October 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on Cetacean sightings in the Finike (Anaximander) Seamounts area and adjacent waters
by Arda M. Tonay 06 Oct '22

06 Oct '22

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new paper on Cetacean sightings in the Finike (Anaximander) Seamounts area and adjacent waters has been published in the Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment. The pdf copy is available online via the following link. Dede, A., Öztürk Ayaka, A., Tonay, A.M., Özsandıkçı, U., Gönülal, O., Öztürk, B. 2022. Cetacean sightings in the Finike Seamounts area and adjacent waters during the surveys in 2021. J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 28(2): 221-239. https://blackmeditjournal.org/volumes-archive/vol-28-2022/vol-28-2022-no-2/c etacean-sightings-in-the-finike-seamounts-area-and-adjacent-waters-during-th e-surveys-in-2021/ Abstract The Finike Seamounts (Anaximander) was declared as the "Finike Seamounts Special Environmental Protection Area (SEPA)" by Republic of Türkiye in 2013. In order to determine the presence of cetaceans living in the region and its adjacent waters, visual observations were carried out with the standard line transect method as well as passive acoustic recordings at 21 stations in two boat surveys in spring and autumn 2021. A total of 1621 nautical miles were covered in both surveys. Sperm whales were detected visually and acoustically. Other deep-diving species, Cuvier's beaked whale, was observed once, as well as delphinid species, such as the striped dolphins (two groups) and bottlenose dolphins (7 groups). Delphinids were also detected acoustically in 8 stations. Although the surveys were made only in two seasons in one year, it was shown that the cetaceans use the surveyed area and their presence must be taken into consideration in the management of the Finike Seamounts SEPA. Alternatively, pdf requests can be sent to atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr <mailto:atonay@istanbul.edu.tr> Regards, Arda Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Kalenderhane Mah. Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2 Fatih 34134 İstanbul, Türkiye Tel: +90 212 455 5700/16459 Fax: +90 212 514 0379 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, 34820 İstanbul, Türkiye Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771 -- *Yasal Uyarı:* Bu elektronik posta, **buradan* <https://bilgiislem.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/e-posta-yasal-uyari-e-mail-dis…> *ulaşabileceğiniz Koşul ve Şartlara tabidir. *Disclaimer: *This email is subject to the Terms and Conditions available *here.* <https://bilgiislem.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/e-posta-yasal-uyari-e-mail-dis…>

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New Publication: 'More than a whistle: Automated detection of marine sound sources with a convolutional neural network"
by Ellen White 04 Oct '22

04 Oct '22

Dear Colleagues, We are excited to announce a new scientific publication from the University of Southampton: 'More than a whistle: Automated detection of marine sound sources with a convolutional neural network' in the journal Frontier of Marine Science (Special Issue Ocean Observation). The article is open access and can be viewed at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.879145 [https://www.frontiersin.org/files/MyHome%20Article%20Library/879145/879145_…]<https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.879145> More than a whistle: Automated detection of marine sound sources with a convolutional neural network<https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.879145> www.frontiersin.org Authors: Ellen L White, Paul White, Jonathon Bull, Denise Risch, Suzanne Beck and Ewan Edwards. Abstract The effective analysis of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) data has the potential to determine spatial and temporal variations in ecosystem health and species presence if automated detection and classification algorithms are capable of discrimination between marine species and the presence of anthropogenic and environmental noise. Extracting more than a single sound source or call type will enrich our understanding of the interaction between biological, anthropogenic and geophonic soundscape components in the marine environment. Advances in extracting ecologically valuable cues from the marine environment, embedded within the soundscape, are limited by the time required for manual analyses and the accuracy of existing algorithms when applied to large PAM datasets. In this work, a deep learning model is trained for multi-class marine sound source detection using cloud computing to explore its utility for extracting sound sources for use in marine mammal conservation and ecosystem monitoring. A training set is developed comprising existing datasets amalgamated across geographic, temporal and spatial scales, collected across a range of acoustic platforms. Transfer learning is used to fine-tune an open-source state-of-the-art ‘small-scale’ convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect odontocete tonal and broadband call types and vessel noise (from 0 to 48 kHz). The developed CNN architecture uses a custom image input to exploit the differences in temporal and frequency characteristics between each sound source. Each sound source is identified with high accuracy across various test conditions, including variable signal-to-noise-ratio. We evaluate the effect of ambient noise on detector performance, outlining the importance of understanding the variability of the regional soundscape for which it will be deployed. Our work provides a computationally low-cost, efficient framework for mining big marine acoustic data, for information on temporal scales relevant to the management of marine protected areas and the conservation of vulnerable species. Reference for the paper: White, E.L. White, P. Bull, J. Risch, D. Beck, S and Edwards, E, 2022. More than a whistle: Automated detection of marine sound sources with a convolutional neural network. Frontiers of Marine Science (9). DOI=10.3389/fmars.2022.879145. Please feel free to contact the lead author Ellen White on behalf of all authors if you have any questions, Ellen White Post-graduate Research Student University of Southampton School of Ocean and Earth Sciences National Oceanography Centre Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK Contact Information: Email: elw1g13(a)soton.ac.uk Phone: 07715926069 Twitter: @OceansE11en

