April 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Whale Whisperers. A webinar series: 19-22 April
by Dylan Walker 16 Apr '21

16 Apr '21

Dear Marmamers, The World Cetacean Alliance is excited to announce a series of 'Whale Whisperers' free webinars with cetacean biologists and naturalists on the importance of responsible whale watching interpretation and marine conservation messaging. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/whale-whisperers-tickets-150632643291 SCHEDULE Monday 19 April: 12PM EST, 5pm BST. Virtual Guided Whale Watch Underwater virtual whale watch in the Azores Dive into the pristine waters of the Azores and discover its natural treasures! Guided by Rui Santos, PhD student at the University of the Algarve, and guide for Futurismo Azores Whale Watching, and Dolphin and Whale Connection. Both tour operators are partners of the World Cetacean Alliance. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89919267289 Monday 19 April: 3PM EST, 8pm BST. Interview on responsible whale watching practices World Cetacean Alliance Interim CEO Dylan Walker interviews three professional whale watching guides/biologists about the importance of communicating responsible whale watching practices to guests and crew. Dylan will be discussing this with WCA partners Angie Gullan from Dolphin Encountours Research Center, Mozambique; Lorenzo Fiori PhD, from Azores Whale Watching Terra Azul, Azores, Portugal; and Rui Santos, from University of the Algarve, Futurismo Azores Whale Watching, Azores, Portugal; and Dolphin and Whale Connection, UK. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84041496701 Tuesday 20 April: 12PM EST, 5pm BST. Virtual Guided Whale Watch Land-based whale watching in Iceland Professional whale watching guide and WCA partner Rodrigo A. Martinez Catalan takes us on an exciting journey through beautiful Vestmanneyjar. Discover how to watch whales and dolphins from land, take part in citizen science initiatives, and witness Rodrigo's wonderful cliff-top footage of Iceland's whales and dolphins. After the tour, ask Rodrigo your questions about the experience! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86518833246 Tuesday 20 April: 3PM EST, 8pm BST. Interview. Are my customers listening? How to communicate marine conservation messages on a whale watching tour WCA Interim CEO Dylan Walker and Responsible Whale Watching Guide Course organiser Cynde McInnis of the Whale Mobile discuss the importance of communicating marine conservation actions that people can take to help protect our oceans during a whale or dolphin watching tour. When is the right time? What should we say? How do we know people have altered their behaviour? Join the discussion! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81156134091?pwd=M3l4NXBhV3JvL1pvZzhVdmFwbEg3Zz09 Wednesday 21 April: 12PM EST, 5pm BST. Virtual Guided Whale Watch Boat tour of Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal Lorenzo Fiori PhD, Azores Whale Watching Terra Azul, takes us on a boat journey to view whales and dolphins in one of the world's top whale watching locations - the Azores. Join him for the experience and ask questions afterwards! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82407851499 Wednesday 21 April: 3PM EST, 8pm BST. Interview. How much knowledge is enough? How to become knowledgeable about whales, dolphins, wildlife, and people! WCA Interim CEO Dylan Walker and responsible marine guide course organiser Paul Keating of E-ko Tours, New Zealand, discuss ways to gain the knowledge required to be a whale watching guide. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87688057647 Thursday 22 April: 12PM EST, 5pm BST. Expert Panel Q&A. How to become a Responsible Whale Watching Guide WCA professional whale watching guides answer questions from the audience and discuss the importance of the WCA's new online Responsible Whale Watching Guides training courses. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83873237154 We look forward to welcoming you. Regards, -- *Dylan Walker*Interim Chief Executive Officer Currently available on Monday and Tuesday only *World Cetacean Alliance* Unit D, 132-134 Albion Street, Southwick, Brighton, BN42 4DP, UK. t: +44 (0) 1273 355011 c: +44 (0) 7900 471490 e: dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org <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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New publication on Australian sea lion genomics
by Kerstin Bilgmann 16 Apr '21

