February 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New article published on harbor porpoise conservation in Europe
by Laetitia Nunny 03 Feb '21

03 Feb '21

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our article “Out of Sight, Out of Mind: How Conservation Is Failing European Porpoises” which has just been published in Frontiers in Marine Science (open access) as part of the research topic "Small Cetacean Conservation: Current Challenges and Opportunities". In the article we stress the vulnerability of the harbor porpoise in European seas and especially in the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and in the waters of the Iberian Peninsula off Portugal and Spain, and call for urgent action, especially in relation to bycatch. The article can be found at the following link: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.617478/full?&utm_so… Citation: Carlén I, Nunny L and Simmonds MP (2021) Out of Sight, Out of Mind: How Conservation Is Failing European Porpoises. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:617478. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.617478 Abstract The conservation of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) appears to be failing in Europe. There are particular concerns about this species in the Baltic Proper, Black, and Mediterranean Seas, as well as in the Northeast Atlantic, including the Iberian population, off the Spanish and Portuguese coasts. The Baltic Proper porpoise is “critically endangered,” with a population only in the low hundreds, and the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission has repeatedly called for action to ensure its survival. In 2020, the Committee issued a series of recommendations relating to it and the Iberian population. Similarly, the Black Sea harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena ssp. relicta, is classified by the IUCN as endangered. Another population which may be genetically distinct is the West Greenland harbor porpoise, which is hunted without quotas or close seasons. European cetaceans and their habitats are covered by a number of international and regional conventions and agreements and, under European Union law, are “highly protected.” In practice, however, these legal protections have failed to generate effective conservation. For example, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are required for them and, although sites have been designated in some marine areas/countries, in the absence of appropriate management plans, SACs cannot be expected to help improve the harbor porpoise's conservation status. Compared to many other species, porpoises are relatively long-lived with low reproductive capacity and only poor public recognition. Conservation and management efforts are caught up in a complicated nexus of interactions involving a web of commitments under international conventions and agreements, European environmental laws, and European fisheries policy. However, public disinterest, lack of political will to implement conservation measures, and complicated fishing-related issues hinder any real progress. More positively, recent advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) provides a new scientific foundation for conservation action to address fisheries bycatch in the Baltic Proper harbor porpoise population. Populations of other porpoise species (family Phocoenidae) are also threatened, most notably the global population of the critically endangered vaquita, or Gulf of California porpoise (Phocoena sinus). The common threats and factors affecting porpoise populations are discussed and recommendations offered. Keywords: harbor porpoise, porpoise, bycatch, Phocoena, Baltic, vaquita, conservation Thank you for your interest. Best wishes, Ida Carlén (Coalition Clean Baltic), Laetitia Nunny (Wild Animal Welfare) and Mark P. Simmonds (Humane Society International) Please send any correspondence regarding the article to Mark P. Simmonds: mark.simmonds(a)sciencegyre.co.uk <mailto:mark.simmonds@sciencegyre.co.uk>

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FAO Report on Marine Mammal Bycatch
by Tim Werner 03 Feb '21

03 Feb '21

The FAO recently published its"*Guidelines to prevent and reduce bycatch of marine mammals in capture fisheries". *The technical guidelines can be accessed via this link: http://www.fao.org/3/cb2887en/cb2887en.pdf <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fao.or…>* . *This document received the input of many experts in marine mammal bycatch reduction and fisheries, who provided their expertise during two workshops convened at the FAO's office in Rome. For more information about bycatch and discards from the FAO, please see: http://www.fao.org/responsible-fishing/en/ <https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fao.or…> . All the best, Timothy Werner UMASS-Boston and OAI Consulting Website: bycatch.org Twitter: @bycatch.org

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IMMS animal training internship (summer)
by Jennifer Pishnyuk 03 Feb '21

03 Feb '21

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, MS is accepting applications for our summer term. *The deadline for applications is March 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, give educational presentations to guests before they interact with our animals, 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 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) 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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[EXT]: New Publication: Polychlorinated biphenyls are associated with reduced testes weights in harbour porpoises
by Rosie Williams 03 Feb '21