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Florida Manatee and Marine Turtle Management Job Opportunity
by LaVere, Ashley 04 Oct '22

04 Oct '22

Greetings everyone, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist III to aid the Imperiled Species Management Section with developing conservation measures to reduce potential adverse impacts to species and their habitat, with a focus on Florida manatee and marine turtle conservation. This environmental commenting position will focus on drafting biological opinions for regulatory and planning authorizations, but will also involve working with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholder groups to conserve, enhance, and protect manatee and marine turtle habitat. Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-F-&-W-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-III-7… Sincerely, Ashley LaVere Fish & Wildlife Biological Scientist IV Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Email: Ashley.LaVere(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Ashley.LaVere@MyFWC.com>

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University of North Carolina Wilmington - Integrative Biologist Position - Emphasis on Marine Mammals and Marine Megafauna
by Tift, Michael S. 04 Oct '22

04 Oct '22

Hello, The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Integrative Organismal Biology starting August 2023. Desired areas of expertise within the broad umbrella of Organismal Biology include, but are not limited to, Marine Mammals or other Marine Megafauna, Conservation Biology, Movement Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Evolutionary Biology. Resources and facilities will support research from molecular to ecosystem levels of organization. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2022. The link to apply for this position is: https://jobs.uncw.edu//postings/26183<https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/26183> Any questions about the position should be sent to the Chair of the search committee, Dr. Amanda Williard (williarda(a)uncw.edu<mailto:williarda@uncw.edu>). Thank you, Dr. Michael Tift (He/Him/His) Assistant Professor Department of Biology and Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington 601 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403. U.S.A. Telephone: +1-(910) 962-2777 Lab Website: https://michaeltift.weebly.com/ For Shipments use: Dobo Hall 1008 4978 Cahill Drive Wilmington, NC 28403-5915 NOTICE: Emails sent and received in the course of university business are subject to the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. §132-1 et seq.) and may be released to the public unless an exception applies.

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SEAMAMMS 2023 Call for Abstracts!
by Seamamms 2023 04 Oct '22

04 Oct '22

We are pleased to announce the Call for Abstracts for the 2023 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS), to be held at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, on March 17-19, 2023. More information can be found at https://seamamms.wordpress.com/ Selection of abstracts will be made through anonymous peer review. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted by students and early-career professionals based in, or working on issues relevant to, the Mid-Atlantic or Southeast United States. Other presentations will be considered if space is available. Requirements: - Oral Presentation: 12-minute PowerPoint presentation and 3 minutes for questions - Poster Presentation: Maximum poster size should be 48’ x 48’ - Abstract Submission: Submit a Microsoft Word file to seamamms(a)gmail.com with the following information: - Presenter’s Full Name - Preferred Presentation Format: Oral or Poster - Are you a student? Yes or No - If a student, what level? Undergraduate, Graduate, Other - What category best fits your abstract (select one): 1. Behavior 2. Morphology, Physiology, & Strandings 3. Distribution & Abundance 4. Education & Conservation 5. Other (explain): ____________________________ - Presentation Title - Author List (Last name, first name, middle initial) - Author Affiliation (in same order as ‘Author List’) - Abstract (maximum of 300 words) Due Date: November 15th, 2022 11:59 PM CST Decisions will be emailed by December 15th, 2022. Please reach out to seamamms(a)gmail.com with any questions or clarifications. Thank you! SEAMAMMS 2023 Planning Committee

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SMM Editors' Select Series on October 20th: Behavior related vocalizations of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 03 Oct '22

