjkeogh(a)gmail.com<mailto:mandyjkeogh@gmail.com>) if you have any questions or are interested in the manuscript. If for any reason you do not have access to the article through the link, I would be happy to provide a PDF of the manuscript upon request (Patrick_charapata1(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Patrick_charapata1@baylor.edu>). Cheers, Patrick Charapata PhD Candidate, Baylor University Patrick_charapata1(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Patrick_charapata1@baylor.edu>

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Special Issue - Extended Deadline
by Miller, Lance 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform everyone that the deadline for the special issue has been extended. The new deadline is May 1, 2021 and accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. If you have an article that could significantly contribute to the special issue, please email me an abstract for consideration and if approved, the APC can be waived. If you have any questions please reach out to me directly. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/special_issues/cetaceans Sincerely, Lance Miller, Ph.D. Vice President of Conservation Science and Animal Welfare Research Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513 Phone: 708-688-8433 Email: Lance.Miller(a)CZS.org<mailto:Lance.Miller@CZS.org> Website: https://www.czs.org/Centers-of-Excellence/Center-for-Animal-Welfare Cetaceans: Conservation, Health, and Welfare Research on cetaceans is of continued importance to help ensure the sustainability, health, and welfare of both wild and professionally managed populations. With the sustained increase in anthropogenic factors impacting wild cetaceans, determining strategies to help to conserve populations while monitoring their health and welfare is critical. Similarly, it is also essential to continuously look for new ways to enhance the health and welfare of cetaceans under professional care. The Special Issue is dedicated to research on cetaceans both in the wild and under professional care that advances our understanding of their conservation, health, and welfare. Examples of potential submissions include: * Studies of population abundance, distribution, and behavior; * Impact of anthropogenic factors and conservation management strategies; * Statistical, technological, and methodological advancements; * Validation and reference values for positive and negative indicators of health and welfare; * Factors impacting health and welfare; * Conservation education research and visitor studies; * Review articles on conservation, health, or welfare. Dr. Lance Miller Guest Editor Manuscript Submission Information Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com<https://www.mdpi.com/> by registering<https://www.mdpi.com/user/register/> and logging in to this website<https://www.mdpi.com/user/login/>. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form<https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload/?journal=JZBG>. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website. Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/instructions> page. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/> is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI. Please visit the Instructions for Authors<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/JZBG/instructions> page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC)<https://www.mdpi.com/about/apc/> for publication in this open access<https://www.mdpi.com/about/openaccess/> journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service<https://www.mdpi.com/authors/english> prior to publication or during author revisions. Keywords * animal behavior, animal welfare, conservation biology, conservation education, population abundance, population management, sustainability, veterinary medicine

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Registration open for 2021 TWM Virtual Workshop: Species in the Spotlight
by tracie merrill 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, WA, is holding a virtual “Species in the Spotlight” workshop in partnership with NOAA. Taking place the weekend of February 10-12, 2021, the intent is to learn about the species highlighted by NOAA that are most likely going to go extinct in the near future and what on-going recovery efforts, research, and education efforts are underway to prevent their extinction. This workshop is ideal for those wishing to continue their education as a naturalist or for those who simply love marine life and want to know more! Presentations will be given virtually (through Zoom) by NOAA researchers and managers on: Atlantic Salmon Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (DPS)<http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/stories/2015/may/14_species_i…>, Central California Coast Coho Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU), Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (DPS), Hawaiian Monk Seal, Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle, Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook (ESU), Southern Resident Killer Whale (DPS), White Abalone, and North Atlantic Right Whale. This workshop will include 3 half-day sessions going from approximately 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Pacific Time) each day. Zoom link(s) and agenda will be emailed to registrants closer to the start of the course. Tuition is $90 for Museum/SSAMN members/Orca Adopters or $115 for non-members. Registration is available via The Whale Museum’s website, https://whalemuseum.org/products/twmvwspeciesinthespotlight . For more information, contact Tracie Merrill via email at tracie(a)whalemuseum.org. Sent from Outlook<http://aka.ms/weboutlook>

