October 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

new publication: odontocete ABRs measured using a non-invasive on animal tag
by Adam Smith 05 Oct '21

05 Oct '21

Dear colleagues, My coauthors and I are happy to announce our recent publication in JASA Express Letters on odontocete ABR measurements using an on-animal tag. Smith, AB, Madsen, PT, Johnson, M, Tyack, P, Wahlberg, M. (2021). "Toothed whale auditory brainstem responses measured with a non-invasive, on-animal tag". JASA Express Letters *1*, 091201 (2021); https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0006454 Abstract: "Empirical measurements of odontocete hearing are limited to captive individuals, constituting a fraction of species across the suborder. Data from more species could be available if such measurements were collected from unrestrained animals in the wild. This study investigated whether electrophysiological hearing data could be recorded from a trained harbor porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*) using a non-invasive, animal-attached tag. The results demonstrate that auditory brainstem responses to external and self-generated stimuli can be measured from a stationary odontocete using an animal-attached recorder. With additional development, tag-based electrophysiological platforms may facilitate the collection of hearing data from freely swimming odontocetes in the wild." The publication is open access and can be downloaded here: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/10.0006454 Cheers, Adam -- Adam B. Smith, Ph.D. *Postdoctoral Investigator* *Marine Biological Research Centre* *University of Southern Denmark* *Fulbright U.S. Scholar* *University of Iceland's Research Centre in Husavik* *Fulbright-NSF Arctic Research Initiative* *Guest Investigator * *Sensory Physiology and Sensory Ecology Laboratory* *Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution*

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New paper on sampling uncertainty in cetacean dose-response studies
by pjbouchet＠gmail.com 05 Oct '21

05 Oct '21

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New publication: Description of the first acoustic recording of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) from the northern straits of Malacca, Malaysia (Saliza Bono)
by Saliza Bono 05 Oct '21

05 Oct '21

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce and share our latest publication: Bono, S., Kimura, S. S., Kuit, S. H., Ng, J. E., Tanaka, K., Ichikawa, K., and Ponnampalam, L. S. (2021). “Description of the first acoustic recording of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) from the northern straits of Malacca, Malaysia,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 150, 2189–2192. doi:10.1121/10.0006377 Abstract: Relatively little is known about spinner dolphins in Malaysian waters and the wider Southeast Asian region. This note represents the first known acoustic recording of the species sighted opportunistically in the northern Straits of Malacca. Over a brief 20 min sighting, 46 whistles were recorded and four tonal types were detected, with 54.4% being upsweep whistles. The whistle duration ranged from 36 to 977 ms and the frequency ranged from 6.6 to 23.8 kHz. Fifty-seven click trains with a mean interclick interval of 41.5619.3 ms were detected. These findings provide a baseline for future regional acoustic research on this species. The publication can be found here: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/10.0006377 Feel free to contact me at salizabono94(a)live.co.uk if you would like a PDF copy. Best regards, Saliza Bono The MareCet Research Organization, Malaysia Kyoto University, Japan

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Re: [MARMAM] Publication of an article on the visual cortex of Cetartiodactyla
by Jean-marie Graic 05 Oct '21

