March 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

UAB Summer School Course on Diseases of Marine Mammals
by Mariano Domingo Álvarez 15 Mar '21

15 Mar '21

UAB Summer School Course on Diseases of Marine Mammals The UAB Summer School 2021 announces an international course on Diseases of Marine Mammals taking place from 21st of June to the 9th of July 2021, with 6 ECTS. Enrolment for international and non-UAB students is already open. Registration for internal UAB students will be open by May 14th. The course will be presential. Please check on the webpage of the program for information related to the course and other activities of the Summer School (language courses, other cultural activities) www.uab.cat/barcelona-summer-school<http://www.uab.cat/barcelona-summer-school> For specific information related to the course, feel free to contact me mariano.domingo(a)uab.cat Mariano Domingo Profesor del Departamento de Sanidad Animal de la UAB Investigador del Subp. Enfermedades Exóticas del CReSA Edifici CReSA, s/n, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona) Catalunya Tel.: +34 93 581 4567 mariano.domingo(a)uab.cat

1 0

New publication: In‐Water Bridge Construction Effects on Manatees with Implications for Marine Megafauna Species
by Elizabeth Hieb 15 Mar '21

15 Mar '21

On behalf of all co-authors, we are pleased to share our recent publication: Hieb, E.E., E.A. Eniang, L.W. Keith-Diagne, and R.H. Carmichael. 2021. In‐Water Bridge Construction Effects on Manatees with Implications for Marine Megafauna Species. The Journal of Wildlife Management 1–12; 2021. DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22030. To request a copy of the paper, please contact ehieb(a)disl.org. Abstract: Globally, increasing coastal development requires construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure that aﬀects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Construction of bridges as part of transportation networks introduces a series of risks to aquatic species near construction zones. We reviewed relevant literature and obtained exemplary case studies to synthesize potential eﬀects of bridge construction on the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), a nearshore megafauna species vulnerable to human activities. Stages of bridge construction including dredging, pile driving, and installation and assembly of bridge components each involve potential direct and indirect eﬀects on manatees. Direct eﬀects such as vessel interactions, entanglement or ingestion, and entrainment may result in acute physical injury or mortality. Indirect eﬀects from construction such as habitat obstruction or degradation and increased noise from construction activities can alter behavior and intraspecies communication and reduce access to essential resources. Some eﬀects of construction may be immediately diﬃcult to quantify, but cumulative eﬀects through time can result in major habitat and species loss. To prevent large‐scale negative eﬀects of construction on manatees and other aquatic species, use and evaluation of mitigation strategies should be implemented pre‐, during, and post‐construction. As the global human population increasingly occupies coastal zones, eﬀective planning of coastal development, including bridge and other in‐water construction, will be essential to support conservation and recovery eﬀorts for manatees and other species at risk in these areas. Elizabeth Hieb, M.S. Dauphin Island Sea Lab Manatee Sighting Network Research Technician 101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, AL 36528 Phone: (251) 861-2141 ext.7547 This document, including any attachments, contains privileged and/or confidential information. You may neither use, copy, nor deliver to anyone this document or any of its contents or attachments. All data (broadly defined as but not limited to numerical, descriptive, narrative, image, biological or environmental samples, raw or summary data, or any other content herein) belong to the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) and/or the Manatee Sighting Network under the auspices of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) as an agent of the state of Alabama. Use of these data in any form must be requested and approved by contacting Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael (rcarmichael(a)disl.org) ALMMSN/MSN and DISL reserve the right to review, comment and consult on all data sharing and requests for data use. All data use, including analyses and products of any kind (print, oral, visual, archival, internal or external), after approval, must acknowledge and properly cite the DISL, ALMMSN and/or MSN, and data-specific personnel (that may include but not be limited to students, staff, faculty or administrators who contributed data). Approved data users must request the most up-to-date citation from Dr. Carmichael immediately prior to each use.

