September 2021 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Programme Officer vacancy at IWC
by Iain Staniland 14 Sep '21

14 Sep '21

Dear MarMam, Just a reminder that the closing date for applications to the Programme Officer Vacancy at the IWC is the 19th September 2021 An exciting opportunity to work in an dynamic and significant Inter-Governmental Organisation IWC Programme Officer The IWC is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Programme Officer to support the development and implementation of IWC Work Programmes. The postholder will work across a range of cetacean conservation and welfare topic areas (for example underwater noise, whale watching, ship strikes, and marine debris) and take the lead on projects of particular interest. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual to work in an intergovernmental environment. Click here for a full job specification<https://iwc.int/public/downloads/bXeXd/Programme%20Officer%20Role%20JD%20Pe…>. The successful applicant will have a university degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline such as Environmental Science, Conservation or Zoology and knowledge of marine conservation and management issues and policies. They will have excellent interpersonal skills, be able to engage with stakeholders from many fields and diverse cultural backgrounds. The postholder will have a high level of organisational skills and be fluent in English. This post is advertised as a Full-Time position (37.5 hours per week) Applications, including CV and covering letter should be sent to secretariat(a)iwc.int<mailto:secretariat@iwc.int> by 5pm GMT 19 September 2021. For an informal conversation about this position, please contact Imogen Webster<mailto:imogen.webster@iwc.int> at the Secretariat. The IWC is a diplomatic mission and, as such, the successful candidate will be assisted in obtaining a visa to work in the UK. Equal opportunities statement We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment Dr. Iain Staniland Head of Science, Conservation and Management INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION The Red House, 135 Station Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9NP, UK t. +44 (0) 1223 233971 d. +44 (0) 1223 606128 www.iwc.int<http://www.iwc.int/> Working hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday [cid:image001.png@01D7A950.E546CFE0] This e-mail and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the named addressee you should delete the email and notify the sender immediately. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Any opinion and other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the International Whaling Commission.

1 0

New publication on humpback whale birthing events
by Nico Ransome 13 Sep '21

13 Sep '21

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper: Observations of parturition in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and occurrence of escorting and competitive behavior around birthing females ABSTRACT Documented cases of cetacean births in the wild are rare. While there are currently no direct observations of a complete humpback whale birth, they are one of the few large whale species where observers have been present during a birthing event. We compiled eye-witnessed accounts of all known humpback whale birthing events and found nine well-documented cases globally (three published and six “new” unpublished). In two-thirds of the accounts another “escort” whale was present and in close association with the birthing female, and of these, most cases involved multiple escorts (n = 4). We describe details of birthing events, including mother, neonate and escort(s)’ behavior, neonate appearance, and discuss reasons for escort presence during parturition. We note that immediately postpartum: (1) blood and/or placenta were not always apparent during above water observations, (2) females often (but not always) supported calves at the surface, (3) constant travel and tail slapping were typical neonate behaviors, (4) two cases of temporary calf abandonment (<10 min), and (5) evidence of shark scavenging (of placenta) and possible predation attempts (of neonate). Lastly, we suggest curled tail flukes as an additional trait for identifying neonates and note that fetal folds are not always evident in newborn humpback whales. It is available online at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12864?fbclid=IwAR06eSmIDfrc… https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12864 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/cms/asset/4517ceef-9b97-42e0-a646-3585bbdb3…]<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12864?fbclid=IwAR06eSmIDfrc…> Observations of parturition in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and occurrence of escorting and competitive behavior around birthing females<https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12864?fbclid=IwAR06eSmIDfrc…> Documented cases of cetacean births in the wild are rare. While there are currently no direct observations of a complete humpback whale birth, they are one of the few large whale species where observ... onlinelibrary.wiley.com   Alternatively, please feel free to contact me via email for a copy, Kind Regards, Nico Nicola Ransome MSc. Researcher and PhD Student, Murdoch University, Western Australia nicola.ransome(a)murdoch.edu.au https://amru.org.au/group-member/nicola-ransome/ Australia: (+61) 0423 261 442/Mexico: (+52) 322 121 3917 [cid:31f5ff63-c98c-440e-a20f-2bc835664e75]

