November 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Vessel strikes of large whales in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
by Nicky Ransome 03 Nov '21

03 Nov '21

Dear colleagues, friends and ocean lovers. My co-authors and l are very pleased to share that our new publication entitled "Vessel strikes of large whales in the Eastern Tropical Pacific: A case study of regional underreporting" is now available online https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.675245/full [https://www.frontiersin.org/files/MyHome%20Article%20Library/675245/675245_…]<https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.675245/full> Frontiers | Vessel Strikes of Large Whales in the Eastern Tropical Pacific: A Case Study of Regional Underreporting | Marine Science<https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.675245/full> Vessel strike is recognized as a major modern threat to the recovery of large whale populations globally, but the issue is notoriously difficult to assess. Vessel strikes by large ships frequently go unnoticed, and those involving smaller vessels are rarely reported. Interpreting global patterns of vessel strikes is further hindered by underlying reporting biases caused by differences in ... www.frontiersin.org Published in Frontiers in Marine Science and open access, it is available to download for free. However, if you would like me to email you a copy, please do not hesitate to contact me. Abstract below. Vessel strike is recognized as a major modern threat to the recovery of large whale populations globally, but the issue is notoriously difficult to assess. Vessel strikes by large ships frequently go unnoticed, and those involving smaller vessels are rarely reported. Interpreting global patterns of vessel strikes is further hindered by underlying reporting biases caused by differences in countries’ research efforts, legislation, reporting structures and enforcement. This leaves global strike data “patchy” and typically scarce outside of developed countries, where resources are more limited. To explore this we investigated vessel strikes with large whales in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), a coastal region of ten developing countries where heavy shipping and high cetacean densities overlap. Although this is characteristic of vessel strike “hotspots” worldwide, only 11 ETP strike reports from just four countries (∼2% of total reports) existed in the International Whaling Commission’s Global Ship Strike Database (2010). This contrasts greatly with abundant reports from the neighbouring state of California (United States), and the greater United States/Canadian west coast, making it a compelling case study for investigating underreporting. By reviewing online media databases and articles, peer review publications and requesting information from government agencies, scientists, and tourism companies, we compiled a regional ETP vessel strike database. We found over three times as many strike reports (n = 40), from twice as many countries (n = 8), identifying the geographic extent and severity of the threat, although likely still underestimating the true number of strikes. Reports were found from 1905 until 2017, showing that strikes are a regional, historic, and present threat to large whales. The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was the most commonly hit species, and whale-watch industries involving small vessels in areas of high whale densities were recognized as a conservation and management concern. Industrial fishing fleets and shipping were suggested to be underrepresented sectors in the database, and are likely high-risk vessels for strikes with whales. We demonstrate the implications of known vessel strike reporting biases and conclude a more rapid assessment of global vessel strikes would substantially benefit from prioritized research efforts in developing regions, with known vessel strike “hotspot” characteristics, but few strike reports. Right now, we are continuing to focus on building the "Vessel strike database for the Eastern Tropical Pacific" if you have any new information on vessel strikes with large whales in the region (Mexico through to Peru), especially those that have occurred since 2017, please contact me with details. We greatly appreciate the support of the MARMAM community in helping us with this work. We really hope that this work will aid in reducing the threat of vessel strikes to large whales in the future. Kind Regards, Nico Nicola Ransome Murdoch University nicola.ransome(a)murdoch.edu.au/(Mexico) +5213221213917

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Senior Analyst ESA/MMPA Support Services Position
by BRUCE Morehead 03 Nov '21

