June 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Ethical and Legal Considerations for Scientists Collaborating with Whalers
by Conor Ryan 21 Jun '21

21 Jun '21

Dear MARMAMers, On behalf of my colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of our paper. Our motivation was to begin addressing the lack of discourse on ethical and legal issues in whale research. We present the example of scientists collaborating with Icelandic whalers, but acknowledge that there are many more ethical and legal issues in our field and the wider field of biology. We hope that our work may influence policy changes in academic institutions, professional societies and journals. Our literature review highlights the need for improved ethical guidelines for whale research. A discussion is now needed regarding the ethical and legal assessments of research methods involving whales, particularly for early career researchers. Academic reviewers and editors would benefit from more explicit guidance that addresses the issues in this article when assessing manuscripts for journals or abstracts for conferences. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880292.2021.1909807 Ryan, C., Papastavrou, V. and Sand, P.H. (2021). Ethical and Legal Considerations for Scientists Collaborating with Whalers: A Case Study of International Research Using the Outcome of Contemporary Whaling by Iceland. Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy, 24(1): 1-25. Best wishes, Conor Ryan

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Survey for MSc thesis: effects of anthropogenic structures on marine predators in the North Sea.
by Silva Simões Bessa Gomes, Carolina 20 Jun '21

20 Jun '21

Hello MARMAM community, My name is Carolina Gomes and I am currently doing an MSc project at the University of Exeter, UK, to understand the effects of anthropogenic structures on various marine predators (cetaceans, seals, birds) in the North Sea. An important component of this study is to include a survey of stakeholders (academics, energy sector workers, policy advisors and decision-makers, NGOs) to understand priorities and perceptions of possible ecological impacts from decommissioning activities of offshore structures in the North Sea. Therefore, I invite you to participate in this study by answering the survey questions using the following link: https://exetercles.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJEWn9A1DcZxelM<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fexetercle…> I would also be grateful if you could share the survey link with any colleagues you think may be a part of the stakeholder group and would be interested in responding to the survey. Thank you in advance for participating and being a part of this project. Best regards, Carolina Gomes Email address: cs939(a)exeter.ac.uk

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New paper - Vulnerability of a top marine predator in one of the world’s most impacted marine environments (Arabian Gulf)
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 20 Jun '21

20 Jun '21

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are delighted to bring to your attention of our last research article "Vulnerability of a top marine predator in one of the world’s most impacted marine environments (Arabian Gulf)" recently published in Marine Biology: Díaz López , B., Methion, S., Das, H. et al. 2021. Vulnerability of a top marine predator in one of the world’s most impacted marine environments (Arabian Gulf). Marine Biology 168, 112 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-021-03921-z Abstract Knowledge of the habitat use of wildlife in highly impacted areas is essential to identify areas of biological importance and to implement appropriate conservation measures. The Arabian Gulf represents one of the most extreme marine environments and is considered one of the regions in the world with the greatest anthropogenic impact. Information on the habitat use and abundance of marine top predator species is, however, lacking, despite being a prerequisite for effective planning of conservation measures. Here, we provide novel information for the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) in the Arabian Gulf (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates). Data from 80 daily surveys conducted between June 2014 and November 2019 were used both to assess correlates of bottlenose dolphin habitat use and relative density and to calculate mark-recapture abundance estimates. This study confirms the strong adaptability and tolerance of this top marine predator to extreme environmental conditions within a highly heterogeneous and impacted marine habitat. The observed preferences for areas with less human pressure were likely a result of the interactions of environmental factors with prey availability and human disturbance. This study also provides the first abundance estimates for a bottlenose dolphin population in the Arabian Gulf. Our findings support the call for increased marine-protected areas and the creation of transboundary conservation areas in the region. Regional connectivity should be of value to marine predators whose wide distribution and vulnerability to human activities means that alteration of their habitats can result in population declines and eventual local or regional extinctions. The full article is available at: https://rdcu.be/cmRHX https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352548079_Vulnerability_of_a_top_m…'s_most_impacted_marine_environments_Arabian_Gulf Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are unable to access the article or have any questions! Bruno Bruno Díaz López Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain http://www.thebdri.com https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bruno-Diaz-Lopez tel. 0034 684248552 @thebdri (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