05 Oct '21

Dear MARMAMers, on behalf of my colleagues, I am very pleased to share with you the publication of our latest article on the visual cortex of a variety of terrestrial and marine cetartiodactyls (we are supposed to say artiodactyls again now, see Protheros et al., 2021, sorry), compared to two primate species (chimpanzee and pig-tailed macaque) and the horse, in Brain Structure and Function. It should be in open access for now, so feel free to give it a read. Graïc, J.-M., Peruffo, A., Corain, L., Finos, L., Grisan, E., & Cozzi, B. (2021). The primary visual cortex of Cetartiodactyls: organization, cytoarchitectonics and comparison with perissodactyls and primates. *Brain Structure and Function*, *1*, 3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-021-02392-8 Abstract: Cetartiodactyls include terrestrial and marine species, all generally endowed with a comparatively lateral position of their eyes and a relatively limited binocular field of vision. To this day, our understanding of the visual system in mammals beyond the few studied animal models remains limited. In the present study, we examined the primary visual cortex of Cetartiodactyls that live on land (sheep, Père David deer, giraffe); in the sea (bottlenose dolphin, Risso's dolphin, long-finned pilot whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, sperm whale and fin whale); or in an amphibious environment (hippopotamus). We also sampled and studied the visual cortex of the horse (a closely related perissodactyl) and two primates (chimpanzee and pig-tailed macaque) for comparison. Our histochemical and immunohistochemical results indicate that the visual cortex of Cetartiodac-tyls is characterized by a peculiar organization, structure, and complexity of the cortical column. We noted a general lesser lamination compared to simians, with diminished density, and an apparent simplification of the intra-and extra-columnar connections. The presence and distribution of calcium-binding proteins indicated a notable absence of parvalbumin in water species and a strong reduction of layer 4, usually enlarged in the striated cortex, seemingly replaced by a more diffuse distribution in neighboring layers. Consequently, thalamo-cortical inputs are apparently directed to the higher layers of the column. Computer analyses and statistical evaluation of the data confirmed the results and indicated a substantial correlation between eye placement and cortical structure, with a markedly segregated pattern in cetaceans compared to other mammals. Furthermore, cetacean species showed several types of cortical lamination which may reflect differences in function, possibly related to depth of foraging and consequent progressive disappearance of light, and increased importance of echolocation. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00429-021-02392-8 <http://links.springernature.com/f/a/gXXOhUpUDpxk1sf0_wBC0w~~/AABE5gA~/RgRjP…> Thank you all, Jean-Marie Graïc, Dr. Vet. Med., Ph.D. Post-doc research fellow *Veterinary Anatomy* Dept. of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science University of Padua - Veterinary Medicine Mail : AGRIPOLIS - BCA prima stecca Viale dell’Università, 16 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy Tel : +39 049 827 2547 E-mail : jeanmarie.graic(a)unipd.it <jm.graic(a)gmail.com> *The hypopthalamus - "Here in this well-concealed spot, almost to be covered with a thumbnail, lies the very main spring of primitive existence – vegetative, emotional, reproductive – on which with more or less success, man has come to superimpose a cortex of inhibitions.” Cushing (1932)* Le lun. 4 oct. 2021 à 12:37, Jean-marie Graic <jeanmarie.graic(a)unipd.it> a écrit : > Dear MARMAMers, > > on behalf of my colleagues, I am very pleased to share with you the > publication of our latest article on the visual cortex of a variety of > terrestrial and marine cetartiodactyls (we are supposed to say artiodactyls > again now, see Protheros et al., 2021, sorry), compared to two primate > species (chimpanzee and pig-tailed macaque) and the horse, in Brain > Structure and Function. > It should be in open access for now, so feel free to give it a read. > > Graïc, J.-M., Peruffo, A., Corain, L., Finos, L., Grisan, E., & Cozzi, B. > (2021). The primary visual cortex of Cetartiodactyls: organization, > cytoarchitectonics and comparison with perissodactyls and primates. *Brain > Structure and Function*, *1*, 3. > https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-021-02392-8 > http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00429-021-02392-8 > <http://links.springernature.com/f/a/gXXOhUpUDpxk1sf0_wBC0w~~/AABE5gA~/RgRjP…> > Thank you all, > > Jean-Marie Graïc, Dr. Vet. Med., Ph.D. > Post-doc research fellow > *Veterinary Anatomy* > Dept. of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science > University of Padua - Veterinary Medicine > Mail : AGRIPOLIS - BCA prima stecca > Viale dell’Università, 16 > 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy > Tel : +39 049 827 2547 > E-mail : jeanmarie.graic(a)unipd.it <jm.graic(a)gmail.com> > > *The hypopthalamus - "Here in this well-concealed spot, almost to be > covered with a thumbnail, lies the very main spring of primitive > existence – vegetative, emotional, reproductive – on which with more or > less success, man has come to superimpose a cortex of inhibitions.” Cushing > (1932)* > >

