January 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Two new publications on assessing seal and porpoise carcasses potentially predated by grey seals
by van Neer, Abbo 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM community, on behalf of my co-authors, I’m very happy to finally share our two recent publications dealing with the assessment of wound patterns originating from grey seal predation. Both publications suggest parameters frequently recorded in seal and porpoise carcasses and are regarded as typical for grey seal predation. In addition to the catalogue of parameters respective decision trees are suggested which can be used as a guide. These suggested methods are considered as a start and will hopefully be kept up to date in a joint effort by all researchers working in the field and added to as new knowledge emerges. Assessing seal carcasses potentially subjected to grey seal predation van Neer, A., Gross, S., Kesselring, T., Grilo, M. L., Ludes-Wehrmeister, E., Roncon, G., & Siebert, U. Abstract: In order to conduct an objective evaluation of potential ecological effects of grey seal predation on marine mammals, it is essential to establish a broad knowledge base helping in the thorough identification of such cases during post-mortem examination. The aim of this work is to report and discuss outcomes resulting from a retrospective evaluation of harbour (Phoca vitulina) and grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) stranding and necropsy data (n = 3274). In addition, the results are compared to a recent case of definite grey seal predation from Germany as well as reports from other countries. Carcasses potentially subjected to grey seal predation show severe lacerations with a circular pattern leaving a smooth, linear and cut-like wound margin. Large parts of skin and underlying tissue are detached from the body and loss of blubber is common. Occurrence frequencies of encountered lesions are presented and a list of parameters to be used for the assessment of similar cases as well as a complementary decision tree are suggested. With the proposed parameters, categories and tools, a baseline can be built in order to facilitate the standardised recognition of predation cases during post-mortem examinations of seals between groups working with populations across several geographic ranges. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80737-9 Assessing harbour porpoise carcasses potentially subjected to grey seal predation van Neer, A., Gross, S., Kesselring, T., Grilo, M. L., Ludes-Wehrmeister, E., Roncon, G., & Siebert, U. Abstract: As a follow-up on the data presented for seals, we herein report and discuss outcomes resulting from a retrospective evaluation of harbour porpoise stranding and necropsy data from Schleswig–Holstein, Germany (n = 4463) to enable an objective evaluation of potential ecological effects of grey seal predation on porpoises. Results are compared to a recent case of definite grey seal predation as well as to reports from other countries. Porpoise carcasses potentially subject to grey seal predation show severe lacerations, with large parts of skin and underlying tissue being detached from the body. Loss of blubber tissue is common. Based on the occurrence frequencies of encountered lesions, a list of parameters as well as a complementary decision tree are suggested to be used for future assessments. The results shown add to an increasingly standardised assessment protocol of suspected grey seal predation cases making respective results comparable between different areas and countries. The usage of a standardised protocol may increase the awareness of grey seal predation and the reporting of such cases. By this, differences in the predation and feeding patterns as well as the potential ecological relevance of this behaviour may be elucidated. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73258-y If you have any questions about these two publications, the methods described or any potential case you would like to discuss, please feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to help wherever I can. Best regards Abbo van Neer ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Abbo van Neer Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6 25761 Büsum Germany ☏ +49 5 11 - 8 56 - 81 62 Fax: +49 5 11 - 8 56 - 81 81 abbo.van.neer(a)tiho-hannover.de<mailto:abbo.van.neer@tiho-hannover.de> https://www.tiho-hannover.de/itaw SAVE FORESTS - Please do not print this e-mail unless absolutely necessary

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Internship Posting
by Pavlinovic, Alexander 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

I am looking for three research assistants for a project this spring (expected dates: February 27th-May 31st, 2021) to study the impacts of boats on gray whales in Washington. There will also be at least two days of equipment training before the dates listed above/fieldwork. This position is through The Evergreen State College. During and before this time, there will be specific protocols for limiting the risks of COVID. These protocols will require spending the whole period, listed above, living, and working together without the opportunity to leave the field site, short of emergencies. These plans can change due to the COVID situation. While the current budget does not allow for a salary, living fees will be covered at the research site (food, housing, travel expenses around the research site) for approximately three months. This opportunity is a great experience for anyone interested in studying marine mammals. You will be gaining field experience with a theodolite, taking identification pictures, identifying different species of marine mammals, and learning other necessary field skills. To be considered as a serious candidate, you will be required to be proficient in Excel and be able to type. Preference will be given to individuals with any of the following skills or experiences: GIS, fieldwork, R, and theodolite. The work will be conducted outside rain or shine, and the team will live and work in close quarters. These efforts will require people to stand for up to 12 hours a day. The ability to get along with others is critical. If you are interested, please send me a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for two references to the email listed below. Please put in the subject of the email Gray Whale Position Application. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The deadline for submitting is January 24th. Also, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Alexander (Alex) Pavlinovic Master of Environmental Studies Student The Evergreen State College pavale03(a)evergreen.edu

