February 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Call for Applications to the IWC Small Cetacean Research and Conservation Fund
by Lindsay Porter 20 Feb '21

20 Feb '21

The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission is pleased to announce a new *"Call for Applications to the IWC Small Cetacean Research and Conservation Fund"* All relevant information and the application form can be found here https://mailchi.mp/806e4553a74f/iwcall390-call-for-applications-to-the-iwc-… Queries can be directed to Lindsay Porter (lindsay.jp(a)gmail.com) and Fernando Trujillo (fernando(a)omacha.org)

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 19 Feb '21

19 Feb '21

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND:* The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus* * delphis*), Bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*), and Harbour porpoises (*Phocoena phocoena*), although other species such as Minke whales (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) and Fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural atmosphere. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 30th November 2021. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be *trained to*: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Collect data such as behavior, group size and species; - Collect photos for photo-identification, acoustic recording and underwater videos; - Secchi disk methodology; - Help to collect drone footage and data from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS:* This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit organization. For more information on internship fees for the 2021 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *INCLUDED IN THE FEE IS:* - Accommodation in the research house; - Transportation to/from the marina; - Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE IS:* - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants and snacks; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and the environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team, specially outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 14 days. *PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE:* - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION:* Applicants should fill up the online application at: https://www.aimmportugal.org/application-form Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, with the subject: DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira, where you get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *CONTACTS: * interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- *AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] <https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal> [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/AimmportugalOrg>

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New publication on burst pulses produced by Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis)
by Mariana Barbosa 19 Feb '21

19 Feb '21

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Bioacoustics Journal: Mariana Barbosa, Lis Bittencourt, Tatiana L. Bisi, José Lailson-Brito, and Alexandre F. Azevedo (2021). Characterisation and classification method of burst pulses produced by Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*)*. * https://doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2021.1886169 Abstract: Although burst pulses are the least studied sounds produced by odontocetes, their characterisation is essential to describe the acoustic repertoire of a species. This study aimed to characterise burst pulses produced by Guiana dolphins and propose a visual method to classify these sounds into structural categories. Data collection occurred during boat surveys in south-eastern Brazil. Five acoustic parameters were extracted: number of pulses, dura- tion, interclick interval, click repetition rate, and minimum fre- quency. All sounds were visually classified into four categories and used in a discriminant function analysis. In addition, a K-means cluster was used to compare the visual classification with this unsupervised grouping method and confirm the repre- sentativeness of each category. According to the discriminant ana- lysis, most sounds were correctly classified (77%) into the four categories. Both methods grouped burst pulses in similar patterns, confirming the use of the categories. Click repetition rate was the most important parameter to separate categories. The variation in this parameter could be related to different behaviours as already suggested for other species. Thus, each category could have a different function in Guiana dolphin communication. The visual classification method is efficient and could be used for other spe- cies that produce pulsed sounds. Link to paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2021.1886169 Contact e-mail: marib66(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Mariana Barbosa

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New publication: Lessons from research and management of cetacean tourism in New Zealand
by Marta Guerra 18 Feb '21

