May 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Observer Training Course
by Edgewise Environmental 12 May '21

12 May '21

Edgewise Environmental offers its expertise as an environmental consultancy, specializing in marine animals. As an industry leader in marine environmental consultancy, we offer a course for marine mammal observation. Our next Canada-MMO course will be taking place between June 2 and 23. The course shall focus on mitigation processes of offshore and coastal programs that may impact marine mammals and other megafauna. These activities and associated mitigative actions shall be discussed in relation to the “Species at Risk Act” and “Statement of Canadian Practice with Respect to the Mitigation of Seismic Sound in the Marine Environment”. The course theory and assessments are completed virtually, with a field component that would take place in Newfoundland at the end of the course. Please visit our website, https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/training/canada-marine-mammal-observe…, to learn more about our course, view the course syllabus, or register. Email info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com if you have any questions. -- Edgewise Team Edgewise Environmental Ltd. St. John's, NL, Canada phone: 1 (709) 770-0492 info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

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Last call for Summer placements with Marine Mammal Research Association
by Selina Brouwer 12 May '21

12 May '21

Dear all, Please find below details of our last placements for the Summer Vacancies at our Montenegro Dolphin Research project in the south Adriatic Sea. WHO IS DMAD AND WHAT DO WE DO? DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association has scientific projects running in Turkey, Montenegro and Albania. We conduct long-term studies of marine mammals in Istanbul, Antalya, the Levantine Sea, Montenegrin coastal waters and the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to hydrocarbon exploration. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. More details on the project can be found here: http://www.dmad.org.tr/montenegro-dolphin-research WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose passion for marine mammals is strong and sincere. This opportunity is available from July/August 2020. The minimum duration of the placement is 2 Months, with possible exception for a skilled candidate. REQUIREMENTS -True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment; -Respect for the organisation's rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures; -Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team; -Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills; -Willingness to learn new software applications. -Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once a fortnight (occasionally more if possible). -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavioural data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloguing and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. -Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -GIS mapping -Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; -Photo-identification; -Discovery and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; PROJECT CONTRIBUTION The contribution fee for volunteers is €840 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee is from the third month €780. For interns, it’s €940 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee is from the third month €880. All of which goes directly to supporting the projects. The fee includes:  Accommodation and expenses (excluding self-quarantine and special requests);  Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania;  Training and lectures with all training materials provided in PDF format;  Fieldwork (land- and boat surveys);  Use of the equipment; And for Interns this also includes:  Scientific support, average 30 hours supervision per month;  Additional courses related to the selected subject; The fee does not include:  Transportation to/from Montenegro or transfer to accommodation  Health and/or travel insurance which is a mandatory requirement  Meals  Additional training Courses Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and motivation letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are a suitable asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! If you wish to have more info about our internships and work please take a look at some of our web pages and social media: Our research: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects Our internships: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-internships Our publications: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-publications All the best, DMAD team *Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği* *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *Follow us on: Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/> & **Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>*

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New publication- Monitoring the acoustic ecology of the shelf break of Georges Bank, Northwestern Atlantic Ocean: New approaches to visualizing complex acoustic data
by Sarah Weiss 11 May '21

11 May '21

Dear MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to share our recent publication. S.G. Weiss, D. Cholewiak, K.E. Frasier, J.S. Trickey, S. Baumann-Pickering, J.A. Hildebrand, S.M. Van Parijs, Monitoring the acoustic ecology of the shelf break of Georges Bank, Northwestern Atlantic Ocean: New approaches to visualizing complex acoustic data, Mar. Policy. 130 (2021) 104570. doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104570. **Abstract:* Within a soundscape, anthropogenic sound often dominates frequency ranges used by various species, leading to signal overlap and potential communication masking. The acoustic niche hypothesis predicts species will avoid competition by vocalizing at unique bandwidths. To evaluate the extent of anthropogenic overlap, it’s helpful to understand acoustic niches across time. This study aims to assess the co-occurrence of cetaceans and anthropogenic activities, presenting simple and accessible visualizations of the temporal and spectral overlap. Continuous passive acoustic recordings from 10Hz to 100 kHz were collected near three deep-water canyons (Heezen, Oceanographer, and Nantucket) along the continental shelf break of Georges Bank between April 2015 and March 2016. Daily presence was documented for five mysticete species (North Atlantic right, fin, blue, sei, humpback), five odontocete species and/or groups combined according to primary frequency ranges (delphinids, sperm whales, Kogia spp, Sowerby’s, and Cuviers’/True’s/Gervais’ beaked whales), and four anthropogenic activities (airgun noise, broadband ship noise, echosounders, and explosions). At each site, cetacean and anthropogenic sources were found to be significant contributors. Individual cetacean species/groups were present from 2% to 100% of days across sites, with delphinids, sperm whales, and fin whales detected most consistently. Airgun noise, the most frequently detected anthropogenic signal, ranged from 50-91% of days across all sites, followed by broadband ship noise (15-65% of days), echosounders (1-14% of days), and one explosion detected at Oceanographer Canyon. This approach allows for broad comparison of species and anthropogenic activity, providing understanding of variability in acoustic overlap and potential masking between sites. The full open access article is available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X21001810 To request a PDF copy or for further information please reach out to me at sarahgweiss2(a)gmail.com Best, Sarah Weiss