03 Oct '22

Greetings MARMAM! Join us on *Thursday, October 20th at 1 PM EDT (10 AM PDT / 5 PM GMT)* for the next SMM Seminar Editors' Select Series: Behavior related vocalizations of the Florida manatee (*Trichechus manatus latirostris*) with Dr. Beth Brady of the Florida Atlantic University and Mote Marine Laboratory. Free to attend. Registration required. Presented online on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WnhO3mH4R8q3Y_euN-VTmQ Space on Zoom is limited to the first 500 attendees. The talk will also be streamed live on the SMM Facebook page. *The SMM Seminar Editors' Select Series highlights the latest and most exciting marine mammal science published in the Marine Mammal Science Journal. This is your chance to engage with marine mammal scientists, learn and ask questions from anywhere in the world. All are welcome.* *About this talk:* Florida manatees produce a variety of vocalizations, but their function is unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate if manatee vocalizations could be correlated with behavior. Multiple underwater microphones were used to record manatee vocalizations in four different environments and behaviors. Vocalizations recorded from resting, playing, stressed and feeding wild animals were statistically tested to determine whether vocalizations produced varied with behavior and calf presence. We also measured the length, amount of noise, and changes in pitch (frequency modulation) from vocalizations to investigate if they differed between behaviors. Results suggest manatees vocalize using few call types and vary the structure of the call based on behavior. One call type was correlated with calf presence. Noisier calls were more frequently observed during play. The most common call manatees produced are called squeaks. Squeaks were longer in length and higher in frequency modulation when animals were stressed. This research provides a foundation for comparative studies on vocal behavior for the Florida manatee as well as studies on related species. *About the presenter:*Beth was born and raised in rural Pennsylvania and first found her interest in marine life on a family vacation. Although she initially went to school to be a registered nurse, after a few years of nursing, she realized her true passion was marine biology. She returned to school and got her undergraduate degree at Kutztown University, Pennsylvania. After graduation, she volunteered with multiple marine mammal and wildlife organizations and found her love of manatees through an extended internship at Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC). After the internship, she completed her Master’s at Nova Southeastern University where she first became involved in studying underwater sound (acoustics) and manatee vocalizations. She completed her doctorate at Florida Atlantic University in 2020. She is currently a post doctoral research fellow at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL. Dr. Brady’s primary research investigates vocal communication in manatee species. In addition, she is studying manatee behavior, ecotourism impacts, and recently started flying drones to assess the body condition of Florida manatees. All the best, *Ayca Eleman, Ph.D. Candidate* *Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Candidate* *Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D.* *Student Members-at-Large* Society for Marine Mammalogy

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New publication - seals, whales, and the Cenozoic decline of nautiloid cephalopods
by Tsai, CH 03 Oct '22

03 Oct '22

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new publication on how marine mammals may have driven the regional extinctions of nautiloid cephalopods globally in the Cenozoic and led to the current distribution. Kiel S, Goedert JL, and Tsai CH. 2022. Seals, whales, and the Cenozoic decline of nautiloid cephalopods. Journal of Biogeography, doi: 10.1111/jbi.14488 Abstract Aim *Nautilus* and *Allonautilus*, last members of the once widespread nautiloid cephalopods, are today restricted to the deep central Indo-West Pacific Ocean, for reasons that remain unclear. Cephalopod evolution is generally considered as being driven by vertebrate predation; therefore, we investigated the role of whales and seals in the decline of nautiloids through the Cenozoic. Location Global. Taxon Nautiloids, pinnipeds, cetaceans. Methods Distribution data for nautiloids, pinnipeds and cetaceans through the Cenozoic were compiled and plotted on a series of paleogeographic maps. Nautiloid shell sizes were compiled and plotted against the first appearance of pinnipeds and cetaceans in key regions. Results >From the Oligocene onward, nautiloids became extinct in areas where pinnipeds appeared. The exception is the agile nautiloid *Aturia*, extinct globally at the end of the Miocene. A major role of odontocetes in the demise of nautiloids is not apparent, except for a few brevirostrine Oligocene taxa from the North American Atlantic and Pacific coasts, which appeared in these areas at the same time as nautilids disappeared. The Oligocene disappearance of nautiloids (except *Aturia*) from the American Pacific coasts coincides with the development of oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) in this region. Main conclusions We hypothesize that the Cenozoic spread of pinnipeds drove nautiloids into their present-day central Indo-West Pacific refuge. Additional factors for the local extinction of nautiloids in the Oligocene include predation by short-snouted whales and the development of OMZs, preventing nautiloids from retreating into deeper water. Significance statement The iconic “living fossil” Nautilus occurs mainly in the deep tropical Indo-West Pacific Ocean. The fossil record indicates that this restriction from a once worldwide distribution was largely driven by the Cenozoic spread of seals, highlighting the role of vertebrate predation in the evolution of cephalopods. This paper is freely available here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.14488 Regards and all the best, Tsai -- 蔡政修（Cheng-Hsiu Tsai さいまさのぶ) PhD Lab of evolution and diversity of fossil vertebrates（古脊椎動物演化及多樣性實驗室） Department of Life Science & Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology（生命科學系＆生態學與演化生物學研究所） National Taiwan University（台灣大學） No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 106-17, Taiwan（台灣 106-17 台北市羅斯福路 4 段 1 號） Email: whaletsai(a)ntu.edu.tw; craniata(a)gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/NTUWhaleTsai/?modal=admin_todo_tour Tel: 886 - 2 - 3366 - 2448

