October 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Right Whale Observer Internship - Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 12 Oct '21

12 Oct '21

2022 Observer Internship Right Whale Ecology Program - Observer Internship Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), Provincetown MA USA The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal intern in the Right Whale Ecology Program from 04 January – 26 May 2022. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters.The intern will be the primary vessel observer for the project and will participate in research cruises up to four days a week. Fieldwork responsibilities include photographing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, collecting behavioral and environmental data, recording other sighting events (species, vessels, and fishing gear), and working with a habitat research team both in the field and office. Office responsibilities include photo-analysis (downloading images, inputting sightings information, matching individuals to known animals using an online and in-house catalog, cataloging), database entry and maintenance, assisting the aerial team and maintaining vessel field equipment. *Minimum Requirements:* ● Previous marine mammal survey experience, including background in species identification and photo-identification of large cetaceans ● Experience with digital SLR cameras, lenses, and filters ● Basic computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) ● Experience working on boats and ability to withstand harsh elements for up to 10 hrs at a time ● Not prone to seasickness ● Must be able to live and work well in a team ● Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods ● Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure *Preferred Qualifications:* ● A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences ● Experience using iMatch image database software ● Experience with database entry and management ● Experience using GPS equipment ● Demonstrated ability to estimate object ranges from a vessel ● A valid US driver’s license The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions. The intern will often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full field season and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a small stipend to cover general living expenses. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques, and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, matching, and data entry and analysis. Experience in oceanographic sampling can also be gained. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ How to Apply: The application package should include the following attachment(s): 1. A cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals 2. CV/resume 3. College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient) 4. The names and contact information of two references Application materials must be emailed in PDF format to employment(a)coastalstudies.org, with the subject line: 2022 RW Observer Internship *Deadline for submissions: October 24, 2021.*

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PhD opportunity in Australia
by Daniele Cagnazzi 12 Oct '21

12 Oct '21

The Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC), Southern Cross University in collaboration with the Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at Flinders University, South Australia, is seeking a student for one PhD position. Project summary: We are seeking a PhD student to work on an exciting new project to fill in critical knowledge gaps about the distribution, abundance, and threats to inshore dolphins in the northern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), Queensland, Australia. This project is a collaboration between Southern Cross University, Flinders University, Blue Planet Marine, Jabiru Environmental and the Department of Environment and Science. The project will focus on the three inshore dolphins found in waters of the GBRMP the Australian snubfin dolphin, the Australian humpback dolphin and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the design and implementation of a large-scale vessel survey in waters across the northern GBRMP in 2022 to collect data on inshore dolphin distribution and abundance in this region. The PhD project will involve working with distance sampling and spatial distribution modelling techniques to develop density models of all three species. The density models will be used to produce abundance estimates, to develop spatial distribution and habitat suitability models and assess threats to tropical inshore dolphins across the northern GBRMP. Potential exists for data collected during the large-scale survey to be integrated with available data across the entire GBRMP to further develop spatial distribution models and threat assessment for the entire region. About MERC and CEBEL: This PhD project will be based at The Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC), Southern Cross University, New South Wales, Australia. You will be supervised by Dr Daniele Cagnazzi and co-supervised by Associate Professors Guido J. Parra from the Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at Flinders University. MERC is a multidisciplinary research group that builds on the internationally recognised marine research of the Coral Reef Research Group and the Whale Research Group at Southern Cross University. CEBEL at Flinders University is a multi-disciplinary group working at the interface of animal behaviour, population ecology and evolutionary biology. Since its establishment in 2010, CEBEL has grown into one of the leading and most productive groups of marine mammal research in Australia. Applicants Qualifications: Candidates must have completed an Australian bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours (H1)or high 2A (or equivalent) in biology, animal behaviour, ecology, statistics, or a related field. The successful candidate will have a strong working knowledge of wildlife and/or marine ecology, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong quantitative and programming skills including but not limited to R programming language. We are interested in attracting creative, pro-active, highly motivated, independent and team player minded students who will integrate well in the lab. It is expected that the successful candidate will liaise and collaborate with local researchers, leading statistical ecologists, and stakeholders to ensure maximum applicability and utility of the research findings. Application Instructions: Application is open to Australian citizens; or permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand citizens and international student (pending travel restrictions). To apply for this PhD position, the applicant should send the following documents to Daniele Cagnazzi by email (daniele.cagnazzi(a)scu.edu.au) * A cover letter or statement of purpose highlighting what motivates your research, your short and long-term career goals, and which component of the project interests you most. * A curriculum vitae / resume that outlines your academic and professional experience. * A sample of your writing. This could be either a copy of your honours thesis, MSc thesis, or a peer review publication. * Copies of your academic transcript as well as your undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA). * Names and email addresses of 2 references. Application deadline is October 30, 2021. We will review applications and contact the top candidates to set up a time to chat by Microsoft Teams/Zoom. The selected student will receive a scholarship equivalent to an Australian Government Research Training Program Domestic Stipend Scholarship, which pays an indexed stipend of $28,597 p.a. tax free (2021 rate). The successful, candidate is expected to start in February 2022. For more information, please contact Daniele Cagnazzi (gdaniele.cagnazzi(a)scu.edu.au) Daniele Cagnazzi Postdoctoral Research Fellow School of Environment Science and Engineering SCU Institute for Development, Environment and Sustainability (IDEAS) Marine Ecology Research Centre T 02 6620 3486 M 0428 366 838 [X] LISMORE CAMPUS PO Box 157, Lismore NSW 2480 (Military Road, East Lismore) www.scu.edu.au CRICOS Provider: 01241G SCU respects our environment. Please be green and read from the screen.