03 Nov '21

Senior Analyst: ESA/MMPA SUPPORT SERVICES Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) development and implementation of measures to reduce threats to right whales, and to assist OPR in other marine mammal management activities as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA). OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. DUTIES: * Lead the development of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents (e.g., Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact) related to marine mammal management measures for large whales, as needed. * Provide OPR general support by leading efforts to meet additional requirements of developing measures to reduce threats to large whales (with a focus on North Atlantic right whales) including, but not limited to, work related to the Paperwork Reduction Act, Executive Orders, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the ESA (Section 7). * Work with OPR staff and others to develop outreach and enforcement strategies and associated materials as it relates to reducing threats to large whales (with a focus on right whales) including but not limited to handouts, website materials, visualizations, maps, videos, etc. * Support various working groups coordinated by the agency that address large whale conservation threats (with a focus on working groups dedicated to North Atlantic right whales). * Provide OPR support for MMPA and ESA related activities to conserve and protect marine mammals, including: developing protocols, guidelines, policies, and briefing material; responding to quick turn-around tasks, and media, public, and congressional inquiries; and coordinating management and research efforts. Start Date: As soon as possible Location: Silver Spring MD Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE * Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with one year of relevant experience. * Experience implementing the MMPA, ESA, and/or NEPA. * Experience with technical writing, particularly as it relates to Government documents. * Strong knowledge of marine conservation issues, especially those relevant to marine mammals. * Strong coordination and communication skills. DESIRED SKILLS * Extensive knowledge of MMPA, ESA, and NEPA. * Extensive knowledge of marine conservation issues, especially those relevant to large whales * Familiarity with the Paperwork Reduction Act, applicable Executive Orders, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. * Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems, cartography, and graphic arts If you are interested in being considered for this position, please to: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm…

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New publication on polar bear feeding habits using stable isotopes and total mercury in hair
by Jenny Stern 02 Nov '21

02 Nov '21

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our new publication: Stern, J.H., Laidre, K.L., Born, E.W., Wiig, Ø., Sonne, C., Dietz, R., Fisk, A. and McKinney, M.A., 2021. Feeding habits of Baffin Bay polar bears Ursus maritimus: insight from stable isotopes and total mercury in hair. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 677, pp.233-244. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13864 <https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13864> https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v677/p233-244/ <https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v677/p233-244/> ABSTRACT: Loss of sea ice brought on by climate change affects polar bear Ursus maritimus access to prey. Here we investigated variation in feeding habits of the Baffin Bay (BB) polar bear subpopulation in relation to sea ice, habitat use, season, and demography using hair carbon (δ13 C), nitrogen (δ15 N), and sulfur (δ34 S) stable isotope values and total mercury (THg) concentrations as ecological tracers. We analyzed hair samples from BB polar bears (n = 131) of all age and sex classes live-captured in West Greenland during the spring in 2009−2013. BB polar bears occupied a narrow isotopic space, suggesting limited variation in carbon sources and trophic position within the subpopulation. THg concentrations (median ± SE: 5.1 ± 0.2, range: 0.3−12.5 μg g −1 dry weight, DW) were related to age class, and nearly half exceeded the suggested threshold for neurological effects in polar bears at 5.4 μg g −1 DW. Although distinct coastal and offshore space-use strategies have been reported for BB polar bears, our results suggest that both strategies lead to similar carbon sources and trophic positions. We found seasonal variation in δ13 C and δ34 S across both space-use strategies, with δ34 S suggesting that all BB polar bears may prey on a higher proportion of benthic-feeding bearded seals Erignathus barbatus in late summer relative to spring. Despite wide fluctuations in inter-annual sea ice conditions and differences in space-use strategies among individuals, stable isotope values and THg concentrations suggested limited variation in feeding habits among BB polar bears. The variation of habitat tracers (δ13 C and δ34 S) was related to season, whereas trophic tracer (δ15 N and THg) variation was driven by demographic group. The specialized BB polar bear diet suggests limited feeding plasticity under continued climate warming. Please feel free to contact me at jhstern(a)uw.edu <mailto:jhstern@uw.edu> if you have any questions. Best, Jennifer Stern -- Jennifer H. Stern, PhD Student Laidre Lab <https://staff.washington.edu/klaidre/lab/> School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences University of Washington

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Job Posting: Marine Mammal Rescue Specialist
by Artie Wong 02 Nov '21