16 Apr '21

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new article on Australian sea lion genomics in *Animal Conservation*: Bilgmann, K., Armansin, N., Ferchaud, A-L., Normandeau, E., Bernatchez, L., Harcourt, R., Ahonen, H., Lowther, A., Goldsworthy, S. D., & Stow, A. (2021). Low effective population size in the genetically bottlenecked Australian sea lion is insufficient to maintain genetic variation. *Animal Conservation* http://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12688 <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/VueOCvl1g2SNRAYZtXHL5o?domain=doi.org> In case don't have access to the journal, please feel free to email kerstin.bilgmann(a)mq.edu.au to request a copy of the pdf. *Abstract* Genetic bottlenecks can reduce effective population sizes (*Ne*), increase the rate at which genetic variation is lost via drift, increase the frequency of deleterious mutations and thereby accentuate inbreeding risk and lower evolutionary potential. Here, we tested for the presence of a genetic bottleneck in the endangered Australian sea lion (*Neophoca cinerea*), estimated *Ne* and predicted future losses of genetic variation under a range of scenarios. We used 2238 genome‐wide neutral single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 72 individuals sampled from colonies off the southern (SA) and western (WA) coastline of Australia. Coalescent analyses using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) methods indicated that both the SA and WA populations have experienced a historical genetic bottleneck. Using LD‐based methods, we estimated contemporary *Ne* to be 160 (CI = 146–178) and 424 (CI = 397–458) for the WA and SA populations respectively. Modelled future population declines suggested that disease epidemics prompted the highest increases in inbreeding relative to fishery‐related mortalities and other modelled threats. Small effective sizes and relatively low genetic variation leave this species vulnerable, and these risks may be compounded if current population declines are not reversed. Best wishes, Kerstin Kerstin Bilgmann, PhD, SFHEA Honorary Research Fellow Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia Ph: +61(0)2 9850 8151 & Honorary Associate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL), and Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU) Biological Sciences Flinders University, GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia

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Offshore wind energy survey | Please Consider Acting
by Cotton Rockwood 15 Apr '21

15 Apr '21

Dear marine mammal experts: Point Blue Conservation Science is working to evaluate the vulnerability of species and habitats to potential impacts caused by offshore wind farm construction and operation. We are requesting for input from scientists with expert knowledge of key taxonomic groups that may be affected by these installations. We ask that you answer a few questions to help us assess the relevance of these impacts to wildlife based on your expertise. Your responses will contribute to decision-making that best protects marine wildlife, habitats, and human uses during wind energy development offshore from California. The survey is estimated to take 5-15 minutes per taxonomic group. Once you begin the survey, please select any taxonomic group(s) for which you have expertise. Please do your best to score each impact, even if your assessment is based on your knowledge of the species and not on any direct evidence documented in the literature. Detailed instructions are provided at the start of the survey. Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D92VW2W Please share the survey with other experts you think can contribute informed responses. Contact us at crockwood(a)pointblue.org<mailto:crockwood@pointblue.org?subject=Offshore%20wind%20survey%20|%20RESPONDENT%20QUESTION/COMMENT> if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you so much for your time and sharing your knowledge and insights! Sincerely, Cotton Rockwood Senior Marine Ecologist Point Blue Conservation Science

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New publication on olfactory abilities in California sea lions
by Isabelle Charrier 15 Apr '21

15 Apr '21

Dear Colleagues, My collaborators and I are pleased to announce our new publication in Physiology & Behavior entitled "Odor discrimination in terrestrial and aquatic environments in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) living in captivity". https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113408 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113408> The paper can be found online https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1csCI7Gm%7EFGif <https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1csCI7Gm%7EFGif>, or you can contact me for the pdf. _*Abstract: *_Pinnipeds, as any mammal species, use multimodal signals, including olfactory ones, to ensure vital functions. Thus, some pinniped species seem able to use olfaction in both social and foraging contexts and to discriminate between different odors in air including both natural and artificial odors, but studies on that topic remain scarce. Here, we studied the olfactory capabilities of California sea lions living in captivity at La Flèche Zoo (France) in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. We used two categories of odors: social odors (from familiar individuals of the same group, unfamiliar individuals from another Zoo, animal zookeepers and a terrestrial carnivore) and non-social odors (food and odors identified as repellents in certain vertebrates). Several behavioral parameters were measured and analyzed as the number and duration of contact with the odor, mouth openings, vocalizations (air only) and air bubble production (water only). Our results, although limited by the low number of animals monitored (/n/ = 5), suggest that California sea lions are able to discriminate between different odors both in the air and under water. In the aquatic environment, the process allowing the perception of odors remains to be characterized. Applications to this work could be considered in captive conditions as well as in the wild. Best regards, Isabelle Charrier -- ************************************************************************** Isabelle CHARRIER, DR-CNRS Acoustic Communications Team, Department Cognition & Network Neuroscience Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay (NeuroPSI), UMR 9197 Université Paris Sud, Bat.446, 91405 Orsay, FRANCE Tel:+33 (0)1.69.15.68.26 Fax:+33 (0)1.69.15.77.26 Email: isabelle.charrier(a)cnrs.fr https://sites.google.com/view/isabelle-charrier Team website: http://www.cb.u-psud.fr https://neuropsi.cnrs.fr https://twitter.com/bioacteam https://www.facebook.com/bioacteam91 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4873-2342 **************************************************************************

