January 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on Steller and California sea lion diet and prey consumption estimates in northwest Washington state
by Jonathan Scordino 27 Jan '22

27 Jan '22

Dear Colleagues, I would like to share a new publication with you on the diets of Steller and California sea lions in northwest Washington with an estimate of their prey consumption. The manuscript also evaluates the dietary niche overlap of the sympatric sea lion species. The manuscript was published open access at Fishery Bulletin and is available at https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/content/fishery-bulletin/dietary-niche-overlap-an… . Abstract: The diets of Steller (Eumetopias jubatus) and California (Zalophus californianus) sea lions in northwest Washington are poorly documented. We hypothesized that these species exploit the same prey in Washington because they are both generalist predators that utilize the same haul-out sites and are similar in behavior and body size. We analyzed 776 samples of scat from Steller sea lions and 263 samples of scat from California sea lions collected throughout each year during 2010–2013. The aim of this analysis was to characterize seasonal and annual diets, estimate biomass of prey consumed, and evaluate dietary niche overlap. Steller and California sea lions ate diverse diets that varied seasonally and annually. Primary prey groups for both sea lion species were Clupeidae, Salmonidae, Sebastidae, Rajidae, Pleuronectiformes, Squalidae, and Merlucciidae. We estimated that Steller sea lions ate 11,327 metric tons (t) (standard deviation [SD] 1600) and that California sea lions ate 9063 t (SD 4098) of prey per year during our study. We found significant dietary niche overlap between California and Steller sea lions that feed in northwest Washington. -- Respectfully, Jonathan Scordino Marine Mammal Biologist Makah Fisheries Management (360) 645-3176

1 0

New publication: using thermal imagery to count harbor seals
by Cynthia Christman - NOAA Affiliate 27 Jan '22

27 Jan '22

Greetings colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication which is available online via Open Access: Christman, C.L., London, J.M., Conn, P.B., Hardy, S.K., Brady, G.M., Dahle, S.P., Hou, B.X., and Ziel, H.L. (2022) Evaluating the use of thermal imagery to count harbor seals in aerial surveys. *Mamm Biol*. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-021-00191-6 ABSTRACT: Aerial surveys of pinnipeds are often used to estimate abundance, a critical component of stock assessments and management decisions. In Alaska, USA, aerial surveys of harbor seals (*Phoca vitulina*) have historically relied on visual detections by human observers, a method which works well on large groups of seals at predictable haul-out locations, or when seals are located on a visually uniform substrate such as a sandy beach or exposed mudflat. However, regions such as the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, where harbor seals haul out in small numbers at variable locations and are inconspicuous on shore, are challenging to survey accurately. To determine whether the use of thermal imaging techniques would improve detections of harbor seals in the Aleutian Islands, we conducted a study to compare counts derived from visual detections documented by color photographs with those derived from thermal detections documented by infrared images. In 2019, we conducted 15 flights in the Aleutian Islands, completing 129 experimental trials. We manually reviewed color and thermal images to count harbor seals and used a Bayesian analysis to explore the effects of several covariates on seal detections. The thermal method detected more harbor seals than the visual method early in the day, when cloud cover was greater, and when observers had more experience operating the thermal imaging equipment. The relative improvement in performance of the thermal method was particularly notable when surveys occurred four or more hours prior to solar noon. We discuss the costs and benefits of incorporating thermal technology as part of the existing monitoring program for harbor seals in the Aleutian Islands, including the need to control for differences if incorporating new survey methods based on thermal detection. Best, Cynthia -- Cynthia L. Christman | Research Scientist UW | Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, & Ecosystem Studies AFSC | Marine Mammal Laboratory | Polar Ecosystems Program 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 cynthia.christman(a)noaa.gov

