December 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Peruvian Fur Seals as Archivists of El Niño Southern Oscillation Effects
by Amy Hirons 04 Dec '21

04 Dec '21

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication "Peruvian Fur Seals as Archivists of El Niño Southern Oscillation Effects" published in Frontiers in Marine Science - Marine Megafauna. This paper is Open Access and available for free download here: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flinks.emai… Abstract: Peru’s coastal waters are characterized by significant environmental fluctuation due to periodic El Niño- La Niña- Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. This variability results in ecosystem-wide food web changes which are reflected in the tissues of the Peruvian fur seal (Arctocephalus australis). Stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) in Peruvian fur seal vibrissae (whiskers) are used to infer temporal primary production and dietary variations in individuals. Sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) recordings from the Niño 1+2 Index region captured corresponding ENSO conditions. Fluctuations in δ 15N values were correlated to SSTA records, indicating that ENSO conditions likely impact the diet of these apex predators over time. Anomalous warm phase temperatures corresponded to decreased δ15N values, whereas cold phase anomalous conditions corresponded to increased δ15N values, potentially from upwelled, nutrient-rich water. Vibrissae δ13C values revealed general stability from 2004 to 2012, a moderate decline during 2013 (La Niña conditions) followed by a period of increased values concurrent with the 2014–2016 El Niño event. Both δ13C and δ15N values were inversely correlated to each other during the strongest El Niño Southern Oscillation event on record (2014– 2016), possibly indicating a decline in production leading to an increase in food web complexity. Lower δ13C and δ15N values were exhibited in female compared to male fur seal vibrissae. Findings suggest ENSO conditions influence resource availability, possibly eliciting changes in pinniped foraging behavior as well as food web of the endangered Peruvian fur seal. Regards, Amy C. Hirons Amy C. Hirons, PhD Associate Professor Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center Nova Southeastern University 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania Beach, FL 33004 (o) 954-262-3620 (OC) Pronouns: she, her(s) hirons(a)nova.edu<mailto:hirons@nova.edu> https://works.bepress.com/amy-hirons/about/ http://nsuoc-cmol.weebly.com/ Conference Co-Chair, 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals https://www.smmconference.org<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smmco…> [cid:ec77cf09-d215-49c3-a5f4-9aee2c519b71] [cid:59421d56-4112-4d04-b0db-4b9a04db0174] [cid:648d646c-5b41-40d9-9abf-5a3576598365] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/logo-email.png] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x10.gif] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/return-of-the-sharks-transpar…]<https://www.nova.edu/ehs/cv19-resources/index.html> Be a Smart Shark. nova.edu/cv19<https://www.nova.edu/ehs/cv19-resources/index.html> [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x20.gif] [facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/NSUFlorida> [instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/nsuflorida/> [snapchat] <https://www.snapchat.com/add/nsusharks> [twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/nsuflorida> [youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/novasoutheasternuniversity> [linkedin] <https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=18106> [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x10.gif]

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New publication: Temporal Baseline of Essential and Non‑essential Elements Recorded in Baleen of Western Arctic Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
by Amy Hirons 04 Dec '21

04 Dec '21

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication "Temporal Baseline of Essential and Non‑essential Elements Recorded in Baleen of Western Arctic Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)" published in Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. This paper is Open Access and available for free download here: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feproofing… ABSTRACT: This study established the frst baseline of changing elemental concentrations in bowhead whale baleen over time (1958– 1999). From previously published stable isotope data, year, season (summer or winter), and location (Beaufort or Bering/ Chukchi seas) were attributed to each sample. Thirteen elements (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) in baleen from nine subsistence-harvested bowhead whales (n=138) were detected. Al, Cu, and Fe were the highest concentrations while Cd and V were among the lowest. Our data supports absorption as the main route of exposure to environmental elements rather than biomagnifcation due to bowhead whales’ low trophic position. A linear mixed-efects model confrmed most elements’ concentrations increased with time, while location and sex were insignifcant explanatory factors. These temporal fuctuations were most likely a product of environmental changes due to a warming climate and human activities. Regards, Amy C. Hirons Amy C. Hirons, PhD Associate Professor Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center Nova Southeastern University 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania Beach, FL 33004 (o) 954-262-3620 (OC) Pronouns: she, her(s) hirons(a)nova.edu<mailto:hirons@nova.edu> https://works.bepress.com/amy-hirons/about/ http://nsuoc-cmol.weebly.com/ Conference Co-Chair, 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals https://www.smmconference.org<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smmco…> [cid:fe0049c4-a274-441d-912b-10629c74bd18] [cid:02771e8e-639d-4e14-b496-0d9db01afdab] [cid:4e382d24-d08f-4ec7-b6ad-c8190b53a24d] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/logo-email.png] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x10.gif] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/return-of-the-sharks-transpar…]<https://www.nova.edu/ehs/cv19-resources/index.html> Be a Smart Shark. nova.edu/cv19<https://www.nova.edu/ehs/cv19-resources/index.html> [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x20.gif] [facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/NSUFlorida> [instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/nsuflorida/> [snapchat] <https://www.snapchat.com/add/nsusharks> [twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/nsuflorida> [youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/novasoutheasternuniversity> [linkedin] <https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=18106> [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x10.gif]

