July 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Shifting baselines of cetacean conservation in Europe
by Giovanni Bearzi 20 Jul '21

20 Jul '21

Dear colleagues, Randall Reeves and I just published the paper below in the "Food for Thought" section of the ICES Journal of Marine Science. Bearzi G, Reeves RR. 2021. Shifting baselines of cetacean conservation in Europe. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsab137. https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsab13… ABSTRACT-- Within just one human lifetime, the underlying motivation to conserve whales, dolphins and porpoises has shifted from being purely practical and anthropogenic to something much broader, reflecting a desire to protect populations as well as individual animals. In European waters, cetacean conservation currently tends to focus on direct and obvious threats, whereas those originating from widespread human encroachment and consumption patterns tend to be overlooked, even when they are pervasive enough to seriously affect cetacean populations. Cetacean habitat and prey rarely benefit from actual protection (including within Marine Protected Areas), while only moderate and often nominal protection is granted to the cetaceans, without clear conservation baselines and quantitative recovery targets. Meanwhile, historical baselines of cetacean diversity, abundance and distribution appear to be shifting, and the memory of past culling campaigns is fading. Here, we argue that! cetacean conservation should go beyond just avoiding further population decline or warding off the extinction of single species. Allowing only the most opportunistic and resilient species to persist, often by merely attempting to mitigate direct mortality (e.g. bycatch in fishing gear), should not pass for actual cetacean conservation. We should strive instead for the full recovery of multiple species throughout their historical ranges. Cheers, Giovanni Bearzi - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm>

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R Programmer for Cetacean Abundance Estimation
by Amy Whitt 20 Jul '21

20 Jul '21

Azura is looking for an experienced R programmer to develop a unified tool for generating design-based estimates of cetacean abundance. This work will be conducted for NOAA Fisheries in the Pacific, and the tool should be easily adapted for use by analysts in other regions. This project will involve updating and transitioning the existing analysis code into an open data science format using R and related tools (e.g., RStudio, R Markdown, Git, GitHub). The core components of the abundance estimation tool include data processing, data evaluation, detection function formulation, and parameter estimation for two specific methods: 1) a group-based application for most species where the estimator accounts for the effect of multiple covariates on the detection function and 2) a subgroup-based application for false killer whales where the estimator allows for separate estimation of each parameter. The final product from this effort will be the streamlined and well-annotated code and associated documentation that users can access through GitHub although the feasibility and utility of R packaging may also be considered. *Duties* · Update and transition existing code for each core component of each design-based abundance estimation method (i.e., group-based for most species and subgroup-based for false killer whales) into an open data science format using the R programming language and related tools. o For the data processing component, develop new code that refines output from the newly developed R package ‘swfscDAS’, which processes data files from the line-transect data collection program ‘WinCruz’, and produces sightings and effort summaries in formats needed for evaluation and analysis. o For the data evaluation component, develop new code that uses the processed sightings summary and examines data availability by cetacean species and stock, truncation distances for detection functions, and sample sizes for detection function and abundance estimation. o For the detection function formulation component, develop new code that uses the processed sightings summary and established truncation distances and models and evaluates each detection function, interfacing with existing ‘Distance’ R packages when possible. o For the parameter estimation component, develop new code that uses the processed data summaries and detection function models and estimates the survey-specific parameters and results (i.e., effective strip width, group or subgroup size, trackline detection probability or g(0), density, and abundance) and associated uncertainty using established bootstrap procedures. · Annotate and debug the new code and work with NOAA to validate the results of each core component for each method. · Ensure that the new code is integrated across all components and, to the extent possible, generalized for each method so that the abundance estimation tool can be implemented for multiple species and stocks at one time. · Work with NOAA to prepare any additional documentation that may be required to package, publish, or otherwise distribute the abundance estimation tool. *Required Qualifications* · Interpreting code written by others in the R programming language · Creating efficient and streamlined R code in an open data science format · Using open data science tools, such as the R package ‘tidyverse’, RStudio, R Markdown, Git, and GitHub · Proficiency with developing R code for quantitative and statistical analyses · Ability to create code in a collaborative environment with feedback and collaboration during the development and validation process · Excellent verbal and written communication skills *Preferred Qualifications* · Interpreting code written by others in the Fortran programming language · Familiarity with design-based line-transect analysis Work will be conducted remotely, and you must be able to pass a security background check. If you are interested in this position and have all of the required qualifications listed above, please send your resume and cover letter to amy(a)azuraco.com. In your resume, please describe how you meet all of the required qualifications and list contact information for three references who can attest to your previous work experience. In your cover letter, please describe why you would be a good fit for this position. -- *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* CEO, Senior Scientist Azura Consulting LLC WOSB | EDWOSB *c* 870-919-2636 *o* 972-905-1416 www.azuraco.com