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Next 2021 DOSITS Webinar: Acoustic Tag Technologies, Marine Mammals and Fishes
by Holly Morin 15 Apr '21

15 Apr '21

***apologies for cross postings*** The first webinar in the 2021 *Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS)* <http://www.dosits.org> series was a great success with nearly 500 participants turning in live from around the globe. Interested individuals can watch the archived video recording of Dr. Sofie Van Parijs' presentation <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/webin…> on passive acoustic monitoring systems and also access a PDF version of her presentation. Individuals interested in the certificate of professional development can still complete a post-webinar survey after watching the archived webinar video. Please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu) for a survey link if necessary. The second webinar in the 2021 DOSITS underwater acoustics series will take place on *Friday, May 7th at 12pm ET*. Dr. Susan Parks and Dr. Jeff Kneebone will be discussing *acoustic tag technologies, and their applications for marine mammals and fishes*. This free, 60-minute webinar will again be hosted live via Zoom, with a YouTube link also available to registered participants. It will also be recorded and archived to the DOSITS website for later viewing. *Interested individuals must register *for the webinar; a *registration link* is available on the *DOSITS 2021 webinar page: https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/ <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/>. * Questions? Please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu)

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Whales and Climate topic
by Olaf Meynecke 15 Apr '21

15 Apr '21

Dear colleagues, my co-editors and I are excited to announce a new topic on Whales and Climate<https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/21055/whalesandclimate> in Frontiers in Marine Science. The aim of the Whales and Climate topic is to provide research that advances understanding of the complex relationship between baleen whales and climate change. Climate impacts on the marine environment are intrinsically complex; they are characterized by uncertainty, delays, non-linearities, and a multiplicity of pathways, which can mask the cause-effect relationships. We seek research that helps to quantify this complexity of interactions between climate change and mysticetus. The aim is set to shed light on how past, present, and future climate conditions influence a whale's life cycle such as breeding, feeding, migrating, and recovery. It is also to evaluate the relative vulnerability of different populations and species to climate change. Defining impacts and possible relationships with climate conditions can further advance modeling approaches and encourage the inclusion of future climate projections into whales and climate research. In the scope of this Research Topic are reviews and research contributions looking at mysticetus responses to climate change. The following areas are encouraged for submission: • Investigations into changes in breeding, feeding, and migration patterns in relation to climate conditions • Studies on strandings, entanglements, and health in relation to environmental drivers • Research in whales as climate engineers where whales influence climate conditions on a local and global scale • Aspects of future whale conservation under climate change requiring new adaptation strategies • Qualitative and quantitative modeling approaches that explore the dynamics of whale populations in response to climate change • Research that integrates climate-relevant variables (multiple pathways), combining whale physiology, biology, and behavior with oceanographic/biogeochemical, and climatic conditions There is support available for publication fees. Submissions can be made here: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/21055/whalesandclimate Olaf Meynecke Research & Project Management Whales & Climate Program<http://www.whalesandclimate.org/> [cid:b5782c7b-ac46-411d-a98d-61098a451c65]<https://www.whalesandclimate.org/> [cid:8d22d53d-3176-43db-8ec8-a86cb6653d93]

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Launching webinar series: Join the Pod
by MARIA PEREZ TADEO - RESEARCH 15 Apr '21