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New publication: First Satellite Tracking of the African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) and Movement Patterns in the Senegal River
by Lucy Keith Diagne 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM, My co-authors and I are very happy to share the Open Access publication of our paper "First Satellite Tracking of the African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) and Movement Patterns in the Senegal River" in Aquatic Mammals (Volume 47 - Issue 1 (aquaticmammalsjournal.org<https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cat…>). Abstract: The African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is found in 21 countries, but very little is known about its movement patterns and habitat use. A unique opportunity to study the species occurred in January 2009, when five manatees were rescued from behind a new dam in a seasonal tributary of the Senegal River in eastern Senegal, and released back into the main river. Three adults were satellite tagged (two males, one female), and during tracking periods that lasted between 86-325 days, they used over 308 km of the river. Both male manatees spent significant portions of their tracking periods (30% and 90%) in the same section of the river, where abundant aquatic vegetation is found. The female manatee spent 74% of her tracking period making three long distance round trips from the Matam release area south to the region of Bakel, and each one-way trip was over 100 km. During the following rainy season, the female moved back to the Senegal River floodplain in the same region where she had been rescued the previous year. As a result of the rescue of the trapped manatees, the grates at the Navel dam were removed in October 2009, and no other manatees have become entrapped since. This study is a first step in understanding manatee behavior and habitat use in the Senegal River. The paper is available at (1) (PDF) First Satellite Tracking of the African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) and Movement Patterns in the Senegal River (researchgate.net)<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348445071_First_Satellite_Tracking…> Cheers, Lucy Lucy Keith-Diagne, PhD Executive Director African Aquatic Conservation Fund 1(508) 388-9824 Global business phone https://africanaquaticconservation.org/ Facebook AfricanAquaticConsFund<https://www.facebook.comAfricanAquaticConsFund> Twitter @AfricanAquatic<https://twitter.com/AfricanAquatic>

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24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals - West Palm Beach, December 2021
by Jeremy KISZKA 14 Jan '21

14 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM community The 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals will be held in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA at the Palm Beach County Convention Center from December 13-17th, 2021. It will be the very first fully hybrid, live-virtual conference of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. The theme of the conference will be “A Sea of Change: Transforming Science into Stewardship”. We are enthusiastic to announce the opening of abstract and workshop proposal submission, as well as conference registration on January 14th, 2021. https://www.smmconference.org <https://www.smmconference.org/> Despite these challenging times, the organizing committee and the board of the Society for Marine Mammalogy are working very hard to make this conference safe, diverse, and inclusive. Our top priority is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants at SMM2021. The SMM2021 organizing committee, Amy C. Hirons, Conference co-chair Jeremy J. Kiszka, Conference co-chair Stephen Trumble, Scientific Program co-chair Sascha Usenko, Scientific Program co-chair ---------------------------- Jeremy Kiszka (PhD) Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences & Coastlines and Oceans Division Institute of Environment 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami, FL33181, USA Tel: +1 (305)-919-5234 Website: https://ccor.fiu.edu - Marine Conservation Ecology Lab. Principal Investigator https://marineconservationecologylab.com

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New publication: Inconsistency between socio-spatial and genetic structure in a coastal dolphin population
by Delphine Chabanne 13 Jan '21