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Registration now open for The Whale Museum's 2021 Virtual Summer Marine Naturalist Training Program!
by tracie merrill 11 May '21

11 May '21

The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, WA, has been training marine naturalists since 1994. Due to the pandemic, and back by popular demand, we have decided to offer our 2021 marine naturalist training program (MNTP) summer session virtually. Dates for this session are July 19-24. Our marine naturalist training course is an intensive 6-day overview of the natural history of the San Juan Islands and the marine waters of Washington and Southern British Columbia (known as the Salish Sea). These will be mostly full days, usually running from around 9:00 am-5:00 pm Pacific Time. This course includes an in-depth treatment of the ecology and conservation of local marine species, including cetaceans (especially Southern Resident killer whales), pinnipeds, mustelids, and marine invertebrates and birds. Not only will participants learn identification and biology of species but also about TWM's marine mammal research (San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Marine Mammals Sighting Network/Database, Be Whale Wise laws and guidelines and Soundwatch Boater Education Program, and collaboration in shore based observation/acoustic research at Lime Kiln Point State Park). Presentations will be given by highly trained local naturalists, environmental educators, and scientists. Participants can be certified as Naturalists through this program upon completion of 10 practicum hours, which can include, but not limited to, volunteering with TWM's research programs. The upcoming summer session will be a dynamic, high-quality virtual experience that leaves graduates qualified as a regional professional or volunteer naturalist. Presentations will be recorded. Tuition is $425 for members of The Whale Museum/Orca Adopters or $475 for non-members. A deposit (half-tuition) can be made to secure your spot in the program with the remaining balance due a month before the session starts. More information as well as course registration can be found at https://whalemuseum.org/pages/marine-naturalist-training<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwhalemuseu…> Sent from Outlook<http://aka.ms/weboutlook>

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New paper: Anthropogenic Sound Exposure-Induced Stress in Captive Dolphins and Implications for Cetacean Health (Jack Yang)
by 楊瑋誠 11 May '21