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Research Assistants for Orange County Coastkeeper in Laguna Beach, California
by Allison Santos 04 Oct '21

04 Oct '21

Dear Colleagues, Orange County Coastkeeper is accepting applications for volunteers to assist in their Aliso Beach Berm Buddies Monitoring and Community Outreach Program! The goal of this program is increased observation, reporting, and community education to inform decision making by public agencies, protect the natural environment, and increase visitor safety. The project takes place in a California State Marine Conservation Area. You will learn marine animal identification, survey methods, and marine protected area regulations! This is a temporary volunteer position that runs currently through December 2021. The work schedule is flexible - three four hour shifts per week coinciding with low tides during daylight hours. Position: Research Assistant Volunteer (unpaid) Location: Laguna Beach, CA, USA Duration: Present – December 2021 (flexible) Deadline: October 18, 2021 Responsibilities include: Collect data for human and wildlife use monitoring program in the vicinity of the berm, creek, and beaches Identify and observe marine mammals, birds, vessels, fishing, and beach activities Set up field equipment and conduct community outreach and education Communicate and coordinate with Orange County Rangers and Lifeguards to protect the berm from anthropogenic breaching Create social media posts and outreach materials Must be able to lift 50 pounds and work in variable weather conditions Travel, housing, and transportation will be the volunteer's responsibility Please submit your resume and questions to Allison Santos, Orange County Coastkeeper Project Coordinator, at *alisobermbuddies(a)gmail.com <alisobermbuddies(a)gmail.com>*. Many thanks, and stay safe, Allison Santos, M.Sc. Orange County Coastkeeper Project Coordinator 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-110 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Orange County Coastkeeper's mission is to protect the region's water resources so they are swimmable, drinkable and fishable for present and future generations. We are a nonprofit clean water organization that serves as a proactive steward of our fresh- and saltwater ecosystems. We work collaboratively with diverse groups in the public and private sectors to achieve healthy, accessible, and sustainable water resources for the region. We implement innovative, effective programs in education, advocacy, restoration, research, enforcement, and conservation. Orange County Coastkeeper does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, and members. Website: https://www.coastkeeper.org Instagram: @occoastkeeper

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ECS 2022 - Conference announcement
by Webeditor ECS 03 Oct '21

03 Oct '21

Dear ECS members and participants, We are pleased to announce that the 33rd annual European Cetacean Society conference will be taking place in Ashdod, on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, from 5-7 April 2022. This will be the first hybrid event in the history of the ECS, and the first to be held outside of the European borders - we are very excited for this unique opportunity to host you all. The theme of this year's conference is: 'Marine mammal research and conservation efforts - Are we on the right path?' The evolution of marine mammal research goes a long way back, but... are we headed in the right direction? Have we succeeded in our efforts to protect endangered species, their ecosystem functions, biodiversity, and marine mammal habitats while maintaining the ethical treatment of animals? In the upcoming ECS conference in Ashdod, we propose to challenge the conventional approach to marine mammal science and raise critical questions on the past, present, and future to ensure that the shared goal - marine mammal conservation - is, indeed, being aptly pursued. Participants in the 2022 ECS conference are encouraged to present works that relate to this theme or otherwise consider how this issue affects their work. We urge you to keep these deadlines in mind: WORKSHOPS: 3-4 April 2022 (Sunday - Monday) CONFERENCE: 5-7 April 2022 (Tuesday Thursday) · Registration opening date: 01.11.2021 · Workshop submission deadline: 20.12.2021 · Abstract submission deadline: 01.01.2022 · Early registration deadline: 20.02.2022 · Late registration deadline: 01.03.2022 · Decision and notification on final concept: 03.03.2022 Please note that although this will be a hybrid event, priority will be given to those participants who are committing to attend the conference in person, as we wish to encourage vis-à-vis networking which cannot be fulfilled in a virtual setting. We know that these are uncertain times, and we are doing everything we can to make the conference as accessible and safe as possible. We are keeping a close look on any fluctuations in the status of the pandemic across Europe and in Israel and will update you on any decisions or changes made due to the varying restrictions. If at the end, the situation will not allow the conference to take place physically, a fully virtual conference will take place instead during the same dates. Final decision and notification will be made by the beginning of March 2022. Further information about the conference is being added continuously, so please refer to the conference website for updated information - ECS Conference 2022 - Ashdod, Israel | European Cetacean Society <https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/ecs-conference-2022-ashdo d-israel> We look forward to seeing many of you along our shores! Best wishes, The Local Organizers and ECS Council