18 Feb '21

Dear MARMAM subscribers, On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to announce the publication of our article 'Looking back to move forward: lessons from three decades of research and management of cetacean tourism in New Zealand', recently published in Frontiers in Marine Science. The article can be accessed via https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.624448 (open access), or you can also email me at marta.guerra(a)otago.ac.nz for a copy of the pdf. Best wishes, Marta 'Looking back to move forward: lessons from three decades of research and management of cetacean tourism in New Zealand' Maddalena Fumagalli, Marta Guerra, Tom Brough, William Carome, Rochelle Constantine, James Higham, Will Rayment, Elisabeth Slooten, Karen Stockin, Steve Dawson. Abstract: Cetacean tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand is now over 30 years old and has experienced substantial growth in visitor numbers and operations. The industry is remarkably diverse, targeting several dolphin and whale species, and encompassing varied habitats in coastal waters, fiords and submarine canyons. The knowledge and experience collected over these past 30 years has both advanced the global understanding of cetacean tourism, and influenced scientific practices for its study and management. Here we review the approaches taken in quantifying the impact of cetacean tourism in New Zealand, and critically assess the efficacy of the research and management strategies adopted. We place particular focus on the Bay of Islands, Hauraki Gulf, Kaikoura, Akaroa and Fiordland, areas that include the oldest, and longest studied industries nationally. We propose a set of best research practices, expose the most notable knowledge gaps and identify emerging research questions. Drawing on perspectives from the natural and social sciences, we outline the key determinants of failure and success in protecting cetacean populations from the detrimental impact of tourism. We suggest four golden rules for future management efforts: (1) acknowledge cetacean tourism as a sub-lethal anthropogenic stressor to be managed with precaution, (2) apply integrated and adaptive site- and species-specific approaches, (3) fully conceptualize tourism within its broader social and ecological contexts, and (4) establish authentic collaborations and engagement with the local community. Lastly, we forecast upcoming challenges and opportunities for research and management of this industry in the context of global climate change. Despite New Zealand's early establishment of precautionary legislation and advanced tourism research and management approaches, we detected flaws in current schemes, and emphasize the need for more adaptive and comprehensive strategies. Cetacean tourism remains an ongoing challenge in New Zealand and globally.

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New Publication: Stredulinsky et al. (2021)
by Eva Stredulinsky 18 Feb '21

18 Feb '21

Dear colleagues, We are very pleased to announce the recent publication of our paper: "Family feud: permanent group splitting in a highly philopatric mammal, the killer whale (*Orcinus orca*)". The article is available here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-021-02992-8 AUTHORS Stredulinsky, E.H., C.T. Darimont, L. Barrett-Lennard, G.M. Ellis, and J.K.B. Ford ABSTRACT For animals that tend to remain with their natal group rather than individually disperse, group sizes may become too large to benefit individual fitness. In such cases, group splitting (or fission) allows philopatric animals to form more optimal group sizes without sacrificing all familiar social relationships. Although permanent group splitting is observed in many mammals, it occurs relatively infrequently. Here, we use combined generalized modeling and machine learning approaches to provide a comprehensive examination of group splitting in a population of killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) that occurred over three decades. Fission occurred both along and across maternal lines, where animals dispersed in parallel with their closest maternal kin. Group splitting was more common: (1) in larger natal groups, (2) when the common maternal ancestor was no longer alive, and (3) among groups with greater substructuring. The death of a matriarch did not appear to immediately trigger splitting. Our data suggest intragroup competition for food, leadership experience and kinship are important factors that influence group splitting in this population. Our approach provides a foundation for future studies to examine the dynamics and consequences of matrilineal fission in killer whales and other taxa. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Group living among mammals often involves long-term social affiliation, strengthened by kinship and cooperative behaviours. As such, changes in group membership may have significant consequences for individuals' fitness and a population's genetic structure. Permanent group splitting is a complex and relatively rare phenomenon that has yet to be examined in detail in killer whales. In the context of a growing population, in which offspring of both sexes remain with their mothers for life, we provide the first in-depth examination of group splitting in killer whales, where splitting occurs both along and across maternal lines. We also undertake the first comprehensive assessment of how killer whale intragroup cohesion is influenced by both external and internal factors, including group structure, population and group demography, and resource abundance. Best, Eva Stredulinsky *_____________________________* *Eva Stredulinsky* *Aquatic biologist* *Fisheries and Oceans Canada* *Pacific Biological Station* *3190 Hammond Bay Road* *Nanaimo BC **V9T 6N7* *Email: eva.stredulinsky(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca <eva.stredulinsky(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca>*

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Humpback whale responses to killer whale sounds
by Benjamin Benti 18 Feb '21