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Recent papers on Antarctic minke whales and humpback whales
by Ari Friedlaender 20 Jul '21

20 Jul '21

On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share two new papers that have recently been published on the behavioral ecology and anatomy of Antarctic minke whales and humpback whales. Sympatry and resource partitioning between the largest krill consumers around the Antarctic Peninsula ABSTRACT: Understanding how closely related, sympatric species distribute themselves relative to their environment is critical to understanding ecosystem structure and function and predicting effects of environmental variation. The Antarctic Peninsula supports high densities of krill and krill consumers; however, the region is warming rapidly, with unknown consequences. Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae and Antarctic minke whales Balaenoptera bonaerensis are the largest krill consumers here, yet key data gaps remain about their distribution, behavior, and interactions and how these will be impacted by changing conditions. Using satellite telemetry and novel spatial point-process modeling techniques, we quantified habitat use of each species relative to dynamic environmental variables and determined overlap in core habitat areas during summer months when sea ice is at a minimum. We found that humpback whales ranged broadly over continental shelf waters, utilizing nearshore bays, while minke whales restricted their movements to sheltered bays and areas where ice is present. This presents a scenario where minke whale core habitat overlaps substantially with the broader home ranges of humpback whales. While there is no indication that prey is limiting in this ecosystem, increased overlap between these species may arise as climate-driven changes that affect the extent, timing, and duration of seasonal sea ice decrease the amount of preferred foraging habitat for minke whales while concurrently increasing it for humpback whales. Our results provide the first quantitative assessment of behaviorally based habitat use and sympatry between these 2 krill consumers and offers insight into the potential effects of a rapidly changing environment on the structure and function of a polar ecosystem. Ari S. Friedlaender, Trevor Joyce, David W. Johnston, Andrew J. Read, Douglas P. Nowacek, Jeremy A. Goldbogen, Nick Gales, John W. Durban This paper is provided with open access through Marine Ecology Progress Series and can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13771 In-situ observations of the sensory hairs of Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) Abstract The sense of touch in the largest marine mammals is poorly understood. While mysticetes possess specialized sensory hairs that are present through adulthood, descriptions of these structures are based almost entirely on examination of tissues in post-mortem individuals. Sensory hairs have rarely been observed and described in living whales. We photographed Antarctic minke whales Balaenoptera bonaerensis in the Western Antarctic Peninsula and used high-resolution images to describe the number, distribution, orientation, and relative size of sensory hairs in freely swimming individuals. Sensory hairs were well developed. They were distributed on the tip of the lower jaw, the margins of the upper and lower jaw, and near the blowhole. Far fewer hairs were observed than reported for other mysticete species, including the related species Balaenoptera acutorostrata. Placement and apparent stiffness of sensory hairs within living tissue combined with observations and images of moving whales suggest these structures aid in detecting air and ice interfaces, and possibly, the boundaries of submerged prey fields. Colleen Reichmuth <https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorSt…>, Caroline Casey <https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorSt…>, Ari Friedlaender <https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/doSearch?ContribAuthorSt…> The paper can be accessed through Anatomical Record at: https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.24720 <https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.24720> Thank you. Ari Friedlaender Ari S. Friedlaender, PhD (he/him/his) Associate Researcher, Institute of Marine Sciences Associate Adjunct Professor, Ocean Sciences & Ecology and Evolutionary Biology UC Santa Cruz 115 McAllister Way Santa Cruz, CA 95060 ari.friedlaender(a)ucsc.edu https://btbel.pbsci.ucsc.edu/ http://www.caoceanalliance.org/

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National Marine Mammal Foundation - Undergraduate Marine Mammal Health Internship
by Brittany Novick 20 Jul '21

