July 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

UF Spring online course - Aquatic Wildlife Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 08 Nov '21

08 Nov '21

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Spring 2020. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, is offering the following course for those that may be interested. Class begins Jan 6th and runs through Wednesday April 22nd. Registration will remain open until Friday, Jan 10th. Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure.

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Senior Analyst ESA/MMPA Support Services Position
by BRUCE Morehead 03 Nov '21

03 Nov '21

Senior Analyst: 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) development and implementation of measures to reduce threats to right whales, and to assist OPR in other marine mammal management activities as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA). OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. DUTIES: * Lead the development of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents (e.g., Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact) related to marine mammal management measures for large whales, as needed. * Provide OPR general support by leading efforts to meet additional requirements of developing measures to reduce threats to large whales (with a focus on North Atlantic right whales) including, but not limited to, work related to the Paperwork Reduction Act, Executive Orders, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the ESA (Section 7). * Work with OPR staff and others to develop outreach and enforcement strategies and associated materials as it relates to reducing threats to large whales (with a focus on right whales) including but not limited to handouts, website materials, visualizations, maps, videos, etc. * Support various working groups coordinated by the agency that address large whale conservation threats (with a focus on working groups dedicated to North Atlantic right whales). * Provide OPR support for MMPA and ESA related activities to conserve and protect marine mammals, including: developing protocols, guidelines, policies, and briefing material; responding to quick turn-around tasks, and media, public, and congressional inquiries; and coordinating management and research efforts. Start Date: As soon as possible Location: Silver Spring MD Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE * Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with one year of relevant experience. * Experience implementing the MMPA, ESA, and/or NEPA. * Experience with technical writing, particularly as it relates to Government documents. * Strong knowledge of marine conservation issues, especially those relevant to marine mammals. * Strong coordination and communication skills. DESIRED SKILLS * Extensive knowledge of MMPA, ESA, and NEPA. * Extensive knowledge of marine conservation issues, especially those relevant to large whales * Familiarity with the Paperwork Reduction Act, applicable Executive Orders, and the Coastal Zone Management Act. * Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems, cartography, and graphic arts If you are interested in being considered for this position, please to: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.htm…

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Seeking volunteers for online small cetacean bycatch research project
by Clear, Niki 29 Oct '21

29 Oct '21

Dear MARMAM community, The University of Exeter and Cornwall Wildlife Trust is conducting a research citizen science project to develop and test a diagnosis tool for detecting bycatch in stranded cetaceans using external features, such as encircling marks and other wounds. We are investigating whether it’s possible for trained individuals to diagnose bycatch to a high degree of certainty using only external features and to create a diagnostic system to investigate bycatch in stranded small cetaceans, where a post-mortem examination is not possible. We are looking for volunteers to participate in this research project to help us generate data by examining photos of strandings and identifying possible bycatch features. Volunteers will be given access to online training in the skills of identifying bycatch features on stranded cetaceans. Using your new skills, you can examine real strandings cases through the website to determine whether they were bycaught or not, all from the comfort of your own home. We will use the data you generate to develop and test this new bycatch diagnostic method. We are looking for volunteers with any level of experience and can be based anywhere, but you will need to; * Be over 18 years old * Be able to commit at least 5 hours to the project * Have access to the internet and a laptop or desktop computer * Understand written English What will you gain? Involvement in this project is entirely voluntary, you will gain training and experience examining small cetacean strandings by examining detailed photographs through a web-based system. Volunteering is entirely home-based and can be done in your own time. This is a service/citizen science project, and unfortunately, there are no compensation or college credits available for volunteers. If you would like to learn more about the project and sign up as a volunteer – bycatchproject.co.uk<https://bycatchproject.co.uk/> Many thanks Niki Clear, on behalf of the project team and partners Masters by Research Student nc461(a)exeter.ac.uk College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter

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2021 Fin Whale Project on the coast of Barcelona
by edmaktub 12 Oct '21