03 Feb '21

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication: Polychlorinated biphenyls are associated with reduced testes weights in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), which has been published in Environment International. The article is open access and is available to read here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106303 Williams, R.S., Curnick, D.J., Brownlow, A., Barber, J.L., Barnett, J., Davison, N.J., Deaville, R., Ten Doeschate, M., Perkins, M., Jepson, P.D. and Jobling, S., 2021. Polychlorinated biphenyls are associated with reduced testes weights in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Environment International, p.106303. Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are highly toxic and persistent aquatic pollutants that are known to bioaccumulate in a variety of marine mammals. They have been associated with reduced recruitment rates and population declines in multiple species. Evidence to date documents effects of PCB exposures on female reproduction, but few studies have investigated whether PCB exposure impacts male fertility. Using blubber tissue samples of 99 adult and 168 juvenile UK-stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) collected between 1991 and 2017, here we show that PCBs exposures are associated with reduced testes weights in adults with good body condition. In animals with poor body condition, however, the impact of PCBs on testes weights was reduced, conceivably due to testes weights being limited by nutritional stress. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between PCB contaminant burden and testes weights in cetaceans and represents a substantial advance in our understanding of the relationship between PCB exposures and male reproductive biology in cetaceans. As testes weight is a strong indicator of male fertility in seasonally breeding mammals, we suggest the inclusion of such effects in population level impact assessments involving PCB exposures. Given the re-emergent PCB threat our findings are globally significant, with potentially serious implications for long-lived mammals. We show that more effective PCB controls could have a substantial impact on the reproductive health of coastal cetacean species and that management actions may need to be escalated to ensure adequate protection of the most vulnerable cetacean populations. Feel free to email me (rosie.williams(a)ioz.ac.uk<mailto:rosie.williams@ioz.ac.uk>) if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss our findings further. Also, if you are unable to access the article at the above link then I would be happy to send you a copy of the manuscript. Best, Rosie Rosie Williams Zoological Society of London & Brunel University London Twitter: @RosieSWilliams1 _________________________________________________________________________ The Zoological Society of London is incorporated by Royal Charter - Registered Charity in England and Wales no. 208728. Principal Office England - Company Number RC000749 - Registered address Regent's Park, London, England NW1 4RY _________________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been sent in confidence to the named addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose or distribute it in any form, and you are asked to contact the sender immediately. Views or opinions expressed in this communication may not be those of The Zoological Society of London and, therefore, The Zoological Society of London does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. The recipient(s) must be aware that e-mail is not a secure communication medium and that the contents of this mail may have been altered by a third party in transit. If you have any issues regarding this mail please visit: https://www.zsl.org/about-us/contact-us

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Monday's Ocean Talks with AIMM Portugal
by AIMM Internships 03 Feb '21

03 Feb '21

*Monday’s Ocean Talks* AIMM is very happy to announce a new initiative. Monday’s Ocean Talks is a set of interviews between Joana Castro, the founder of AIMM, and invited guests from all over the world who plays an important role within the marine conservation and research. The launch of Monday’s Ocean Talks is the 15th of February and every two weeks a new interview will be released. Each interview has duration of one hour and it’s an informal talk, a sharing of experiences and an exchange of knowledge. The interviews will be available in the YouTube channel of AIMM to reach a wide audience. Subscribe and meet an Ocean Researcher! The first interview will be with Drº Iain Kerr. Please read his biography below. *Iain Kerr, D.H.L.* Dr. Iain Kerr has a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of London and a D.H.L. from the University of Southern Maine. Iain began his career at Ocean Alliance as a volunteer and has grown with the organization over the last 30 years. He is listed as author on over 35 scientific papers and has ensured that Ocean Alliance messages reach the general public through international television and films. Iain has led international conservation research efforts across the globe. As a result of exposing illegal sea cucumber fishing in the Galapagos, Iain received the SOS Grand Blue award in 1994. Iain was awarded the Chevron Conservation Award in 2006 and in 2014 the Annenberg Foundation listed Iain as one of 25 visionary leaders. In 2013, Iain recognized that drones could be the future of whale research and conservation. Monday Ocean Talks Interview with Drº Iain Kerr. 15th February at AIMM YouTube channel More info: info(a)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 sex and size variation in long-term foraging ecology of belugas and narwhals
by Marie Louis 03 Feb '21