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Manatee Internship
by Faucett, Blake 03 Oct '22

03 Oct '22

FWC Manatee Internship-Blake Faucett The southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one Winter-Spring 2023 internship! Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship: one 6-month term from January 2023-July 2023. The expected start date for the internship is flexible if an earlier/later start date is needed. Duration of the internship is flexible if it does not work with availability, but 6 months is preferred. Working hours are typically 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 40 hours a week, with some nights and weekends required. The position is in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality/rescue reports, assist with other computer work, and participate in public outreach as needed. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras. Previous animal-handling experience is preferred. Some previous trailering experience is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This internship is unpaid. Housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: § A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability § A résumé describing training and experience § A list of three references § An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 https://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships/se-fl-intern/

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ACCOBAMS Highly Qualified MMO and PAM and JNCC Certification programme
by Derya Ozciger Senalp 03 Oct '22

03 Oct '22

*Joint Course on ACCOBAMS Highly Qualified Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring Systems (PAM) and JNCC Certifications'* *Certification Course Description:* Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) under the agreement signed with ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area) will be running a brand-new training course to qualify individuals as Marine Mammal Observers and operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring systems with ACCOBAMS and JNCC certifications. There will be a limited number of subsidised positions for Turkish students and early-career researchers, and these will be offered on a first come, first served basis. *The Qualification:* The ACCOBAMS qualification qualifies people to work as MMOs/PAM operators throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 24 countries, where it is the agreed course requirement for such work. After the course, The ACCOBAMS highly qualified MMO/PAM operators will be able to work to minimize the impact of noise on cetaceans, by applying the knowledge, expertise and skills acquired during the training course, and to use the standard procedures, forms and manuals, in accordance with the ACCOBAMS principles. JNCC certification is required by many employers and regulators worldwide and including the Mediterranean. For some ACCOBAMS countries with coastlines both inside and outside the Mediterranean there will possibly continue to be a requirement for both certificates. *Topics Covered in the Training Course:* • Introduction to underwater acoustics • Introduction to marine mammals of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. • Introduction to human activities generating underwater noise and impacts on marine mammals • Introduction to existing regulations, mitigation procedures and ACCOBAMS Guidelines • Discussion of different distance estimation techniques. • Introduction to the role of MMO/PAM • Introduction to the “life style” onboard • Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the acoustic and visual sightings. • Using PAM for survey and research, • Introduction to hardware used for PAM • Hands on training with PAMGUARD • Tips and troubleshooting. *Speakers and Presenters:* Patrick Lyne, Marine Scientist and MMO&PAM operator Dr. Aylin Akkaya, DMAD(Marine Mammals Research Association) founder and director *Requirements:* • Graduated/current student in biology or ecology or have experience that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its conservation. • Minimum 30 days working with marine mammals (with references/records ) • Basic knowledge to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea • Basic knowledge of marine acoustics. • Laptop with windows and PAMguard installed *When:* The course will be run on 07th to 12th December 2022 *Where:* Kas, Turkey *Price:* €550-900 *Course Category Price (Euro)* ACCOBAMS and JNCC certification (6 days) 900 ACCOBAMS certification only (5 days) 800 ACCOBAMS certification for the experienced MMO/PAM (4 days no boat surveys) 650 MMOA members (4 days no boat surveys) 600 *Notes:* *Price covers the training and certificates *Accommodation and transportation cost belongs to the participant *There will be one day of boat-based training where there is a good chance of sperm whales’ encounters that allows you to practice your learned skills during the course. *Experienced MMOs and PAM operators should be able to show at least 3 months experience of MMO and 3 months of PAM work (worldwide) to avail or reduced prices and this applies to MMOA members also. Link: https://www.dmad.org.tr/#&gid=1578878066&pid=1 *E-mail us for a more information: info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>*

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