12 Oct '21

*2021 Fin Whale Project on the coast of Barcelona** * *EDMAKTUB is offering a position and looking for research trainee assistants** * EDMAKTUB Association is a non-profit organization studying fin whale presence and behaviour, since 2013; and the conditions why fin whales come in great number to feed on the coast between Barcelona and Tarragona, norteastern Spain. Not only whales but also many other species of cetaceans, sea birds, fish and sea turtles visit the area from mid-February to mid-June. EDMAKTUB collects information about their presence and behavior, as well as biological and oceanographic data. You can find more information here: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/fin-whale-project/ <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> In order to complete its research team for the 2021 season, EDMAKTUB is looking for two types of collaborators: 1) Researcher (one paid position), 2) Research Assistants (training program). You will find the description and requirements of each position below. 1) RESEARCHER - Graduates (minimum) in biology, veterinary, marine sciences and other fields related to the study of cetaceans and the oceanic conditions. excellent scientific writing skills. Number of positions available: 1 Collaborating period: 3 to 4 months (with a possible extension) Physical presence: Mid February 2021 (Virtual contact: as soon as possible) *Salary* based on experience but with a low fix and extra variable depending on results. Acomodation will be included Tasks to be undertaken: •Preparation and participation in the 2021 marine surveys of the Fin Whale Project. Researchers need to be based in Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona, Spain) from mid-February to mid-June • Coordination of one of the research lines (download dossier for details: link below) • Collaborate in the logistical and organizational tasks of the Project •Writing reports and papers to publish in peer review journals. What do you get? • Involvement in all the activities carried out in the Fin Whale Project, especially daily whale monitoring,observation and publication. • A platform in which to gain experience in the field study of cetaceans. • The possibility of developing your own research work: whether it is an article for publication, an end-of-course assignment or work as part of a master's degree. • Professional visibility in the field of cetacean research. What do we ask in return? • Dedication and commitment • You will need to cover your accommodation and living expenses (from February to June in Vilanova i la Geltrú). We can provide a shared flat. How to apply? Send your detailed CV as well as a motivation letter in which you propose the line of research you want to develop and the ideas you have regarding it. Indicate as subject: “PR2021” It is essential to read the Fin Whale Project dossier (link below) beforehand to find out about the available infrastructure and the studies that have been developed during previous seasons. Link: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/annual-report/ <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…><https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> Email: Info(a)edmaktub.org <mailto:Info@edmaktub.org> 2) TRAINING PROGRAM: RESEARCH ASSISTANTS –Graduates, students or people wishing to acquire practical experience in the field study of cetaceans and oceanographic conditions Number of positions available: 15 | Participating period: 7 days (one week to choose from mid-March to mid-May) What do you get? • The chance to participate in all the activities developed by the Fin Whale Project during the seven days of the program, especially in daily whale monitoring and observation. • Training and practical experience in the field of cetacean study. • The opportunity of spending quality time at sea observing cetaceans in the rich environment of the coast of Barcelona (Garraf Coast). What do we ask in return? • To collaborate financially to the project with a donation of €800, which also covers your accommodation and food during the seven days of the program. How to apply? Fill out the form you will find in our website: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/rap/ <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> If you want to collaborate as a VOLUNTEER, please take a look at our website: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/volunteers/ <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> -- ———————------------------- Eduard Degollada Bastos DVM PhD President Associació EDMAKTUB www.edmaktub.org <https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmak…> Fb edmaktub Youtube edmaktub Emailedmaktub(a)edmaktub.org <mailto:edmaktub@edmaktub.org> Ph +34630038829

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New publications of Ecomega Research Group
by Eduardo Secchi 01 Aug '21