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PSO Training - 22 OCTOBER 2021
by Susan Steckler 11 Oct '21

11 Oct '21

Upcoming Protected Species Observer (PSO) TrainingSmultea Sciences will be conducting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) & Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Approved Protected Species Observer (PSO) Certification training on 22 October 2021. This training is specific to U.S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico geophysical and geotechnical surveys, with emphasis on offshore wind development. Our training is open to US citizens with a valid US Passport and a four-year degree—concentrated in the natural sciences.PSOs are specially trained, scientific professionals providing protected marine species monitoring and mitigation services to varied industries; helping them meet their regulatory compliance needs. This training course will cover topics related to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA), offshore health and safety, life at sea, various regulatory frameworks, monitoring & mitigation, and MUCH more relating to the PSO role.To learn more or register for this training, please send your resume to psojobs(a)smulteasciences.com<mailto:psojobs@smulteasciences.com> or visit www.smulteasciences.com/pso-pam-hiring<http://www.smulteasciences.com/pso-pam-hiring> Susan Steckler, MA Communications & Special Projects susan.steckler(a)smulteasciences.com +1 425 922 7867 (Mountain Time) Smultea Environmental Sciences<http://www.smulteasciences.com/> Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/SmulteaSciences> | Twitter<http://www.twitter.com/SmulteaSciences> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansteckler/> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/smulteasciences/> WOSB / DBE / WBE | Woman-Owned This communication and its attachments contain confidential and proprietary information meant for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the communication and inform the sender. Do not disclose the contents, use it for any purpose, store, or copy the information in any manner.

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Marine Scientist Position at HDR
by Speckman, Suzann 11 Oct '21