20 Jul '21

*National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program (NMMP)* *Animal Health and Welfare TeamMarine Mammal Health Internship (Undergraduate)Supervisors: Brittany Novick & Veronica Cendejas* *Estimated Hours: *Full Time, M - F 0700 – 1500 *Location: *San Diego, California, USA *Estimated Start Date: *Fall 2021 *Description:* The National Marine Mammal Foundation is located in San Diego, CA and is a world leader in marine mammal medicine. Our mission is to improve and protect life for marine mammals, humans, and our shared oceans through science, service, and education. This internship is working directly in the veterinary hospital that supports the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program and is intended for college-aged or recently graduated, undergraduate-level students who must be a U.S. citizen, able to pass a background check, and willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position.* This internship will give students a unique inside look at the day-to-day operations of a marine mammal clinic, work directly with veterinary technicians and veterinary staff, and learn the ins-and-outs of marine mammal care and medicine. By the end of this internship, students will have completed an array of experiences, including procedure monitoring and routine laboratory tasks, to help prepare them for a career in animal medicine. *To apply for this internship, please send a resume, cover letter, and 2 recommendation letters to Erika Putman at **erika.putman(a)nmmpfoundation.org* <erika.putman(a)nmmpfoundation.org>* by close of business on Sunday, August 1.* **Please note: This internship is not intended for veterinary or post-doctoral students. Please visit www.nmmf.org <http://www.nmmf.org/> for more information on our veterinary internships and opportunities. *

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New Publication: sUAS Acoustic Analysis for Noninvasive Marine Mammal Response
by Sarah Callan 20 Jul '21

20 Jul '21

Abstract As in countless other fields of human endeavor, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) have the potential to benefit pinniped (Pinnipedia; e.g., Phocidae [seals], Otariidae [sea lions], and Odobenidae [walruses]) response efforts. The employment of sUAS could give responders a close-up look at animals in distress in order to determine their condition as well as develop a response strategy. However, unlike other subjects that are regularly inspected by sUAS (e.g., croplands and civil infrastructure) pinnipeds may respond to the distinctive sound generated by small, multirotor sUAS. This reaction may include retreating into the water en masse, which could put the target individual out of reach of the response team. To potentially prevent this outcome, this exploratory field study established sUAS acoustic profiles through quantitative and qualitative measures for multiple aircraft across a range of distance and altitude. These data were collected in both a secluded rural environment and a coastal environment. The results indicate that sUAS sound pressure levels at least 20 dBA (re 20 µPa) below the ambient noise floor are required to completely mask the distinctive sound of the aircraft to human hearing. The results were used to create aircraft operational envelopes to potentially mitigate disturbance while optimizing visual information. To reflect the type of sUAS that would likely be available to small, non-profit marine mammal response groups working in remote locations, the aircraft studied were limited to compact models $3,000 or less. https://commons.erau.edu/ijaaa/vol8/iss2/11/ "sUAS Acoustic Analysis for Noninvasive Marine Mammal Response" by David Thirtyacre, Gennifer Brookshire et al.<https://commons.erau.edu/ijaaa/vol8/iss2/11/> As in countless other fields of human endeavor, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) have the potential to benefit pinniped (Pinnipedia; e.g., Phocidae [seals], Otariidae [sea lions], and Odobenidae [walruses]) response efforts. The employment of sUAS could give responders a close-up look at animals in distress in order to determine their condition as well as develop a response strategy. commons.erau.edu  For questions contact: Ceto Marine Research, cetodrones(a)gmail.com Thanks, Sarah Sarah Callan Assistant Manager, Animal Rescue Program 55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, Connecticut 06355 Office: 860-572-5955 x 134 Cell: 860-625-1169 Hotline: 860-572-5955 x 107 www.mysticaquarium.org<http://www.mysticaquarium.org/> [MA_Web]

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3 lectureship vacancies at the University of Plymouth, UK
by Simon Ingram 20 Jul '21

20 Jul '21

The University of Plymouth, UK is currently advertising three lectureships to join our team in the School of Biological and Marine Sciences. We are looking for candidates with a wide range of expertise combining enthusiastic and research-informed teaching with an aspiration to be world-class in your area of research. These posts would be suitable for researchers with expertise in aspects of marine mammal science from physiology and evolution to ecology and conservation. For more information on the posts and to apply please click on the following links. https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CHO559/lecturer-in-marine-conservation https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CHO575/lecturer-in-marine-biology https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CHO571/lecturer-in-biology ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, University of Plymouth accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. University of Plymouth does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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New article in the Journal of Political Ecology on whaling and whale watching
by Benedict Singleton 19 Jul '21