11 May '21

Dear MARMAM members: We would like to share with all of you our recently published article: *Anthropogenic Sound Exposure-Induced Stress in Captive Dolphins and Implications for Cetacean Health Yang W-C, Chen C-F, Chuah Y-C, Zhuang C-R, Chen I-H, Mooney TA, Stott J, Blanchard M, Jen I-F and Chou L-S (2021) *Front. Mar. Sci.* Abstract: Many cetaceans are exposed to increasing pressure caused by anthropogenic activities in their marine environment. Anthropogenic sound has been recognized as a possible stressor for cetaceans that may have impacts on health. However, the relationship between stress, hormones, and cytokines secretion in cetaceans is complex and not fully understood. Moreover, the effects of stress are often inconsistent because the character, intensity, and duration of the stressors are variable. For a better understanding of how anthropogenic sounds affect the psychophysiology of cetaceans, the present study compared the changes of cortisol concentration and cytokine gene transcriptions in blood samples and behaviors of captive bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) after sound exposures. The sound stimuli were 800 Hz pure-tone multiple impulsive sound for 30 min at three different sound levels (estimated mean received SPL: 0, 120, and 140 dB re 1 μPa) that likely cause no permanent and temporary hearing threshold shift in dolphins. Six cytokine genes (IL-2Rα, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) were selected for analysis. Cortisol levels and IL-10 gene transcription increased and IFNγ/IL-10 ratio was lower after a 30-min high-level sound exposure, indicating the sound stimuli used in this study could be a stressor for cetaceans, although only minor behavior changes were observed. This study may shed light on the potential impact of pile driving-like sounds on the endocrine and immune systems in cetaceans and provide imperative information regarding sound exposure for free-ranging cetaceans. *Here, the link to the article (on-line) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.606736/full?&utm_so… <https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-021-02187-7> Here are the methodology papers cited or related in this new paper: * Sound exposure-induced cytokine gene transcript profile changes in captive bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) blood identified by a probe-based qRT-PCR https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323183102_Sound_exposure-induced_c… * A probe-based qRT-PCR method to profile immunological gene expression in blood of captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319442616_A_probe-based_qRT-PCR_me… * Selection of reference genes for RT-qPCR studies in blood of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/295860064_Selection_of_reference_g… *Selection of suitable reference genes for normalization of quantitative RT-PCR in peripheral blood samples of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283438683_Selection_of_suitable_re… All best, Jack Yang

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Use of psychoacoustics and underwater acoustics in marine mammal conservation
by Tiffini Brookens 11 May '21

11 May '21

Dear MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to announce the publication of two review papers that recently published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering's Special Issue on Ocean Noise: From Science to Management<https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jmse/special_issues/ocean_noise>. Guan S, Brookens T. The Use of Psychoacoustics in Marine Mammal Conservation in the United States: From Science to Management and Policy. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2021; 9(5):507. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9050507 Abstract: Underwater sound generated from human activities has been long recognized to cause adverse effects on marine mammals, ranging from auditory masking to behavioral disturbance to hearing impairment. In certain instances, underwater sound has led to physical injuries and mortalities. Research efforts to assess these impacts began approximately four decades ago with behavioral observations of large whales exposed to seismic surveys and rapidly progressed into the diverse field that today includes studies of behavioral, auditory, and physiological responses of marine mammals exposed to anthropogenic sound. Findings from those studies have informed the manner in which impact assessments have been and currently are conducted by regulatory agencies in the United States. They also have led to additional questions and identified information needed to understand more holistically the impacts of underwater sound, such as population- and species-level effects, long-term, chronic, and cumulative effects, and effects on taxa for which little or no information is known. Despite progress, the regulatory community has been slow to incorporate the best available science in marine mammal management and policy and often has relied on outdated and overly simplified methods in its impact assessments. To implement conservation measures effectively, regulatory agencies must be willing to adapt their regulatory scheme to ensure that the best available scientific information is incorporated accordingly. Guan S, Brookens T, Vignola J. Use of Underwater Acoustics in Marine Conservation and Policy: Previous Advances, Current Status, and Future Needs. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2021; 9(2):173. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9020173 Abstract: The interdisciplinary field of assessing the impacts of sound on marine life has benefited largely from the advancement of underwater acoustics that occurred after World War II. Acoustic parameters widely used in underwater acoustics were redefined to quantify sound levels relevant to animal audiometric variables, both at the source and receiver. The fundamental approach for assessing the impacts of sound uses a source-pathway-receiver model based on the one-way sonar equation, and most numerical sound propagation models can be used to predict received levels at marine animals that are potentially exposed. However, significant information gaps still exist in terms of sound source characterization and propagation that are strongly coupled with the type and layering of the underlying substrate(s). Additional challenges include the lack of easy-to-use propagation models and animal-specific statistical detection models, as well as a lack of adequate training of regulatory entities in underwater acoustics. Although the papers are open access, feel free to contact Shane or me with any questions that you may have. Thanks, Tiff Tiffini J. Brookens Biologist Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301.504.0087 Fax: 301.504.0099

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New puplication on microplastic findings in harbour porpoises from the North Sea and Baltic Sea
by Philipp, Carolin 11 May '21