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SMM2021 Biennial Conference opens Abstract Submissions
by Amy Hirons 04 Dec '21

04 Dec '21

The SMM2021 Biennial Conference will have a limited Abstract Submission for 15 days, starting Monday, January 3 at 12pm (noon) EST until Monday, January 17 12pm (noon) EST for those persons who now have data and can attend the conference, in person or virtually, August 1-5, 2022 (Workshops July 30-31). These new abstracts will undergo the same review process as all previously submitted abstracts. We anticipate all new abstracts submitted by in-person attendees will be presented in the poster format, as the oral presentation program is relatively locked in. However, some abstracts may be chosen as or changed to oral presentations subject to slot availability and quality of abstracts. For those unlikely to attend in-person, we encourage using this abstract submission period to submit for virtual presentation. This format allows for great flexibility and creativity of presentation for long and short formats. The traditional oral and poster formats can be completely reimagined. Authors will be notified in early February 2022. Please refer to the conference website for instructions on how to format your abstracts (www.smmconference.org) We look forward to your abstracts and seeing you at SMM2021! Amy C. Hirons, PhD SMM2021 Biennial Conference Co-Chair Amy C. Hirons, PhD Associate Professor Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center Nova Southeastern University 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania Beach, FL 33004 (o) 954-262-3620 (OC) Pronouns: she, her(s) hirons(a)nova.edu<mailto:hirons@nova.edu> https://works.bepress.com/amy-hirons/about/ http://nsuoc-cmol.weebly.com/ Conference Co-Chair, 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals https://www.smmconference.org<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smmco…> [cid:88edc0db-3b76-4cd0-b660-038fc3a98927] [cid:ba3d07ec-2007-47c1-bc5d-6199267cc060] [cid:ce1a914a-57a6-40c9-aa0d-9ffdcaa1e723] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/logo-email.png] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x10.gif] [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/return-of-the-sharks-transpar…]<https://www.nova.edu/ehs/cv19-resources/index.html> Be a Smart Shark. nova.edu/cv19<https://www.nova.edu/ehs/cv19-resources/index.html> [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x20.gif] [facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/NSUFlorida> [instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/nsuflorida/> [snapchat] <https://www.snapchat.com/add/nsusharks> [twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/nsuflorida> [youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/novasoutheasternuniversity> [linkedin] <https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=18106> [https://www.nova.edu/brand/_images/sig-images/spacer-1x10.gif]

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Postdoctoral Position - Baleen whale behavioral ecology and acoustics
by Susan E Parks 03 Dec '21

03 Dec '21

The Bioacoustics and Behavioral Ecology Lab at Syracuse University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our group in 2022. We are seeking a colleague interested in acoustic communication, behavioral ecology, and the potential effects of underwater noise on marine mammals with a focus on baleen whales. The successful candidate will be expected to lead and implement research projects that increase accuracy for acoustic monitoring and density estimation of marine mammals, both by increasing our knowledge of basic acoustic behavior and by developing new approaches for estimating population densities by exploiting individual-level differences in acoustic signals. The position will be based in the Bioacoustics and Behavioral Ecology Lab at Syracuse University (https://babel.syr.edu/) under the supervision of Professor Susan E. Parks and Dr. Frants H. Jensen, with fieldwork opportunities in a range of locations in the Atlantic Ocean. The initial appointment will be for a period of two years with the possibility of extension pending satisfactory performance and contingent on external funding. More details about the position can be found at https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/90014/. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and names of three references. Application review will start on December 15, 2021 but new applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please email Susan Parks (sparks(a)syr.edu) with any questions you may have about the position.