1 0

Aquatic Mammals issue 47.5 available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 13 Sep '21

13 Sep '21

Dear MARMAM and ECS Talk subscribers, Happy early Autumn! Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The titles listed below represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 47, issue 5, 2021) of Aquatic Mammals available online. The issue is officially published on 15 September 2021. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Volume 47, Issue 5 (Items preceded by an ** are open access) **Brandon L. Southall, Douglas P. Nowacek, Ann E. Bowles, Valeria Senigaglia, Lars Bejder, and Peter L. Tyack. (2021). Marine Mammal Noise Exposure Criteria: Assessing the Severity of Marine Mammal Behavioral Responses to Human Noise. Aquatic Mammals, 47(5), 421-464. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.421 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.421> Georgia Catherine Anne Jones, Andrew John Roberts, and David George Edwards. (2021). First Record of a Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) Predating a Tope Shark (Galeorhinus galeus) in the UK. Aquatic Mammals, 47(5), 465-469. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.465 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.465> **Irina S. Trukhanova, Elena M. Andrievskaya, and Vyacheslav A. Alekseev. (2021). Bycatch in Lake Ladoga Fisheries Remains a Threat to Ladoga Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida ladogensis) Population. Aquatic Mammals, 47(5), 470-481. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.470 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.470> **Abigail F. Machernis, Stephanie H. Stack, Grace L. Olson, Florence A. Sullivan, and Jens J. Currie. (2021). External Scarring as an Indicator of Fisheries Interactions with Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and Pantropical Spotted (Stenella attenuata) Dolphins in Maui Nui, Hawai‘i. Aquatic Mammals, 47(5), 482-498. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.482 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.482> Caroline Casey, Jillian M. Sills, Sonny Knaub, Kathy Sotolotto, and Colleen Reichmuth. (2021). Lifelong Patterns of Sound Production in Two Seals. Aquatic Mammals, 47(5), 499-514. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.499 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.499> **Dr. Willem Hendrik Dudok van Heel: A Tribute. (2021). Aquatic Mammals, 47(5), 515-520. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.515 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.47.5.2021.515>

1 0

New publication on Ferries and environmental DNA
by Elena Agnese Valsecchi 13 Sep '21

13 Sep '21

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our publication describing an innovative methodology for monitoring the distribution of marine mammals and their preys by means of environmental DNA analysis, using ferries as sampling platforms: Elena Valsecchi, Antonella Arcangeli, Roberto Lombardi, Elizabeth Boyse, Ian M Carr, Paolo Galli, Simon J Goodman (2021) "Ferries and environmental DNA: underway sampling from commercial vessels provides new opportunities for systematic genetic surveys of marine biodiversity", Front. Mar. Sci., 27 August 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.704786 Abstract Marine environmental DNA (eDNA) is an important tool for biodiversity research and monitoring but challenges remain in scaling surveys over large spatial areas, and increasing the frequency of sampling in remote locations at reasonable cost. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of sampling from commercial vessels (Mediterranean ferries) while underway, as a strategy to facilitate replicable, systematic marine eDNA surveys in locations that would normally be challenging and expensive for researchers to access. Sixteen eDNA samples were collected from four fixed sampling stations, and in response to four cetacean sightings, across three cruises undertaken along the 300 km ferry route between Livorno (Tuscany) and Golfo Aranci (Sardinia) in the Ligurian/Tyrrhenian Seas, June-July 2018. Using 12SrDNA and 16SrDNA metabarcoding markers, we recovered diverse marine vertebrate Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) from teleost fish, elasmobranchs, and cetaceans. We detected sample heterogeneity consistent with previously known variation in species occurrences, including putative species spawning peaks associated with specific sea surface temperature ranges, and increased night time abundance of bathypelagic species known to undertake diel migrations through the water column. We suggest commercial vessel based marine eDNA sampling using the global shipping network has potential to facilitate broad-scale biodiversity monitoring in the world’s oceans. You can find the open-access article at this link: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.704786/full We hope you enjoy it! Elena Valsecchi, PhD *Marine eDNA Group, MaRHE Center (http://www.marhe.unimib.it/ <http://www.marhe.unimib.it/>)* *Adjunct Professor of Marine Vertebrate Zoology (http://www.marinesciences.unimib.it/ <http://www.marinesciences.unimib.it/>)* *Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences (**https://www.disat.unimib.it/en <https://www.disat.unimib.it/en>**), * *University of Milano-Bicocca. **Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy* *elena.valsecchi(a)unimib.it <elena.valsecchi(a)unimib.it>*

