November 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publications on endangered St.Lawrence beluga whales
by Valeria Vergara 05 Nov '21

05 Nov '21

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of two articles on St. Lawrence Estuary beluga, one discussing their decline and potential causes, with an updated analysis of carcass recovery rates up to 2019, and the other examining impacts of underwater noise on communication space, with particular emphasis on potential effects of communication masking on mother-calf acoustic contact. Both are part of the Polar Research Special Issue "Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas): Knowledge from the wild, human care and TEK”. Lesage, V. 2021. The challenges of a small population exposed to multiple anthropogenic stressors and a changing climate: the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga. Polar Research 40, 5523. The article is open access and available here: https://doi.org/10.33265/polar.v40.5523 <https://doi.org/10.33265/polar.v40.5523> ABSTRACT: Until 2012, the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population was considered stable with about 1100 individuals. An abnormally high number of calves reported dead that year triggered a population status reassessment. This review article summarizes the findings from this reassessment and various studies subsequent to it and provides an updated analysis of carcass recovery rates up to 2019. The 2013 review indicated a decreased incidence of cancer in adults, suggesting positive impacts from the regulation of toxic substances (e.g., PCBs and PAHs). However, the review also revealed that the population initiated a decline of ca. 1% per year in the early 2000s and had reached a size of ca. 900 individuals by 2012. This decline was accompanied by high inter-annual variability in calf survival and pregnancy rates and by more frequent peripartum complications among dead females. The change in population dynamics coincided with a shift in the St. Lawrence ecosystem structure and warmer environmental conditions, suggesting a link through effects on reproductive success and adult female body condition. This was supported by the continued high calf mortality after 2012 and a documented decline of fat reserves in beluga blubber from 1998 to 2016. Other factors, such as the exposure to chronic vessel noise, increasing whale-watching activities, high contaminant levels and episodic harmful algal blooms, may also be contributing to the long-term non-recovery and current decline of the population. The strong natal philopatry and complex social system of the beluga likely increase its vulnerability to extinction risk by limiting dispersal. Vergara, V., Wood, J., Lesage, V., Ames, A., Mikus, MA., and Michaud, R. 2021. Can you hear me? Impacts of underwater noise on communication space of adult, sub-adult, and calf contact calls of endangered St. Lawrence belugas (D. leucas). Polar Research 40, 5521. The article is open access and available here: https://doi.org/10.33265/polar.v40.5521 <https://doi.org/10.33265/polar.v40.5521> ABSTRACT: Noise and anthropogenic disturbances from vessel traffic are an important threat to the recovery of the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) beluga population. The consequences of acoustic masking could be particularly adverse in the case of critical vocalizations that maintain contact between mothers and their dependent but mobile calves. This study models the communication range of adults, sub-adults and newborn beluga contact calls in the presence and absence of vessels in an important summering area for this population. Ambient noise measurements, a composite beluga audiogram and apparent source levels of adult/sub-adult and newborn calls, informed the model. Apparent source levels were estimated from received levels of contact calls produced by four individuals carrying digital acoustic tags in the SLE, Canada, and from received levels of calls recorded from two adults and a newborn calf at an aquarium, at known distances from a calibrated hydrophone. The median communication ranges were over 18 times larger for SLE adult and sub-adult calls than for newborn calls, with a 57 and 53% reduction in range in the presence of vessel noise, respectively. For newborn calls, this results in a median range of 170 m in vessel noise. These first estimates of the communication range of beluga vocalizations with a known function suggest that masking of the quiet calls of newborns by anthropogenic noise could impair mother–calf contact. Please feel free to contact us at valeriavergararesearch(a)gmail.com or Veronique.Lesage(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca if you have any questions. Best Wishes, Valeria Vergara, Ph.D.