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New paper on Cook Inlet beluga whale acoustics
by Manolo Castellote 03 Dec '21

03 Dec '21

Dear MARMAM recipients, New open access paper on PLOSone: Authors: Manuel Castellote, Aran Mooney, Russel Andrews, Stacy Deruiter, Wu-Jung Lee, Megan Ferguson, Paul Wade. Title: Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) acoustic foraging behavior and applications for long term monitoring Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0260485 Abstract: Cook Inlet, Alaska, is home to an endangered and declining population of 279 belugas (Delphinapterus leucas). Recovery efforts highlight a paucity of basic ecological knowledge, impeding the correct assessment of threats and the development of recovery actions. In particular, information on diet and foraging habitat is very limited for this population. Passive acoustic monitoring has proven to be an efficient approach to monitor beluga distribution and seasonal occurrence. Identifying acoustic foraging behavior could help address the current gap in information on diet and foraging habitat. To address this conservation challenge, eight belugas from a comparative, healthy population in Bristol Bay, Alaska, were instrumented with a multi-sensor tag (DTAG), a satellite tag, and a stomach temperature transmitter in August 2014 and May 2016. DTAG deployments provided 129.6 hours of data including foraging and social behavioral states. A total of 68 echolocation click trains ending in terminal buzzes were identified during successful prey chasing and capture, as well as during social interactions. Of these, 37 click trains were successfully processed to measure inter-click intervals (ICI) and ICI trend in their buzzing section. Terminal buzzes with short ICI (minimum ICI <8.98 ms) and consistently decreasing ICI trend (ICI increment range <1.49 ms) were exclusively associated with feeding behavior. This dual metric was applied to acoustic data from one acoustic mooring within the Cook Inlet beluga critical habitat as an example of the application of detecting feeding in long-term passive acoustic monitoring data. This approach allowed description of the relationship between beluga presence, feeding occurrence, and the timing of spawning runs by different species of anadromous fish. Results reflected a clear preference for the Susitna River delta during eulachon (Thaleichthys pacificus), Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon spawning run periods, with increased feeding occurrence at the peak of the Chinook and pink salmon runs. Sincerely, Manuel Castellote Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Washington & Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program, Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way N.E. F/AKC3 Seattle, WA 98115-6349 email: manuel.castellote(a)noaa.gov Voice: (206) 526-6866 - Please note no phone or voicemail access for now.

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New publication on flipper rubbing reciprocity
by Chisato Yamamoto 02 Dec '21

02 Dec '21

Dear MARMAM community, My co-author and I are pleased to announce the following paper. Yamamoto, C., Ishibashi, T. Flipper rubbing reciprocity and partner choice in common bottlenose dolphins. J Ethol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-021-00729-8 Abstract The exchange of prosocial behaviors such as grooming may be affected by several factors, including the social structure and social relationships of the individuals. However, studies on the reciprocity of prosocial affiliative behaviors in non-primate animals are limited. Flipper rubbing is considered a prosocial affiliative behavior in dolphins. We investigated the reciprocity of flipper rubbing and tested the following hypotheses in common bottlenose dolphins: trade for tolerance, trade for a reduction in renewed aggressions, the value of flipper rubbing partner, and reciprocity over short and long time frames. There was no correlation between the frequency of flipper rubbing and aggression. Age difference did not affect reciprocal flipper rubbing. Flipper rubbing by former opponents did not increase after aggression. Dolphins did not provide flipper rubbing immediately after receiving flipper rubbing. The exchange of flipper rubbing was more reciprocal over long time frames than over short time frames. Dolphins preferentially rubbed the individuals who rubbed them the most. Pairs who performed flipper rubbing more frequently partook in more reciprocal flipper rubbing than pairs who performed flipper rubbing less frequently. Results suggest that bottlenose dolphins maintain flipper rubbing reciprocity over the long-term via partner choice based on an emotional bookkeeping system. Regards, Chisato Yamamoto

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New publication on humpback whale in the Mediterranean Sea
by BIAGIO VIOLI 02 Dec '21

02 Dec '21

Dear friends and colleagues Me and my colleagues are glad to share with you our recent publication on the humpback whale sighted in the Mediterranean Sea in August and November 2020. Violi, B., Verga, A., Jones, L. S., Calogero, G., Soldano, G., Cheeseman, T., & Wenzel, F. W. (2021). A wanderer in the Mediterranean Sea: The case of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the West Indies. *Aquatic Mammals*, 47(6), 599-611. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.6.2021.599 The humpback whale is a cosmopolitan species, found in all oceans with distinct populations. This species is not common within the Mediterranean Sea and is therefore classified as a ‘*visitor*’ species. Occasionally, they enter through Gibraltar Strait, even if their occurrence pattern within the Mediterranean remains unknown. Herein, we document four exceptional sightings of a female and calf humpback whale within the Mediterranean Sea in 2020. A photograph of the female fluke has been compared with the *North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog *and with the *Happywhale *database. The whale was identified as *NA05503, *first and only photographed in the north of the Dominican Republic, on February 12th, 1986. Furthermore, we described changes in body condition of the female between the first and the fourth sighting, showing a progressive emaciated state. The photographic recapture after 79 days in the North of Western Mediterranean Sea may reflect a double attempt to “find the way to North Atlantic” feeding areas and an inability to “find the way back to the ocean”. Following published and unpublished records to 2020, this is the 45 th reported sighting of humpback whales within the Mediterranean Sea and the first confirmed record of female and calf pair. Please contact us if you have any comments or to request a private copy. violi.biagio(a)gmail.com All the best, Biagio -- *Biagio Violi, PhD * Postdoc in cetacean research, Department of Earth and Life Sciences, Genoa University. E-mail: violi.biagio(a)gmail.com Mobile: +39 340 5869904 <+39%20340%20586%209904> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFnVyxb-klIOv-zsFJ-OZag https://vimeo.com/360664244 https://vimeo.com/479936460