1 0

New publication on right whale calf genetics
by Philip Hamilton 27 Jan '22

27 Jan '22

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper, 'Genetic identifications challenge our assumptions of physical development and mother-calf associations and separation times: a case study of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)' in a special issue of Mammalian Biology. Philip K. Hamilton, Brenna A. Frasier, Lisa A. Conger, R. Clay George, Katharine A. Jackson, Timothy R. Frasier You can find the article here<https://rdcu.be/cFoPr>. While photo-identification is an effective tool to monitor individuals in wild populations, it has limitations. Specifically, it cannot be applied to very young animals before their identifying features have stabilized or to dead, decomposed animals. These shortfalls leave gaps in our understanding of survival, parentage, age structure, physical development, and behavioral variability. Here we report on 13 case studies of North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, calves that required genetics to track their life history data. These case studies revealed unexpected variations in mother-calf associations and separation times, as well as calf physical development. Prior to this study, calves were assumed to have died if their mothers were always alone on the feeding ground in the calf's birth year. Using genetics and photo-identification, four such calves were discovered to be alive; two of the four possibly weaned earlier than expected at 7.5-8.0 months. To put these early separations in context, photo-identification data were queried and revealed that mothers and calves are seen apart from each other on the feeding grounds in 10-40% of all spring/summer sightings; previously, there were no published data on how often pairs are seen apart in the calf's birth year. Two dead whales initially logged as calves of the year were discovered to be juveniles, thus allowing skewed survival estimates for calves of the year to be corrected. Genetically sampling animals early in their lives before they disperse or separate from their mothers provides an important means of individual identification at a time when photo-identification is not reliable. The data behind this paper took years to collect and required the collaboration of many individuals and organizations along the east coast of North America. It serves as an excellent example of the power of working together. Philip Philip Hamilton Senior Scientist Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 (617) 973-5253 (802) 387-5277 [cid:image001.png@01D53503.A3683FF0] This electronic message contains information from the New England Aquarium which may be privileged and confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the addressee only. If you have received this communication in error, do not read or circulate it. Please delete it from your system without copying it or saving any attachments and notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.

1 0

Marine Mammal Observer + Passive Acoustic Monitoring Training Programs in British Columbia in February/March.
by Edgewise Environmental 27 Jan '22

27 Jan '22

EDGEWISE Environmental will be back in Victoria, BC for our Canada-Marine Mammal Observer course and our Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course. The EDGEWISE Environmental C-MMO course focuses on mitigation processes of offshore and coastal programs that may impact marine mammals and other megafauna. This course consists of 4 weeks of online theory with one in-person, at-sea practical session taking place on March 9th in Victoria, BC. The EDGEWISE Environmental Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator course is a comprehensive program that focuses on passive acoustic mitigation processes of marine environmental projects that may impact marine mammals. This course consists of 3 weeks of online theory, with two in-person sessions taking place on March 10th and 11th in Victoria, BC. Visit our website (https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/events/) for further information on our PAM and MMO courses, such as the learning outcomes, course syllabi, and pricing packages. Registration is now open and can be completed through our website. If you have any questions please reach out to info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com -- Edgewise Team Edgewise Environmental Ltd. St. John's, NL, Canada phone: 1 (709) 770-0492 info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

1 0

Allied Whale/Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. Research Assistant Positions: 2022 Field Season
by Allied Whale 27 Jan '22