13 Jan '21

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper in Frontiers in Marine Science: Chabanne DBH, Allen SJ, Sherwin WB, Finn H and Krützen M (2021) Inconsistency Between Socio-Spatial and Genetic Structure in a Coastal Dolphin Population. Frontiers in Marine Science 7:617540. Doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.617540 The abstract is as follows: Identifying population structure and boundaries among communities of wildlife exposed to anthropogenic threats is key to successful conservation management. Previous studies on the demography, social and spatial structure of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) suggested four nearly discrete behavioral communities in Perth metropolitan waters, Western Australia. We investigated the genetic structure of these four communities using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers and part of the hypervariable segment of the mitochondrial control region. Overall, there was no evidence of spatial genetic structure. We found significant, yet very small genetic differentiation between some communities, most likely due to the presence of highly related individuals within these communities. Our findings of high levels of contemporary migration and highly related individuals among communities point toward a panmictic genetic population with continuous gene flow among each of the communities. In species with slow life histories and fission-fusion dynamics, such as Tursiops spp., genetic and socio-spatial structures may reflect different timescales. Thus, despite genetic similarity, each social community should be considered as a distinct ecological unit to be conserved because they are exposed to different anthropogenic threats and occur in different ecological habitats, social structure being as important as genetic information for immediate conservation management. The estuarine community, in particular, is highly vulnerable and appropriate conservation measures are needed in order to maintain its connectivity with the adjacent, semi-enclosed coastal communities. This genetic connectivity research follows on from: Chabanne DBH, Finn H and Bejder L (2017) Identifying the relevant local population for environemental impact assessments of mobile marine fauna. Frontiers in Marine Science 4:148. Doi: 10.3389/fmars.2017.00148<https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2017.00148/full> To view the online publication or download a PDF (open access), please click here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.617540/full Kind regards, Delphine Delphine Chabanne PhD | Researcher Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems | Harry Butler Institute | Murdoch University South St, Murdoch WA 6105, Australia (+61) 447 134 824 |@DChabanne |ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8391-7505<https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8391-7505> [HBI-white-left-align_for signatures] Recent papers: Inconsistency between socio-spatial and genetic structure in a coastal dolphin population. Frontiers in Marine Science 7:617540. Doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.617540<https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.617540/full> Identifying the relevant local population for environemental impact assessments of mobile marine fauna. Frontiers in Marine Science 4:148. Doi: 10.3389/fmars.2017.00148<https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2017.00148/full> Applying the multistate capture-recapture robust design to characterize metapopulation structure. Methods in Ecology and Evolution 8: 1547-1558. Doi: 10.1111/2041-210X.12792<https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/2041-210X.12792>

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New publication: Cetacean sighting records in the New Caledonia Basin, Tasman Sea, New Zealand
by Peters, Katharina 13 Jan '21

13 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM community, Prof Karen Stockin and I are very happy to share the publication of our paper ‘Cetacean sighting records in the New Caledonia Basin, Tasman Sea, New Zealand’ in New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater. Abstract: The distribution of marine mammal species in many areas remains poorly understood, especially as observations for some taxa are rare and large-scale surveys are time consuming and extremely costly. Here, we present 36 records of 7 cetacean species (Balaenoptera brydei, B. musculus subspp., Delphinus delphis, Globicephala sp., Grampus griseus, Physeter macrocephalus, Pseudorca crassidens) in the New Caledonia Basin, Tasman Sea, along with their associated biological and environmental data. Data were derived from a platform of opportunity during a seismic survey that ran between December 2015 and March 2016, inclusively. The two most frequently encountered species were sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus, 13 sightings, 5 acoustic detections) and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus subspp., 8 visual detections). All encountered species are known to occur in New Zealand waters at least occasionally, based on historical sightings and stranding records. However, data presented here are the first cetacean records for this specific area and demonstrate that seismic vessels can act as a platform of opportunity for studying cetacean distribution in poorly accessible areas. Such data will aid future research efforts including species distribution models on cetaceans in the South Pacific. Citation: Peters, K. J. and K. A. Stockin (2021). "Cetacean sighting records in the New Caledonia Basin, Tasman Sea, New Zealand." New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research: 1-15. The paper is available at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00288330.2020.1867201 Alternatively, please email me at k.peters(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.peters@massey.ac.nz> to request a pdf. All the best, Katharina Katharina J. Peters, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher Cetacean Ecology Research Group | School of Natural and Computational Sciences | Massey University Private Bag 102 904, North Shore, Auckland 0745, New Zealand • k.peters(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.peters@massey.ac.nz> [A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katharina_Peters>[A close up of a logo Description automatically generated]<https://twitter.com/kjopeters>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&pli=1&user=7QWvsMUAAAAJ>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://katharinajpeters.weebly.com/>[A picture containing object, kit, drawing Description automatically generated]<https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-j-peters-b47b5370/>[A picture containing game, table Description automatically generated]<https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/colleges/college-of-sciences/about…>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://www.instagram.com/katharina.j.peters/> [A picture containing knife Description automatically generated]<http://www.cetaceanecology.org/>