02 Nov '21

Please see the following update to Marine Animal Rescue Specialists' previous job posting. Thank you. Marine Animal Rescue Specialists (MAR) is a small non-profit organization located in El Segundo, CA. The organization provides rescue response as far north as the Pacific Palisades, south to Long Beach, and as far west as Catalina Island. MAR conducts hundreds of marine mammal rescues annually. Rescued animals consist primarily of sea lions, seals, with occasional dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds. MAR also works as a member of the large whale disentanglement network. We have an opening for a Marine Mammal Rescue Specialist, which requires significant field and wildlife capture experience. This is an extremely physical, inherently dangerous position with risk of injury. During the busy season, from January-June, the Rescue Specialist can work over 40hrs/week, as well as evenings, weekends and holidays. *Job duties:* * Marine mammal rescue involving capture, handling, and transport * Assessing distressed marine mammals * Working independently and in small teams with assistance from lifeguards, firefighters, police, and volunteers * Utilizing hoop net and floating net capture systems * Capturing and carrying seals and sea lions weighing 20- 600 lbs * Working on jetties, cliffs, rocky shorelines, beaches, piers, and urban areas * Driving 4x4 truck on sand and steep terrain * Operating winches and air compressors * Trailering and small boat driving via tiller steer outboard engine * Maintaining and repairing vehicle, boat, and equipment *Minimum Experience:* * Wildlife capture and handling experience * Knowledge and ability to identify marine wildlife * Able to learn numerous beach and shoreline access points * Physically fit and comfortable lifting at least 75 lbs * Strong swimmer * Experienced trailering and boat driving * Working well with others in challenging situations *Preferred Experience:* Pinniped capture experience and skill operating small boats is preferred. However, a strong field background with wildlife capture and handling experience may initially be sufficient, with the expectation that the employee will quickly become proficient in the other job duties. *Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes:* * Non-exempt 40 hours/week base pay * On-call and overtime pay * Health insurance *To Apply:* Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to MAR Founder & President, Peter Wallerstein at pw(a)marspecialists.org Web: http://www.marspecialists.org Phone: (310) 455 2729

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IMMS animal training internship (spring term)
by Jennifer Pishnyuk 02 Nov '21

02 Nov '21

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, MS is accepting applications for our spring term. *The deadline for applications is Dec 1st.* Please visit our website for details on how to apply or send questions to jpishnyuk(a)imms.org https://imms.org/internship/ The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also complete a project during their internship, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Interested applicants must follow the directions listed on the website to apply. Interns must be: • 18 years or older. • A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. • Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. • Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. • Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. • Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. • Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. • Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. • Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. Jennifer Pishnyuk Marine Mammal Trainer Animal Care Internship Coordinator Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Gulfport, MS

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Volunteers for field work with fur seals in Chile
by Mauricio Seguel 02 Nov '21

02 Nov '21

The Guafo Island research team is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist with field work and data collection activities of wild South American fur seals at Guafo Island, Northern Chilean Patagonia. The field working season this year is between December 7th 2021 and March 15th 2022 with the possibility of starting on January 10th 2022. The project responsibilities include capture and restrain of South American fur seal adults and pups and depending on volunteer skills and experience collection of blood, swabs and feces. Volunteers will also assist veterinary staff during Necropsies of fur seal pups following a standard protocol of sample collection. The work also includes helping with domestic tasks, keeping of the campsite and assist on the work of the field laboratory (mainly help with CBCs, blood smears and osteological samples processing). Guafo Island is a pristine and large oceanic island with no permanent human inhabitants. During the prolong field work (2 to 3 months) communication is very limited and our campsite does not have electricity or running fresh water. The weather is cold, rainy, and windy with average thermal sensation in the summer of 9 Celsius degrees. Requirements: At least 20 years of age. Health compatible with physically demanding field work. Health insurance. Must meet travel requirements for Chile (this includes a completed vaccination protocol for COVID-19 that can be validated in Chile https://www.chile.travel/en/traveltochileplan/) Benefits: Our research group pay for in-country travel, housing and meals during the duration of the field work. International fly tickets and health insurance cannot be covered. Desired Skills * Strong Interest in and awareness of animal and ecosystem health * Willingness to get wet and dirty * Attention to detail * Able to live in isolated place without regular communication and basic services * Ability to multi-task * Desired previous experience handling blood and tissue samples * Desired previous experience in restrain of wild animals. * Able to resist bad weather navigation. * Basic Spanish. Individuals interested on applying to the position should send an email describing their motivations and a Curriculum Vitae to: Dr. Mauricio Seguel: *mseguel(a)uoguelph.ca <mseguel(a)uoguelph.ca>* Additional information about research projects at Guafo Island can be found at *http://www.guafoislandscience.com/ <http://www.guafoislandscience.com/>* Best Regards, Mauricio Seguel DVM, PhD, DACVP Assistant Professor Department of Pathobiology Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph, Canada.