19 Jul '21

Dear list members, Some of you may be interested in this article recently published open access in Journal of Political Ecology. It builds partially upon my interviews with marine mammal scientists. Details and link below. Yours sincerely, Benedict Singleton The whale watched and whaled: exploring the orderings of a complex environmental issue through the lens of rubbish theory The political ecological study of environmental issues is often concerned with the interactions of diverse actors, leading to accounts of different, conflicting worldviews. While different epistemological and ontological standpoints are covered, there is consensus that environmental issues are simultaneously social and material, and that worldviews differ. In this article, I argue Michael Thompson's rubbish theory can be usefully employed to compare and contrast environmental perspectives ultimately rooted in conflicting epistemological and ontological understandings of a situation. Rubbish theory describes the categorization of objects into durables, transients and rubbish, and movements between these categories.Rubbish theory focuses on how objects are restricted in their movement and how this reflects the distribution of power and status in society. Two aspects of a society may then be assessed: 1) its value system, and 2) the extent to which different groups may alter that value system. Dynamic changes in these two aspects are then traceable. As an example of extant environmental conflicts rooted in different worldviews, this article focuses on historic and contemporary issues around the consumption of whale meat. Focusing upon whaling and whale-watching, I argue that historic and contemporary conflicts manifest different orderings and that these comprise different epistemological standpoints, which as value systems are comparable within rubbish theory. Keywords: political ontology, rubbish theory, social theory, environmental conflict, cosmopolitics, cetaceans https://journals.librarypublishing.arizona.edu/jpe/article/id/2928/ --- När du skickar e-post till SLU så innebär detta att SLU behandlar dina personuppgifter. För att läsa mer om hur detta går till, klicka här <https://www.slu.se/om-slu/kontakta-slu/personuppgifter/> E-mailing SLU will result in SLU processing your personal data. For more information on how this is done, click here <https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/contact-slu/personal-data/>

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UK Marine Mammal Adviser post
by Declan Tobin 19 Jul '21

19 Jul '21

Hi all, I would like to shamelessly plug two Senior Marine Mammal Adviser posts currently being advertised at JNCC<https://jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/who-we-are/> (one of the UK's main statutory nature conservation bodies). To see more on the posts please visit the UK civil service jobs<https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?SID=dXNlcnNlYXJja…> portal. JNCC's main role is to advise all four Governments of the UK on issues affecting the natural environment. In this capacity we are currently seeking two Senior Marine Mammal Advisers to lead on the provision of statutory advice on the conservation of cetaceans and seals. By way of clarification, there are 2 posts (one permanent and one fixed 2 yr. term). Also, although the Marine Species Team is nominally based in Aberdeen, there will be flexibility in the location of the post-holder in line with JNCC policy. Please note, the deadline for applications is Sunday 25th of July. Kind regards, Declan Declan Tobin Marine Species and Management Team Leader JNCC, Inverdee House, Baxter Street, Aberdeen, AB11 9QA Tel: +441224 083517 Mob: 07870 506200 Email: declan.tobin(a)jncc.gov.uk<mailto:declan.tobin@jncc.gov.uk> [cid:image001.jpg@01D77CB7.EBC8BE20] jncc.gov.uk<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jncc.d…> JNCC have been monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 closely and developed a response plan. As a result, the vast majority of our staff are working from home and adhering to the government's advice on social distancing and travel restrictions. Whilst we are taking these actions we are available for business as usual. We will respond to enquiries as promptly as possible. However, there may be some delays due to the current constraints and we ask for your understanding and patience. [cid:image002.png@01D77CB7.EBC8BE20]<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.c…>[cid:image003.png@01D77CB7.EBC8BE20]<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.faceb…> [Linkedin logo] <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linke…> [cid:image005.jpg@01D77CB7.EBC8BE20]

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Postdoctoral fellow
by Kit Kovacs 19 Jul '21