27 Jan '22

Allied Whale (AW), the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. (BHWW) seeks 5 interns/research assistants for the 2022 field season. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. Two summer positions (May 15 through August 31) and three full-season positions (May 15 through October 14) are available. Overview of position: This is a unique internship program in that the selected individuals will have the opportunity to participate and receive training in a wide range of marine mammal research activities Allied Whale while also working as a crew/scientist aboard commercial whale watching trips operating from Bar Harbor, Maine. Allied Whale currently supports field projects in the trophic ecology of humpback and fin whales, the ongoing housing and maintenance of the North Atlantic humpback and fin whale photo-ID catalogs, an active stranding response program, and a research/education partnership with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. In addition, Allied Whale maintains the facilities on and conducts research from Mount Desert Rock, a remote offshore island. The interns play a critical role in the success of the field season and serve as support to all aspects of summer activities within both Allied Whale and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. Description of duties: Upon arrival in May, all interns will receive research, boat crew, and Gulf of Maine natural history training by both Allied Whale and the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company staff. As the Allied Whale field season does not begin until early June- the first several weeks will be focused on hands-on training of whale watch deckhand responsibilities, helping with boat maintenance, and assisting with whale catalog matching in the office or stranding response. Once the season is in full swing, interns will rotate through shifts working as a Research Assistant/Deckhand (RA) for the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., shifts working as deck/galley on lighthouse/nature cruises, shifts in the Allied Whale office, and time off. Every week, schedules will be different and weather-dependent. A typical week in June-August may include 2-4 days scheduled as researchers on Whale Watch vessels, 1-2 days scheduled in the office, and two days off (these days may or may not be consecutive). Weather may cause shifts to be canceled and some weeks may be lighter in load or responsibilities. Below are specific expectations for each designated shift: Whale watch trips: Research responsibilities on the whale watch trips include searching for whales, photo-identification of whales, and behavioral data collection. RAs will also collect pelagic seabird data during offshore travel to the whale feeding areas. Beyond research, RAs are responsible for assisting the naturalist in promoting education and conservation programs on each trip. In this, maintaining a positive, professional, and friendly demeanor while engaging whale watch passengers and fellow crew is necessary. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, helping seasick passengers, and passenger safety. When whale watch trips cancel for weather, crew may be asked to report for duty to complete maintenance on the vessel. Allied Whale office shifts: On scheduled office days, interns will be required to be available in the Allied Whale office from 9AM-5PM. During those hours, interns will match individual whales to our catalog, enter their whale watch data into the database, manage the Adopt-a-whale program, answer phone calls to the office, and be on call for assisting with response to strandings or necropsies. Interns schedule for office shifts will also be on call for boat research days. Allied Whale boat research days: When weather permits, interns will assist Allied Whale staff and graduate students on trips offshore to collect biopsy samples of humpback and fin whales. While onboard one of the research vessels, interns will be responsible for collecting photo identification of whales and recording data. Interns will be responsible for processing images from these trips. If schedule allows, RAs may also participate in an overnight trip to collect samples in Canada. Mount Desert Rock: We hope for interns to also complete several shifts (each at least a week in length) at our offshore research station Mount Desert Rock. While on the island, interns will participate in land-based whale monitoring from the lighthouse tower, seal counts, gull counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station. Interns will collect weekly samples of seal scat to contribute to a collaborative microplastics project. Interns will also receive experience working in a remote off-the-grid location. Once hired, RAs will work to develop a collaborative group project (on seal colony, intertidal community, nesting birds, jellies, etc.) and will take turns with data collection during their shifts offshore. RAs will also stay in contact with the BHWW office with sightings reports. Pay/Housing: Those accepted to the program are able to earn income by their work on the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Deckhands are paid $55 a trip (at the height of summer, there are 2 trips running a day). Interns also receive free First Aid Certification. Provided housing in downtown Bar Harbor is mandatory for a fee. Rent for the season will total approximately $2080 for summer interns and $2350 for full-season interns. While at Mount Desert Rock, food is provided for free. **After August 31, if any of the summer interns are interested they are welcome to work full time for the remainder of the season as crew for the BHWW as deckhand/galley on lighthouse trips, nature cruises, whale watches, and cruise ship tendering operations. Qualifications: Applicants should have a college background or be currently enrolled in a biology, ecology, and/or marine sciences program. Previous data collection experience in a research setting and/or knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. While training will be provided and no prior boating/camera experience is required, time spent offshore or skills in photography are also assets. Due to Coast Guard requirements, all crew on board US commercial vessels and therefore all research assistants/interns, must be US citizens or have permanent resident alien status. Also, all interns will be drug screened prior to employment and will be enrolled in a random drug testing program. Most importantly, applicants must be positive in attitude, flexible to quickly changing schedules, able to work independently and be seaworthy/comfortable working on boats in rough weather. Lastly, because of the community living situation both in Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Rock, applicants must get along well with others and be able to handle working in a team setting. To apply: Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation via email to AlliedWhale.Internships(a)gmail.com. Recommendation letters may either be sent with the application or directly from the references. Please specify which position you are interested in (summer or full-season). Deadline for applications is February 27th. Amanda Liebau Allied Whale Intern Coordinator

