November 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Paper on SRW mortalities in South African waters
by Els Vermeulen 16 Nov '22

16 Nov '22

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to inform you on the publication of the following paper: Vermeulen E, Jouve E, Best P, Cliff G, Dicken M, Kotze D, McCue S, Meÿer M, Seakamela M, Thompson G, Thornton M, Wilkinson C. 2022. Mortalities of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) and related anthropogenic factors in South African waters, 1999–2019. JCRM; 23(1):149-6. ABSTRACT The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis; SRW) population in South Africa’s coastal waters has experienced marked changes since 2009, including altered feeding and migration behaviour, and decreased calving success. At the same time, anthropogenic activities in the area have increased. Based on this, an update on SRW mortalities and related anthropogenic factors is warranted. Building on the published information of Best et al. (2001a), data were collated on all SRW mortalities as well as non‐fatal ship‐strikes and entanglements along the South African coast between 1999 and 2019. A total of 97 SRW mortalities were recorded, including three that did not result in a stranding, of which the majority were classified as calves of the year. Most of these occurred on the Western Cape coast between the months of July to November, coinciding with the seasonal presence of the species in South African coastal waters. Eleven of these mortalities could be attributed to ship‐strikes whereas three mortalities related to entanglements. A total of 98 non‐fatal incidents, including 16 ship‐strikes and 82 entanglements with SRWs, were recorded in South Africa between 1999 and 2019. Ship‐strikes occurred mainly around the area of Cape Town harbour. Entanglements occurred mainly in rock‐lobster gear and bather‐protection nets in the Western Cape and KwaZulu‐Natal provinces respectively, although the latter did not occur between 2015–2019 attributable to the replacement of over 70% of the nets by drumlines, and the removal of the remaining nets during whale season. In general, the incidence of SRW mortalities and entanglements decreased post‐2007, coinciding with the decreased presence of SRWs along the South African coast. Available data show a relatively low rate of fatal entanglements and ship‐strikes, although this may be underestimated due to the opportunistic nature of the collated data. In view of the population growth rate and the increased anthropogenic activities in South African coastal waters, continued and improved monitoring (e.g. through a more systematic reporting system) of these incidents is crucial to ensure accurate knowledge‐based management decisions in the future. Possible mitigation measures aimed at reducing anthropogenic interactions are mooted. This article is available from: https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/357 An electronic copy can be requested at els.vermeulen(a)up.ac.za With kind regards, Els Dr Els Vermeulen Senior Lecturer and Research Manager Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria, South Africa t: +27 (0)60 9714301 e: els.vermeulen(a)up.ac.za URL: mammalresearchinstitute.science/whale-unit <https://www.mammalresearchinstitute.science/whale-unit> <http://www.facebook.com/MRIWhaleUnit> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/mammal-research-institute-whale-unit> <http://www.instagram.com/mriwhaleunit/> <http://twitter.com/MRI_Whale_Unit> -- This message and attachments are subject to a disclaimer. Please refer to http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf <http://upnet.up.ac.za/services/it/documentation/docs/004167.pdf> for full details.

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EXTENSION: SEAMAMMS 2023 Call for Abstracts!
by Seamamms 2023 16 Nov '22

16 Nov '22

We have extended 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. The new deadline for submissions is November 30th. 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 30th, 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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New publication: Assessing marine mammal diversity in remote Indian Ocean regions , using an acoustic glider
by Maëlle TORTEROTOT 16 Nov '22

16 Nov '22

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new study in Deep Sea Research Part II : Torterotot, M., Beesau, J., Perrier de la Bathie, C., & Samaran, F. (2022). Assessing marine mammal diversity in remote Indian Ocean regions , using an acoustic glider. /Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography/, /206/(September 2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2022.105204 Abstract: Many observations collected from whaling logbooks or more recent satellite tags and acoustic surveys report that the Indian Ocean is a very important place for large baleen whales. They undergo long seasonal migrations from Southern feeding grounds to tropical and subtropical mating and breeding grounds. However, whether and where they stop to rest or feed during their long travels are poorly known. The Indian Ocean is also home to many odontocete species such as sperm whales, killer whales and multiple delphinid species. In this paper, we analyze passive acoustic data collected by an electric glider around two steep bathymetric features located in the Western sub-tropical Indian Ocean (Walters Shoal) and in the mid sub-tropical Indian Ocean (St. Paul and Amsterdam islands), both included in Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs). The acoustic data were manually reviewed and annotated by two analysts. The aim of this experiment was to improve the knowledge on marine mammal presence in these little studied IMMAs. We found that bioacoustic activity was quite high in both monitored areas with 40% of the records con- taining marine mammal sounds in Walters Shoal and 70% in St. Paul and Amsterdam islands. Calls from Antarctic blue whales, Southwestern and Southeastern Indian Ocean pygmy blue whales, fin whales and an unidentified baleen whale were detected at one or both sites. Odontocete clicks and whistles were also recorded at both sites. The discussion puts these marine mammal acoustic detections back into the context of their seasonal and geographical presence already described by other studies in the Indian Ocean and makes hypotheses about the role of the two studied areas for marine mammals. The article is available at : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967064522001904 Please feel free to contact me with questions (maelle.torterotot(a)ensta-bretagne.fr) Regards, Maëlle Torterotot