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New publication: Post release monitoring of rehabilitated gray seal pups over larger temporal and spatial scales
by Sue Sayer 05 Nov '21

05 Nov '21

We have enjoyed a long collaborative effort between partner organisations in wild seal research, rescue and rehabilitation. As a result we are delighted to announce our collaborative publication on the post release monitoring of grey seals over 19 years. Huge thanks to all our partners: British Divers Marine Life Rescue Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust (also known as the Seal Research Trust) The Cornish Seal Sanctuary RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Hospital. Sayer, S., Allen, R., Bellman, K., Beaulieu, M., Cooper, T., Dyer, N., Hockin, K., Hockley, K., Jarvis, D., Jones, G. and Oaten, P., Post release monitoring of rehabilitated gray seal pups over large temporal and spatial scales. Marine Mammal Science. Click here to access our paper https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12885 Abstract Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is used globally to aid the conservation and welfare of marine species, however, postrelease monitoring is challenging. Here, long-term, regional postrelease monitoring provides feedback for rehabilitation centers for the gray seal (Halichoerus grypus). Data from 1,094 rehabilitated gray seals over 19 years across the southwest UK were examined to assess postrelease survivorship and the impact of release site on movements and range. Using flipper tags combined with photo identification, 391 rehabilitated seals (35.7%) were re-sighted including 188 seals (17.2%) that were traced back to a specific rehabilitated individual with release data. The maximum monitoring duration for a single rehabilitated seal was 17 years, although the majority (151/188; 80%) were sighted for less than five years and 80/188 (43%) were re-sighted for less than a year. Almost all 188 traced rehabilitated seals (n=176; 93.6%) visited the St Ives Bay Wild Site, yet only half had been released at the adjacent St Ives Bay Release Site. Rehabilitated seals had similar dispersal patterns to their wild conspecifics but over a smaller area. Once released, rehabilitated animals face the same threats as their wild counterparts. Email seals(a)cornwallsealgroup.co.uk<mailto:seals@cornwallsealgroup.co.uk> if you have any questions or to request a copy. Many thanks Sue Sayer Cornwall needs Marine Rangers: Research Connect Inspire Conserve. Sue Sayer Seal Research Trust Est. Cornwall 2000 Aka Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust (Charity number: 1162936) www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk<http://www.cornwallsealgroup.co.uk/> Cornwall's internationally renowned, multi award winning seal conservation charity Identifying and monitoring local seals and protecting their marine environment Get free: *Seal Updates http://eepurl.com/dHdy3j *Family Activities https://sealresearchtrust.com/pages/family-activities *Talks about our seal conservation work https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuzvSLkxvtdgbnccHqibILQ/videos Adopt our wild seals: Real seals, real stories, real time! https://sealresearchtrust.com/pages/wild-seal-support-pack Shop for beautiful gifts: Treat yourself, your friends and family https://sealresearchtrust.com/ Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/CornwallSealGroupResearchTrust/>: Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/cornwallsealgroupresearchtrust/>: Youtube<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuzvSLkxvtdgbnccHqibILQ/videos>: Twitter<https://twitter.com/cornwallsealGRT> CSGRT is 100% compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The information contained in this e-mail message is confidential and intended for the use of the addressee(s) only. You should not reproduce, distribute, store, retransmit, use or disclose its contents to anyone. If you are not the intended recipient, please advise the sender immediately and delete the email and all copies (including attachments) from your system.

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Fwd: PSO, Migratory Bird Monitor, and Turbidity Monitor Positions
by Maxx Van Waeyenberghe 05 Nov '21

05 Nov '21

Dear All, Vantage Observing, LLC is seeking experienced National Marine Fisheries Service approved PSO’s, and Migratory Bird Monitors for ongoing and upcoming dredging, and marine construction projects. Candidates with previous Hopper Dredging, and Clamshell Dredging experience are preferred. We are also seeking candidates with Migratory Bird Monitoring experience and turbidity monitoring experience to join our team. Vantage Observing provides a professional work environment with highly competitive compensation, and flexible scheduling. Requirements: Protected Species Observer - Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology or related field. - 2 Years of protected species observing experience during dredging, or marine construction projects. - Previous experience monitoring for Sea Turtles, Sturgeon, Manatees, and Whales. - National Marine Fisheries Unconditional Approval Letter - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. Migratory Bird Monitor: - 2 years of migratory bird monitoring experience. - Previous experience in bird abatement and techniques. - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work independently and in a team environment. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. Turbidity Monitor: - Previous turbidity monitoring experience on beach nourishment, and/or dredging projects. - 3 years of experience operating boats with a length of greater than 21'. - Experience trailering boats and launching. - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work independently and in a team environment. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. For more information or to submit your resume email VantageObserving(a)gmail.com Best Regards, Maxx Van Waeyenberghe Vantage Observing, LLC Manager