11 May '21

Dear MarMam community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our article: First Evidence of Retrospective Findings of Microplastics in Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) From German Waters Carolin Philipp, Bianca Unger, Sonja M. Ehlers, Jochen H. E. Koop and Ursula Siebert Frontiers in Marine Science, Volume 8, The full article is open access available at https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.682532 To request a PDF copy or further information please email me at carolin.philipp(a)tiho-hannover.de Abstract: Microplastic ingestion by lower trophic level organisms is well known, whereas information on microplastic ingestion, egestion and accumulation by top predators such as cetaceans is still lacking. This study investigates microplastics in intestinal samples from harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) found along the coastline of Schleswig- Holstein (Germany) between 2014 and 2018. Out of 30 individuals found along the North Sea (NS) and the Baltic Sea (BS) coast, 28 specimens contained microplastic. This study found a relationship between the nutritional status of cetaceans and the amount of found microplastics. Harbour porpoises with a good or moderate nutritional status contained a higher number of microplastics, when compared with specimens in a poor nutritional status. In addition, when individuals died accidently due to suspected bycatch in gillnets, where a feeding event is highly assumed or a pharyngeal entrapment happened, the microplastic burden was higher. In total, 401 microplastics (≥100 µm), including 202 fibres and 199 fragments were found. Intestines of the specimens of the BS contained more microplastics than the ones from the NS. Differences in the share of fibres could be revealed: for BS fibres constituted 51.44% and for NS, fibres constituted 47.97%. The polymers polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, acrylic (with nitrile component) and an acrylic/alkyd paint chip (with styrene and kaolin components) were identified. This is the first study investigating the occurrence of microplastics in harbour porpoises from German waters and will, thus, provide valuable information on the actual burden of microplastics in cetaceans from the North and Baltic Seas. Cheers, Carolin Philipp __________________________________________________________ M.Sc. Carolin Philipp (Marine Biologist) Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6 / 25761 Büsum / Germany phone: +49 511-856-8170 email: carolin.philipp(a)tiho-hannover.de https://www.tiho-hannover.de/en/itaw/beschaeftigte/beschaeftigte-buesum/car…

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NEW ARTICLE: Public Perception of Whaling Tradition in North Spain
by Laura Miralles 09 May '21

09 May '21

Dear MARMAM members, we would like to share with all of you our recently published article: *Whaling tradition along the Cantabrian coast: public perception towards cetaceans and its importance for marine conservation* *Alicia García-Gallego, Yaisel J Borrell, Carlos Nores, Laura Miralles* *Biodiversity and Conservation, 1-19 (2021)* Whaling is currently a controversial practice and the focus of a relevant public debate. According to records, it represented an important socio-economic activity in the North of Spain from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century. The North Atlantic Right Whale (*Eubalaena glacialis*) was the main target species of this activity. As a consequence of the rising of whaling, the North-East Atlantic population of this species was severely depleted, and it has not recovered since then. This work presents a study on public perception of cetaceans and whaling along the Cantabrian coast (North of Spain) and evaluates the differences with respect to several non-coastal regions. More than 400 anonymous surveys were conducted in 12 study areas to examine knowledge about cetaceans and whaling, as well as attitudes and willingness to take action in whale and dolphin conservation. Results showed that whaling has a great cultural imprint on the Cantabrian coast inhabitants, which plays a relevant role in citizens’ perception. Participants from areas with whaling tradition demonstrated higher levels of knowledge about the history of this activity, but less positive attitudes with respect to cetacean conservation than respondents from inland provinces. Additionally, we observed that there are other influencing factors, such as gender or age. Our findings indicate that positive attitudes towards the protection of whales and dolphins are not always sufficient for citizens to collaborate for this cause. Therefore, an improvement in education programmes and awareness campaigns about the importance of protecting cetaceans and their environment is needed to achieve real and effective marine citizenship. *Here, the link to the article (on-line) and you can find a copy of the manuscript attached to this email: * https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-021-02187-7 All best, Laura

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ESA/MMPA Support Services Position
by BRUCE Morehead 08 May '21