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Reminder, Upcoming Webinar: Underwater Noise Abatement, November 4, 2021, 12pm ET
by Holly Morin 01 Nov '21

01 Nov '21

***apologies for cross-postings*** This week, on *Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 12pm ET*, Dr. Michael Bellman will lead a webinar on Noise Abatement Systems for Impact Pile-Driving. A general overview of underwater sound sources will be provided, with the presentation then shifting to a focus on impact pile driving, potential impacts on marine mammals, and noise mitigation and abatement systems. This is the *fourth and final webinar in the 2021 Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) Underwater Acoustics Webinar series. *This free webinar will be hosted virtually via Zoom (with an associated, live YouTube stream), last approximately 60 minutes, and will consist of a presentation followed by a period of facilitated question and answer. It will also be recorded and archived to the 2021 DOSITS Webinar Series page, on the DOSITS website. The 2021 DOSITS webinar series is open to all interested individuals, however, *registration is required for each webinar event*. Zoom and YouTube links will only be shared with registered participants. *Please visit the 2021 DOSITS Webinar Series page (https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/ <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/>) for a registration link *and additional webinar series details. A webinar outline with relevant DOSITS links is also available on the 2021 DOSITS Webinar series webpage <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/>. * All registered participants are encouraged to review the outline and associated DOSITS material.* The DOSITS Project continues to offer a *Certificate of Professional Development* for interested individuals that participate in all four of the webinars in the 2021 Underwater Acoustics Webinar Series. There are no fees associated with this certificate, however, in addition to webinar participation, interested individuals must complete a brief post-webinar survey. *In order to receive a certificate, eligible individuals must either participate in the live webinar events during the 2021 series, and/or watch the 2021 webinar archive videos, and complete the four, individual webinar reflection surveys.* *Lastly, the DOSITS Team is seeking input from the broad underwater acoustics community via the 2021 DOSITS Needs Assessment Survey. *Your responses to approximately 25, easy, click-to-answer questions, will help evaluate the future direction of DOSITS resources, including the 2022 Underwater Acoustics Webinar series. We appreciate your efforts and insight. *Please complete the assessment and provide your input here <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.surveymonkey.com_r…>.* If you have any questions, please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu)

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Spring 2022 Marine Mammal Stranding Internship - Dauphin Island Sea Lab
by Mackenzie Russell 01 Nov '21