19 Jul '21

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in marine mammal spatial ecology. This is a fixed-term 3-year position with Drs Kit M. Kovacs & Christian Lydersen at the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø. The position is funded by the Norwegian Research Council's ARK project (Arctic marine mammals in a time of climate change: a Kongsfjorden Case Study) and the EU-project "The future of Arctic coastal ecosystems - Identifying transitions in fjord systems and adjacent coastal areas" (FACE-IT - https://www.face-it-project.eu/) The job will entail: * participating in fieldwork deploying biologging instruments on seals in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard * performing 3D spatial analyses using data from biologging instruments along with environmental co- variates (temperature, ice cover etc). The analysis will be used to explore habitat use and niche overlap among species in the context of climate change * engaging with food-web and ecosystem modelers to integrate marine mammal spatial information into a variety of different models that have been designed to explore ecosystems interactions * writing scientific publications arising from the tagging data * participating in a variety of public outreach efforts to inform the public about the scientific knowledge accrued in the project. Qualifications You must hold a PhD in Biology (or a related field). PhDs from other fields like statistics or mathematics will be considered if you can demonstrate skills and research experience relevant for the project. You are welcome to apply if you have not completed your doctoral dissertation yet, but you must provide documentation that your dissertation has been submitted for evaluation before the position's closing date and must defend successfully prior to starting this job. In addition to your PhD the position requires: * experience with 3D spatial modelling of marine vertebrates (diving, as well as positional information) * good working competence with Excel/Access, multivariate statistics, relevant R statistical packages, Matlab, etc * a good scientific publication record (for your career stage) that includes spatial ecology publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Knowledge of marine mammal biology, Arctic ecosystems, and/or climate warming problematics will be seen as assets. Previous field experience working with marine mammals in polar regions will also be viewed favorably. We are looking for a person who is self-motivated and productive - one who takes responsibility for preparing necessary background knowledge on analytical methods (etc.) and works efficiently to accomplish tasks. You will collaborate with colleagues at the Norwegian Polar Institute and collaborators within the project, so good collaborative skills and the ability to work in small field teams is essential. ARK consists of researcher from Norway, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom and Poland. You will, of course, also work independently. Further inquiries about the position may be directed to Section Leader Dr Kit M Kovacs, kit.kovacs(a)npolar.no<mailto:kit.kovacs@npolar.no>, tel. +47 992 89 702, or Senior Research Scientist Dr Christian Lydersen, christian.lydersen(a)npolar.no<mailto:christian.lydersen@npolar.no>, tel. +47 909 30 776. The application deadline is 1 September 2021. The application with attachments must be submitted electronically via www.jobbnorge.no<http://www.jobbnorge.no>. The application should include details of your relevant qualifications and experience, CV, publications list, copies of your transcripts and names of three references. Please, do not include copies of publications or other works in the application, but note that this may be requested later in the process. Fill in only the basic personal info on the form - just use attachments for your CV (publication), letter of introduction etc. https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/209646 (just click the language button - upper right - to get to English!)

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Opportunistic sightings of blue whales off Sydney, Australia
by Vanessa Pirotta (HDR) 18 Jul '21

18 Jul '21

Dear MARMAM colleagues, Rob Harcourt and I are pleased to announce the following publication now available online: Opportunistic sightings of blue whales off Sydney, Australia Pirotta and Harcourt (2021). Opportunistic sightings of blue whales off Sydney, Australia. Australian Zoologist; doi: https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2021.020 Abstract: Two subspecies of blue whale occur in Australian waters, (1) the pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) and (2) the Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia). Understanding blue whale presence in Australian waters is critical to ensuring Australia’s protection of these marine mammals as both subspecies were heavily exploited during historical whaling. This short note documents pygmy blue whale sightings in New South Wales waters over the last 18 years. Observations were opportunistically made via citizen science and verified by scientists. Sightings in this note contribute to our limited knowledge of pygmy blue whale distribution along the east coast of Australia and may help understand the migratory movements of New Zealand pygmy blue whales off Australia and in the Tasman Sea. Overall, information presented in this note contributes to Australia’s national and international conservation efforts to protecting blue whales as a migratory and threatened species. Best regards, Vanessa Pirotta Dr. Vanessa Pirotta Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia Twitter: @vanessapirotta Superstar of STEM 2021-2022 Watch my TEDx talk here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PXgFoTtwi0> [cid:5c866b6c-8e1b-4f84-9b5f-0f88d72eeaf8]

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