October 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Identification of potential welfare and survival indicators for stranded cetaceans through international, interdisciplinary expert opinion
by Rebecca Boys 12 Oct '22

12 Oct '22

Dear MARMAMers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in the journal Royal Society Open Science which has identified, via expert opinion, valuable and practical indicators for assessing stranded cetacean welfare and survival likelihood. Boys, R.M.; Beausoleil, N.J.; Pawley, M.D.M.; Littlewood, K.E.; Betty, E.L.; Stockin, K.A. Identification of potential welfare and survival indicators for stranded cetaceans through international, interdisciplinary expert opinion. Royal Society Open Science 2022, 9: 220646. Abstract: Management of live cetacean strandings generally focuses on refloating animals, yet there is a lack of scientific data to inform decision-making. Valid indicators that are practical to measure are needed to assess welfare status and survival likelihood for stranded cetaceans. The Delphi method was applied to gather international and interdisciplinary expert opinion to provide face validity to potential indicators of stranded cetacean welfare and survival likelihood. Two online questionnaires were conducted. In the first questionnaire these experts identified potential indicators of stranded cetacean welfare and survival likelihood. These indicators were subsequently scored by the same experts in questionnaire two, based on their value for assessing welfare/survival likelihood and being practical to measure. Indicators considered valuable and practical for assessing welfare and survival likelihood at strandings included animal-based indices of body and skin condition, signs of physical trauma, respiration rate and various behaviours. Resource-/management-based indicators related mainly to human intervention and should be correlated with animal-based indices to provide relevant evaluations. Importantly, inextricable links between welfare and survival for stranded cetaceans are emphasized, with 90% of indicators being similar for both. Investigations into these indicators should be conducted to develop a practical, science-based assessment framework to inform decision-making during stranding events. The paper is freely available open access here: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220646 Please do contact me if you have any questions. Thank you very much, Rebecca On behalf of all the co-authors ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys Marine Biologist PhD Student Cetacean Ecology Research Group School of Natural Sciences Massey University Auckland New Zealand [cid:456f783e-547f-42ca-b1a9-b15890d05bc5]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:f47b6b6c-ca23-4872-99ad-facec477ac33] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:ca907944-972e-424c-a86c-b1cbf8df06e6] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:0f5ff4d2-df99-460a-8cee-0aa202a9da18] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…> [cid:33618201-7110-41a9-813d-e0046e1f00b2] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:74e34c07-2f5b-4a5c-85f1-bf7618d48f6d] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/> Australia and New Zealand Student Chapter SMM Committee member European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand

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New Publication: Ship strike risk to migrating humpback whales in Australia
by Raphael Mayaud 11 Oct '22

11 Oct '22

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the following publication in Marine Policy: Mayaud, R., Castrillon, J., Wilson, C., Peel, D., Smith, J. N., Allen, J., Bengtson Nash, S., (2022). Traffic in a nursery: Ship strike risk from commercial vessels to migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in a rapidly developing Australian urban embayment', Marine Policy, 146(September), p. 105332. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105332 Abstract The rapid recovery of the Australian humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) population and parallel increase in maritime traffic, has increased the spatial overlap between whales and vessels in Australian waters. Ship strike is a recognized global anthropogenic source of mortality or injury to large whales and a potentially increasing risk in Australia. However, our understanding and evaluation of this threat to humpback whales around Australia is hindered by the lack of seasonal whale distribution data in high marine traffic areas. Here, we present five consecutive years (2017-2021) of both north and south migrating humpback whale distribution data to quantify the relative risk of ship strike based on the co-occurrence with commercial ships in Moreton Bay. This marine embayment is home to Australia's fastest-growing container port (The Port of Brisbane) and has recently been identified for its ecological importance to this migrating species. We quantified co-occurrence by multiplying predicted whale and ship densities together to estimate both intra- and inter-annual ship strike risk. Ship strike risk increased during the humpback whale's southern migration (September-October), coinciding with a substantial habitat shift into the Bay during this time. Groups containing calves were a predominant pod type in Moreton Bay. Given their increased vulnerability to ship strike, this study underscores the need for immediate and effective mitigation actions, such as seasonal vessel speed reductions as well as mariner education and outreach programs. The publication can be accessed via this link https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1fv4U,714Mn9LL<https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1fv4U,714Mn9LL> or https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X22003797?dgcid=a…. Please feel free to email raphael.mayaud(a)griffithuni.edu.au<mailto:raphael.mayaud@griffithuni.edu.au> for a copy. Kind regards, Raphael Raphael Mayaud Ph.D. Candidate Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security | School of Environment & Science | Griffith University Email: raphael.mayaud(a)griffithuni.edu.au<mailto:raphael.mayaud@griffithuni.edu.au> | Mobile: +61 (0) 492 903 994 [cid:image001.png@01D8DE28.0F04CAA0]

