March 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Comparative anatomy nasal cavity three Delphinidae species
by cemma organizacion 01 Mar '21

01 Mar '21

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our new article on the comparative anatomy of the nasal cavity of common and striped dolphins and the long-finned pilot whale during pre- and postnatal development. García de los Ríos y Loshuertos A, Soler Laguía M, Arencibia Espinosa A, López Fernández A, Covelo Figueiredo P, Martínez Gomariz F, Sánchez Collado C, García Carrillo N, Ramírez Zarzosa G. Comparative Anatomy of the Nasal Cavity in the Common Dolphin *Delphinus delphis* L., Striped Dolphin *Stenella coeruleoalba* M. and Pilot Whale *Globicephala melas* T.: A Developmental Study. Animals 2021, 11(2):441. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020441 The developmental anatomy of the dolphin head has been studied mostly in single fetuses and few works have been made using a wide range of specimens. In this study, fetal specimens are the main subjects, but newborn, juvenile and adult specimens were also used. Our study analyzes the external nose and nasal cavities during pre- and postnatal development. The nose and nasal cavities were studied using a high-resolution endoscopy to analyze changes in the mucosa of fetal specimens, newborns and juveniles. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was also used in fetuses to locate and identify significant structures. Computed Tomography (CT) allowed us to understand the development of the facial bones and the nasal cavity. The histological samples were compared with a horse, a terrestrial mammal with a complex nasal anatomy. Dissections and anatomical sections in two spatial planes were compared with MRI and CT studies. Endoscopy of the external nose showed interesting morphological changes as only two different diverticula (air sacs) were observed in the vestibular part and one recess in the respiratory and olfactory part. We conclude that nasal cavity development of the striped and common dolphins and the pilot whale is simpler than in the bottlenose dolphin and the melon is part of the nose both anatomically and functionally. Best regards, The scientific team <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Libre de virus. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

1 0

New paper: Abundance and distribution of Antarctic blue whales Balaenoptera musculus intermedia off the Queen Maud Land coast of Antarctica
by Els Vermeulen 28 Feb '21

28 Feb '21

Dear colleagues, On behalf of all the co-authors, we are happy to inform you on the publication of our new article "*Abundance and distribution of Antarctic blue whales Balaenoptera musculus intermedia off the Queen Maud Land coast of Antarctica*" Abstract: The Antarctic blue whale *Balaenoptera musculus intermedia* was hunted to near extinction in the twentieth century. Current data on the abundance and distribution of the species are lacking owing to the difficulty and expense of surveys under adverse weather conditions in open-ocean habitats, and to the small population size. The most recently accepted global abundance estimate, based on the middle survey (1997/1998) of three circumpolar Antarctic surveys conducted between 1991/1992 and 2003/2004, was less than 1% of the original pre-whaling population size. The present study used a visual line-transect survey off the Queen Maud Land coast of Antarctica, in an area between 0° and 18° E and south of 67° S, in January 2014, to estimate the abundance of Antarctic blue whales in this area. Effort-accounted densities of sightings averaged 13.3 individuals per 1 000 nautical miles of survey effort (CV = 0.26) and reinforce recent findings that the area has significantly higher densities than averaged in circumpolar surveys (0.17–1.48 per 1 000 nautical miles). Distance sampling resulted in a population density estimate of 0.019 whales nautical-mile−2 (CV = 0.24) and an estimated abundance of 1 026 Antarctic blue whales (CV = 0.20, 95% CI 632–1 450) in the surveyed area. Obtaining such current estimates of abundance is crucial for assessment of the conservation status of the Antarctic blue whale population and for monitoring its recovery. The article can be obtained from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/1814232X.2020.1864471 Or upon request to els.vermeulen(a)up.ac.za. Kind regards ----- Dr Els Vermeulen - Research Manager Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria, South Africa

1 0

Soundwatch Boater Education Program Internship
by Alanna 28 Feb '21

28 Feb '21

The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program: 2021 Summer Internship Openings The Soundwatch Boater Education Program is seeking interns for the 2021 summer season. Soundwatch is a research, education and monitoring program working to reduce vessel disturbance to orcas and other marine wildlife in the Salish Sea region of Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Soundwatch is looking for interns to help conduct seasonal vessel patrols, educate boaters on regional/federal Be Whale Wise guidelines and regulations, and collect data while monitoring vessel activity around whales. Data from this critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered orcas and other marine wildlife. The data is used to promote better boater compliance and to inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and federal vessel laws and guidelines. The Soundwatch program is operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a not-for-profit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington State. To learn more, please visit our website and read Soundwatch’s most recent Contract Report and publications. Interns Must: • Commit to at least 12 weeks between May and September. • Be able to work approximately 35-40 hours per week, Mon-Sun. • Perform a variety of tasks both in the field, aboard small research vessel and in an office setting. • Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic and attention to detail. • Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. • Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water sometimes in extreme seasonal conditions. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least four to five times a week. Internship is located in Friday Harbor, Washington. Interns are responsible for finding their own housing and having a mode of transportation. This position provides a stipend to offset housing costs. Once accepted, TWM staff will be able to assist interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. Applicant requirements: • At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), must be able to swim, not easily susceptible to seasickness, and familiar with database spreadsheets. • Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. • Interns will need(for the entirety of their position) a valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license and CPR/First Aid certification. A state boater license or equivalent safe boating card is not required, but is encouraged. • Knowledge of the area and Southern Resident orca whales is preferred, but not required. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. If possible, submit application materials as one PDF. Applications accepted until March 19, 2021, with decisions made by April 9. PLEASE SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Alanna Frayne Soundwatch Boater Education Program and Be Whale Wise Coordinator alanna(a)whalemuseum.org Feel free to contact with any questions. Alanna Frayne Pronouns: she/her/hers Soundwatch Program Coordinator Be Whale Wise Coordinator The Whale Museum Phone: (360) 378-4710 ext. 33

1 0