11 Oct '21

HDR is hiring a mid to senior-level Marine Scientist to join our Alaska Marine Sciences program in Anchorage to work on a variety of natural resource assessments in Alaska and beyond. (Working from a different HDR office may be possible.) Projects from port expansions and jetty construction to offshore oil and wind developments and military operations require scientific and regulatory assistance to obtain environmental permits and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to marine habitats and species. HDR's marine science team supports projects throughout the country from concept to completion by conducting baseline studies, preparing permitting documentation, and performing protected species observations and compliance investigations during project conceptualization, construction, and operation. Responsibilities Serving as technical lead and/or project manager to support HDR's clients with baseline environmental and regulatory compliance for marine resources, including: * offering and executing strategic advice around meeting environmental regulatory requirements * leading marine baseline studies * preparing documents and acquiring or modifying permits as relevant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and other U.S. environmental regulation affecting marine or terrestrial wildlife * developing project scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates and managing projects' financial key performance indicators to complete work on schedule and within budget, and * interfacing with clients, regulatory agencies, and/or other environmental consultants to grow and maintain relationships, identify business opportunities, understand critical path issues, and foster teaming partnerships * Supporting business development by working with local and national marketing staff to identify and pursue new project opportunities. Required Qualifications * Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Biology, Marine Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or related field * Minimum 10 years of professional experience in environmental science or related field * Experience in environmental permit application preparation and negotiation with the following: * National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Marine Mammal Protection Act authorizations * NMFS and USFWS Endangered Species Act consultations * National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document preparation * Experience in marine mammal environmental baseline studies and/or monitoring * Effective leader with ability to build and work as part of diverse teams including technical experts, regulatory specialists, engineering staff, construction contractors, and client and agency representatives * Excellent writing and communication skills * A self-starter with an entrepreneurial, strategic, and client-focus approach * Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities * A commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture * A demonstrated commitment to safety and quality For more information about this position, please see: https://hdr.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=163597&lang=en For more information about working for HDR, please see: https://www.hdrinc.com/careers/working-hdr Suzann G. Speckman, PhD Marine Science Program Lead HDR 2525 C Street, Suite 500, Anchorage, AK 99503 Suzann.Speckman(a)hdrinc.com hdrinc.com/follow-us<http://hdrinc.com/follow-us>

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New publication: Acoustic detections of beaked whales, narrow-band high-frequency pulses and other odontocete cetaceans in the Southern Ocean using an autonomous towed hydrophone recorder
by Ted Cheeseman 11 Oct '21

11 Oct '21

Dear MARMAM readers, On-behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication: Acoustic detections of beaked whales, narrow-band high-frequency pulses and other odontocete cetaceans in the Southern Ocean using an autonomous towed hydrophone recorder https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1dtZl3Ruf1FyOn Abstract: Encased in a streamlined, flooded housing, a SoundTrap ST300HF hydrophone recording system was towed on voyages to South Georgia Island and the South Sandwich Islands and to the Antarctic Peninsula in December 2019–February 2020. Recordings were analyzed to identify acoustic detections of cetacean species. Acoustically identified species included sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), southern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon planifrons), Arnoux's beaked whales (Berardius arnuxii), killer whales (Orcinus orca), and long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas). Acoustic detections also included several recognized types of beaked whale echolocation pulses (BW37/39 and BW58) as well as two likely beaked whale echolocation pulse types that do not match any previous descriptions. Narrow-band high-frequency echolocation signals (NBHF) (typical of porpoises and some dolphin species) were detected in many locations, and one of these coincided with a sighting of hourglass dolphins (Lagenorhynchus cruciger). This study shows the utility of an autonomous towed hydrophone system on a vessel of opportunity to study the distribution of cetaceans in rough seas that are difficult to study by visual survey methods. …which is to say, beaked whales are awesome even when you can’t see em. Email me if you’d like a pdf, and especially if you have a plan to sail a vessel at <= 10kn across big remote oceans, have a fondness for slightly punishing gear deployments at all hours, and want to do something like we did :-) Good health and great whales to all, Ted — Ted Cheeseman ted(a)happywhale.com www.Happywhale.com https://www.facebook.com/happywhales/ ** know your whales :) **

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Ship strike questionnaire for vessel crews and managers - request for circulation assistance
by James Robbins 11 Oct '21