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MARMAM Jop Opening - Protected Species Wind Analyst supporting NOAA
by Lacey Bluemel 11 Oct '22

11 Oct '22

Hello, IBSS is hiring a Protected Species Wind Analyst to support our NOAA client in the Northeast at the Narragansett, RL Lab. Looking for someone with NEPA/ESA knowledge, and some familiarity with offshore wind. Infrequent field work may also be expected with this position. Please read the description of the position and apply at https://www.ibsscorp.com/careers?jobviteiframe=job%2FogTglfwu Thanks! -- *Lacey Bluemel * (pronouns: she/her) Northeast Fisheries Program Manager IBSS Corporation Northeast Office: Woods Hole/Falmouth, MA Cell: 603-801-0605 Email: lacey.bluemel(a)ibsscorp.com www.ibsscorp.com "Science is at the base of all the progress that lightens the burden of life and lessens its suffering." - Marie Curie

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New publication: Pathological findings in stranded harbor porpoises
by IJsseldijk, L.L. (Lonneke) 11 Oct '22

11 Oct '22

Dear all, We are pleased to share our new publication: Pathological findings in stranded harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with special focus on anthropogenic causes. IJsseldijk LL, Leopold MF, Begeman L, Kik MJL, Wiersma L, Morell M, Bravo Rebolledo EL, Jauniaux T, Heesterbeek H and Gröne A (2022). Front. Mar. Sci. 9:997388. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.997388 Abstract Humans impact natural systems at an unprecedented rate. The North Sea is one of the regions in the world with the highest levels of anthropogenic activity. Here, the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is an abundant species and is often regarded as an ecosystem sentinel. A post-mortem surveillance program was established in the Netherlands aimed at increasing knowledge of the effects of human activities on harbor porpoises. In this study, we describe the pathological findings related to anthropogenic and natural causes of death categories in 612 harbor porpoises that stranded between 2008 and 2019, and assess their relations to age, sex, season, and location. The largest anthropogenic category was bycatch (17%), with mainly juveniles affected and peak periods in March and September-October. Other, infrequently diagnosed anthropogenic causes of death were trauma (4%), largely most likely due to ship collisions, and marine debris ingestion and entanglement (0.3%). The risk of dying from anthropogenic causes was highest for juveniles. Lesions compatible with noise-induced hearing loss were investigated in carcasses which were fresh enough to do so (n = 50), with lesions apparent in two porpoises. Non-direct human-induced threats included infectious diseases, which were by far the largest cause of death category (32%), and affected mainly adults. Also, gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) attacks were a frequently assigned cause of death category (24%). There were more acute predation cases in the earlier study years, while porpoises with lesions that suggested escape from gray seal attacks were diagnosed more recently, which could suggest that porpoises adapted to this threat. Our study contributes to understanding porpoise health in response to persisting, new, emerging, and cumulative threats. Building up such knowledge is crucial for conservation management of this protected species. This paper is open access and can be freely downloaded at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.997388/full Kind regards, Lonneke IJsseldijk, Also on behalf of the co-authors Lonneke L. IJsseldijk<https://www.uu.nl/medewerkers/LLIJsseldijk>, PhD | Assistant Professor | Project Manager Marine Mammal Stranding Research | Utrecht University | Veterinary<https://www.uu.nl/organisatie/faculteit-diergeneeskunde> Medicine | Biomolecular Health Sciences | Pathology | Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht | room O.170 | +31 (0)30 2535312 | +31 (0)6 24455698 | l.l.ijsseldijk(a)uu.nl<mailto:l.l.ijsseldijk@uu.nl>| Follow us @ | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/strandingresearch> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonneke-ijsseldijk-64014226/> | Online<http://www.uu.nl/strandingsonderzoek> [cid:image001.png@01D8DD58.E6B71B90]