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community survey on collaborative sample sharing
by Amy Van Cise 13 Jan '21

13 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM community, In an effort to estimate the frequency and extent of collaborative sample sharing in marine mammal research, I and my colleagues have generated a short (3-5 minute) survey <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AZ83WLb6OZehrXUkf_IPytopcfgiCBE0eQ5Mo2egs2…> and are hoping for responses from a representative sample of the marine mammal research community. The survey comes in two sections: the first section documenting published studies that have involved sample sharing and is intended for analysis to be included in an upcoming literature review of best practices in sample collection, processing, and archival; the second (optional) section assessing individual interest in sharing samples or data for collaborative studies and is intended only to gauge community opinion on this topic and the potential for future workshops or discussion of the topic. We appreciate your support in completing this survey <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AZ83WLb6OZehrXUkf_IPytopcfgiCBE0eQ5Mo2egs2…>. Please complete the survey by *January 29, 2021*. Although response time may vary, we expect it to take an average of *3-5 minutes* to complete both sections of the survey. survey url: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AZ83WLb6OZehrXUkf_IPytopcfgiCBE0eQ5Mo2egs2… Thank you all for your help, and best wishes in 2021. Sincerely, Kim Parsons, Alix Switzer, and Amy Van Cise <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. <https://amyvancise.weebly.com/> (she/her/hers) Research Associate, North Gulf Oceanic Society <http://www.whalesalaska.org/> Visiting Scientist, Genetics and Evolution Program <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/genetics-and-evoluti…> NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd E Seattle, WA

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Information and Public Hearings announced by NOAA for Draft Plan aimed at reducing risk of entanglement of critically endangered NA Right Whales and other large whales.
by Zack Klyver 13 Jan '21

13 Jan '21

Information and Public Hearings announced by NOAAfor Draft Plan aimed at reducing risk of entanglement of critically endangeredNA Right Whales and other large whales. On Dec. 30th, 2020 NOAA announced therelease of proposed rulemaking (357 pages) to reducethe risk of entanglement for North Atlantic Right, finback and humpback whaleentanglements in fixed fishing gear along the eastern seaboard of the USA. The public comment period will last 60days and close on March 1st. NOAA will be holding four informational sessions that takeplace on Jan 12, 13, 18 and 19 to provide information about the rule making andanswer questions. NOAA protected species staff will also hold four publichearings to receive and consider public comments on the alternatives,including NOAA’s preferred alternatives, that will take place on February 16,17, 23 and 24. Please register ahead to participate. Some of the highlights outlined in the announcementfrom Chris Oliver, NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, include thefollowing proposed modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale TakeReduction Plan: - Modify gear configurations to reduce the number of vertical lines by requiring more traps between buoy lines and by introducing weak insertions or weak rope into buoy lines. - Modify existing seasonal restricted areas to be closed to buoy lines. - Add up to two new seasonal buoy line closures. - Modify gear marking to introduce state-specific marking colors and increase the number of and area of marked lines. ProposedPot/Trap Fisheries Regulations to Help Save North Atlantic Right WhalesAvailable for Public Comment | NOAA Fisheries DraftEnvironmental Impact Statement, Regulatory Impact Review, and InitialRegulatory Flexibility Analysis for Amending the Atlantic Large Whale TakeReduction Plan: Risk Reduction Rule Volume I (noaa.gov) Events| Register for NOAA Fisheries January Informational Sessions Events| Register for NOAA Fisheries February Public Comment Hearings R. Zack Klyver, Science Director Blue Planet Strategies, LLC PO Box 917 / Bar Harbor / ME 04609 (207) 460-9575 - cell zack(a)blueplanetstrategy.com www.blueplanetstrategy.com

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