11 Oct '21

Dear MARMAMers, I am circulating an online questionnaire to vessel crews and managers, to gauge their experience and opinions of ship strikes and potential mitigation measures. Responses will be analysed and used as part of my PhD at the University of Portsmouth, UK, which focusses on ship strike risk modelling. I would appreciate any help that you can offer by circulating the questionnaire to your networks in the shipping industry. If there are any questions, please get in contact via james.robbins(a)port.ac.uk. Further details are provided for potential participants before the questionnaire which can be accessed at this address: https://forms.gle/gYhMkUnF9RUpPexK6. Further details and a blurb are also given below this email. Very best wishes, James Robbins --------------------------------- Do you spend time at sea, or manage ship operations from land? Scientists are interested in your experience and opinions on the frequency of encounters with marine mammals, and potential collisions. Please share your thoughts via the the following link: https://forms.gle/gYhMkUnF9RUpPexK6. Researchers at the University of Portsmouth are looking into the issue of collisions between ships and marine wildlife. So far this has included extensive risk modelling, and simulating potential solutions. However, the researchers would like to understand the wealth of experience and knowledge that vessel crews and managers have on this subject, and invite you to complete an online questionnaire so that this knowledge can be incorporated into recommendations to ensure that they reflect the practicalities and challenges faced by those working at sea. Invitation letter EC Ref No: SHFEC 2021-088 Dear Potential Participant, I am a PhD student at the University of Portsmouth, interested in shipping activity and how it co-exists with whales, dolphins and porpoise. I am investigating the experience, knowledge, and opinions of people employed in the shipping industry (who may work on vessels, or manage them from shore) to whale conservation, and how vessels may affect their conservation. This research contributes towards the fulfilment of my PhD, and results of the anonymous responses will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This questionnaire is completely anonymous and voluntary, and you can choose to participate or not. We are seeking people who are 18 or over, and either work at sea or manage sea-going activities. If you do participate, thank you very much! You can leave blank any questions that you do not feel comfortable answering. If at any point you decide you no longer wish to participate, you can simply close the questionnaire. By submitting a response on the Google questionnaire, you give your consent for myself to use the anonymous data for analysis. If you decide not to participate, that is okay - thank you for your time in considering our project. More information is available on the participant information sheet below. If you have any queries regarding the questionnaire, please contact James Robbins (james.robbins(a)port.ac.uk) The questionnaire can be accessed at the following link: https://forms.gle/gYhMkUnF9RUpPexK6 All the best, James Robbins

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SMM Editors' Select Series for October 21st: A comparison of Northeast Atlantic killer whale call repertoires
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 11 Oct '21

11 Oct '21

Greetings MARMAM! Join us on *21 October 2021 at 4 PM UTC (9 AM PDT)* for the next SMM Seminar Editors’ Select Series: A comparison of Northeast Atlantic killer whale call repertoires with Anna Selbmann of University of Iceland. Free to attend. Registration required. Presented online on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zlImAtgXQjqm6Pp1pL7zKA Space on Zoom is limited to the first 500 attendees. The talk will also be streamed live on the SMM Facebook page <https://www.facebook.com/marinemammalogy>. *The SMM Seminar Editors’ Select Series highlights the latest and most exciting marine mammal science published in the Marine Mammal Science Journal. This is your chance to engage with marine mammal scientists, learn and ask questions from anywhere in the world. All are welcome. * *About this talk:* Killer whale call repertoires can provide information on social connections among groups and populations. Killer whales in Iceland and Norway exhibit similar ecology and behavior, are genetically related, and are presumed to have been in contact before the collapse of the Atlanto-Scandian herring stock in the 1960s. However, photo-identification suggests no recent movements between Iceland and Norway but regular movement between Iceland and Shetland. We used acoustic recordings collected in Iceland, Norway, and Shetland to undertake a comprehensive comparison of the call repertoires of Northeast Atlantic killer whales. Time and frequency parameters of calls from Iceland and Norway were relatively similar but no call type matches were confirmed between Iceland and Norway or Shetland and Norway. Three call types matched between Iceland and Shetland. Therefore, these findings agree with what is currently known of the movement patterns of these whales but argue against past contact between Icelandic and Norwegian killer whales, since call repertoires are thought to be maintained over time. *About the presenter:* Anna Selbmann is currently a PhD student at the University of Iceland investigating killer whale acoustic behaviour and interspecific interactions between pilot whales and killer whales. She gained a BSc in Marine Vertebrate Zoology from Bangor University (UK) in 2015 and completed her Masters of Biology at the University of Iceland in 2019 investigating the call repertoire of Icelandic killer whales and comparing it to the repertoire of Norwegian killer whales. Best regards, Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D. Candidate *Ayça Eleman, Ph.D. *Candidate *Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Student* *Student Members-at-Large* Society for Marine Mammalogy

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New publication on fine-scale foraging ecology of sperm whales
by Marta Guerra 10 Oct '21