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New publication: Trends in sympatric otariid populations suggest resource limitations in the Peruvian Humboldt Current System
by Susana Cardenas 18 Jun '21

18 Jun '21

Dear MARMAM members, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication "Trends in sympatric otariid populations suggest resource limitations in the Peruvian Humboldt Current System" https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105349 Abstract Sympatric species evolve mechanisms to avoid competition and coexist. In the Humboldt Current System (HCS), populations of South American sea lions (SASL, Otaria byronia) and South American fur seals (SAFS, Arctocephalus australis) fluctuate mostly due to ENSO events and prey availability. We evaluate population trajectories of Peruvian sympatric otariids and discuss mechanisms for competition and/or resource limitation. For this purpose, we analyzed population trajectories of SASL and SAFS in a sympatric breeding site in Punta San Juan, Peru between 2001 and 2019. Wavelet analysis was used to extract trends and derivatives to estimate rates and turning points. Age-class proportions and biomass times series were constructed from weekly counts and evaluated. Both populations show a growth phase and subsequent decline. SAFS started to decline ~2.25 years before and at a rate 1.5 times faster than SASL. Decrease in juvenile age-class suggests that resource limitation is the main contributing factor for current population decline. URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113621001057?dgcid=a… Feel free to contact me if you need a copy or have any questions! ¡Saludos! -- Susana Cárdenas Alayza, MSc. PhD Student U. Peruana Cayetano Heredia / Université de Montpellier // Directora Programa Punta San Juan Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia http://www.puntasanjuan.org/ ¡Síguenos en Facebook! <https://www.facebook.com/ProgramaPSJ/>

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manatee internship
by Faucett, Blake 18 Jun '21

18 Jun '21

Manatee Internships-Blake Faucett The southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for two Fall 2021 internships! Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering two internships: one 6-month term from October 2021-April 2022, and the other from November 2021-May 2022. The expected start dates for the internships are flexible. Working hours are typically 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 40 hours a week, with some nights and weekends required. The position is in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. One of the two internships will be more photo ID focused, with more time spent conducting field work related to photo ID, and helping staff with tasks including: photo downloading, documentation, and organization. Interns will also complete mortality/rescue reports, assist with other computer work, and participate in public outreach as needed. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is preferred. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This internship is unpaid. Housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: § A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability § A résumé describing training and experience § A list of three references § An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 https://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships/se-fl-intern/

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New publication: Analyzing 13 Years of Cetacean Strandings: Multiple Stressors to Cetaceans in Taiwanese Waters and Their Implications for Conservation and Future Research
by 楊瑋誠 18 Jun '21

18 Jun '21

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our new paper: Li W-T, Chou L-S, Chiou H-Y, Chen I-H and Yang W-C (2021) Analyzing 13 Years of Cetacean Strandings: Multiple Stressors to Cetaceans in Taiwanese Waters and Their Implications for Conservation and Future Research. *Front. Mar. Sci.* 8:606722. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.606722 The paper is available online for users at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.606722/full ABSTRACT: This study summarizes the postmortem investigations of 73 cetaceans stranded on the coast of Taiwan between 2001 and 2013, including 51 Delphinidae, 17 Kogiidae, 3 Ziphiidae, 1 Physeteridae, and 1 Balaenopteridae. Of these, eight (11%) were categorized into direct human-related strandings, including fisheries interaction (bycatch), vessel collision and other anthropogenic-related pathology. Gastrointestinal foreign bodies were found in eight individuals (11%). Most of the bacteria isolated from stranded dolphins were zoonotic pathogens including extended-spectrum β-lactamases *Escherichia coli*, which indicates waste pollution from land. Severe parasite infestation was found in 36 of the cases (49%), which suggests that the immune function could be compromised. Thirty-eight cases (52%) were diagnosed with myocardial patchy fibrosis or dilated cardiomyopathy. The evidence shown here indicates that cetaceans around Taiwanese waters may suffer from multiple stressors. This study provides baseline data for the health assessment of cetacean populations in Taiwan, which may ultimately provide recommendations for future cetacean conservation and research throughout the western Pacific. Please do not hesitate to contact me (yangweicheng(a)g.ntu.edu.tw) Cheers, Wei-Cheng Yang School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University