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New publication on Behavioural Responses of Small Cetaceans to Drones
by Joana Castro 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce and share our recent paper titled* Assessing the Behavioural Responses of Small Cetaceans to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. * Castro, J.; Borges, F.O.; Cid, A.; Laborde, M.I.; Rosa, R.; Pearson, H.C. Assessing the Behavioural Responses of Small Cetaceans to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. *Remote Sens.* *2021*, *13*, 156. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13010156 Abstract: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have recently emerged as a relatively affordable and accessible method for studying wildlife. Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs are appropriate for morphometric, behavioural, abundance and demographic studies of marine mammals, providing a stable, nonintrusive and highly manoeuvrable platform. Previous studies using VTOL UAVs have been conducted on various marine mammal species, but specific studies regarding behavioural responses to these devices are limited and scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate behavioural responses of common (Delphinus delphis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins to a VTOL UAV flown at different altitudes. A multirotor (quadcopter) UAV with an attached GoPro camera was used. Once a dolphin group was located, the UAV was flown at a starting height of 50 m directly above the group, subsequently descending 5 m every 30 s until reaching 5 m. We assessed three behavioural responses to a VTOL UAV at different heights: (i) direction changes, (ii) swimming speed and (iii) diving. Responses by D. delphis (n = 15) and T. truncatus (n = 10) groups were analysed separately. There were no significant responses of T. truncatus to any of the studied variables. For D. delphis, however, there were statistically significant changes in direction when the UAV was flown at a height of 5 m. Our results indicate that UAVs do not induce immediate behavioural responses in common or bottlenose dolphins when flown at heights > 5 m, demonstrating that the use of VTOL UAVs to study dolphins has minimal impact on the animals. However, we advise the use of the precautionary principle when interpreting these results as characteristics of this study site (e.g., high whale-watching activity) may have habituated dolphins to anthropogenic disturbance. The full paper is available via open access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/13/1/156/htm Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Best regards, Joana Castro <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Sem vírus. 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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SEAMAMMS 2021 Cancelled
by Richardson, Jill L 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

The 2021 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) has been cancelled due to COVID-19. However, the University of Miami-Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (UM-RSMAS) will be hosting SEAMAMMS in spring 2022 in Miami, Florida. We hope to see you next year! Warm Regards, Jill Jill Richardson, Ph.D. Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society (MES) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (305) 421-4340 jrichardson(a)miami.edu

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New publication on lung function in the Pacific walrus
by Alicia Borque Espinosa 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Dear MarMamers, We are pleased to share our new publication titled "Lung function assessment in the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) while resting on land and submerged in water", which is now available in the Journal of Experimental Biology (http://jeb.biologists.org/lookup/doi/10.1242/jeb.227389) Abstract: In the present study, we examined lung function in healthy resting adult (born in 2003) Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) by measuring respiratory flow ([Embedded Image]) using a custom-made pneumotachometer. Three female walruses (670–1025 kg) voluntarily participated in spirometry trials while spontaneously breathing on land (sitting and lying down in sternal recumbency) and floating in water. While sitting, two walruses performed active respiratory efforts, and one animal participated in lung compliance measurements. For spontaneous breaths, [Embedded Image] was lower when walruses were lying down (e.g. expiration: 7.1±1.2 l s−1) as compared with in water (9.9±1.4 l s−1), while tidal volume (VT, 11.5±4.6 l), breath duration (4.6±1.4 s) and respiratory frequency (7.6±2.2 breaths min−1) remained the same. The measured VT and specific dynamic lung compliance (0.32±0.07 cmH2O−1) for spontaneous breaths were higher than those estimated for similarly sized terrestrial mammals. VT increased with body mass (allometric mass-exponent=1.29) and ranged from 3% to 43% of the estimated total lung capacity (TLCest) for spontaneous breaths. When normalized for TLCest, the maximal expiratory [Embedded Image] ([Embedded Image]exp) was higher than that estimated in phocids, but lower than that reported in cetaceans and the California sea lion. [Embedded Image] exp was maintained over all lung volumes during spontaneous and active respiratory manoeuvres. We conclude that location (water or land) affects lung function in the walrus and should be considered when studying respiratory physiology in semi-aquatic marine mammals. Below is a link to access the full manuscript for a limited number of downloads: http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/reprint/224/1/jeb227389.pdf?ijkey=nRGTbA16WKb… If you have any question or would like a pdf copy of the article, please email: ali_bor(a)hotmail.com<mailto:ali_bor@hotmail.com> Best wishes A. Borque-Espinosa ** Alicia Borque Espinosa **