1 0

DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association
by M. Ali Oter 27 Jan '22

27 Jan '22

THE PROJECT The Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) is a scientific project run by DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association. Our study is the first long-term study of marine mammals in Montenegrin coastal waters, with recent surveys additionally covering the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impacts of major threats, ranging from tourism to seismic practices. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. Joining our team gives individuals the opportunity to gain both scientific and outreach skills and put these into practice in the field of marine mammal research. WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR Our scientific work is supported by the precious help of volunteers, interns and students, coming from all over the world and motivated to have a positive impact on marine wildlife protection and conservation. We offer both volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates, that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for a BSc or MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose passion for marine mammals and willingness to learn are strong and sincere. We recommend a minimum stay of 2 months to complete the basic training. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including during sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once every 14 days (occasionally more if possible); - Collecting dolphins sightings and behavioural data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; - Learning survey techniques (Spatial-temporal dolphin distribution, Theodolite operation, Behavioural data collection, Photo-identification, Human impact measurements) and using them in a practical setting; - Operating the necessary software used in the field (Pythagoras, Logger 2010); - Data entry, data manipulation and data analysis using GIS, Mark, Distance and R software; - Cataloguing and matching dolphins using photo-identification software; - Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions and promoting citizen-science activities; - Using social media to disseminate our work to the wider public; TRAINING Our team will provide lectures and field work training. Volunteers and Interns will be given the chance to learn some of the most popular methodologies in marine mammal research including: - GIS mapping; - Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; - Photo-identification; - Discovery software and Logger 2010 software; - Population size estimations through Mark and Distance - Survey design - Efficient usage of Excel; - R for statistical analysis; - Systematic data collection and data analysis; For Interns it also includes: Personal project and thesis supervision - Additional courses related to the selected subject; - Project, report and manuscript writing skills Additional training for a fee: - Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Certificated by ACCOBAMS; - Acoustics using PamGuard (2 days) ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES The base is located in Old Town of Kotor. The accommodation is included in the participation fee. Volunteers will have a bed in a shared room with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom. The accommodation itself is basic, but there is everything you need including WI-FI, hot water and a washing machine. The supermarkets and restaurants are only ten minutes’ walk from the house. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose such as hiking, diving and rock climbing. CONTRIBUTION FEE The contribution fee for volunteers is €840 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee will go down in the third month to €780. For interns, it’s €940 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee will go down in the third month to €880. All of which goes directly to supporting the projects. The fee includes: - Accommodation and expenses (excluding self-quarantine and special requests); - Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania; - Training and lectures with all training materials provided in PDF format; - Fieldwork (land- and boat surveys); - Use of the equipment; *And for Interns this also includes: - Scientific support, average 30 hours supervision per month; - Additional courses related to the selected subject; The fee does not include: - Transportation to/from Montenegro or transfer to accommodation - Health and/or travel insurance which is a mandatory requirement - Meals - Additional training Courses: * Marine Mammal Observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Certificated by ACCOBAMS (€450) * Acoustics using PamGuard (2 days) (€100) **Prices are with reservation HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com (Aylin Akkaya) and info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are the perfect asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better follow our websites: DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, -- Best Regards, Muhammet Ali OTER *Operation Manager of Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) and **Intern & Volunteer Coordinator at the **Marine Mammal Research Association* *Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)* *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *Phone: +382 67 401 854 ''Whatsapp & Viber''* *Follow us on: Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/> & **Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>*

1 0

San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network - Paid Internship
by alyssa＠whalemuseum.org 26 Jan '22