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ESA/MMPA Support Services
by BRUCE Morehead 05 Nov '21

05 Nov '21

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 conservation measures for marine mammals as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA)and in support of Native Tribe Treaty Rights. OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. DUTIES: * Support OPR staff with organizing, reviewing, analyzing, and preparing responses to public comments on NOAA Fisheries rulemakings pursuant to the MMPA and ESA. * Support OPR staff by compiling information in agency records, scientific literature, and other applicable information to assess impacts of activities on marine mammals. * Support staff in OPR, Regional Offices, Science Centers, or Office of General Counsel in developing marine mammal management measures as needed. * Provide general support to OPR staff by assisting with efforts to meet additional requirements of developing measures to reduce threats to marine mammals including, but not limited to, work related to the Paperwork Reduction Act, Executive Orders, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the Endangered Species Act. * Work with OPR staff and others to develop outreach and enforcement strategies and associated materials as it relates to implementing conservation measures for marine mammals, including but not limited to handouts, website materials, visualizations, maps, videos, etc. * Support various working groups coordinated by the agency that address marine mammal management issues with a focus on Native Tribe Treaty Rights. * Provide OPR support for MMPA- and ESA-related activities to conserve and protect marine mammals, including: assisting with the development of protocols, guidelines, policies, and briefing material; helping to respond to quick turn-around tasks, and media, public, and congressional inquiries; and helping to coordinate management and research efforts. * Participate in division requirements for all staff, including division meetings, Information Technology training, etc. Start Date: As soon as possible Location: Telework Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefit. Salary commensurate with experience REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE * Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant experience. * Experience with technical writing * Familiarity with marine conservation issues * Strong coordination and communication skills DESIRED SKILLS * Familiarity with tribal treaty rights * Familiarity with aboriginal subsistence whaling * Familiarity with issues related to subsistence marine mammal hunts by Alaska Native communities * Comfortable analyzing judicial decisions related to conservation issues * Familiarity with implementing the MMPA, ESA, National Environmental Policy Act, Paperwork Reduction Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, and applicable Executive Orders. * Familiarity with marine conservation issues relevant to marine mammals If you are interested in being considered for this position, please respond to:https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.…

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New publication on the use of acoustic metrics to understand baleen whale presence in the western North Atlantic
by Nicole Pegg 05 Nov '21

05 Nov '21

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Frontiers in Marine Science: Pegg N, Roca IT, Cholewiak D, Davis GE and Van Parijs SM (2021) Evaluating the Efficacy of Acoustic Metrics for Understanding Baleen Whale Presence in the Western North Atlantic Ocean. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:749802. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.749802 ABSTRACT: Soundscape analyses provide an integrative approach to studying the presence and complexity of sounds within long-term acoustic data sets. Acoustic metrics (AMs) have been used extensively to describe terrestrial habitats but have had mixed success in the marine environment. Novel approaches are needed to be able to deal with the added noise and complexity of these underwater systems. Here we further develop a promising approach that applies AM with supervised machine learning to understanding the presence and species richness (SR) of baleen whales at two sites, on the shelf and the slope edge, in the western North Atlantic Ocean. SR at both sites was low with only rare instances of more than two species (out of six species acoustically detected at the shelf and five at the slope) vocally detected at any given time. Random forest classification models were trained on 1-min clips across both data sets. Model outputs had high accuracy (>0.85) for detecting all species’ absence in both sites and determining species presence for fin and humpback whales on the shelf site (>0.80) and fin and right whales on the slope site (>0.85). The metrics that contributed the most to species classification were those that summarized acoustic activity (intensity) and complexity in different frequency bands. Lastly, the trained model was run on a full 12 months of acoustic data from on the shelf site and compared with our standard acoustic detection software and manual verification outputs. Although the model performed poorly at the 1-min clip resolution for some species, it performed well compared to our standard detection software approaches when presence was evaluated at the daily level, suggesting that it does well at a coarser level (daily and monthly). The model provided a promising complement to current methodologies by demonstrating a good prediction of species absence in multiple habitats, species presence for certain species/habitat combinations, and provides higher resolution presence information for most species/habitat combinations compared to that of our standard detection software. The full article is Open Access and available online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.749802/full Please feel free to contact me (npegg(a)fau.edu<mailto:npegg@fau.edu>) with any questions. Best, Nicole Nicole Pegg Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment Assistant FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute 5600 US Highway 1 North | Fort Pierce, FL 34946 Email: npegg(a)fau.edu Phone: (585)690-1123