18 Feb '21

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest results in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Benti et al. (2021) Indication that the behavioural responses of humpback whales to killer whale sounds are influenced by trophic relationships. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 660:217-232. DOI: 10.3354/meps13592 Abstract: Eavesdropping, the detection of communication signals by unintended receivers, can be beneficial in predator–prey interactions, competition, and cooperation. The cosmopolitan killer whale Orcinus orca has diverged into several ecotypes which exhibit specialised diets and different vocal behaviours. These ecotypes have diverse ecological relationships with other marine mammal species, and sound could be a reliable sensory modality for eavesdroppers to discriminate between ecotypes and thereby respond adaptively. Here, we tested whether humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the northeast Atlantic responded differently to playback of the sounds of two killer whale ecotypes, northeast Atlantic herring-feeding killer whales representing food competitors and northeast Pacific mammal-eating killer whales simulating potential predators. We used animal-borne tags and surface visual observations to monitor the behaviour of humpback whales throughout playback experiments. Humpback whales clearly approached the source of herring-feeding killer whale sounds (5/6 cases), suggesting a ‘dinner-bell’ attraction effect. Responses to mammal-eating killer whale sounds varied with the context of presentation: playback elicited strong avoidance responses by humpback whales in offshore waters during summer (7/8 cases), whereas the whales either approached (2/4 cases) or avoided (2/4 cases) the sound source in inshore waters during winter. These results indicate that humpback whales may be able to functionally discriminate between the sounds of different killer whale ecotypes. Acoustic discrimination of heterospecific sounds may be widespread among marine mammals, suggesting that marine mammals could rely on eavesdropping as a primary source of information to make decisions during heterospecific encounters. Sincerely, Benjamin Benti (on behalf of all authors)

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IMMS Dolphin Photo-ID Research Internship Summer 2021 - Deadline Approaching
by Jessica Post 18 Feb '21

18 Feb '21

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-ID research as well as any other current research projects at IMMS that may involve species such as: bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, or diamondback terrapins. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including: stranding response, aquarist and reptile care, and animal care. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat-based surveys. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills Principle Duties include: data entry, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-ID fin images, learning to use photo-ID programs such as Darwin (fin matching software) and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21' boat), and learn how to use ArcGIS Secondary Duties include: assisting animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting educational staff Field Days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this internship program. This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will assist interns in finding rooms available to rent, usually with other staff members. The deadline to apply for the summer sessions (May 3-July 23, 2021 or May 31-August 20, 2021) is March 1, 2021. Please know we are aware that our internship dates do not match up well with school end and start dates for the summer season, but we are willing to work with students to accommodate these differences. For application and full details on how to apply please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship/ Jessica Post Research Assistant Research Intern Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503

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MARMAM post : Predicting seasonal movements and distribution of the sperm whale using machine learning algorithms
by michel Vély 17 Feb '21

17 Feb '21

Dear Marmamers, We are pleased to share our new article : Chambault, P., Fossette, S., Heide‐Jørgensen, M. P., Jouannet, D., & Vély, M. Predicting seasonal movements and distribution of the sperm whale using machine learning algorithms. Ecology and Evolution. available in open access on the following link : http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7154 Abstract : Implementation of effective conservation planning relies on a robust understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of the target species. In the marine realm, this is even more challenging for species rarely seen at the sea surface due to their extreme diving behavior like the sperm whales. Our study aims at (a) investigating the seasonal movements, (b) predicting the potential distribution, and (c) assessing the diel vertical behavior of this species in the Mascarene Archipelago in the south‐west Indian Ocean. Using 21 satellite tracks of sperm whales and eight environmental predictors, 14 supervised machine learning algorithms were tested and compared to predict the whales' potential distribution during the wet and dry season, separately. Fourteen of the whales remained in close proximity to Mauritius, while a migratory pattern was evidenced with a synchronized departure for eight females that headed towards Rodrigues Island. The best performing algorithm was the random forest, showing a strong affinity of the whales for sea surface height during the wet season and for bottom temperature during the dry season. A more dispersed distribution was predicted during the wet season, whereas a more restricted distribution to Mauritius and Reunion waters was found during the dry season, probably related to the breeding period. A diel pattern was observed in the diving behavior, likely following the vertical migration of squids. The results of our study fill a knowledge gap regarding seasonal movements and habitat affinities of this vulnerable species, for which a regional IUCN assessment is still missing in the Indian Ocean. Our findings also confirm the great potential of machine learning algorithms in conservation planning and provide highly reproductible tools to support dynamic ocean management. Philippine Chambault, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Strandgade 91, DK‐1401 Copenhagen, Denmark. Email: Philippine.Chambault(a)gmail.com<mailto:Philippine.Chambault@gmail.com> [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/cms/asset/a7309bc6-afca-42a4-9ab5-178837310…]<http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7154> Predicting seasonal movements and distribution of the sperm whale using machine learning algorithms<http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7154> 21 satellite tracked sperm whales in the south‐west Indian Ocean. The use of 14 machine learning algorithms predicted probabilities of the sperm whale's distribution during the wet and dry seasons. dx.doi.org<http://dx.doi.org> --