26 Jan '22

San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network - 2022 Paid Internship The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN), a program of The Whale Museum established in 1980, is authorized by NMFS to respond to all marine mammal strandings in San Juan County, Washington State. We typically respond to more than 200 calls of both live and deceased animals per year. SJCMMSN is currently hiring one (1) San Juan Island-based intern to help respond to marine mammal strandings during our busy season. Interns and volunteers of this critical program serve as ambassadors between humans and marine mammals as well as contribute scientific data that is crucial to both human and animal health. Internship is based in Friday Harbor, WA and requires approximately 35-40 hours per week from late June through early September. Schedule may vary and involve “on call” time. There will be a variety of tasks both in the field and in an office setting. Interns will receive an hourly wage. Housing is not provided, but we will give you resources and help you find accommodations. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist with stranding response, including: conducting health assessments of live seal pups in the field; tagging harbor seals that are not collected for rehabilitation; transferring harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center; assisting with surveying and documenting entangled animals; and conducting Level A examinations on stranded marine mammals Assist with necropsies of fresh dead marine mammals, including: transferring carcasses to the lab space; preparing, setting-up, and taking down necropsy supplies; organizing and archiving biological samples Perform first mate duties onboard The Whale Museum’s stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard Assist with data entry and analysis for SJCMMSN as well as The Whale Museum’s marine mammal sightings network and passive acoustics collection Assist with training and supervising a volunteer network of approximately 60 people Participate in weekly outreach events to teach the public about Share the Shore regulations REQUIREMENTS: Applicant should be enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university, or be a recent graduate from a college or university (up to 3 years) Possess a valid US driver's license and access to a mode of transportation Interest in the field of marine mammalogy, marine science, or wildlife science Experience boating in the marine environment, comfortable being on water, not prone to seasickness Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace Fieldwork experience Exceptional attention to detail Physically fit (able to walk several miles on beaches, lift 50lbs, etc.) PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Animal handling experience Experience with conflict resolution & public communication Project management experience HOW TO APPLY FOR THE INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please submit a letter of interest, a resume, and three letters of recommendation as one pdf (references are allowed to send their letters of recommendation directly to Alyssa Scott, if they prefer). Please include what dates you are available. Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm (PST) on March 4th, 2022. Decisions will be made by March 18th, 2022. Please send application materials (or questions) to: Stranding Coordinator Alyssa Scott // alyssa(a)whalemuseum.org Please include in your subject line: SJCMMSN Internship Application (Your Last Name)

1 0

MAR Rescue Specialist Position
by Artie Wong 26 Jan '22

26 Jan '22

*MAR has an opening for an experienced wildlife field technician to fill the role of Rescue Specialist.* *Only applicants with extensive rescue/capture experience will be considered.* Marine Animal Rescue Specialists (MAR) is a small, non-profit, marine mammal stranding organization based in Los Angeles, CA. MAR provides rescue response as far north as the Pacific Palisades, south to Long Beach, and as far west as Catalina Island. MAR conducts hundreds of marine mammal rescues annually. Rescued animals consist primarily of sea lions, seals, with occasional dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds. MAR also works as a member of the large whale disentanglement network. The Rescue Specialist position requires significant field and wildlife capture experience. This is an extremely physical, inherently dangerous position with risk of injury. During the busy season, from January-June, the Rescue Specialist can work over 40hrs/week, as well as evenings, weekends and holidays. *Job duties:* * *Marine mammal rescue involving capture, handling, and transport* * Assessing distressed marine mammals * Working independently and in small teams with assistance from lifeguards, firefighters, police, and volunteers * Utilizing hoop net and floating net capture systems * Capturing and carrying seals and sea lions weighing 20- 600 lbs * Working on jetties, cliffs, rocky shorelines, beaches, piers, and urban areas * Driving 4x4 truck on sand and steep terrain * Operating winches and air compressors * Trailering and small boat driving via tiller steer outboard engine * Maintaining and repairing vehicle, boat, and equipment *Minimum Experience:* * *2 years leading large animal/sea lion rescues* * Field experience working in adverse conditions * Knowledge and ability to identify marine wildlife * Able to learn numerous beach and shoreline access points * Physically fit and comfortable lifting at least 75 lbs * Strong swimmer * Experienced trailering and boat driving * Enjoy working with others in challenging situations *Preferred Experience:* * *Experienced leading pinniped rescues in the field and large whale disentanglement level 2 training*. *Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes:* * Non-exempt 40 hours/week base pay * On-call and overtime pay * Health insurance *To Apply:* Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to MAR Founder & President, Peter Wallerstein at pw(a)marspecialists.org MAR Website: www.marspecialists.org