1 0

'Dawn of Cetology' presentation ACS-San Diego Chapter
by Uko Gorter 11 Sep '21

11 Sep '21

Dear All, Hopefully of interest to some of you. I presented my talk: “Dawn of Cetology, The Scientific Pursuit of Whales from the Antiquities to the Twentieth Century” for the American Cetacean Society — San Diego Chapter on September 10. It is a concise overview to highlight some of the most important protagonists who shaped this branch of zoology. A field made up of philosophers, compilers, naturalists, ship-surgeons, systemizers, museum-curators & directors, anatomists, acousticians, molecular biologists, ethologists, and many more. A science dominated by men until the twentieth century, when women made their entry after World War II. Note hat this talk does has an admittedly Euro-American bias. Nevertheless, it is my hope that you will come away with a fuller appreciation of the history of cetology, and how far the science of whales has come. Perhaps it inspires some of you to delve into the history of your respective field. Remember, we’re all standing on the shoulders of amazing people who have paved the way. The direct link to the YouTube video presentation is here below (talk starts at 4:30 mins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsjpmrkfqY8 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsjpmrkfqY8> Do check out the many Zoom presentations posted on the American Cetacean Society (ACS) and ACS Chapter’s YouTube Channels. ACS-San Diego Chapter, ACS-Monterey Bay Chapter, ACS-San Francisco Bay Chapter, and ACS Oregon Chapter, have all their meetings posted either on YouTube and/or their own website. Do check them out! ACS National Youtube Playlist <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ_4GEqiuS-jCQ6JGiKCo2w> ACS San Diego YouTube Playlist <https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJrTk5s3YlrVChyhAORUuR9EOnbGGeZBF> Here’s to many cetological centuries to come! Kind regards, Uko Gorter Uko Gorter, President American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 51691 Pacific Grove, CA 93950 1(310) 548-6279 uko(a)acsonline.org uko(a)ukogorter.com <mailto:uko@ukogorter.com> ACSONLINE.ORG

1 0

New publication: Investigating Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) Occurrence and Acoustic Activity in the Maui Nui Region
by Megan McElligott 10 Sep '21

10 Sep '21

Dear colleagues, My coauthor and I are pleased to announce our new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: McElligott MM and Lammers MO (2021) Investigating Spinner Dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*) Occurrence and Acoustic Activity in the Maui Nui Region. *Front. Mar. Sci.* 8:703818. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.703818 The article is open-access, and can be viewed here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.703818 ABSTRACT: Hawaiian spinner dolphins (*Stenella longirostris*) rest during the day in the islands’ coastal waters where they are susceptible to human disturbance. Due to concerns over the negative impacts of human activity, the Pacific Islands Regional Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed a 50-yard approach rule for spinner dolphins and is also considering time-area closures of certain important spinner dolphin resting areas. However, gaps still persist in the understanding of how spinner dolphin populations on different Hawaiian Islands use coastal waters, raising questions about the efficacy of the proposed rules. To better understand how spinner dolphins use the waters in the Maui Nui region (Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, and the ‘Au‘au channel), a study was conducted using a combination of passive acoustic monitoring and vessel surveys to document spinner dolphin occurrence and movements. Bottom-moored acoustic recorders were deployed at eight locations in Maui Nui, and at one previously established resting bay off west O‘ahu for comparison. The amount of whistles, clicks, and burst pulses at each location was quantified and averaged by the hour of the day. Acoustic activity was greater at the O‘ahu site than at any of the Maui Nui sites, and was greatest between sunrise and noon. Acoustic activity and vessel surveys both reveal that spinner dolphins occur and exhibit resting behaviors in the ‘Au‘au channel between Maui and Lāna‘i, and also along west Maui and southeast Lāna‘i. Spinner dolphins resting in a channel between islands appears to be unique to Maui Nui and differs from resting patterns described along Hawai‘i Island and O‘ahu. Because spinner dolphins appear to use both the coastlines and the channel to rest in Maui Nui, the 50-yard approach rule appears to be a more suitable management option for the region than time-area closures. Feel free to contact me at meganmce(a)hawaii.edu with any questions. Cheers, Megan -- *Megan McElligott* Doctoral Candidate | Marine Biology University of Hawaii | Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology meganmce(a)hawaii.edu