1 0

New publication: Drones and Marine Mammals in Svalbard, Norway.
by Albert Palomino 15 Mar '21

15 Mar '21

Dear MARMAR-Subscribers, We are pleased to announce that the following new article has been published online: “Drones and Marine Mammals in Svalbard, Norway” Palomino-González A, Kovacs K.M, Lydersen C, Ims R.A, Lowther A.D (2021). Drones and Marine Mammals in Svalbard, Norway. Marine Mammal Science. 1-18, https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12802 <https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12802> Abstract: The impact of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) on marine mammals remains poorly documented despite their increasing use. In the high‐Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard, where marine mammals face increasing pressure from climate change and expanding tourism, the use of RPAS remains largely unregulated. In this study we assessed the impacts of RPAS across a range of species to provide science‐based management advice, using a variety of aircraft sizes and approach strategies. We explored RPAS sound levels and animal behavior prior to and after flights. Preexperimental alertness influenced sensitivity to disturbance notably. Harbor seals were more sensitive during prebreeding than during molting, reacting at distances of 80 m, whereas walruses responded at distances <50 m. Polar bears reacted to the sound of RPAS during take‐off at 300 m, although response levels were relatively low. White whales reacted to the sight of RPAS when flown ahead of the pod, below 15 m. Variations in sound levels typical in overhead descents and manual flights increased disturbance potential more than RPAS size; preprogrammed flight paths are advised. Our study highlights factors that can influence sensitivity to RPAS including tidal state and swell, the presence of young individuals, ambient noise levels, and RPAS approach strategies. For any questions do not hesitate to contact me. Best regards, Albert Palomino González Albert Palomino González, MSc. MSc in Biology: Marine Ecology and Resource Biology Norwegian Polar Institute Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway albert.pg94(a)gmail.com <mailto:albert.pg94@gmail.com>

1 0

Alkenones detected in Odontocetes
by Diego Rita 15 Mar '21

15 Mar '21

Dear Marmam, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Ecological Indicators: *Alkenones in oceanic odontocetes as a potential proxy of environmental water temperature* *Rita, D.; Borrell, A.; Aguilar, A (2021)* Alkenones in oceanic odontocetes as a potential proxy of environmental water temperature. Ecol. Indic. 122. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.107240 Abstract: The alkenones C37:2 and C37:3 are produced exclusively by some haptophyte species. Their relative proportion (Uk’37 index) may be used to infer the water temperature where the synthesising haptophyte lived. Alkenones have been analysed in sediments, planktonic communities and in the low trophic level, filter-feeding fin whales. However, it is unclear whether they can be detected in animals exploiting high trophic levels and used to infer the water temperature in which they live. Alkenones were analysed in blubber samples from three Mediterranean predatory species: the striped dolphin, an epipelagic species; the Risso’s dolphin, a deep diver; and the bottlenose dolphin, a coastal species. Alkenones were detected in all striped dolphin samples and in most of the Risso’s dolphin samples, but they were below detection limits in the bottlenose dolphin samples. The inferred tem- perature for the striped dolphins (16.4 ± 3.3 ºC) was similar to the average water temperature of the region (16.9 ± 3.9 ºC), but that for the Risso’s dolphins was lower than expected (12.7 ± 4.4 ºC). The small sample sizes and the large variance in the Uk’37 index make it difficult to ascertain if the dissimilarity between the two oceanic species is real. Although further research is needed to calibrate this bio-indicator, we can conclude that alkenones are transferred through the trophic web and are found in oceanic cetaceans situated at a high trophic level. This is an open access paper and can be accessed using the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X20311791?via%3Di… Or send me an e-mail (diegorita(a)ub.edu) for the full text. Best regards, Diego Rita Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio) University of Barcelona

1 0

New publication: Interspecific killing of a common dolphin by bottlenose dolphins
by Severine Methion 14 Mar '21