15 Apr '21

A team of researchers from the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland) are happy to present “Join the Pod”, a webinar series showcasing scientists striving to improve communication among peers and raise awareness to make the oceans a better place for marine mammals. Episode 1 of this series: "The Pod from within: researchers for conservation" will be released on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 5:00 pm (GMT) following the program below: * Inauguration of the series: Information & presentation of the team * "Eavesdropping on the shelf-edge: Deep-diving cetaceans in Irish offshore waters" by Cynthia Barile * "Listening across the border: Acoustic monitoring of cetaceans and noise along the Malin to Islay front" by Morgane Pommier * "The harbour porpoise in Dublin Bay: Clicking with nature" by Fiona Cummins * "Grey and harbour seals along the west Irish coast: Implications for management & conservation" by María Pérez Tadeo * Q&A session You can subscribe through the following website:jointhepodseminars.wixsite.com/jointhepod<http://www.jointhepodseminars.wixsite.com/jointhepod> and visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC625JyiWKMvTSLwCjciM6Ig to stay tuned about our research and upcoming webinars! Cynthia Barile, Morgane Pommier, Fiona Cummins, María Pérez Tadeo, and Dr. Joanne O’Brien Tá an ríomhphost seo faoi réir an tséanta seo leanas atá le fáil ag Séanadh Ríomhphost GMIT<http://www.gmit.ie/general/seanadh-riomhphoist> This email is subject to the following disclaimer available at GMIT Email Disclaimer<http://www.gmit.ie/general/email-disclaimer>

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Summer Course on International Conservation and Policy of Marine Mammals
by Jennifer Lewis 14 Apr '21

14 Apr '21

Hello! I am teaching a one time only online class this summer at George Mason University that some of you might be interested in. It is called International Conservation and Policy of Marine Mammals and will be taught online through George Mason University. Anyone (student or non-student) can enroll. Undergraduates and graduate students can get credit (cross listed at GMU with Environmental Science and Policy and also Biology). Topics covered will include: 1. Conservation issues impacting marine mammals globally, with in depth focus on all listed as critically endangered and endangered (IUCN Red list). Inviting the major players involved now (e.g., Secretariat of the International Whaling Commission) to speak about how they are fighting to protect. 2. The laws available per country (and treaties/agreements). With a detailed focus on the recent legal battle to change US import fisheries and marine mammal takes allowed (Center for Biological Diversity legal team that led this effort will join us to share that experience). 3. Management efforts occurring now for all endangered species (bringing in stakeholders to visit the class and discuss these efforts, including those leading efforts to save the remaining vaquita, the most endangered marine mammal) 4. We will also study the cultural value of marine mammals according to region and how local people could contribute to problem solving (invited as speakers). Class will run from May 26-June 26 on Wed afternoons, all day Thursdays and all day Fridays. But will be recorded if need more flexibility. This will be entirely online. To take this class you must fill out an application at the George Mason University Global Ed site and then select if you would like credit as a graduate or undergrad and then under which department.https://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewPr… Please contact Dr. Jennifer Lewis for more information. Applications must be received by May 1. (jlewis33(a)gmu.edu)

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New Publication: Rapid weight loss in pygmy killer whales
by Jens Currie 14 Apr '21

14 Apr '21

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new article published in Scientific Reports<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-87514-2>: 2021: Currie, J.J., van Aswegen, M., Stack, S.H., West, K.L., Vivier, F., & Bejder, L. Rapid weight loss in free ranging pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) and the implications for anthropogenic disturbance of odontocetes. Scientific Reports, 11: 8181. Abstract: Understanding the impacts of foraging disruptions to odontocete body condition is fundamental to quantifying biological effects of human disturbance and environmental changes on cetacean populations. Here, reductions in body volume of free-ranging pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) were calculated using repeated measurements of the same individuals obtained through Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS)-photogrammetry during a prolonged disruption in foraging activity arising from a 21-day stranding event. Stranded individuals were used to verify UAS-derived volume and length estimates through 3D-imaging, water displacement, and post-mortem measurements. We show that (a) UAS estimates of length were within 1.5% of actual body length and UAS volume estimates were within 10–13% of actual volume, (b) foraging disruption resulted in a daily decrease of 2% of total body mass/day, and (c) pygmy killer whales can lose up to 27% of their total body weight within 17 days. These findings highlight the use of UAS as a promising new method to remotely monitor changes in body condition and animal health, which can be used to determine the potential effects of anthropogenic disturbance and environmental change on free-ranging odontocetes. The full article is available to download for free online https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-87514-2 Thanks, Jens Currie Chief Scientist - Domestic Research Program Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793 Cell: 808-990-5544 Fax: 808-856-8363 Email: jenscurrie(a)pacificwhale.org