1 0

Marine Mammal Technical Specialist - Job Opening - APEM Ltd
by Ashleigh Kitchiner 10 Sep '21

10 Sep '21

Hi MARMANers, Please see details about a job opening from APEM Ltd<https://www.apemltd.co.uk/> >> Marine Mammal Technical Specialist Are you currently a marine mammal specialist who has gained consultancy experience? Perhaps you come from a regulatory body or academic background and want to develop your experience within a world class consultancy. With the support of APEM's highly experienced marine team you will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of tendering activity and all aspects of project delivery including marine survey design, stakeholder and client engagement, data review/data collation and data analysis and interpretation. You will be responsible for the design and delivery of bespoke marine mammal surveys to meet client needs and keep up to date with the latest available technologies, including working with the outputs of APEM's aerial marine mammal surveys. You will be a technical lead for marine mammals providing expertise, advice and guidance to colleagues and clients with extensive understanding of marine mammal assessment requirements. Overseeing and providing expert review for a wide range of marine mammal ecological assessments (scoping reports, EIA, HRA reports and Marine Mammal Risk Assessments) is an essential part of the role. In addition, you will have management responsibilities for a variety of marine projects ensuring delivery to a diverse client base. Business development will be key to the role including maintaining relationships with existing clients and seeking new clients and marine mammal project opportunities. You will be encouraged to attend or present at marine conferences / events and undertake training to develop your skills, giving you the chance to influence how we best meet our client needs in a growing and ever-changing market. About you We are looking for an individual with a strong team ethic and keen to work with colleagues across a range of marine disciplines. You will be driven by the requirements for sustainable development in the marine environment and the need for environmental protection and effective management. You will have over 2 years of experience in marine mammal ecology and ecological assessment, preferably within a consultancy setting. Able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of marine mammal ecology and assessment with relevant commercial awareness, the successful candidate will have a detailed knowledge and understanding of policy/legislation relevant to marine ecology conservation and its application for marine ecology assessments. You will successfully work across diverse specialist teams and have a good track record of client management, and successfully developing, maintaining, and managing external stakeholder relationships. A high level of attention to detail, the ability to work to tight timeframes, good delegation skills and the provision of specialist technical input are key aspects of the role. You will also be keen to work closely with the senior management team to expand APEM's marine mammal capabilities and project portfolio. Required skills: You will ideally have the following experience: * M.Sc. or Ph.D. in marine ecology or related discipline * Understanding of relevant marine mammal policy/legislation * Ability to organise and undertake marine mammal visual and acoustic surveys * Coordination, completion and review of marine mammal impact assessments (including HRA, EIA) * Acoustic modelling * Interpretation of acoustic modelling outputs and underwater noise impact assessment * Authoring Marine Mammal Mitigation Plans * Authoring Marine Mammal Risk Assessments * Overseeing preparation and requirements for EPS licence applications * Ideally you will be able to lead on population and impact modelling with a working knowledge using and applying appropriate models (e.g. PBR, iPCoD and DEPONS). In addition, you will have * Excellent communication and reporting skills * Extensive use of Word and Excel * Proficiency in GIS software packages would be advantageous. To submit an application please click here<https://careers.apemltd.co.uk/jobs/1335765-marine-mammal-technical-speciali…>, to read more about the role click here<https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2710703385/?capColoOverride=true>. For any queries please contact k.davis(a)apemltd.co.uk<mailto:k.davis@apemltd.co.uk> Thanks --------------------------------------- Ashleigh Kitchiner MRes, B.Sc. (Hons) RMarSci MIMarEST Senior Marine Mammal Consultant APEM Limited., Riverview, A17 Embankment Business Park Heaton Mersey, Stockport, SK4 3GN Mob: +44 779 056 5435 a.kitchiner(a)apemltd.co.uk<mailto:a.kitchiner@apemltd.co.uk> www.apemltd.co.uk<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apemlt…> BROWSE ALL OUR SERVICES ON OUR NEW WEBSITE<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apemlt…> [cid:image001.jpg@01D7A620.AE260310] DISCLAIMER: This email and any attachments to it may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of APEM Limited. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you must neither take any action based upon its contents, nor copy or show it to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error. PPlease consider the environment before printing this e-mail