1 0

New publication about herpesvirus in river dolphins
by Carlos Sacristán Yagüe 26 Jan '22

26 Jan '22

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our article about highly divergent herpesviruses in river dolphins from Brazil. Exposto Novoselecki H, Catão-Dias JL, Ewbank AC, Navas-Suárez PE, Duarte-Benvenuto A, Lial HC, Costa Silva S, Sánchez-Sarmiento AM, Gravena W, da Silva VMF, Carvalho VL, Marmontel M, Bertozzi CP, Lanes Ribeiro V, Del Rio do Valle R, Marigo J, das Neves CG, Esperón F, Sacristán C. Highly divergent herpesviruses in threatened river dolphins from Brazil. Sci Rep. 2021 Dec 31;11(1):24528. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-04059-0. PMID: 34972839; PMCID: PMC8720088. In this manuscript we surveyed the presence of herpesviruses by PCR in skin and/or blood samples of live-captured Amazon (Inia geoffrensis, n = 25) and Bolivian (Inia boliviensis, n = 22) river dolphins of the Amazon basin and in selected tissue samples of franciscanas (Pontoporia blainvillei, n = 27) stranded or bycaught in southeastern Brazil. Additionally, available franciscana tissue samples were examined by histopathology. Herpesvirus DNA was amplified in 13 Bolivian river dolphins (59.1%, 95% CI 38.5–79.6%) and 14 franciscanas (51.9%, 95% CI 33.0–70.7%). All Amazon river dolphins were herpesvirus-negative. Two different herpesviruses were found in Bolivian river dolphins: a previously known gammaherpesvirus detected in blood and/or skin samples of all positive individuals and a novel alphaherpesvirus in the skin of one animal. A new gammaherpesvirus was found in several franciscana samples—the first herpesvirus recorded in Pontoporiidae. Intranuclear inclusion bodies consistent with herpesvirus were observed in the lymph node of one franciscana. The high divergence among the obtained herpesviruses and those previously described can be explained by viral-host coevolution, and by the fact that these populations are fairly isolated. You can discover more in the link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-04059-0 [https://media.springernature.com/m685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1038%2…]<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-04059-0> Highly divergent herpesviruses in threatened river dolphins from Brazil | Scientific Reports<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-04059-0> Samples Family Iniidae. Samples of 47 Inia (39 males and eight females) were collected in expeditions conducted in the Brazilian Amazon basin in 2015 and 2017 (Fig. 2).In February and December ... www.nature.com Best regards, Carlos Sacristan DVM, MSc, PhD Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - FMVZ University of São Paulo (Brazil) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carlos_Sacristan/info

1 0

“New publications: dwarf sperm whale and melanistic grey seal in north of Spain” with summaries
by Alfredo Fernández 26 Jan '22

26 Jan '22

Dear MARMAM readers, On behalf of my coauthors and myself, I am pleased to share the recent publication of these two short notes with you. - López A., Vázquez U. and Covelo, P. 2021. First record of a melanistic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) in Galicia (NW Spain). Galemys, Spanish Journal of Mammalogy 33:61-63. Between December and February of each year, 2-3 months old grey seals arrive to northern Spain from breeding colonies located in the British Isles. This note documents the first melanistic grey seal recorded in thirty years of operation of the Galician stranding network, a pup male that died entangled in a gillnet. Pdf file availabe at: https://doi.org/10.7325/Galemys.2021.N7 - Covelo P. and López A. 2021. First record of dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) in the north of Spain. Galemys, Spanish Journal of Mammalogy 33: 64-68. In the east Atlantic the dwarf sperm whale distribution range goes from South Africa to Portugal, with some extra-limital records reported in the last decades. This note describes the first record in the north of Spain, the stranding of a live adult male and his subsequent death, including body and skull measurements. Pdf file available at: <https://doi.org/10.7325/Galemys.2021.N8> https://doi.org/10.7325/Galemys.2021.N8 Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Kind regards, Alfredo

1 0