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New paper on humpback whales on a resting ground
by Kate Rose-Ann Sprogis 17 Jun '21

17 Jun '21

Dear Colleagues, Ditte and I are pleased to share the following paper with you: Ejrnæs, D., and K. R. Sprogis. 2021. Ontogenetic changes in energy expenditure and resting behaviour of humpback whale mother-calf pairs examined using unmanned aerial vehicles. Wildlife Research. https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/WR20186 Abstract: Baleen whale calves rapidly increase in size and improve locomotion abilities, while on their low-latitude breeding ground, allowing them to undertake a successful migration to high-latitude feeding grounds. We investigated energy expenditure and resting behaviour of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) mother–calf pairs in regard to changes in calf length on an undisturbed breeding/resting ground off Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Data were collected from August to October in 2018 and 2019 on lactating mothers that were predominantly resting on the surface with their calf. Focal follows on mother–calf pairs (n= 101) were conducted using an unmanned aerial vehicle to obtain detailed video of behaviours and respirations (23.7 h). Body length measurements of individual whales were calculated from aerial still frames. Results on calves ranging in length from 4–8 m demonstrated that calf respiration rate decreased with an increase in calf length and increased with presence of activity (P< 0.001). Calf inter-breath intervals became longer in duration with an increase in calf length (P< 0.01). Calf activity level and resting behaviour remained constant, with calves logging for 53% of the time their mothers were logging. Maternal respiration rate remained low and did not differ with respect to maternal or calf length. Results highlighted the importance of resting grounds for energy preservation, which benefits the calves’ rapid growth before migration to polar waters. Findings from the present largely undisturbed population serve as a baseline for understanding the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on resting behaviour and energy expenditure in humpback whale mother–calf pairs globally. Please email for a copy, or request on Research Gate. Best Wishes, Kate Sprogis Marie Skłodowska-Curie Post-doctoral Fellow Marine Bioacoustics Lab,<https://marinebioacoustics.wordpress.com/people/kate-sprogis/> Dept. of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Denmark kate.sprogis(a)bios.au.dk<mailto:kate.sprogis@bios.au.dk> | Kate Sprogis Photography<https://katesprogisphotography.wordpress.com/> Twitter, Instagram: @KateSprogis [cid:image001.jpg@01D76419.81EF69B0] Recent papers: * Harkness P., and K. R. Sprogis. 2020. Silver gull harassment of humpback whales in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 72:584-592. doi: https://doi.org/10.1071/MF20129 * McCluskey, S. M., K. R. Sprogis, J. London, L. Bejder, and N. Loneragan. 2021. Foraging preferences of an apex marine predator revealed through stomach content and stable isotope analyses. Global Ecology and Conservation. 25:e01396. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01396

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Special issue "Aquatic Mammals of Central America"
by Laura J. May-Collado 17 Jun '21