1 0

New Publication: Abundance and Potential Biological Removal of Common Dolphins Subject to Fishery Impacts
by Guido Parra Vergara 09 Sep '21

09 Sep '21

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce our new article in Frontiers in Marine Science Special Issue in Small Cetacean Conservation: Current Challenges and Opportunities: Parra, G. J., K. Bilgmann, K. J. Peters, and L. M. Möller. 2021. Abundance and Potential Biological Removal of Common Dolphins Subject to Fishery Impacts in South Australian Waters. Front. Mar. Sci., 09 September 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.617075 ABSTRACT Conservation management of wildlife species should be underpinned by knowledge of their distribution and abundance, as well as impacts of human activities on their populations and habitats. Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are subject to incidental capture in a range of Australia's commercial fisheries including gill netting, purse seining and mid-water trawling. The impact these fishery interactions have on common dolphin populations is uncertain, as estimates of abundance are lacking, particularly for the segments of the populations at risk of bycatch and in greater need of protection. Here we used double-observer platform aerial surveys and mark-recapture distance sampling methods to estimate the abundance of common dolphins in 2011 over an area of 42,438 km2 in central South Australia, where incidental mortality of common dolphins due to fisheries bycatch is the highest. We also used the potential biological removal (PBR) method to estimate sustainable levels of human-caused mortality for this segment of the population. The estimated abundance of common dolphins was 21,733 (CV = 0.25; 95% CI = 13,809-34,203) in austral summer/autumn and 26,504 in winter/spring (CV = 0.19; 95% CI = 19,488-36,046). Annual PBR estimates, assuming a conservative maximum population growth rate of Rmax = 0.02 and a recovery factor of Fr = 0.5 for species of unknown conservation status, ranged from 189 (summer/autumn) to 239 dolphins (winter/spring), and from 378 (summer/autumn) to 478 dolphins (winter/spring) with an Rmax = 0.04. Our results indicate that common dolphins are an abundant dolphin species in waters over the central South Australian continental shelf (up to 100 m deep). Based on the 2011 abundance estimates of this species, the highest estimated bycatch of common dolphins (423 mortalities in 2004/05) in the southern Australian region exceeded the precautionary PBR estimates for this population segment. Recent bycatch levels appear to be below PBR estimates, but low observer coverage and underreporting of dolphin mortalities by fishers means that estimates of dolphin bycatch rates are not robust. The effects of cumulative human impacts on common dolphins are not well understood, and thus we recommend a precautionary management approach to manage common dolphin bycatch based on local abundance estimates. The article is an open access publication accessible to readers anywhere in the world: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.617075 All the best, Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Associate Professor | College of Science and Engineering Research leader | Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Staff: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra [cid:image001.png@01D7A646.ACDCEC00]@GuidoJParra<https://twitter.com/GuidoJParra> | @CEBELresearch | <https://twitter.com/CEBELresearch> GoogleScholar<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=7YisEoAAAAAJ> | ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guido_Parra> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/guido-j-parra-093217183/> Flinders University, GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia Tel: +61 8 8201 3565|email: guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please consider the environment before printing this email