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Fwd: New paper regarding southern right whale Chile-Peru subpopulation breeding site at low latitudes of the SE Pacific
by Ana M Garcia Cegarra 02 Oct '21

02 Oct '21

On-behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our new publication in Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals regarding southern right whale Chile-Peru subpopulation breeding site at low latitudes of the SE Pacific. Garcia-Cegarra, A.M., Malebran, M., Van Waerebeek, K. 2021. Antofagasta Region in northern Chile, a potential nursing ground for the Southern right whale *Eubalaena australis*. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 16(1), doi: 10.5597/lajam00270 Abstract: The Chile-Peru subpopulation (CPe) of the Southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*) is classified as Critically Endangered following intense whaling in past centuries. Due to their very low abundance, information on breeding and feeding grounds is also scarce. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly applied in marine mammal research thanks to their low cost and relative ease of use. This case study documents a Southern right whale nursing in Bahía Moreno (23º S), Antofagasta, in northern Chile through high-resolution images taken by UAV of an adult in July 2019 and the same, photo-identified, whale with a neonate in August 2019. Combined with earlier data we hypothesize that the Antofagasta Region may be a potential calving and nursing ground for the CPe subpopulation. Given the intense shipping traffic and fishing activities around the Mejillones Peninsula and Antofagasta port, priorly recommended marine spatial planning to help avoid net entanglements and vessel collisions of fin and humpback whales may also contribute to the conservation of the CPe stock. Access to the article: https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00270 You can download the article from the LAJAM website: https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/article/view/1213 If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me: cifamacchile(a)gmail.com PhD. Ana M. Garcia Cegarra Marine Fauna Research Center (CIFAMAC) Mejillones, Chile https://cifamac-chile.weebly.com/ *Ana M. García-Cegarra, Ph.D.*

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NEWS RELEASE - U.S. Navy releases Record of Decision for the Northwest Training and Testing Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS
by Stanford, Julianne E CIV USN COMNAVREG NW BGR WA (USA) 01 Oct '21

01 Oct '21

Good morning, Today, the Department of the Navy announced the release of the Record of Decision for the Northwest Training and Testing Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS). A press release about this announcement is attached and located below for your awareness. In the Record of Decision, the Navy announced it will implement its Preferred Alternative, Alternative 1, to continue training and testing activities at sea and in associated airspace within the Study Area as described in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS). The Record of Decision and supporting documents are available for public review online at www.NWTTEIS.com <http://www.NWTTEIS.com> . For more information or to receive assistance with a media query, please contact Julianne Stanford with the Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Office at 360-867-8525 or her email at julianne.stanford(a)navy.mil. Very respectfully, Julianne Stanford Environmental Public Affairs Specialist, Navy Region Northwest Desk: (360)-396-5393 Cell: (360)-867-8525 julianne.stanford(a)navy.mil <mailto:julianne.stanford@navy.mil> --------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 1, 2021 Release #21-1001 RECORD OF DECISION FOR THE NORTHWEST TRAINING AND TESTING SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING SILVERDALE, Wash - The Department of the Navy announced today its decision to implement its Preferred Alternative, Alternative 1, to continue training and testing activities at sea and in associated airspace within the Study Area as described in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS). Alternative 1 will allow the Navy to fully meet current and future training and testing requirements. The Navy made this decision after considering its operational needs; the potential impacts training and testing activities may have on human, natural, and cultural environments; and comments from elected officials, government agencies, tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and the public on the proposal and environmental analysis. The Navy also considered comments received following the publication of the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS. New and major substantive comments are addressed in the Record of Decision. The Navy is committed to being a good steward of the environment and will continue to implement mitigation measures to avoid or reduce potential environmental impacts from training and testing. Availability of the Record of Decision: The Navy is committed to providing the public an accessible version of the Record of Decision during COVID-19 conditions. The Record of Decision, Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS, and supporting documents are available online at www.NWTTEIS.com <http://www.NWTTEIS.com> . If you need assistance accessing the document or have media inquiries, please contact Ms. Julianne Stanford, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Office, at julianne.stanford(a)navy.mil or 360-867-8525. For all other queries or if you require additional information about the project, please contact Ms. Jackie Queen, Project Manager, at projectmanager(a)nwtteis.com <mailto:projectmanager@nwtteis.com> . Please help inform your community by sharing the information in this news release. -USN-