03 Feb '21

Dear all, We are pleased to share our publication: Louis M., Skovrind M., Garde E., Heide-Jørgensen M.P., Szpak P., Lorenzen E.D. 2021. Population-specific sex and size variation in long-term foraging ecology of belugas and narwhals. Royal Society Open Science 8 (2). https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.202226 Abstract Intraspecific variation in resource use by individuals of different age, sex or size may reflect differing energetic requirements and physiological constraints. Males and females often show differences in diet owing to sexual size dimorphism, different life histories and/or habitat use. Here, we investigate how sex and size influence the long-term foraging ecology of belugas and narwhals in Greenland, using stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen from bone collagen. We show that males have a higher trophic level and a larger ecological niche than females in West Greenland belugas and in East Greenland narwhals. In addition, for these two populations, we find that δ15N increases with size, particularly in males. We hypothesize that sexual size dimorphism together with strong maternal investment drive these differences. By contrast, we find no differences in foraging ecology between sexes in West Greenland narwhals and observe no influence of size on trophic level. This may reflect the influence of interspecific competition in West Greenland, where the distributions of belugas and narwhals overlap, and/or geographical resource partitioning among different summer aggregations of narwhals. Our results suggest that sex and size variations in diet are population dependent, and probably the result of varying ecological interactions. The article is open access and available at:<https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-018-3341-z> https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.202226 On behalf of all co-authors, Eline and Marie

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Position available: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), World Cetacean Alliance
by Sophie Lewis 02 Feb '21

02 Feb '21

Dear Colleagues, The position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the World Cetacean Alliance is now open for applications. For the full role description please visit: https://worldcetaceanalliance.org/vacancies/chief-executive-officer/ Applications are welcome from all locations worldwide (some travel to the UK head office likely required when restrictions allow). *To apply: *Please send a CV and covering letter to Roger Mann, Co-Chair of Trustee Board at trustee(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org *Deadline for applications*: 20th of February, 2021 SUMMARY Are you passionate about wildlife conservation as a force for driving community-based ocean conservation through local community projects worldwide? We are looking for someone with the motivation and ambition to sustain the momentum that has brought the charity to its current position; to meet new challenges and to strengthen the bond with the WCAs partners and key stakeholders. You will champion our values and deliver our vision of *‘**a World where cetaceans are only found in the wild, are respected and fully protected, and live in sustainable habitats and in harmony with people everywhere.’* A track record of strategic leadership, delivering significant growth and of developing projects and raising funds is essential. You must be able to demonstrate a strong and effective commitment to marine conservation; be a leading advocate for the WCA, someone who has the ability to communicate at all levels both within the WCA partnership and to a wider audience. OVERVIEW In this high-level role, you will be accountable for the design and execution of the WCA’s strategic framework whilst providing visible leadership for staff, volunteers and members. Leading a forward-looking organisation, you will develop an adaptive management culture to enable rapid responses to emerging opportunities. The CEO must have the motivation and ambition to sustain the momentum that has brought the WCA to its current position; to meet new challenges and to strengthen the bond with the WCA’s partners around the world. The CEO will show strategic leadership, delivering significant growth and developing projects and raising funds in the process. The CEO will demonstrate a strong and effective commitment to cetacean conservation and welfare; be a leading advocate for the WCA, and have the ability to communicate at all levels both within the WCA and to a wider audience. The Chief Executive Officer is accountable to the Board of Trustees and Global Council for delivering the mission of WCA. You will report to the Chair of the Board and be supported by three committed and hard-working staff, based at our headquarters in East Sussex, UK. The start-date is negotiable but the position is currently vacant and being covered by an executive board. *‘This is an extremely exciting opportunity to lead a wonderful charity, in which skilled professionals and volunteers work together to deliver world-class marine conservation and responsible tourism outreach and impact. The WCA has a clear vision and goals, underpinned by the shared passion and commitment of staff, trustees, partners and volunteers. The response of the WCA to the current pandemic has been agile and innovative, and the charity has continued to grow and develop during these unprecedented times. It is a pleasure and privilege to serve as a Chair of WCA Board of Trustees, and I look forward to supporting the next CEO in helping the WCA continue to flourish’* Suzanne Rogers, Co-Chair of WCA Board Best wishes, -- *Sophie Lewis* Head of Programmes *World Cetacean Alliance* Unit D, 132-134 Albion Street, Southwick, Brighton, BN42 4DP, UK. t: +44 (0) 1273 355011 e: sophie.lewis(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org *Help us Save Whales! Donate today! <https://worldcetaceanalliance.org/donate/>* The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 118 organisations and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately. Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments. -- Please prefix all WCA emails with one of the following codes in the subject box WCA ANNOUNCE: Email is an announcement that requires no further action WCA AB: Action By. Includes a timeframe e.g. AB+2 means action within 2 days WCA AR: Action Required. No timeframe specified WCA SS: Social Share. Email is a request to share information via social media WCA PRIORITY: Email is important and should be read by all Partners