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New publication: Changes in whistle parameters of two common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes as a result of the physical presence of the research vessel
by Simone Antichi 10 Oct '22

10 Oct '22

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are very pleased to announce the publication of our new paper in Peerj journal. Antichi, S., Urbán, J., Martínez-Aguilar, S., & Viloria-Gómora, L. (2022). Changes in whistle parameters of two common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes as a result of the physical presence of the research vessel. PeerJ, 10, e14074. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14074 Abstract In the presence of vessels, dolphins have been found to change their habitat, behavior, group composition and whistle repertoire. The modification of the whistle parameters is generally considered to be a response to the engine noise. Little is known about the impact of the physical presence of vessels on dolphin acoustics. Whistle parameters of the coastal and oceanic ecotypes of common bottlenose dolphins in La Paz Bay, Mexico, were measured after the approach of the research vessel and its engine shutdown. Recordings of 10 min were made immediately after turning off the engine. For analysis, these recordings were divided from minute 0 to minute 5, and from minute 5:01 to minute 10. The whistles of the oceanic ecotype showed higher maximum, minimum and peak frequency in the second time interval compared to the first one. The whistle rate decreased in the second time interval. The whistles of the coastal ecotype showed no difference between the two time intervals. The physical presence of the research vessel could have induced a change in the whistle parameters of the oceanic dolphins until habituation to the vessel disturbance. The oceanic ecotype could increase the whistle rate and decrease the whistle frequencies to maintain acoustic contact more frequently and for longer distances. The coastal ecotype, showing no significant changes in the whistle parameters, could be more habituated to the presence of vessels and display a higher tolerance. The paper is open access and can be downloaded at: https://peerj.com/articles/14074/ If you have any questions regarding our work please contact this email: santichi_20(a)alu.uabcs.mx , lviloria(a)uabcs.mx Kind regards, Simone Antichi -- PhD candidate Departamento de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. email: santichi_20(a)alu.uabcs.mx cell: +52 612 228 5196

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New publication: Exposure and behavioral responses of tagged beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) to ships in the Pacific Arctic
by Morgan J. Martin 10 Oct '22

10 Oct '22

Dear All, We are excited to inform you that a new paper has been published on the behavioral responses of tagged beluga whales to ships and ship noise in the Pacific Arctic. This paper describes the surface movements and dive behavior of nine tagged Eastern Beaufort Sea belugas during encounters with vessels off Canada, Alaska and Russia. The paper is open access and freely available online via the following link. Please consider downloading the supplementary materials file which contains animations and dive profiles of each beluga encounter with one or more vessels. Martin, M. J., Halliday, W. D., Storrie, L., Citta, J. J., Dawson, J., Hussey, N. E., Juanes, F., Loseto, L. L., MacPhee, S. A., Moore, L., Nicoll, A., O'Corry-Crowe, G., & Insley, S. J. (2022). Exposure and behavioral responses of tagged beluga whales (*Delphinapterus leucas*) to ships in the Pacific Arctic. Marine Mammal Science, 1–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12978 Supplementary animations and figures can be downloaded via this link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.1111%2Fmms… Abstract: Arctic marine mammals face a multitude of challenges linked to climate change, including increasing anthropogenic noise from ship traffic. The beluga whale (*Delphinapterus leucas*), a predominately Arctic endemic cetacean, relies heavily on acoustic communication, with documented overlap between their vocalizations and hearing range and ship noise. Some belugas migrate through areas with the highest levels of ship traffic in the Pacific Arctic and exposure to ship noise is highly probable. Here, we document the responses of nine satellite-tagged Eastern Beaufort Sea belugas to encounters with ships in the Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering Seas during July–December 2018. We report 177 occasions when ships were within 125 km of tagged belugas and quantified changes in lateral and vertical movements to investigate individual behavioral responses to ship approaches within 50 km (n = 23). Belugas' swim speed was negatively correlated with ship distance, showing possible changes in swim speed up to 79 km away. Changes in lateral and vertical movements, indicating disruption of behavior, were observed when some ships passed within 50 km. These findings corroborate previous studies that have shown behavioral responses of belugas to ships at distances far beyond visual range, implying belugas react to low-amplitude ship noise near ambient levels. PDF requests can be sent to mjmartin(a)sandiego.edu Thank you for your time! Morgan J. Martin, PhD Postdoctoral researcher Wildlife Conservation Society Canada University of Victoria, Canada