01 Aug '21

Dear MARMAMers, We would like to share these two new publications of the Ecology and Conservation of Marine Megafauna (Ecomega) research team. Prado JHF, Kinas PG, Pennino MG, Seyboth E, Silveira FRG, Ferreira EC & Secchi ER (2021). Definition of no-fishing zones and fishing effort limits to reduce franciscana bycatch to sustainable levels in southern Brazil. Animal Conservation DOI:101111/acv.12679 Abstract: Franciscana Pontoporia blainvillei bycatch has been high for near six decades in western South Atlantic, with large regional variation. In 2012, the Brazilian Government-regulated gillnet fisheries in south and southeast Brazil by reducing fishing effort and establishing no-fishing zones. However, there is evidence that the magnitude of franciscana bycatch remains high and unsustainable. The aims of this study were to identify hotspot areas of franciscana bycatch associated with two main gillnet fisheries and to propose no-fishing zones combined with limited total allowable fishing effort (i.e. total net length per season) in order to meet management objectives in southern Brazil. A hierarchical Bayesian model using integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) was employed based on 1427 reported settings from 1999 to 2003 and 2006 to 2009. Hotspot zones were detected and are proposed as no-fishing zone during the white croaker Micropogonias furnieri and striped weakfish Cynoscion guatucupa gillnet fishing seasons. Their extents represent 6% (1466.8 km2) and 19% (4493.7 km2) of the fishing ground (23 204.1 km2) during croaker and weakfish fishing seasons respectively. The total allowable fishing effort estimated outside the no-fishing zones were estimated at 541 km (95% credible interval (CrI) [339; 940]) during croaker and 688 km (CrI [312; 2,166]) during weakfish fishing seasons, one order of magnitude lower than the current total fishing effort. The drastic reduction of total fishing effort estimated in this study is largely due to weak protection measures since the gillnet fisheries became the major conservation concern for franciscana by the end of 1970s in southern Brazil. Although the implementation of the proposed exclusion zones and limiting fishing effort will strongly impact the status quo, they were based on the best scientific evidence and on a clearly defined management goal to reduce the risk of the franciscana population’s collapse in southern Brazil. Fruet PF, Möller LM & Secchi ER (2021). Dynamics and viability of a small estuarine-resident population of Lahille’s bottlenose dolphins from southern Brazil. Front. Mar. Sci. https://doi.org/103389/fmars.2020.593474 <https://doi.org/103389/fmars.2020.593474> Abstract: Identifying threatened populations and quantifying their vulnerability is crucial for establishing priorities for conservation and providing robust information for decision-making. Lahille’s bottlenose dolphins have been long subjected to by-catch mortality in gillnet fisheries in coastal waters of southern Brazil, particularly in the Patos Lagoon estuary (PLE) and adjacent coastal waters, where dolphins from three populations (or Management Units) show overlapping home ranges. In this study we used a stage-classified matrix population model to conduct a demographic analysis of the PLE’s population with life-history data estimated through an 8 years mark-recapture study. A population viability analysis (PVA) was used to run a series of simulations where the risk was assessed under different by-catch scenarios, taking into account the effects of parameter uncertainty and stochasticity in the projections. In the absence of by-catch, we estimated that this dolphin population would growth at a rate of about 3% annually (95% CI: 1.2–5.8%). Under current by-catch rates, prognoses indicated high probabilities of viability over the next 60 years. These optimistic prognoses appear to be associated with the high survival of adult females. However, the eventual removal of very few mature females (one every year or two) would result in a prominent likelihood of decline from its current abundance at all pre-specified levels. The viability of the population would be substantially improved if the survival of juveniles/sub-adults could be increased. This may be achieved through the recently implemented dolphin protection area, which prohibits gillnet fisheries in the core area of this population. If the protection area reduces the entanglement rates of the most impacted life-stages (i.e., juvenile/sub-adult dolphins), there would be a substantial chance of the PLE’s dolphin population increasing above 20% of its current size, which is here proposed as conservation goal. If met, this goal has the potential to promote habitat quality, increase genetic diversity and connectivity with adjacent populations, enhancing the ability of bottlenose dolphins in southern Brazil to cope with environmental change and potential disease outbreaks. <> Kind regards, Eduardo ---- Eduardo R. Secchi Professor Associado Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha-Ecomega Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG (53) 3233-6749 (53) 99945-3990 www.furg.br <http://www.furg.br/> http://lattes.cnpq.br/2134644742559817 <http://lattes.cnpq.br/2134644742559817> orcid.org/0000-0001-9087-9909 <http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9087-9909> ResearcherID: D-5038-2013 https://publons.com/researcher/ABF-1191-2020/ <https://publons.com/researcher/ABF-1191-2020/>

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PAM Software Basics - August Training Session
by Elizabeth Ferguson 30 Jul '21

30 Jul '21

Greetings MARMAM Community, We would like to inform interested individuals that registration is available for the August training session of *PAM Software Basics -* the only fully online, IMarEST accredited course designed to teach participants how to use software for the passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals. *PAM Software Basics* is an eight-module course that provides instruction in two industry-leading bioacoustic software programs, Ishmael and PAMGuard. The course provides instruction regarding topics of file configuration, data collection, sound detection and localization of marine mammals via guided videos and associated activities. Participants are provided a 30-day period to navigate through materials at their own pace and location, and can start any day in August (e.g. Aug 10th registration provides access through Sept. 8th). We provide support and feedback along the way to ensure participants gain confidence and comfort with software. Registration details and additional information regarding this unique training can be found at the course page below. For a list of course topics, please email Liz Ferguson at eferguson(a)oceanscienceanalytics.com. PAM Software Basics <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/pam-software-basics> We hope to see you online soon! Regards, Liz Ferguson *CEO and Founder* *Ocean Science Analytics* *www.oceanscienceanalytics.com <http://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com>*