10 Oct '21

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My colleagues and I would like to announce the publication of the following article in Marine Mammal Science: *Fine-scale habitat use of foraging sperm whales is driven by seafloor topography and water column structure* Marta Guerra, Stephen M. Dawson, Tamlyn R. Somerford, Elizabeth Slooten, William J. Rayment Abstract: Knowledge of the spatial distribution and habitat preferences of marine top-predators is essential for monitoring their populations. The summertime abundance of male sperm whales (parāoa, *Physeter macrocephalus*) at the Kaikōura Canyon (New Zealand) has almost halved over the last three decades, possibly reflecting a shift in distribution away from this foraging ground. To better understand the seasonal drivers of habitat use by sperm whales, we recorded presence and absence locations of foraging whales during acoustic-visual surveys, in conjunction with water-column oceanographic sampling. Season-specific generalized additive models (GAM) indicated that whale distribution was best predicted by seafloor depth, thermal stratification in the water-column, and slope gradient and orientation. Habitat use differed between summer and winter, consistent with patterns in diving behavior and stable isotope ratios, suggesting seasonal fluctuations in prey targeted by sperm whales. Our results advance understanding of fine-scale habitat use by sperm whales, with new insights into the ecological drivers of seasonal fluctuations in foraging distribution. Our study demonstrates the importance of quantifying water-column processes in the study of habitat preferences by deep-diving predators. We also identify thermal stratification as an oceanographic feature susceptible to climate change, which could contribute to the decline in sperm whale abundance at Kaikōura. The article can be accessed via *http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12881 <http://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12881>* (subscription), or you can email me at marta.guerra(a)otago.ac.nz for a copy of the pdf. Best wishes, Marta Guerra

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New Paper: Distribution and Density of Six Large Whale Species in the New York Bight from Monthly Aerial Surveys 2017 to 2020
by Zoidis, Ann 09 Oct '21

09 Oct '21

Dear Marmam Subscribers, On behalf of myself and my coauthors, we are pleased to announce the publication in Continental Shelf Research of our article on the distribution and density of six large whale species in the New York Bight. The paper is available open access until November 28 at this link https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1dtkY-JmAo%7Eyi<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fauthors.e…> Citation: Zoidis, A.M., Lomac-MacNair, K.S., Ireland, D.S., Rickard, M.E., McKown, K.A., and Schlesinger, M.D., 2021. Distribution and density of six large whale species in the New York Bight from monthly aerial surveys 2017 to 2020. Continental Shelf Research, Volume 230<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02784343/230/supp/C>, 15 November 2021. p.104572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2021.104572 ABSTRACT This multi-year study investigated the density and distribution of six large whale species in the New York Bight (NYB): the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whale (B. physalus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), sei whale (B. borealis), and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). During 36 line-transect aerial surveys conducted systematically nearshore out to 120 nm from March 2017 to February 2020, 318 total sightings of these species were recorded. Sighting rates varied by season and distance from shore. The combined density of the six species, uncorrected for detectability on the survey line (g[0]), was 1.7 individuals/1,000 km2, and average annual abundance was estimated to be 76 whales (CV = 21.2%) in the NYB survey area. When species-specific corrections for trackline detectability bias were applied, the overall density estimate increased to 6.3 individuals/1,000 km2. Sightings were characterized within four habitat distribution zones based on depth or distance from shore out to 250 nm. Humpback and fin whales occurred in greater numbers than the other four species and were recorded in all years, in all four seasons, at minimum at least once in each month, and from nearshore to offshore in all habitat zones. Right whales were seen in all seasons except summer and occurred mainly in the shelf zone. Sperm whales were seen in all seasons and in all months except May and November, mainly in offshore waters in the plain. Blue whales were seen in fall and winter in offshore waters, and sei whales in spring on the shelf and slope. All large whales were most frequently sighted in the shelf zone with similar albeit lower numbers seen in the slope and plain habitat. Large whale sighting rates were highest during summer, followed by spring. Results from these surveys provide valuable data on the year-round occurrence of large whales, including blue and sei whales which have rarely been recorded in Atlantic seaboard waters west of Cape Cod, and provide a basis for management and conservation efforts in the NYB. These data can inform assessments of current measures to protect large whales from anthropogenic threats like fishing, shipping, and offshore wind development in the NYB, as well as evaluations of specific potential impacts of such activities (e.g., site-specific take estimates and noise exposures). For further information on this publication or to request a pdf please contact me at Ann.Zoidis(a)tetratech.com<mailto:Ann.Zoidis@tetratech.com> Thank you! Ann Ann M. Zoidis, M.S. | Environmental Project Manager, Senior Biologist, Marine Mammal Scientist Direct: CA Office: 510.302.6358 | ME Office: 207-288-0976 | Cell: 510.393.5906 | Fax: 510.433.0830 ann.zoidis(a)tetratech.com<mailto:ann.zoidis@tetratech.com> Tetra Tech 1999 Harrison Street, Suite 500 | Oakland, CA 94612 | www.tetratech.com<https://protect2.fireeye.com/url?k=5e2ce27c-020ad5df-5e2e1b49-000babda0106-…> PLEASE NOTE: This message, including any attachments, may include confidential and/or inside information. Any distribution or use of this communication by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by replying to this message and then delete it from your system.