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IWC vacancy - Lead for Modelling and Statistics
by Iain Staniland 01 Oct '21

01 Oct '21

Dear MarMam, Just a reminder that the closing date for the Lead for Modelling and Statistics Vacancy at the International Whaling Commission is the 10th October Come and work with some amazing people making a real difference! Working within the IWC Secretariat, this position will oversee the programming and implementation of cetacean population models and the management of related data. An important part of the role is to evaluate the sustainability of aboriginal harvest quotas through computer simulations and involves close collaboration with members of the Scientific Committee and other Commission stakeholders. The post holder will also have line management responsibility for three statistical officers. We are looking for candidates with substantial programming and analytical experience, skilled in leadership and management, and confident in building effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have good communication skills, including the ability to explain technical material to a non-scientific audience. See here for a full job description: https://iwc.int/public/downloads/4Q6qa/Lead%20for%20Modelling%20and%20Stati… Overseas applications are welcomed, noting that the successful applicant will need to be based in Cambridge, UK. The IWC is a diplomatic mission and, as such, the successful candidate will be assisted in obtaining a visa to work in the UK. This post is advertised as a Full-Time position (37.5 hours per week) Applications, including CV and covering letter should be sent to secretariat(a)iwc.int by 5pm GMT 10 October 2021. If you require more information about the position, please contact Iain Staniland Equal opportunities statement We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment Dr. Iain Staniland Head of Science, Conservation and Management INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION The Red House, 135 Station Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9NP, UK t. +44 (0) 1223 233971 d. +44 (0) 1223 606128 www.iwc.int<http://www.iwc.int/> Working hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday [cid:image001.png@01D7B6DC.2C60CA00] This e-mail and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the named addressee you should delete the email and notify the sender immediately. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Any opinion and other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the International Whaling Commission.

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[Rostrum abnormalities in humpback dolphins]
by Guilherme Frainer 01 Oct '21

01 Oct '21

Dear colleagues, We are conducting a study on the incidence of rostrum abnormalities (both wounds and potentially congenital anomalies) in Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (*Sousa plumbea*) from South Africa. The high number of cases raised our concern for this critically endangered species. Currently – the evidence is suggesting the abnormalities are from natural behaviours not human activities and we are interested to find out if this could potentially be a shared feature within *Sousa *species/populations (or even other dolphin species). If you have been working with any *Sousa *populations and may have any recorded cases like the described above we would be very interested to talk about it. Please, drop me a line through gui.frainer(a)gmail.com if interested. Best, Gui -- *Guilherme Frainer*, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town & Research Fellow School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University & Sea Search Research and Conservation www.seasearch.co.za +55 51 995518648 (BRA) +27 068 3330404 (RSA) Lattes <http://lattes.cnpq.br/6792744964578279> - ORCID <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5527-9219> - Scholar <https://scholar.google.com.br/citations?user=qbVW_uUAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR>

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