14 Mar '21

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Methion S, Diaz Lopez B (2021) Spatial segregation and interspecific killing of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). acta ethologica. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10211-021-00363-0 Abstract We described the spatial segregation of two species of cetaceans, the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. We also document the first direct observation of interspecific killing of a common dolphin by bottlenose dolphins and of interspecific necrophilia in cetaceans. The study was conducted from 2014 to 2019 in the Ría de Arousa (Northwest Spain). This study highlights that both species use this area as a foraging ground, although they show different patterns of occurrence (bottlenose dolphins were always observed in the ria and common dolphins were mostly observed outside). During the study period, bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins were only observed on five occasions at the same time and in the same area, including three occasions which led to the displacement of the common dolphin(s), and one lethal interaction. In this event, several bottlenose dolphins, including adults and calves, and males and females, aggressively herded, chased, and assaulted a common dolphin. After approximatively 10 minutes, the common dolphin corpse appeared floating at the surface, and several adult male bottlenose dolphins repeatedly pushed the body underneath the water surface and an (attempted) copulation was witnessed. We suggest that the common dolphin could have been killed for competition for food resources or practice for infanticide, and sexual arousal might have been triggered by expression of dominance. Further information about the occurrence of such behaviors, and the outcomes through specific studies on fitness would be crucial to further understand the implication of such events. The article can be found at the following link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10211-021-00363-0 Feel free to contact me to request a pdf or for any question regarding our work at: severine(a)thebdri.com Kind regards, Severine Methion, PhD Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Av. Beiramar 192, 36980, O Grove, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com

1 0

New publication: collaboration for marine mammal conservation
by Mel Cosentino 14 Mar '21

14 Mar '21

Dear Marmamers As marine mammals face an increasing myriad of challenges that threaten their survival, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for their conservation. As a community, we do research, teach, publish, and seek finding, while trying to accommodate a pressing need for science communication and education, as well as the development of new technologies and analytical tools. Marine mammal conservation, therefore, calls for an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative scientific environment that can effectively draw on the more specialised skills of various people, including early career researchers. We would like to share with you our latest publication, a perspective article, where we (both early career researchers) discuss how collaboration is not only good for conservation, but also for researchers themselves and for promoting a healthy work-life balance. The piece was published in a special issue in Frontiers titled "Solving Complex Ocean Challenges Through Interdisciplinary Research: Advances from Early Career Marine Scientists". Cosentino, M and Souviron-Priego L. Think of the Early Career Researchers! Saving the Oceans Through Collaborations. Frontiers in Marine Science. Freely available at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.574620/full We look forward to your thoughts Mel and Lucrecia -- *Mel Cosentino, PhD* Marine Mammal Researcher Aarhus University, Denmark Whalesafari, Norway www.PorpoiseLady.org "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" - E. Burke

1 0

New publication: AUFS foraging consistency
by Cassie Speakman 13 Mar '21

13 Mar '21

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the Open Access publication of the following article: Intertrip consistency in hunting behavior improves foraging success and efficiency in a marine top predator. Cassie N. Speakman, Sebastian T. Lloyd, Elodie C. M. Camprasse, Andrew J. Hoskins, Mark A. Hindell, Daniel P. Costa, and John P. Y. Arnould. Ecology and Evolution, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7337 Abstract: Substantial variation in foraging strategies can exist within populations, even those typically regarded as generalists. Specializations arise from the consistent exploitation of a narrow behavioral, spatial or dietary niche over time, which may reduce intraspecific competition and influence adaptability to environmental change. However, few studies have investigated whether behavioral consistency confers benefits at the individual and/or population level. While still recovering from commercial sealing overexploitation, Australian fur seals (AUFS; *Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus*) represent the largest marine predator biomass in south‐eastern Australia. During lactation, female AUFS adopt a central‐place foraging strategy and are, thus, vulnerable to changes in prey availability. The present study investigated the population‐level repeatability and individual consistency in foraging behavior of 34 lactating female AUFS at a south‐east Australian breeding colony between 2006 and 2019. Additionally, the influence of individual‐level behavioral consistency on indices of foraging success and efficiency during benthic diving was determined. Low to moderate population‐level repeatability was observed across foraging behaviors, with the greatest repeatability in the mean bearing and modal dive depth. Individual‐level consistency was greatest for the proportion of benthic diving, total distance travelled, and trip duration. Indices of benthic foraging success and efficiency were positively influenced by consistency in the proportion of benthic diving, trip duration and dive rate but not influenced by consistency in bearing to most distal point, dive depth or foraging site fidelity. The results of the present study provide evidence of the benefits of consistency for individuals, which may have flow‐on effects at the population level. Please don't hesitate to contact me (cspeakman(a)deakin.edu.au) if you have any questions about the article. Warm regards, Cassie Speakman *PhD candidate* School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood VIC M: +61 477190437 E: cspeakman(a)deakin.edu / cnspe1(a)gmail.com