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1 WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER: UK & Ireland SMM Student Conference 12th - 14th January 2022
by UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammals 05 Nov '21

05 Nov '21

Dear all, There is now only a week until the abstract submission deadline of Friday 12th November 2021 for UKIRSC2022. The committee of the UK and Ireland Regional Student Chapter (UKIRSC) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy invite you to register now for our 16th annual conference. This year our meeting will be held online on the 12th–14th January 2022. This is a free conference which aims to bring together postgraduate students from all across the United Kingdom and Ireland who are interested in and study marine mammals. Students are encouraged to present and discuss their work with colleagues in a friendly environment and have the opportunity to attend workshops and talks given by experienced scientists and specialists. We encourage students to submit abstracts for work at all stages, from the planning stages to completed studies, we want to hear about it! This year there is the opportunity to join three workshops/panel discussions; * Spatial analysis and mapping in R * Career discussion panel * Reproducible Science with Version Control: Using GitHub in your Workflow More information on the workshops and how to apply can be found on our website: https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/conference-2022/ We are looking forward to (virtually) meeting you all in January. Best wishes, Laura, James, Jules, Becca, Helen, Maeva & Morgane UKIRSC Committee For more information, please visit our website: https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/ or follow us in social media https://www.facebook.com/UKIRSC/ https://twitter.com/UKIRSC_SMM Any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The 2022 committee can be contacted by emailing: ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:ukrsc@st-andrews.ac.uk>

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New publication on reproduction success in harbour porpoises
by IJsseldijk, L.L. (Lonneke) 05 Nov '21

05 Nov '21

Dear colleagues, On-behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our new publication in Scientific Reports: Nutritional status and prey energy density govern reproductive success in a small cetacean. Authors: Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, Sanne Hessing, Amy Mairo, Mariel T. I. ten Doeschate, Jelle Treep, Jan van den Broek, Guido O. Keijl, Ursula Siebert, Hans Heesterbeek, Andrea Gröne & Mardik F. Leopold Abstract: A variety of mammals suppress reproduction when they experience poor physical condition or environmental harshness. In many marine mammal species, reproductive impairment has been correlated to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the most frequently measured chemical pollutants, while the relative importance of other factors remains understudied. We investigate whether reproductively active females abandon investment in their foetus when conditions are poor, exemplified using an extensively studied cetacean species; the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Data on disease, fat and muscle mass and diet obtained from necropsies in The Netherlands were used as proxies of health and nutritional status and related to pregnancy and foetal growth. This was combined with published life history parameters for 16 other areas to correlate to parameters reflecting environmental condition: mean energy density of prey constituting diets (MEDD), cumulative human impact and PCB contamination. Maternal nutritional status had significant effects on foetal size and females in poor health had lower probabilities of being pregnant and generally did not sustain pregnancy throughout gestation. Pregnancy rates across the Northern Hemisphere were best explained by MEDD. We demonstrate the importance of having undisturbed access to prey with high energy densities in determining reproductive success and ultimately population size for small cetaceans. It is open access so a PDF of the article can be downloaded freely at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-98629-x With kind regards, Lonneke IJsseldijk Lonneke L. IJsseldijk<https://www.uu.nl/medewerkers/LLIJsseldijk> | Project Manager Cetacean Research | Utrecht University | Veterinary<https://www.uu.nl/organisatie/faculteit-diergeneeskunde> Medicine | Biomolecular Health Sciences | Pathology | Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht | room O.170 | (+3130) 253 5312 | (+316) 244 556 98 | l.l.ijsseldijk(a)uu.nl<mailto:l.l.ijsseldijk@uu.nl>| Follow us @ | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/strandingresearch> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonneke-ijsseldijk-64014226/> | Online<http://www.uu.nl/strandingsonderzoek> [cid:image001.png@01D7D168.D2025090]