01 Nov '21

The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated intern to assist with marine mammal stranding response in coastal Alabama. ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner and works in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to dolphin, whale, and manatee strandings. Our primary goal is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. This internship is a physically demanding position, as field response and necropsy events often create long days in a variety of weather conditions. This intern will gain useful knowledge, skills, and experience in the fields of marine biology and marine mammalogy. *Internship Dates:* 3 to 5 months starting as early as January 2022 (3 month minimum; may be extended based on intern performance and availability; start/end dates flexible) *Daily duties include*: Field stranding response, data collection, data management, participation in necropsy events, sample handling, and equipment/lab maintenance/cleaning. Interns will also have the opportunity to complete an independent research project based on relevant interests, culminating in a presentation. *Qualification requirements*: - be a student or recent graduate (within 0-2 years) of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology, or related program (non-traditional students encouraged to apply); - have interest in marine mammal biology, physiology, and anatomy; - have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record; - be 18 years or older; - be physically fit and a confident swimmer; - be able to lift at least 50 lbs and drag at least 100 lbs; - have the ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects; - have the ability to work at least 30 hrs/week (no more than 35) including one weekend day per week (nights and holidays may be required as necessary with fieldwork); - show proof of fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 before start date; - having knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses is a plus. This position is paid ($10-12 per hour). Intern is responsible for providing their own housing and transport to DISL. Assistance finding housing can be provided. Applicant must be eligible to legally work in the U.S. for the duration of the internship period; no visa assistance can be provided. Interested applicants must *send a cover letter, CV, and dates of availability* to almmsn(a)disl.org *by November 15th, 2021* to be considered. Resources for the construction of such documents are available online and at most institutions’ Career Services departments, such as https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/careerservices/job.html. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay through the entire internship period. Application review will begin immediately. DISL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from a diverse pool of prospective interns without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic or any other identity information. DISL and ALMMSN recognize that a diversity of perspectives, lived experiences, ideas, and passions allows us to better meet our goal of ocean-literate communities in Alabama and that equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to achieving our mission. It is the intent of the ALMMSN to be fair and impartial in all of its relations and to recognize and respect the individual. More information about ALMMSN and the Marine Ecosystem Response Laboratory can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org/, https://www.disl.edu/research/marine-mammal-research-program or by contacting ALMMSN at almmsn(a)disl.org.

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Introductory distance sampling training workshop 10-21Jan 2022; registration now open
by Eric Rexstad 01 Nov '21

01 Nov '21

Interactive introductory distance sampling training The University of St Andrews has been training ecologists and statisticians in design and analysis of distance sampling studies for decades. Distance sampling is widely used in the assessment of marine mammal populations. Perhaps you've wanted to attend but scheduling of workshops conflicted with your field work. 👨‍🌾 We are offering the training workshop in 10 2.5-hour blocks in January 2022. You will be invited to interact in short lectures on distance sampling principles. 👩‍🎓 Exercises analysing data sets in R will reinforce those principles and the lecturer will be available to assist during the practical session via screen sharing. The block will conclude with a summary of the exercise and question/answer session for both lecture and exercise. 💻 You can participate in polls during the workshop to assess your comprehension of topics discussed. 🤔 In addition to questions at any time during the lectures and practicals, an optional additional half hour will be set aside each session for discussion. 🗣 The workshop will be delivered using Zoom web conferencing software along with R-Studio "in the cloud".☁️ You will need (free) accounts for both pieces of software. I encourage you to experiment with Zoom (at https://zoom.us) and https://rstudio.cloud before the course begins. 👩‍💻 There will be an internet connection testing session prior to the first meeting on 10 January. Important details * Workshop dates and time: 10-21 January 2022; 1500-1730 Greenwich Mean Time. * For the time of day in your time zone, consult https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Introductory+dist… 🕰️ * Registration deadline: 06 December 2021📅 * Enrolment limit: 14 * Cost: 215 British pounds 💵 * What is included: Lectures, exercises, code, data all available online📃 Widening participation scholarship Registration fee will be waived for one recipient of the widening participation scholarship. Eligibility requirements and details available at this link http://workshops.distancesampling.org/widening-participation Application deadline for scholarship for January workshop is Friday 05 November 2021 What they are saying I would like to say I really liked RStudio Cloud and it is working just fine and I am really enjoying using it as a student. I'm looking forward to using it as an instructor too. I really liked the first half of the course. I love distance sampling and I am enjoying every second of the course! The only thing I can say about this particular workshop is it deserves more time. -- Kaan Özgencil, PhD student, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Further details are available: http://workshops.distancesampling.org/intro-jan-2022.html At the webpage above, you will find a link to the St Andrews online shop where payment is made. After registration, I will contact you with additional details regarding workshop electronic materials, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions. Please share this announcement with interested colleagues. Information regarding all distance sampling workshops can be found at https://workshops.distancesampling.org Eric Rexstad Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Registered Charity in Scotland SC013532