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New publicacion
by Gisela Giardino 08 Oct '22

08 Oct '22

Dear Colleagues, I would like to share with you our latest publication entitled "Occurrence and anthropogenic-derived mortality of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the northern coast of Argentina, 2003–2021". https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00288330.2022.2130365?journalCo… Feel free to contact us for any copy Best regards Gisela ABSTRACT Sightings and strandings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the coast of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina were once sporadic but have increased by up to 640% since 2018. Here, we assess the trends and seasonality of occurrence and anthropogenic-derived mortality in this population between 2003 and 2021. Most of the humpback whales found dead were young animals, and 27% of the stranded whales showed signs of anthropogenic interactions. The information collected from Buenos Aires Province over the past two decades clearly indicates that humpback whales are becoming more frequent and growing in numbers along the Argentinean coast. For their protection, governmental regulations need to be implemented as soon as possible. -- Dra. Gisela Giardino Grupo de Investigacion Biol., Ecología y Conserv. de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) -IIMyC (CONICET) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 244) Casilla de Correo 1260-Correo Central-MdP https://linktr.ee/becmm

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PhD studentship opportunity in Marine Ecology
by Ruth Joy 08 Oct '22

08 Oct '22

Dear MARMAM Community, We are reposting a PhD studentship opportunity in Marine Ecology to encourage more applications (both English and French) to the following: *PhD thesis topic*: Increasing our understanding of climate change impacts on a keystone species in the Arctic: the hooded seal *Project description*: Over recent decades, the Arctic has experienced a warming three times faster than the global average, resulting in major changes in ice and oceanographic conditions. These structural changes impact organisms at every level of the Arctic food web from phytoplankton to top predators. Ice seals are considered bio-indicators of the Arctic ecosystem health, yet little is known about how ice seals have responded both horizontally and vertically to seasonal and annual changes in the Arctic ecosystem in the past. As the Arctic continues to lose ice, this study will examine future consequences of these ecosystem changes on ice seals. Successful candidates will combine biologging-derived behavioural and movement data, environmental data and simulation modelling to 1) characterize the foraging behaviours of hooded seals using tri-dimensional movement data, their relation to foraging efficiency, and to their habitat characteristics; 2) assess changes in foraging efficiencies through time-series data and their links to population trajectory; 3) build models that predict the future vertical distribution of the Arctic hooded seal. This research will allow us to infer mechanistic links between the ice seals foraging ecology and their physical environment, and better understand the impacts of environmental changes on ice seal individuals and populations from forecasts of climate induced habitat shifts. Qualifications: We seek candidates with an MSc in Marine Ecology, Biology or Ocean Sciences, with a creative and collaborative spirit that will help foster a collegial culture that is grounded in equity, diversity and inclusiveness. She/He must be highly autonomous and able to adapt quickly to different lab/team/country settings as this PhD is co-supervised between French and Canadian institutions. Proficiency in English is mandatory. The candidate is expected to complete his PhD in 36mo (France requirements). Research abilities: * Programming (proficient in R and/or matlab) * Advanced statistical modelling * Biologging data analysis * Oceanographic data analysis * Scientific writing and communication Location: The candidate will be registered at La Rochelle University in France but will be co-supervised between Dr Tiphaine Jeanniard du Dot from Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé at La Rochelle University and Dr Ruth Joy from School of Environmental Science at Simon Fraser University in Canada. The candidate will be expected to start their degree in France but will be encouraged to spend time in both institutions/countries during the course of their doctoral studies. *Start date*: March 2023 *Application deadline*: Oct 15th 2022 To apply: Please send CV with references, Statement of Research Interest (1 page) and unofficial copy of transcripts to : Dr Tiphaine Jeanniard du Dot tiphaine.jeanniard-du-dot(a)cebc.cnrs.fr Dr Ruth Joy rjoy(a)sfu.ca <r.joy(a)sfu.ca> or contact us for more information. --------- Dr Tiphaine Jeanniard du Dot Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé - Équipe Prédateurs Marins CNRS - Université de la Rochelle, France. Dr Ruth Joy, School of Environmental Science Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada. -- Ruth Joy, PhD www.sfu.ca/~rjoy 1-604-215-4415 *I respectfully acknowledge SFU is on unceded Coast Salish Territory; the traditional territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.* -- Ruth Joy, PhD www.sfu.ca/~rjoy 1-604-215-4415 *I respectfully acknowledge SFU is on unceded Coast Salish Territory; the traditional territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.*