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FWC Florida Manatee Photo-identification Internship
by Johnson, Jennifer 30 Jul '21

30 Jul '21

Manatee Photo-identification Internships The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency. For more information about FWRI, please visit: https://myfwc.com/research/. FWRI’s manatee photo-identification research focuses on long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The program’s primary goal is to document individual manatees, which allows us to estimate annual adult survival and reproductive rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use and behavior. Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, entering information into databases, scanning data sheets and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based; however, during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, assisting with manatee genetics research, special projects and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency. Two positions are available each year: one in winter (November to March) and one in summer (May to September). Start and end dates are flexible; however, a minimum commitment of four weekdays per week for four months is required. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the institute. Positions are open until filled, and priority will be given to candidates who can commit for longer periods. Qualifications: · Computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred. · Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters and lenses preferred but not required. · The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment. · A valid U.S. Driver’s License. · Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods. 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 the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability. · A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. · Current academic transcripts. (unofficial are sufficient) · Names and contact information for three references. Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applicants may contact FWRI’s Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Rood, (Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com, 727-502-4737) with questions regarding the internship.

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Job Posting: Senior Biologist, New York Marine Rescue Center, NY
by Maxine Montello 30 Jul '21

30 Jul '21

Please see below for an exciting job opportunity at the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) located in Riverhead, NY. Feel free to share within your network, as well as with any qualified candidates. Position Title: Senior Biologist Position Overview The New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) is now accepting applications for a Senior Biologist. The application deadline is August 16th or until ideal candidate has been selected. This is a full-time position with benefits. The New York Marine Rescue Center is a rescue and rehabilitation organization that promotes marine conservation. Our mission is to preserve and protect the marine environment through conservation efforts including research, rescue, rehabilitation, and education. As a 501 (c) non-profit, we are the primary responders for sick or injured seals, sea turtles, and small cetaceans, and maintain the only marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation center in New York State. Senior Biologist Competencies * Administers veterinary care as prescribed by veterinarians to rehabilitation cases, including health assessments, blood collection and analysis, dispensing of drugs (including injections), treatment of wounds, and euthanasia. * Responds to stranding calls as appropriate, educates the public through 24-hour hotline coverage and provides on-call support as necessary * Coordinates stranding response * Packages and ships samples according to federal shipping regulations * Manages on-site volunteer and field volunteer programs including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, scheduling and providing training workshops. Supervises biologist, volunteers and interns in the daily husbandry of rehabilitation cases, medical treatments, and special projects * Administers development and management of NYMRC's stranding database and keeps NYMRC in compliance with Federal reporting obligations * Presents information about program through media interviews, press conferences, and email inquires * Perform necropsies of sea turtles. Collect, prepare, and submit biological samples for detailed analysis * Perform maintenance of life support systems, rescue equipment, and rescue response vehicles * Delivers public lectures about the stranding program, marine animal natural history, and research projects * Complies, analyzes, and presents stranding data for annual Greater Atlantic Region Network conferences * Complies and analyzes stranding data for publications and or contributes to manuscript preparation * Assists with grant and report writing, as needed * Performs other position-related duties, as assigned * Performs administrative tasks as directed Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree with a focus on biological science or veterinary technology preferred * 3-5 years' experience in sea turtle or marine mammal in a clinical setting * Experience with sea turtles and marine mammal stranding network is essential * Excellent organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills * Good to excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (i.e. Microsoft, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); knowledge of GIS preferred * Able to work and maintain professionalism under strenuous conditions (inclement weather, long hours, heavy lifting) * Willing to work weekends and holidays as well as periodic 24 hour on-call shifts * Possess a valid U.S. driver's license Application process: Email your resume and cover letter describing how you meet both qualifications and competencies of the position, as well as THREE professional references to mmontello(a)nymarinerescue.org<mailto:mmontello@nymarinerescue.org> or mail to: New York Marine Rescue Center 467 East Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901 Attention: Maxine Montello Maxine Montello, M.Sc. Rescue Program Director New York Marine Rescue Center 467 East Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901 Phone: (631) 369-9840 ex 106 Fax: (631) 369- 9826 Hotline: (631) 369-9829 www.nymarinerescue.org<http://www.nymarinerescue.org/> [cid:image001.png@01D7852C.7F30D180] **IMPORTANT: Please note that our contact information has changed. The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is now the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) and remains the primary response organization for stranded seals, sea turtles, dolphins, porpoise, and small toothed whales.**