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DOLPHINS OF A WOUNDED SEA
by Giovanni Bearzi 02 Dec '21

02 Dec '21

Dear colleagues, we would like to announce a video documentary on cetaceans that can be freely viewed online at the link below. Cheers, Giovanni Bearzi and Silvia Bonizzoni DOLPHINS OF A WOUNDED SEA http://www.dolphinbiology.org/mareferito/ in Italian, with English subtitles ABSTRACT — This 20-min marine conservation documentary features research on dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea as seen from the eyes of a biologist who has been studying the animals for two decades. She passionately reports her experience, methods, findings and hindrances. The main focus is on common bottlenose dolphins in the north-western Adriatic Sea. Here, the dolphins have adapted to foraging behind three types of trawlers, and display a variety of behavioral specializations that allow them to persist within an area of high human encroachment. The documentary raises awareness on marine and global conservation issues, emphasizing the importance of personal commitment. While it is a high resolution (4K) video, quality will depend on internet bandwidth. - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm>

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New Book Chapter on Dolphin Social Cognition
by Adam Pack 01 Dec '21

01 Dec '21

Aloha Colleagues, I am happy to inform you about the following recent publication from the University of Hawaii at Hilo Pack Marine Mammal Laboratory. Correspondence about this book chapter can be directed to myself at pack(a)hawaii.edu. Wishing you all a healthy, safe, enjoyable and peaceful holiday season. Best, Adam Pack A. A. (2021). Dolphin Social Cognition. In: A. B. Kaufman, J. Call & J. C. Kaufman (Eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of Animal Cognition (pp. 383-414). Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom. In 2006, Pack and Herman published a seminal article entitled "Dolphin social cognition: Our current understanding" (Aquatic Mammals, 32, 443-460). In the current book chapter "Dolphin Social Cognition," Pack provides a comprehensive updated review of social cognition in dolphins that covers a broad range of topics including: social memory, vocal imitation of other dolphins and computer-generated arbitrary sounds, motor imitation of another dolphin's behavior, imitation of a referenced model's motor behaviors, jointly coordinated cooperative behavior, social awareness and attention, initial studies of joint attention in dolphins, the dolphin's cognitive flexibility in processing variations of pointing and gaziing cues, comprehension of dynamic-sustained pointing and gazing cues in test-naive dolphins, testing for the dolphin's understanding of the geometry of pointing and gazing cues, tests of the dolphins understanding of the identity of what is being gazed at or pointed to, spontaneous production of pointing cues by a dolphin and attention to its audience, and evaluating evidence of "theory of mind" in dolphins. -- Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Professor and Chair (Psychology) Departments of Psychology and Biology University of Hawai'i at Hilo 200 West Kawili Street Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 (Office Voice): 808-932-7082 (Email): pack(a)hawaii.edu (Faculty Webpage): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/faculty/adam-a-pack/ (UH Hilo Lab): https://hilo.hawaii.edu/faculty/adam-a-pack/marine-mammal-lab/ (Non-profit organization): https://thedolphininstitute.org/ "Do or do not; there is no try." Yoda

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Protected Species Observer (PSO) Trainings - January 2022
by Susan Steckler 01 Dec '21

01 Dec '21

Smultea Sciences is training and hiring Protected Species Observers (PSOs<https://www.smulteasciences.com/pso-pam-hiring>). -> TRAIN AS A PSO: (Virtual trainings) * JANUARY 10, 2022 or * JANUARY 17, 2022 If you are interested in training to protect marine wildlife at sea and have a four-year degree in the natural sciences and are a US Citizen, see our website or contact us at PSOjobs(a)smulteasciences.com. -> WORK AS A PSO: If you have worked offshore as a PSO and are a US Citizen with a valid US Passport, contact our hiring team TODAY: PSOjobs(a)smulteasciences.com. * For details: https://www.smulteasciences.com/pso-pam-hiring * To apply: https://www.smulteasciences.com/pso-hiring-questionnaire We'd love to hear from you! Trisha Souder Project Operations and PSO Services Manager trisha.souder(a)smulteasciences.com<mailto:trisha.souder@smulteasciences.com> Smultea Environmental Sciences<http://www.smulteasciences.com/> +1 417 543 0810 (Eastern Time)

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