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New publication - Collareta et al 2021 Thatchtelithichnus and Eschrichtius
by Tsai, CH 08 Oct '21

08 Oct '21

Dear colleagues We are pleased to announce a new paper reporting the occurrence of *Thatchtelithichnus* (trace fossils) on a Pliocene grey whale mandible and suggesting that barnacles are possible tracemakers. Collareat A., Tsai C.-H., Coletti G., and Bosselaers M. 2021 *Thatchtelithichnus* on a Pliocene grey whale mandible and barnacles as possible tracemakers. Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie - Abhandlungen 302: 53-61. Abstract The ichnogenus *Thatchtelithichnus* Zonneveld, Bartels, Gunnell & McHugh was created for ring-shaped, roughly circular grooves affecting the outer surface of plastral bones of Eocene geoemydid turtles. Such traces were assumed to be attachment scars of aquatic ectoparasites (possibly ticks, leeches or liver ﬂukes). Despite its well-distinctive aspect, *Thatchtelithichnus* has only been reported subsequently by few works and mostly from the plastron-bottom of freshwater turtles. Here we provide the first record of *Thatchtelithichnus* from a fossil mammal bone, namely, a partial grey whale mandible from the Belgian Pliocene. *Thatchtelithichnus* traces from this cetacean fossil commonly penetrate into the outermost portion of the cancellous bone, achieving a maximum depth of about 2 mm. The external margin of these grooves is sharply defined and commonly follows an elliptical, somewhat festooned path. A scrutiny of recent literature in palaeontological and forensic taphonomy as well as new first-hand observations reveal that *Thatchtelithichnus*-like structures can be produced by the attachment of barnacles on the surface of mammal bones that suffered long-lasting exposure on the seafloor. When encrusting bare bones in marine settings, barnacles can thus produce a variety of traces, including *Anellusichnus* Santos, Mayoral & Muñiz, *Thatchtelithichnus* and, possibly, *Karethraichnus* *lakkos* Zonneveld, Bartels, Gunnell & McHugh. The modes of trace formation are still largely to be understood, but observations on how barnacles damage paint coatings during growth might help us in envisaging how this kind of process works. The paper is open-access and freely available here: https://www.schweizerbart.de/papers/njgpa/detail/302/100308/Thatchtelithich… Alternatively, please feel free to email Alberto: alberto.collareta(a)unipi.it or me: craniata(a)gmail.com or whaletsai(a)ntu.edu.tw Regards and all the best, Tsai 蔡政修（Cheng-Hsiu Tsai さいまさのぶ) PhD Lab of evolution and diversity of fossil vertebrates（古脊椎動物演化及多樣性實驗室） Department of Life Science & Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology （生命科學系＆生態學與演化生物學研究所） National Taiwan University（台灣大學） No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 106-17, Taiwan（台灣 106-17 台北市羅斯福路 4 段 1 號） Email: whaletsai(a)ntu.edu.tw; craniata(a)gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/NTUWhaleTsai/?modal=admin_todo_tour Tel: 886 - 2 - 3366 - 2448

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