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Hawaii Marine Animal Response Internship Posting
by emily.greene h-mar.org 15 Nov '22

15 Nov '22

Aloha, Below is the posting for Hawaii Marine Animal Response's spring internship program! Thank you! *Internships Available!* Join our team on the beautiful island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii! Internships are available year-round, are run on a semester schedule, with 20-hour to 40-hour a week options. Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is the largest Hawaii-based nonprofit marine species conservation and animal response organization. Our mission is to undertake substantial actions that result in the preservation, recovery, and stewardship of Hawaii’s protected marine species and the ocean ecosystem we share. We work with Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, seabirds, and cetaceans. Interns with HMAR have the opportunity to get involved in all of our exciting programs! Our unique organization offers unparalleled opportunities to get involved in the conservation of Hawaii’s protected marine species. Some responsibilities for each program are outlined below. Field Support and Outreach: * Respond to animal sightings * Assess the animal’s condition and identify the individual and potential health concerns * While observing the animal, provide outreach to the public in the area. Marine Debris * Participate in dives and snorkel trips aimed at removing debris from the nearshore environment * Perform maintenance on HMAR’s “Fishing Bins.” * Provide outreach relating to marine debris and derelict fishing line Education and Engagement * Conduct presentations at schools and public events * Create educational lesson plans, activities, and videos * Conduct presentations with members of the business community For full details of our programs, please see our website: <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fh-mar.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2gx…> http://h-mar.org/. Learn more and apply today at <https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fh-mar.org%2Fget-involved%3Ffbcl…> http://h-mar.org/jointheteam/ Emily Greene (She/Her) Education and Engagement Program Manager Hawaii Marine Animal Response emily.greene(a)h-mar.org<mailto:emily.greene@h-mar.org> Direct: 603-609-8345 Sighting Hotline: (888) 256-9840 [cid:1ffa1a41-7558-4cba-a2b5-1dd05776f445]

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New publication: Influence of Life-History Parameters on Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in Blubber of Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus)
by Anna Brüniche-Olsen 15 Nov '22

15 Nov '22

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are very please to inform you that our article “Influence of Life-History Parameters on Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in Blubber of Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus)” is now available. Hayes K, Ylitalo GM, Anderson, T, Urban J, Jacobsen J, Scordino J, Lang A, Baugh K, Bolton J, Brüniche-Olsen A, Calambokidis J, Martínez-Aguilar S, Subbiah S, Gribble M, Godard-Codding C (2022) Influence of life-history parameters on persistent organic pollutant concentrations in blubber of eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). Environmental Science & Technology. 10.1021/acs.est.2c05998 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.2c05998 Abstract Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can significantly impact marine mammal health, reproduction, and fitness. This study addresses a significant 20-year gap in gray whale contaminant monitoring through analysis of POPs in 120 blubber biopsies. The scope of this substantial sample set is noteworthy in its range and diversity with collection between 2003 and 2017 along North America’s west coast and across diverse sex, age, and reproductive parameters, including paired mothers and calves. Mean blubber concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (∑PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (∑DDTs), and chlordanes (∑CHLs) generally decreased since previous reports (1968–1999). This is the first report of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and select hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in this species. Statistical modeling of the 19 most frequently detected compounds in this dataset revealed sex-, age-, and reproductive status-related patterns, predominantly attributed to maternal offloading. Mean POP concentrations differed significantly by sex in adults (17 compounds, up to 3-fold higher in males) but not in immatures (all 19 compounds). Mean POP concentrations were significantly greater in adults versus immatures in both males (17 compounds, up to 12-fold) and females (13 compounds, up to 3-fold). POP concentrations were detected with compound-specific patterns in nursing calves, confirming maternal offloading for the first time in this species. Best regards, Anna Brüniche-Olsen ——————————— Anna Brüniche-Olsen Section for Computational and RNA Biology Department of Biology University of Copenhagen Ole Maaløes Vej 5 2200 Copenhagen N Denmark +45 6017 2758

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New publication: Cetacean occurrence off Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, Canada
by Heloise Frouin-Mouy 14 Nov '22