1 0

New publication: Beluga echolocation reveals a narrow sonar beam and scanning behavior
by Marie Zahn 09 Sep '21

09 Sep '21

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our new publication: Zahn MJ, Laidre KL, Stilz P, Rasmussen MH, Koblitz JC (2021) Vertical sonar beam width and scanning behavior of wild belugas (*Delphinapterus leucas*) in West Greenland. PLoS ONE 16(9): e0257054. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257054 The article is open access and can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257054 ABSTRACT: Echolocation signals of wild beluga whales (*Delphinapterus leucas*) were recorded in 2013 using a vertical, linear 16-hydrophone array at two locations in the pack ice of Baffin Bay, West Greenland. Individual whales were localized for 4:42 minutes of 1:04 hours of recordings. Clicks centered on the recording equipment (i.e. on-axis clicks) were isolated to calculate sonar parameters. We report the first sonar beam estimate of *in situ* recordings of wild belugas with an average -3 dB asymmetrical vertical beam width of 5.4°, showing a wider ventral beam. This narrow beam width is consistent with estimates from captive belugas; however, our results indicate that beluga sonar beams may not be symmetrical and may differ in wild and captive contexts. The mean apparent source level for on-axis clicks was 212 dB pp re 1 μPa and whales were shown to vertically scan the array from 120 meters distance. Our findings support the hypothesis that highly directional sonar beams and high source levels are an evolutionary adaptation for Arctic odontocetes to reduce unwanted surface echoes from sea ice (i.e., acoustic clutter) and effectively navigate through leads in the pack ice (e.g., find breathing holes). These results provide the first baseline beluga sonar metrics from free-ranging animals using a hydrophone array and are important for acoustic programs throughout the Arctic, particularly for acoustic classification between belugas and narwhals (*Monodon monoceros*). Please feel free to contact me at mzahn(a)uw.edu if you have any questions. Best, Marie Zahn -- *MARIE ZAHN | *she/her Graduate Student, Laidre Lab <https://staff.washington.edu/klaidre/> School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences University of Washington

1 0

Upcoming Underwater Acoustics Webinars
by Holly Morin 09 Sep '21

09 Sep '21

***apologies for cross-postings*** The *Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS)* <http://www.dosits.org> Team is pleased to announce the second set of underwater acoustics webinars as part of its 2021 Underwater Acoustics Webinar Series. On Tuesday, *October 5, 2021*, Dr. Darlene Ketten will provide an overview of *marine mammal hearing and causes of hearing loss*; on Thursday, *November 4, 2021*, Dr. Michael Bellman will provide an overview of *underwater sound mitigation and abatement*. Both webinars will begin at *12pm ET*. These *free* webinars will be *hosted virtually* via Zoom (with an associated, live YouTube stream), last approximately 60 minutes, and will consist of a presentation followed by a period of facilitated question and answer. *The webinars will be recorded and archived on the 2021 DOSITS Webinar Series page <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/>, on the DOSITS website. * The 2021 DOSITS webinar series is open to all interested individuals, however, *registration is required for each webinar event*. Please visit the 2021 DOSITS Webinar Series page ( https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/) for a registration link and additional webinar series details. *Zoom and YouTube links will only be shared with registered participants*. A webinar outline, with links to relevant background content on DOSITS, will be made available in advance of each webinar. All registered participants are encouraged to preview this outline prior to each webinar event. The DOSITS Project continues to offer a *Certificate of Professional Development* for interested individuals that participate in all four of the webinars in the 2021 Underwater Acoustics Webinar Series. *There are no fees associated with this certificate, however, in addition to webinar participation, after each webinar, interested individuals must complete a brief survey*. In order to receive a certificate, eligible individuals must either participate in the live webinar events during the 2021 series, and/or watch the 2021 webinar videos, *and* complete the four, individual webinar reflection surveys. If you have any questions, please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu)

1 0