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Report Writer Position
by Admin Team 14 Apr '21

14 Apr '21

Position title: Report Writer Employment: Full-time/permanent position Salary: £22-28,000, dependent on qualifications and experience Location: Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland, UK (opportunity for project work offshore globally) Application deadline: 10th May 2021 Ocean Science Consulting Limited<https://www.osc.co.uk/> (OSC) seeks to expand its UK-based team. This is an opportunity for permanent, full-time employment as a Report Writer. Applicants require a high level of literacy and numeracy, and should be able to perform reporting over a range of marine scientific subjects, including, but not limited to, Marine Mammal Observation<https://www.osc.co.uk/services/marine-mammal-observer/> (MMO), Passive Acoustic Monitoring<https://www.osc.co.uk/services/passive-acoustic-monitoring-pam/> (PAM), noise measurement<https://www.osc.co.uk/services/acoustic-measurements/> & modelling<https://www.osc.co.uk/services/acoustic-modelling/>, Remotely Operated Vehicle<https://www.osc.co.uk/services/remote-operated-vehicle-rov-research/> (ROV) data analysis (not piloting), benthic sampling, tendering for projects, high-level literature reviews<https://www.osc.co.uk/services/literature-review/> on relevant topics, and copy-editing of pre-written reports. There is potential for exceptional candidates to be involved with peer-reviewed publications<https://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers/>. This role can be split between time on/offshore for those possessing offshore certifications and a desire to work offshore. When onshore, the position is based at the OSC's headquarters in Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland. The candidate will work closely with OSC's Directors, senior scientific and management staff, and contractors, to produce and deliver high-calibre industry reports in short time periods, with tight deadlines, sometimes outside usual working hours. OSC is a privately-owned and technology-focused marine-science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise and marine mammal monitoring, modelling, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests >80% of profits into R&D, orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine mammal species, Rigs-to-Reefs using ROV footage, underwater noise measurement and modelling<https://www.osc.co.uk/services/acoustic-modelling/>, and improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide. OSC's research has resulted in many peer-reviewed publications<http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers> and a non-profit book entitled the Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook<http://www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-aco…>. Individual Job descriptions can be found on: http://www.osc.co.uk/careers<http://www.osc.co.uk/careers/> A successful candidate will have the following: Required: -UK citizenship, or visa which permits work within UK; -Excellent command of spoken and written English including: grammar, punctuation, spelling, and writing style - including the ability to learn 'OSC' style; -A demonstrated track-record of producing high-calibre reports; -A degree (minimum 2:1) in a relevant scientific marine discipline (marine biology/ oceanography/marine ecology/environmental science, etc.); -Attention to detail; -Ability to collect, assimilate, prepare, and interpret data for the purposes of a report, to a standard suitable for an industry client to read; -Ability to collaborate within a team setting to produce high-calibre publications and reports; -A genuine interest in marine monitoring methods, ecology, and the physical oceanographic process affecting species; -Familiarity with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams; -Ability to prioritise workloads, and to work under pressure when met with deadlines; -Maintain a library of information for future use, and ensure knowledge is up to date and accurate; -Prior experience using Endnote, or similar referencing software; and, -Genuine interest about the business, and the industry including commercial awareness. Desirable: -A-Level/Higher or equivalent in English; -Prior experience in the commercial sector as a report writer; -JNCC-approved MMO certification; -Prior MMO/PAM work in either research or commercial sectors, interest in spending time aboard vessels/rigs collecting data; -Peer-reviewed publication(s); and, -BOSIET, and offshore medical (O&G or ENG1); Prior to interview, short-listed candidates should expect to receive a written test and prove they have the right to work in the UK. Preference will go towards candidates with pre-existing offshore certifications, or those willing to acquire qualifications before commencing employment. If interested, please send your CV and cover letter to admin(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:admin@osc.co.uk>. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Kind Regards, OSC Recruitment Team. -- Admin Team Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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