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New publication investigating how the widely used energetic metric ODBA (Overall Dynamic Body Acceleration) measures activity differently on large vs. small aquatic animals (Lucía Martina Martín López)
by Lucia Martin Lopez 01 Nov '21

01 Nov '21

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new paper published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution this week, showing that the widely used acceleration-based proxy for activity and energy expenditure named ODBA, measures activity differently on large vs. small aquatic animals. While ODBA works well for small animals, ODBA may under-estimate the relative cost of behaviours or responses to disturbance in large aquatic animals, raising caution against its uncritical use on larger animals. Our paper can be found at the following link https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/2041-210X.13751 [https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/cms/asset/4a011d67-c666-4829-bd…]<https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/2041-210X.13751> Overall Dynamic Body Acceleration measures activity differently on large vs small aquatic animals - Martín López - - Methods in Ecology and Evolution - Wiley Online Library<https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/2041-210X.13751> Acceleration-based proxies for activity and energy expenditure are widely used in bio-logging studies of animal movement and locomotion to explore biomechanical strategies, energetic costs of behaviour, habitat use and the impact of anthropogenic disturbance. besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com  Martín López, L.M., Aguilar de Soto, N., Madsen, P.T. and Johnson, M., 2021. Overall Dynamic Body Acceleration measures activity differently on large vs. small aquatic animals. Methods in Ecology and Evolution https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13751 Abstract * Acceleration-based proxies for activity and energy expenditure are widely used in bio-logging studies of animal movement and locomotion to explore biomechanical strategies, energetic costs of behaviour, habitat use and the impact of anthropogenic disturbance. The foremost such proxy is Overall Dynamic Body Acceleration (ODBA) along with variants VeDBA and PDBA. This technique, which involves summing the magnitude of high-pass-filtered acceleration signals (the so-called dynamic acceleration) over a reference interval, has been applied to animals as diverse as shags, lobsters, humans and whales. The relationship between ODBA and energy use has been tested empirically on animals small enough to house in laboratory facilities and arguments have been offered for why the method should be generally applicable, however validations on larger animals are scant. * Here, we examine how body size impacts ODBA and its variants under steady locomotion in large aquatic animals, using cetaceans as model species. To do this, we first develop a simplified mathematical model for the acceleration signals that would be measured by a tag on a swimming animal. We then test this model with empirical data gathered using bio-logging tags on whale species spanning 1.3 m harbour porpoises to 12 m sperm whales. * We show that the motions measured by ODBA can be fundamentally different in small versus large aquatic animals. Whereas dynamic acceleration in small animals is predominantly due to specific acceleration (i.e., actual accelerative motions generated by muscle action), in larger aquatic animals body rotations (i.e., cyclical angular displacements associated with swimming) can dominate the measured acceleration. * As body rotations do not necessarily increase in magnitude as swimming speed increases, ODBA may under-estimate the relative cost of behaviours or responses to disturbance in large aquatic animals. This does not lessen the value of ODBA for small animals, but it raises a caution against uncritical use on larger animals. For large aquatic animals, activity proxies that specifically remove body rotations using gyroscopes or magnetometers may provide more consistent estimates of energy use although these methods are yet to be validated. Feel free to contact me with any questions (lmml2(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) Best wishes, Lucía Martina Martín López Dr. Lucía Martina Martín López lmml2(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:lmml2@st-andrews.ac.uk> http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/contact/staffprofile.aspx?sunid=lmml2 Scottish Oceans Institute School of Biology University of St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK

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