08 May '21

> > > ESA/MMPA SUPPORT SERVICES > > Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) Permits and Conservation Division in Silver Spring, MD. OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. > > DUTIES: > > * Process and/or support the processing of incidental take authorizations (ITA) requests pursuant to Section 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public comments; and drafting all necessary documents. > * Evaluate, conduct, and draft (or assist with those actions) National Environmental Policy Act analyses. > * Critically analyze and/or support the critical analysis of scientific literature, agency documents, and other applicable information to assess impacts of human activities (including underwater noise) on marine mammals and develop/evaluate mitigation and monitoring to support agency findings under the MMPA and/or Endangered Species Act (ESA), and ensure compliance with Section 7 of the ESA, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and other applicable statutes. > * Communicate and/or assist with communicating program policies, requirements, and issues to the public and other Federal Agencies, as well as to other NOAA programs and leadership. > * Support program planning, monitoring, technical analyses, improvement, and policy development across Division, and assist with other Division actions as needed. > * As needed, process and/or support the processing of scientific research and enhancement permit (SREP) requests for protected species pursuant to Sections 104 of the MMPA and 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public and internal comments; and drafting all necessary documents. > Start Date: As soon as possible > > Location: Work may be performed offsite > > Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience > > REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE > > * Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant experience. > * Subject matter expertise and knowledge of the ESA and MMPA for operational or research programs and activities in the coastal and marine environment is required. > * Ability to work independently, reliable, self-starter, self-motivated and strong attention to detail > * Ability to isolate and define critical conditions and problems within a program or part of a project in order to determine the environmental impact of various activities. > * Skill in oral and written communication in order to develop and present scientific assessments and analyses. > * Knowledge of NMFS regulatory, research and management activities > * Knowledge of NOAA operational and research activities > If you are interested in being considered for this position, please apply to: > https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm… > >

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7th Int'l Bio-logging Symposium - October 2021
by Josh London - NOAA Federal 07 May '21

07 May '21

Aloha fellow marine mammal researchers! I wanted to take a quick moment and make sure you were all aware of the upcoming 7th International Bio-Logging Symposium scheduled for October 2021. We would really appreciate seeing a good representation of marine mammal bio-logging research and hope you will consider submitting an abstract and joining us (virtually) in October. The 7th International (and 1st virtual) Bio-logging Symposium (BLS7) is scheduled for 18-22 October, 2021. Bio-logging allows researchers to gain insight into the movement, behavior, and environments of animals through the use of electronic tags. Bio-logging is revolutionizing the field of biology and helping to advance global efforts to understand our planet and conserve biodiversity. The International Bio-Logging Society brings together researchers from around the world who are interested in bio-logging methods and the scientific insights they provide. The society’s membership includes biologists, conservation practitioners, physicists, engineers, computer specialists, and mathematicians. By encouraging interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration, the Society hopes to advance the scientific understanding and lasting protection of global biodiversity. The first International Bio-Logging Science Symposium took place 17 years ago in Japan. Since then, a growing group of interdisciplinary researchers have gathered together at symposia in Germany, France, Australia, the USA, and Scotland to pioneer advances in animal telemetry. We would like to welcome you to join us for the 7th International Biologging Science Symposium. BLS7 aims to facilitate sharing of cutting edge bio-logging science across a broad range of taxa and disciplines. We look forward to hearing about all of the advancements in bio-logging tools, approaches, and analysis techniques in October and are hoping for this to be the most inclusive and expansive representation of bio-logging science yet. The theme for the symposium is “Tracking the Changing World Around Us” and will be broadcast across the planet from Honolulu, Hawaii. The scheduled program will have featured oral presentations, keynote discussions, electronic posters, and speed talks. In addition, we have plans for social interactions, small group and networking events, concerts, virtual exhibit/sponsor booths, and much more. In fact, the amount of content we’re planning for can’t possibly fit into 5 days. So, all registrants will have access to content on-demand for up to 6 months! Abstract submissions are now open <https://www.bls7hawaii.com/abstracts> and we would like you to consider submitting before the deadline on 16 May 2021. Registration costs will be $150 for professionals and $50 for students with additional discounts for those from traditionally lower funded countries and for early registration. Registration will open on May 10 with early-bird registration discounts available until July 1. Registration after October 1 will increase to $175 for professionals and $75 for students. Please visit our website at www.bls7hawaii.com, follow the International Bio-Logging Society on Twitter (@biologging), and spread the word far and wide to anyone you think might be interested in joining us. -- *Josh M. London, PhDWildlife BiologistPolar Ecosystems ProgramAFSC Marine Mammal LaboratoryNOAA Fisheries, Seattle, Washington*

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