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New paper - Enabling pinniped conservation by means of non‑invasive genetic population analysis (Steinmetz)
by krissisteinmetz＠aol.com 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM readers, we are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following article in Conservation Genetics Resources: Enabling pinniped conservation by means of non‑invasive genetic population analysis. Steinmetz, K., Murphy, S., Ó Cadhla, O. et al. Enabling pinniped conservation by means of non-invasive genetic population analysis. Conservation Genet Resources (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-020-01182-4 Abstract:Conservation and management of protected species, particularly of elusive species such as pinnipeds, is hampered by knowledge gaps. In the case of studies using genetic data these are often attributed to a lack of representative samples. Therefore, there is a pressing need for the development of minimally invasive sampling protocols suitable for genetic analyses of pinnipeds. The present study evaluated the applicability of various protocols for the collection and processing of samplesfrom harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), encompassing seven source sample types (blood, skin, hair (plucked/moulted), urine, buccal swabs, scat) and three different extraction methods. Protocols were designed for minimally invasive sampling, but also to evaluate differences in their performance based on cost and time of execution in comparison to traditional sampling approaches. The performance of each protocol was measured following successful DNA isolation, molecular sex determination and sequencing of a mitochondrial DNA fragment (control region). Protocols using plucked hair, urine and buccal swab samples proved effective for collection from individuals in captivity, whereas scat was most applicable for non-invasive sampling in the wild. Furthermore, following a pilot study on scat samples, DNA was found to be viable for genetic analysis after exposure to ambient conditions for up to four weeks. This study provides a useful assessment of the suitability of various minimal and non-invasively collected samples for DNA isolation, amplification and mitochondrial sequencing, enabling the effective design of future sampling strategies and a significant increase of samples available for genetic analysis of pinnipeds. The article is available via the DOI link above or as a read only via the following link: https://rdcu.be/cc0P9. Please don't hesitate to contact me (kristina.steinmetz(a)research.gmit.ie) for any further questions! All the best,Kristina Steinmetz -------------------------Kristina Steinmetz, PhD candidateMarine and Freshwater Research CentreGalway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland E-Mail: kristina.steinmetz(a)research.gmit.ieResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kristina_Steinmetz2Project Facebook page: @SealResearchIrelandProject website: https://sealresearchireland.wixsite.com/srpi-------------------------

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New paper - Numerical Modeling of the Exposure on Radiofrequency Radiation of Marine Mammal Observers During Their Shift: A Case Study
by info desk 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM Members, My colleagues and I are pleased to share our new publication titled: Numerical Modeling of the Exposure on Radiofrequency Radiation of Marine Mammal Observers During Their Shift: A Case Study Abstract: Following the standard numerical modeling approach for Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation exposure prediction, we intend to provide an analytical framework to Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) for dynamic risk assessment; enhancing thus occupational health and safety awareness. The analysis is based on power levels and antenna characteristics reported by MMOs for two systems (VHF and UHF) located close to the working environment. Whilst occupational exposure limits apply for MMOs, as for the rest crew (seismic and maritime), evaluation of exposure levels against general public limits is presented as well. At present we have restricted our study to single-source radiation, as well as we did not consider any irregularities due to system malfunction. The worst-case scenario of continuous RF transmission was considered. Risk assessment indicated regions where radiation exposure is higher than the permissible limits. Uncertainty due to the operational environment is inserted in methodology using an uncertainty coefficient. A list of control measures is proposed, to support both MMO’s and Operators’ decision making. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsse.100605 Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information, Best wishes, Arvaniti Kyriakoula, EOS Energy Solutions and Support Ltd