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Manatee internship
by Faucett, Blake 17 Feb '21

17 Feb '21

Manatee Internships-Blake Faucett Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one 2021 internship! Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship: one 6-month term starting as soon as possible. The expected start date for the internship is flexible. Working hours are typically 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 40 hours a week, with some nights and weekends required. The position is in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee and cetacean field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality and rescue reports and assist with other office and public outreach work as needed. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is preferred. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This internship is unpaid. Housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: § A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability § A résumé describing training and experience § A list of three references § An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 https://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships/se-fl-intern/

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SJC Marine Mammal Stranding Network - Summer Internship
by alyssa＠whalemuseum.org 16 Feb '21

16 Feb '21

The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN), a program of The Whale Museum established in 1980, is authorized by NMFS to respond to all marine mammal strandings in San Juan County, WA. We typically respond to more than 200 calls of both live and deceased animals per year. SJCMMSN is currently hiring two (2) San Juan Island-based interns to help respond to marine mammal strandings during our busy stranding season. Interns and volunteers of this critical program serve as ambassadors between humans and marine mammals as well as contribute scientific data that is crucial to both human and animal health. Internship is based in Friday Harbor, WA and requires approximately 35-40 hours per week from late June through early September. Schedule may vary and involve “on call” time. There will be a variety of tasks both in the field and in an office setting. Interns will receive an hourly wage. Housing is not provided, but we will give you resources and help you find accommodations. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Assist with stranding response including: conducting health assessments of live seal pups in the field; tagging harbor seals that are not collected for rehabilitation; transferring harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center; assisting with surveying and documenting entangled animals; and conducting Level A examinations on dead marine mammals • Assist with necropsies of fresh dead marine mammals including: transferring carcasses to the lab space; preparing, setting-up, and taking down necropsy supplies; organizing and archiving biological samples • Perform first mate duties on board The Whale Museum’s stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard • Assist with data entry and analysis for SJCMMSN as well as The Whale Museum’s marine mammal sightings network and passive acoustics collection • Assist with training and supervising a volunteer network of approximately 60 people • Participate in weekly outreach events to teach the public about Share the Shore regulations REQUIREMENTS: • Applicant should be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university, or be a recent graduate from a college or university (up to 3 years). • Possess a valid US driver's license and access to a mode of transportation • Interest in the field of marine mammalogy, marine science, or wildlife science • Experience boating in the marine environment • Experience with field work • Exceptional attention to detail • Physically fit (able to lift 50 lbs) PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Animal handling experience • Experience with conflict resolution & public communication • Project management experience HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please submit a letter of interest, a resume, and three letters of recommendation as one pdf. Please include what dates you are available. Applications accepted until 11:59pm (PST) on March 15th, 2021. Decisions will be made by April 2nd, 2021. Please send application materials (or questions) to: Alyssa Scott // alyssa(a)whalemuseum.org Please include in your subject line: SJCMMSN Internship Application (Your Last Name) For more information on the internship, visit [ The Whale Museum website ]( https://whalemuseum.org/pages/job-internship-volunteer-opportunities ).

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