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Sotalia guianensis in Venezuela (Maracaibo Lake) - new article
by Hector Barrios-Garrido PhD 01 Feb '21

01 Feb '21

Dear readers, We are glad to announce the last article published by our laboratory (General Ecology at University of Zulia, Venezuela). Its title is: “Guiana Dolphin (*Sotalia guianensis*) in the Maracaibo Lake System, Venezuela: conservation, threats, and population overview.” This article was recently published in Frontiers in Marine Science (Open Access) as part of the research topic: Small cetaceans Conservation: Current Challenges and Opportunities. We found that high levels of Guiana dolphin mortality is related to fishing activities. However, there is a lack of standardized population assessments to compare abundance, population trends, distribution, and fisheries-related mortality of Guiana dolphins in the Maracaibo Lake System. We encouraged more research efforts to have a better perspective about all key-threat already identified in this aquatic system. Citation: Barrios-Garrido, H.; De Turris-Morales, K.; Espinoza-Rodríguez, N. 2021. Guiana Dolphin (*Sotalia guianensis*) in the Maracaibo Lake System, Venezuela: conservation, threats, and population overview. Frontiers in Marine Science, 594021. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.594021 Abstract The Guiana dolphin (*Sotalia guianensis*) home range is located across Central and South American countries, in coastal habitats in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. Its distribution is scattered, with multiple population centers which are under threats that vary based on local realities. We compiled and assessed biological data from multiple sources (published and unpublished data) to improve our understanding regarding the Maracaibo Lake Management Unit, which is an isolated and unique population core of this species. We identified at least two distinguishable population centers throughout the Maracaibo Lake System, one in the northern portion—in the Gulf of Venezuela, and another in the southern portion of the Maracaibo Lake itself. Both centers have differences in some biological aspects (e.g., group size and habitat use), but similarities in the human-induced pressures (e.g., intentional take, habitat degradation, and traditional use). We detailed the uses of Guiana dolphin (consumptive and non-consumptive) by community members, including the use as talismans for indigenous fishers and consumption of its meat as a religious belief (Easter period), and dolphin watching tours carried out by local companies. In one artisanal port, at least 15 animals are intentionally taken annually to be used for local consumption, shark-bait, or trade; however, we acknowledge that this annual take is likely an underestimate. Further research is needed to clarify how and at what magnitude mentioned and other key-threats are impacting over Guiana dolphin MU in the Maracaibo Lake System. Keywords: intentional take, by-catch capture, ambient noise, heavy metals, management plan, aquatic bushmeat, small cetaceans, southern Caribbean. If you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind regards, On behalf of my co-authors, Dr. Hector Barrios-Garrido, author of correspondence

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New article: Natural dimethyl sulfide gradients would lead marine predators to higher prey biomass.
by Ms Kylie Owen 01 Feb '21

01 Feb '21

Hey everyone, My co-authors and I pleased to announce our new publication in Nature Communications Biology. We show that following gradients of dimethyl sulfide would lead zooplankton predators (such as many baleen whale species) to higher prey biomass than swimming randomly. Owen K., Saeki K., Warren J.D., Bocconcelli A., Wiley D.N., Ohira S., Bombosch A., Toda K., Zitterbart D. Natural dimethyl sulfide gradients would lead marine predators to higher prey biomass. Commun Biol 4, 149 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-01668-3 ABSTRACT Finding prey is essential to survival, with marine predators hypothesised to track chemicals such as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) while foraging. Many predators are attracted to artificially released DMS, and laboratory experiments have shown that zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton accelerates DMS release. However, whether natural DMS concentrations are useful for predators and correlated to areas of high prey biomass remains a fundamental knowledge gap. Here, we used concurrent hydroacoustic surveys and in situ DMS measurements to present evidence that zooplankton biomass is spatially correlated to natural DMS concentration in air and seawater. Using agent simulations, we also show that following gradients of DMS would lead zooplankton predators to areas of higher prey biomass than swimming randomly. Further understanding of the conditions and scales over which these gradients occur, and how they are used by predators, is essential to predicting the impact of future changes in the ocean on predator foraging success. If you have any questions about our study, please feel free to get in touch. Kind regards Kylie

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IMMS Dolphin Photo-ID Internship Summer 2021
by Jessica Post 01 Feb '21

01 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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