17 Jun '21

Dear colleagues, Laura J. May-Collado (Costa Rica, Universidad de Vermont) and Ester Quintana-Rizzo (Guatemala, Simmons University) invite you to send your research papers for publication in the special issue *"Aquatic Mammals of Central America"* in the Journal of Tropical Biology. This is an open-access journal of the University of Costa Rica that specializes in the fields of biology and conservation (https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rbt) The objective of the special issue is to promote the scientific communication of research conducted in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The editors of this volume acknowledge that research on the biology and conservation of aquatic mammals in Central America and Panama has grown exponentially in the last two decades. However, this growth is not represented in the number of scientific publications, restricting the collective knowledge of the status of those species, and consequently limiting the regional actions that can be taken effectively to protect both the species and their habitat. The editors will be accepting research papers on manatees, dolphins, whales, and pinnipeds in the six countries mentioned above. Papers on endangered species such as manatees, species with urgent conservation importance such as the Central America population segment of humpback whales, or little knowledge such as the Guiana dolphin, orcas, and others are strongly encouraged. Abstracts of original research articles and scientific notes will be accepted. The editors invite national and international researchers working in the countries listed above to first submit a research abstract to determine if the work fits the scope of the special volume. Preference will be given to the abstracts led by national researchers or by international researchers who work with national researchers from the countries in the region as co-authors. The format of the abstract format is: § Language: Spanish or English § Title § Lists of authors and affiliations § Summary: 350-400 words (example: https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rbt/abstract_f) § Times New Roman 12-point size § Email of the corresponding author The abstract acceptance date will open on July 1, 2021, and will close on September 1, 2021. Abstracts should be sent to the following email to mamiferosaquaticossuprbt(a)gmail.com. Once received and reviewed, the editors will send an email to those authors whose works are accepted with detailed information on the format of the article or note, the dates of complete manuscript submission, and the review period. Any questions please contact the editors via email to mamiferosaquaticossuprbt(a)gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimados colegas Laura J May-Collado (Costa Rica, Universidad de Vermont) y Ester Quintana-Rizzo (Guatemala, Simmons University) les invitan a enviar sus trabajos de investigación para su publicación en el volumen especial de “*Mamíferos Acuáticos de Centro América**”* en la *Revista de Biología Tropical*. Esta es una revista de acceso abierto de la Universidad de Costa Rica que se especializa en los campos de la biología y conservación ( https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rbt) El objetivo del volumen especial es promover la divulgación científica de los trabajos de investigación que se están realizando en Belice, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica y Panamá. Las editoras de este volumen reconocen que la investigación de la biología y conservación de mamíferos acuáticos en Centro América y Panamá ha crecido exponencialmente en las últimas dos décadas. Sin embargo, este crecimiento de investigación no se ve representado en el número de en las publicaciones científicas, restringiendo el conocimiento colectivo del estado de estas especies y consecuentemente limitando las acciones regionales que puedan tomarse efectivamente para protegerlas tanto a ellas como a su hábitat. Las editoras estarán aceptando trabajos de investigación realizados sobre manatíes, delfines, ballenas, y pinnípedos en los seis países mencionados anteriormente. Se incentiva el envió de trabajos sobre especies en peligro de extinción como el manatí y sobre cetáceos de importancia urgente de conservación como las ballenas jorobadas población norte, así como de cetáceos de escaso conocimiento como el delfín de Guiana, orcas, y otros. Se aceptarán resúmenes de artículos originales de investigación y notas científicas. Las editoras invitan a investigadores nacionales e internacionales trabajando en los países listados arriba a enviar primeramente un resumen del trabajo de investigación para determinar si cabe dentro del marco del volumen especial. Se dará preferencia a los resúmenes liderados por investigadores nacionales o liderados por investigadores internacionales que incluyan como coautores a investigadores nacionales de los países listados arriba. El formato de los resúmenes es el siguiente § Titulo § Listas de autores y afiliaciones § Resumen: 350-400 palabras (ejemplo: https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rbt/abstract_f) § Times New Roman 12-point size § Correo electrónico del autor que estará a cargo de la correspondencia La fecha de aceptación de resúmenes se abrirá el 1 de julio, 2021 y cerrará el 1 de septiembre, 2021. Los resúmenes de deberán enviar al siguiente email a mamiferosaquaticossuprbt(a)gmail.com. Una vez recibidos y revisados, las editoras enviaran un correo electrónico a aquellos autores cuyos trabajos sean aceptados con información detallada sobre el formato del articulo o nota, las fechas de envió del manuscrito completo, y periodo de revisión. Cualquier duda por favor contactarnos directamente por correo electrónico mamiferosaquaticossuprbt(a)gmail.com Laura J. May-Collado, Ph.D. (she/her) Department of Biology University of Vermont Ester Quintana-Rizzo, Ph.D. Department of Biology Simmons University