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Online Internship at Marine Mammal Research Association
by Selina Brouwer 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Dear all, *Please find below details of our Remote Internship with the Marine Mammal Research Association - **Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD).* Unfortunately many countries still have their borders closed or going in lockdown again. This makes it currently almost impossible to travel safely due to the outbreak of COVID-19, but that doesn't mean that you can't benefit from our knowledge and develop your career or get help with your thesis remotely. Students, graduates, career changers etc can receive both research and public outreach experience working with the DMAD team. http://www.dmad.org.tr/remote-internships WHO ARE DMAD AND WHAT DO WE DO? DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association have scientific projects running in Turkey, Montenegro and Albania. We conduct long-term studies of marine mammals in Istanbul, Antalya, the Levantine sea, Montenegrin coastal waters and the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to hydrocarbon exploration. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. More details on the projects can be found here: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP: The DMAD team provides lectures and training as well as constant supervision. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -Cetacean species identification within the Mediterranean -Population statuses and threats to marine mammals within the Mediterranean -Software used in the field (Pythagoras, Logger 2010) -Data analysis using GIS, R, Distance, Mark -Passive Acoustic Monitoring using PamGuard -Residency Pattern Analysis -Population Estimation -Scientific support on manuscript and technical report writing including thesis supervision PARTICIPATION FEE: The internship is for 2 months and is about 100 hours and requires a contribution fee of 560euro, which fully goes to supporting the project. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEE: -Video recordings -Scientific support through weekly Skype calls -Real data and practical examples to work through -Certification of participation HOW TO APPLY Our Remote Internship is an ongoing project, and the next one starts on the 1st of February; the number of places has a limit. Email your CV and cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, giving details of your specific interests so that we can help you to develop a personal project. If you wish to have more info about our other internships and work please take a look at some of our web pages and social media: Our research: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects Our remote internships: http://www.dmad.org.tr/remote-internships Our publications: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-publications All the best and stay safe, -- DMAD-Team *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *Follow us on: Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/> & **Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>*

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New Publication - Sink or swim: Risk stratification of preweaning mortality in harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) admitted for rehabilitation
by justine.cole＠alumni.ubc.ca 12 Jan '21

12 Jan '21

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, We are very pleased to share the recent publication of our research in Marine Mammal Science! In short, to further understand what determines if a pup will “sink” or “swim”, we examined the age, physical condition, growth, injuries, and blood results of newborn harbour seal pups admitted for rehabilitation. From these factors, we built a decision tree able to identify pups at greater risk of mortality. We hope that this, in turn, may help rehabilitators direct care toward pups with the poorest prognosis. Full Abstract: "To date, few consistent relationships between survival in rehabilitation programs and diagnostic measures recorded upon admission have been identified for harbor seal pups. Veterinary records for 718 unweaned Pacific harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) admitted to a rehabilitation center were examined to identify clinical factors associated with preweaning survival and develop a triage tool to stratify pups according to their risk of mortality. Physical, serum chemical, and hematological variables were examined and their relationship with survival to weaning was assessed by logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. Survival to weaning was 85.1% and many clinical variables reflecting the pups’ age, size, growth, injuries, and blood parameters were associated with the likelihood of survival. A decision tree model, consisting of serum concentrations of phosphorus, sodium, and calcium, successfully stratified harbor seal pups into clinical subgroups according to their preweaning mortality risk. For both the derivation and validation cohorts, pups classified as “high risk” had significantly lower odds of survival, while those classified as “low risk” had significantly greater odds of survival. This simple decision tree could serve as a practical triage tool to help identify and direct care towards pups at higher risk of preweaning mortality." The article has not yet been assigned to an issue of the journal, but is available online (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12777) Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions! [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/cms/asset/ab30ef19-47c9-450d-8f3e-5ae680e9b…]<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12777> Sink or swim: Risk stratification of preweaning mortality in harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) admitted for rehabilitation - Cole - - Marine Mammal Science - Wiley Online Library<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12777> onlinelibrary.wiley.com To date, few consistent relationships between survival in rehabilitation programs and diagnostic measures recorded upon admission have been identified for harbor seal pups. Veterinary records for 718... Best regards, Justine Justine Cole B.Sc. Applied Animal Biology (Honours) The University of British Columbia | Vancouver Campus Phone (0) 793 803 8538 justine.cole(a)alumni.ubc.ca<mailto:justine.cole@alumni.ubc.ca> http://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-cole [UBC E-mail Signature]

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Manatee Citizen Science Project - participation and distribution request
by Mithriel MacKay 11 Jan '21

11 Jan '21

The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center (MCERC) has developed an application which enables citizen scientists to participate in collecting data for the Manatee Research Project. The application is via EpiCollect5 which is available by following the instructions provided at the end of this post. We request your help in distributing the information and instructions to contacts in all areas where manatee occur. The app is easy to use. The fields are designed to be straightforward and quick for users without any experience or experienced field biologists. Thank you in advance for sharing this information. Questions can be directed to: Annabelle Stevenson Research Assistant The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com Instructions: 1. Download and open the free "EpiCollect5" app onto your Android or Apple (iPhone, etc.) device. 2. Click on the "+Add Project" box in the upper right corner and search for "MCERC 2021". Select MCERC 2021 MANATEE CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT 3. Open the project, click on the box that says +Add Entry, and follow the prompts. 4. Upload your data after each entry, as a group, or when you are back in Internet service areas by completing the last step indicated in the app. Stay tuned for the MCERC 2021 apps for whale, marine mammal, and other data projects designed to incorporate citizen scientists. website www.Marine-Eco.org Facebook www.Facebook.com/researchcenter Twitter @MCERCMarineEco

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