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Protected Species Observer Certification on December 4-5, 2021
by Angela Bostwick 04 Nov '21

04 Nov '21

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on December 4-5, 2021. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in other regions or industries where monitoring for protected species and mitigation of impacts is required (such as renewable energy construction and monitoring). Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides. PSOs monitor mainly for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals. PSOs complete certain reports on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. As discussed in the course, working offshore as a PSO is fun, but involves long hours of standing watch for the animals; thus, the job requires patience and persistence. The course examines the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species, how to visually locate and identify the animals, effective communication, and objective documentation of animal behavior for reporting to regulatory agencies. We also discuss etiquette offshore, life at sea, and the tools and materials needed for a successful rotation. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Job opportunity: Animal Rescue Responder/Stranding Biologist - IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue & Research Team
by Niemeyer, Misty 04 Nov '21

04 Nov '21

Job Opportunity - Animal Rescue Responder/Stranding Biologist IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue & Research team is looking to hire an Animal Rescue Responder/Stranding Biologist. Under the direction of the Stranding Coordinator, this position is responsible for ensuring daily readiness for all live and dead stranded marine mammal responses, leading and assisting with daily coordination of reports, managing day-to-day operations at the Rescue Operations Center, and coordination of daily field response. The Stranding Biologist will participate and lead live and dead marine mammal stranding responses and participate in additional program activities as needed. IFAW's fast-paced, innovative, and internationally recognized team primarily responds on Cape Cod and southeastern MA, a stranding hot spot, including the highest frequencies of mass-stranded dolphins globally. The application deadline is 9 am, Monday, November 22nd, 2021. However, a review of applications and interviews will begin immediately. Please see the complete job posting for details of the position and how to apply: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/INT1059IFFA/JobBoard/17b588a3-808b-4bc9-aea8… Misty E. Niemeyer Stranding Coordinator Marine Mammal Rescue & Research Pronouns: She, Her, Hers 290 Summer Street Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 United States +1 (774) 836-5573 m +1 (508) 743-9548 hotline www.ifaw.org<https://www.ifaw.org/> [ifaw]<https://www.ifaw.org/> The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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Announcing the release of the Final Recovery Plan and Recovery Implementation Strategy for the endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale distinct
by Ann Garrett - NOAA Federal 03 Nov '21

03 Nov '21

Aloha, I am pleased to share that today NOAA Fisheries released the Final Recovery Plan and Recovery Implementation Strategy for the main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale distinct population segment. This could not have been done without the help of so many invaluable and involved stakeholders. We have used the feedback and information that we received to provide minor modifications to the recovery objectives, criteria, and actions/activities, as well as to the threats table, and the time and estimated cost of recovery actions and activities. We look forward to using these recovery planning documents as we work with you and others to ensure the survival and promote the recovery of endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whales. These documents will guide research priorities, inform management actions, monitor the effectiveness of conservation efforts, and educate stakeholders and the public on ways in which we can work together to recover this species. Together, we will collaborate on our ultimate goal to recover endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whales to the point where the species no longer needs ESA protection. The final recovery planning documents can be found here: Final Recovery Plan and Recovery Implementation Strategy for the Main Hawaiian Islands Insular False Killer Whale Distinct Population Segment <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/final-recovery-plan-and-re…> If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or Krista Graham (krista.graham(a)noaa.gov) our false killer whale recovery coordinator. We look forward to working with you to conserve and recover this unique species. best regards, Ann ______________________________________________________ *Ann M. Garrett* *Assistant Regional Administrator* *Protected Resources Division* *Pacific Islands Regional Office* NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce Office: (808) 725-5130 Mobile: (808) 266-0735 www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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