1 0

Summer Internships Available with Hawaii Marine Animal Response
by marisa.goin＠h-mar.org 12 Mar '21

12 Mar '21

JOIN OUR FIELD RESPONSE TEAM on the beautiful island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. We are accepting applications for interns for our Summer 2021 internship period. The deadline is March 31, however, applications will be reviewed as they come in, and positions will be assigned as responses are received so apply soon. Here is more detail about this opportunity. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is the field operations arm of Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance Inc. and is the largest Hawaii-based non-profit marine species conservation and response organization. We cover nearly 300 miles of coastline on the islands of Oahu and Molokai with our team of volunteers, interns and staff. We are a U.S. based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation and stewardship of Hawaii's protected marine species and our ocean ecosystem. We focus our work on marine species whose natural behaviors and habitat put animals in close proximity to and are therefore most affected by human impacts. These species include the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the threatened green sea turtle, the endangered hawksbill sea turtle and several vulnerable seabird species. HMAR is supported by private donations, corporate funding and government grants and operates under partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaii and others. More information about HMAR is available at http://h-mar.org. FIELD OUTREACH AND SUPPORT (FSO) TEAM INTERN DUTIES: -Responding to sightings of endangered or threatened marine species such as Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles to provide shoreline response to haul-outs and strandings. -Perform or assist in field escalations, interventions, stranding support and rescues. -Report on animal behavior, provide animal assessment information, provide photo-documentation and other important data used in protected marine species research, health management and species recovery efforts. -Perform outreach to the public to teach sustainable human interaction and fishery behaviors and encourage stewardship of protected marine species and the ocean ecosystem. -Participate in dispatch and reporting activity such as the taking and documenting phone call reports of marine species activity, coordinating field response activity, data entry and generating reports. LOCATION: These positions require on-island travel throughout the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. FIELD SUPPORT AND OUTREACH (FSO) INTERN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: -This is an un-paid internship that requires the intern to live on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii for the period beginning 2 weeks prior to the start of the internship until the end of the internship. The intern is responsible for all lodging, living and transportation costs associated with the internship. -U.S. citizenship or possession of a passport and all applicable visas and work permits are needed prior to and during the internship period. -18 or more years of age. -English language fluency. -Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related field. -Minimum grade point average (GPA). For college/university graduates, a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students, a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship. -If college credit for this internship is desired it is the responsibility of the intern to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university. -Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for 2 miles. - Ability to work outdoors in a sunny, rainy, windy and hot climate. -Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 75 pounds for 100 feet in shoreline beach and rocky conditions. -Ability to swim required. -Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions. -Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude. -Acceptance of our Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications agreement. -Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required. - Possess an interest in and a desire to engage with the public. - Must have access to a reliable car or truck (truck preferred) during the internship period. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient. -Possession of a valid driver's license. -Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels. -Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and camera. -Access to a digital camera (not a smartphone) with at least a 35X zoom lens and Wi-Fi capability. If it does not have wifi capability, you can buy an adapter. FIELD SUPPORT AND OUTREACH INTERNSHIP ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS: - Internship term: Minimum of 3 months (may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement). Start date for 3-month minimum internship is somewhat flexible, but must be between May 15th and July 30th, 2020. Interns must be on Oahu, settled and ready to begin training at least 2 weeks prior to the internship start date. -Hours per week: 25 hours minimum, however, due to the unpredictable nature of marine animal response, the intern may sometimes be required to work beyond, or outside of, their normal scheduled hours. Work hours flexibility is required. Travel time to and from training and field response locations is not included in these minimum hours. The intern must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. -The intern must be available for response anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. FIELD SUPPORT AND OUTREACH INTERNSHIP DEADLINE AND APPLICATION PROCESS: The deadline for Summer 2021 internships is March 31, 2021, however, applications will be reviewed as they come in and internship positions will be assigned as they are received so apply soon. To apply, please go to http://h-mar.org/apply and complete the online application. IN ADDITION to completion of the online application, please submit the following information via email tomarisa.goin(a)h-mar.org. A cover letter of interest, maximum of 1 page, including your dates of availability. Confirmation that you have, or will have, access to a reliable car or truck during the internship period (truck preferred). A resume describing your training, experience, relevant skills and GPA (maximum of 2 pages). Names and contact information for three references. Your application cannot be considered unless both the online application and the required documents listed above are received. We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR). Marisa Goin Field Support & Outreach Lead Internship Coordinator Hawaii Marine Animal Response marisa.goin(a)h-mar.org Direct: (808) 225-1228 Sighting Hotline: (888) 256-9840