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Tenure Track Assist. Professor of Marine Megafauna Biology
by Sloey, Taylor M. 07 Oct '22

07 Oct '22

The Department of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University in Virginia, USA invites applications for a full-time, ten month tenure-track, Assistant Professor with expertise in Marine Megafauna. We seek candidates working on the biology, physiology, behavior, ecology, and/or evolution of megafauna inhabiting the world’s oceans, including large fishes, marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. Please see the attached job announcement or the weblink below for full details. https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/17184

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IMMS Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Fall/Winter Intership
by Kailey Pamperin 06 Oct '22

06 Oct '22

Kailey Pamperin (Kailey.pamperin(a)gmail.com) Research Program Institute for Marine Mammal Studies *Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Fall Internship * *Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) * *Gulfport, Mississippi* *Job Description * IMMS’ Research Internship Program is designed to provide exceptional research and learning experiences in a real-world setting to early career scientists in the fields of marine biology and ecology, marine mammal population ecology and behavior, veterinary sciences and conservation. In this position, interns will primarily assist the institute’s Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program in collecting and processing photographs of bottlenose dolphins in the Mississippi Sound. Other research efforts may include conducting literature reviews, collecting and managing fisheries, habitat and environmental data, and investigating ecological factors and relationships. Interns will also gain diverse experience working in other program areas including marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response, sea turtle surveys, veterinary research, aquaria maintenance and animal care (bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, rays, starfish, birds, reptiles, etc.), and marine education and conservation. *As part of a research team, primary duties include: * Conduct boat-based bottlenose dolphin photo-ID surveys up to 7 days per month in estuarine and nearshore marine Gulf Coast waters. Dolphin surveys generally take about 6 hours and sometimes occur in challenging weather and coastal conditions. Photograph dolphins and collect survey data during boat-based field surveys Sort and process photographs of bottlenose dolphins Collect photograph-based data and enter it into Microsoft Excel Match dolphin photographs to our catalog of known individuals using finFindR Enter collected bottlenose dolphin and environmental data in FinBase/Microsoft Access Assist in diverse research efforts related to bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and estuarine and near-shore marine ecology Manage spatial data in ArcGIS When needs arrive, assist other program areas including stranding response, sea turtle surveys, veterinary research, animal care and marine education. *Internship Research Projects and Presentations * As part of the research internship, interns will be assigned an independent research project. Research projects are designed to help expand the science of dolphins and sea turtles, contribute to IMMS’ Research Program, and provide interns with real-world research experience. Assigned research project topics will vary depending on the current needs of IMMS’ Research Department. Interns will be given time at work to work on their research projects. Interns are also expected to conduct at least 3 hours per week of research outside of work. Interns will present the findings of their research with a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation in the last week of their internship. *Internship Requirements * Applicants must be 18 years or older. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in biology, marine science, marine biology, marine and estuarine ecology, oceanography or a related field. Previous research experience is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all of the duties described in this internship position. Internship positions are 40 hours per week (generally Mon-Fri/8 am-4 pm). As needs arrive, responding to stranded dolphins and sea turtles, for instance, interns may need to shift their schedules to assist our Stranding Department in these efforts. Internship start and end dates for this Fall are flexible. We do require a minimum of a 12-week commitment for this internship position. *Additional Information * Research internships are unpaid positions. IMMS provides a $30 reimbursement per week for groceries. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will assist interns in finding rooms available to rent. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. To apply, please send a resume (with 3 references), a copy of your college transcripts, and a one-page statement of interest to jbaker(a)imms.org. For information about the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, please visit our website https://imms.org/.

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