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NFWF Request for Contractor(s) - Marine Sound in GoM
by Michelle Pico 17 Jun '21

17 Jun '21

Hello, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), seeks a qualified independent Contractor(s) to support work under the initial phase of the anthropogenic underwater noise reduction project to identify and prioritize locations and sources of underwater noise within the Gulf of Mexico based on their impact to cetaceans; and to prioritize noise reduction opportunities that show the greatest potential for testing in future phases. This solicitation is part of a larger project that includes both short and long-term acoustic monitoring that will be used to evaluate pilot project effectiveness and overall project success. The Request for Proposals can be found through the following link: https://www.nfwf.org/media-center/announcements/request-proposals-contracto… Deadlines * Questions regarding solicitation via email to pico(a)nfwf.org<mailto:pico@nfwf.org> June 24, 2021(5PM EST) * NFWF posts submitted questions and responses via above weblink June 30, 2021 * Proposals due via email to pico(a)nfwf.org<mailto:pico@nfwf.org> July 29, 2021 (5PM EST) * Interviews with selected finalists Weeks of August 1st and 8th * Tentative NFWF Notification to Offerors August Please circulate broadly to anyone that you feel might be interested. Michelle Pico Program Director, Marine Conservation National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

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New Publication: Blubber endocrine profiles provide insights into reproductive biology in blue whales from the eastern North Pacific Ocean (Valentina Melica)
by Valentina Melica 17 Jun '21

17 Jun '21

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new manuscript in General and Comparative Endocrinology: Melica, V., Atkinson, S., Gendron, D., Calambokidis, J., Mueter, F., 2021. Blubber endocrine profiles provide insights into reproductive biology in blue whales from the eastern North Pacific Ocean. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 113830. doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113830 Abstract: The goal of the present study was to complement existing data of testosterone and progesterone in blue whale *(Balaenoptera musculus) *blubber from the eastern North Pacific Ocean to evaluate effects of seasonality and location on these hormones and to better assess reproductive status of individuals. Physiological parameters regarding reproduction are fundamental for describing population dynamics, and hormones can be a valid tool to estimate those for wildlife populations. In this study, blubber tissue was validated for testosterone and proges- terone assays. Hormone concentrations were measured in 69 (35 males and 34 females) blubber samples from live (n = 66) and stranded (n = 3) animals collected between 2002 and 2016 from a known winter reproductive ground in the Gulf of California (GoC) and summer feeding areas along the United States West Coast (USWC), specifically off the states of California and Oregon. Results were combined with sighting histories as a tool to determine reproductive status of individual whales. Testosterone concentrations in adult male blue whales were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in blubber biopsies sampled off the USWC between the months of June and November compared to those sampled in the GoC between February and April. Elevated testosterone concentrations likely indicate physiological preparation for reproductive activity while the animals were present off the USWC. Progesterone concentrations were significantly elevated in pregnant females, confirming progesterone as an indicator of pregnancy in blue whales. Probabilities of being pregnant were estimated for adult females with unknown sighting histories based on progesterone concentrations. Testosterone in females was detected and measured only in pregnant whales suggesting its biosynthesis or metabolism is altered during gestation. These results provide updated and new information on the reproductive cycle of blue whales in the eastern North Pacific, posing new milestones to better estimate the timing of the mating season for this endangered population. The URL can be found here https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016648021001234?dgcid=a… or please contact valentinamelica88(a)gmail.com to request a copy of the manuscript. -- Valentina Melica, PhD Italy-US Fulbright Alumna www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-melica-7315453b/ www.researchgate.net/profile/Valentina-Melica *Caminante, son tus huellas* *el camino, y nada más;* *caminante, no hay camino:* *se hace camino al andar.* Antonio Machado

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