1 0

NWSSMM Meeting Announcement
by Grace Freeman 12 Mar '21

12 Mar '21

Hello Northwest Marine Mammalogy Students! We are pleased to announce that the annual spring meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (NWSSMM) will take place virtually on May 8th, 2021, hosted by the Marine Mammal Ecology Lab at Western Washington University (WWU). We would like to invite all graduate and undergraduate students in the Pacific Northwest (BC, Yukon, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and Idaho) doing research on marine mammals to present their work at this conference. The purpose of the meeting is to gather students in a relaxed atmosphere to share research ideas, tribulations, and triumphs. It is an opportunity to virtually meet others across the region and collaborate on marine mammal research in a supportive and informal setting. Oral presentations and poster sessions will take place over Zoom on May 8th. Activities will include breakout poster sessions, a keynote speaker, and oral presentations. This year we are encouraging those students that are in the planning and proposal stage of their projects to present a poster in Zoom breakout rooms, and for those researchers with results to give a 15-minute oral presentation. This will allow each researcher more time to present their work during the conference. Please indicate your preference for presentations on the registration form and we will do our best to accommodate everyone’s wishes. There is no registration fee for attending the conference. Registration and abstract submissions for posters and oral presentations will be accepted until April 9th, 2021. Due to the virtual nature of this event, guests interested in attending, but not presenting, may register for the conference up until May 7th, 2021. All registrants will later receive information on how to attend the conference at the email with which they registered. Presentations will not be recorded, so be sure to register to participate! Registration/submissions will be done via Google forms (link below). If you have any questions or would like any clarification about the upcoming meeting, please do not hesitate to contact the planning committee via Grace Freeman at freemag4(a)wwu.edu<mailto:freemag4@wwu.edu>. We look forward to seeing you for this virtual meeting! Register Here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJCwlYwr4uBiKjkUsXVHJhz3tYqvNPF7i…

1 0

Publication announcement: 3D genital shape complexity in female marine mammals
by Dara Orbach 12 Mar '21

12 Mar '21

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the recent publication of our open access article in the journal Ecology and Evolution on 3D genital shape complexity in female marine mammals: Orbach DN, Brassey CA, Gardiner JD, Brennan PLR. 3D genital shape complexity in female marine mammals. Ecol Evol. 2021;00:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7269 ABSTRACT: Comparisons of 3D shapes have recently been applied to diverse anatomical structures using landmarking techniques. However, discerning evolutionary patterns can be challenging for structures lacking homologous landmarks. We used alpha shape analyses to quantify vaginal shape complexity in 40 marine mammal specimens including cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians. We explored phylogenetic signal and the potential roles of natural and sexual selection on vaginal shape evolution. Complexity scores were consistent with qualitative observations. Cetaceans had a broad range of alpha complexities, while pinnipeds were comparatively simple and sirenians were complex. Intraspecific variation was found. Three-dimensional surface heat maps revealed that shape complexity was driven by invaginations and protrusions of the vaginal wall. Phylogenetic signal was weak and metrics of natural selection (relative neonate size) and sexual selection (relative testes size, sexual size dimorphism, and penis morphology) did not explain vaginal complexity patterns. Additional metrics, such as penile shape complexity, may yield interesting insights into marine mammal genital coevolution. We advocate for the use of alpha shapes to discern patterns of evolution that would otherwise not be possible in 3D anatomical structures lacking homologous landmarks. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions about the article (dnorbach(a)gmail.com) Cheers, Dara Orbach, PhD Assistant Professor of Marine Biology Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi [image: image.png]

1 0