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New paper: The effects of anthropogenic noise on cetaceans in Brazil: the need to consider recent scientific advances in environmental licensing
by Ana Luiza Pires 29 Jul '21

29 Jul '21

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to share our recently published paper in the Journal of Coastal Conservation available on https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-021-00832-5. * The effects of anthropogenic noise on cetaceans in Brazil: the need to consider recent scientific advances in environmental licensing.* Pires, A.L.; Maciel, I.S.; Alves, M.A.S.; Tardin, R.H. *Abstract* Anthropogenic noise can impact cetaceans, leading to masking, stress, and auditory damage, among other effects. Recent studies have emphasized the need to understand these impacts on marine organisms, for which cetaceans may be used as ecological models. However, it is unclear whether public policy-making in the countries that present the same concern. We used the Brazilian environmental licensing legislation as a case study to investigate whether governments have addressed the scientific advances on the effects of anthropogenic noise on cetaceans. The study was based on a systematic review of the literature on the impacts of anthropogenic noise on cetaceans, and a survey of the environmental licensing reports related to the construction of shipping facilities and seismic activity. None of these reports evaluated the potential impacts on cetacean acoustics, and 59.6% were based solely on a review of the literature. Our results highlight the importance of measuring the acoustic variables of the noise produced by human activities. We conclude that governments should include the recent scientific advances on the effects of anthropogenic noise on cetaceans in their environmental legislation and licensing requirements. I am available to answer any further questions regarding our paper ( analuizamellosp(a)gmail.com) Best regards, The Authors -- Ana Luiza Pires Bióloga Marinha pela Universidade Federal Fluminense Mestranda em Biologia Animal na Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro Pós-Graduada em Planejamento e Gestão Ambiental na Universidade Veiga de Almeida Contato: (21) 980857828 <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Livre de vírus. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…>. <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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New paper: A Gulf in lockdown: How an enforced ban on recreational vessels increased dolphin and fish communication ranges. (Louise Wilson)
by Louise Wilson 29 Jul '21

29 Jul '21

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share a recent publication investigating the effects of reduced boat traffic on the marine soundscape during New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdown at the beginning of 2020. This lockdown saw a ban on recreational traffic and a dramatic reduction in commercial traffic, with benefits to the communication ranges of different species in the Gulf. Pine, M. K., Wilson, L., Jeffs, A. G., McWhinnie, L., Juanes, F., Sceuderi, A., & Radford, C. A. (2021). A Gulf in lockdown: How an enforced ban on recreational vessels increased dolphin and fish communication ranges. *Global Change Biology*. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15798 >From midnight of 26 March 2020, New Zealand became one of the first countries to enter a strict lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown banned all non-essential services and travel both on land and sea. Overnight, the country's busiest coastal waterway, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, became devoid of almost all recreational and non-essential commercial vessels. An almost instant change in the marine soundscape ensued, with ambient sound levels in busy channels dropping nearly threefold the first 12 h. This sudden drop led fish and dolphins to experience an immediate increase in their communication ranges by up to an estimated 65%. Very low vessel activity during the lockdown (indicated by the presence of vessel noise over the day) revealed new insights into cumulative noise effects from vessels on auditory masking. For example, at sites nearer Auckland City, communication ranges increased approximately 18 m (22%) or 50 m (11%) for every 10% decrease in vessel activity for fish and dolphins, respectively. However, further from the city and in deeper water, these communication ranges were increased by approximately 13 m (31%) or 510 m (20%). These new data demonstrate how noise from small vessels can impact underwater soundscapes and how marine animals will have to adapt to ever-growing noise pollution. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like a .pdf of the article (lwil634(a)aucklanduni.ac.nz) Ngā mihi, Louise Louise Wilson PhD Candidate Leigh Marine Lab 160 Goat Island Road, Leigh, 0985 +64 (0) 27 258 6639

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