14 Nov '22

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new study in Scientific Reports. Frouin-Mouy H., Mouy X., Pilkington J., Küsel E., Nichol L., Doniol-Valcroze T. & Lee L. 2022. Acoustic and visual cetacean surveys reveal year-round spatial and temporal distributions for multiple species in northern British Columbia, Canada. Scientific Reports 12: 19272. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-22069-4 Abstract: Cetaceans spend most of their time below the surface of the sea, highlighting the importance of passive acoustic monitoring as a tool to facilitate understanding and mapping their year-round spatial and temporal distributions. To increase our limited knowledge of cetacean acoustic detection patterns for the east and west coasts of Gwaii Haanas, a remote protected area on Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada, acoustic datasets recorded off SG̱ang Gwaay (Sep 2009–May 2011), Gowgaia Slope (Jul 2017–Jul 2019), and Ramsay Island (Aug 2018–Aug 2019) were analyzed. Comparing overlapping periods of visual surveys and acoustic monitoring confirmed presence of 12 cetacean species/species groups within the study region. Seasonal patterns were identified for blue, fin, humpback, grey and sperm whale acoustic signals. Killer whale and delphinid acoustic signals occurred year-round on both coasts of Haida Gwaii and showed strong diel variation. Cuvier’s, Baird’s, beaked whale and porpoise clicks, were identified in high-frequency recordings on the west coast. Correlations between environmental factors, chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature, and cetacean acoustic occurrence off Gwaii Haanas were also examined. This study is the first to acoustically monitor Gwaii Haanas waters for an extended continuous period and therefore serves as a baseline from which to monitor future changes. Open access available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-22069-4 Please feel free to reach out (hfrouinmouy(a)uvic.ca) with questions. Best regards, Héloïse Héloïse Frouin-Mouy, PhD

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new article - blue whale and behavioral response to boat
by Dagmar Fertl 14 Nov '22

14 Nov '22

My coauthors and I are pleased to announce publication of: Smultea, M.A., F.C. Robertson, and D. Fertl. 2022. Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) mother-calf pair behavioral response to vessel in the Southern California Bight. Aquatic Mammals 48(6):690-692. Systematic focal observations of endangered blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) mother-calf behavior are rare, with little known about potential disturbance reactions to vessels. During systematic line-transect aerial surveys flown to collect data on marine mammal density and behavior in the Southern California Bight, the opportunity arose to interrupt the survey to circle and video-document a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) mother and calf‘s behavioral response to an approaching recreational vessel. Results indicated short-term initial curiosity (approach) by the calf to vessel presence followed by behavioral disturbance in response to the vessel’s sudden change in speed manifested by the calf suddenly moving away then returning to previous close proximity to the mother. https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art… Supplemental material at: https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/images/Smultea_etal_Supplemental-file… This is an OPEN ACCESS article; a special thanks to Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal) for sponsoring this special issue of Aquatic Mammals. The authors thank journal editor Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski and Special Issue Guest Editor Dr. Jim Darling for the opportunity to present our information in this special issue. PDF also available by contacting Dagmar Fertl at: dagmar_fertl(a)hotmail.com

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New Publication: Site fidelity of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a highly industrialized area of the Galveston Bay estuary
by Vanessa Mintzer 14 Nov '22

14 Nov '22

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper from the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program: Mintzer, V. J., Quackenbush, A., & Fazioli, K. L. Site fidelity of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a highly industrialized area of the Galveston Bay estuary. Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12984 Abstract: Coastal common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that inhabit urban estuaries are exposed to a myriad of anthropogenic threats. To manage and conserve these populations, it is imperative to understand their habitat use and residency patterns. In this study, we evaluated the site fidelity of common bottlenose dolphins in upper Galveston Bay (UGB), a heavily industrialized area of the Galveston Bay estuary. We aimed to identify groups within the population with varying affinity to UGB and to determine if there are resident dolphins in UGB. The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program conducted monthly photo-identification surveys in UGB between January 2016 and December 2019. We identified 442 distinct dolphins within UGB and used their sighting histories to calculate occurrence, permanence, and periodicity. These site fidelity metrics were incorporated into a cluster analysis that revealed three groups. Group 1 (n = 192, 43%) consisted of individuals with the highest site fidelity to UGB and were classified as year-round or seasonal long-term residents. Group 2 (n = 141, 32%) were transients and Group 3 (n = 109, 25%) were short-term users of UGB. This study identified resident dolphins in UGB, and we recommend that this group be monitored closely, as they are particularly vulnerable to stressors in the upper estuary. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12984 Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Vanessa J. Mintzer, Ph.D. Research Scientist Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program Galveston Bay Foundation P: 352-359-5633 1725 Highway 146, Kemah, TX 77565 galvbay.org<https://galvbay.org/> galvestonbaydolphin.org Vanessa J. Mintzer, Ph.D. Research Scientist Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program Galveston Bay Foundation P: 352-359-5633 | F: 832-284-4982 1725 Highway 146, Kemah, TX 77565 galvbay.org<https://galvbay.org/> galvestonbaydolphin.org [cid:image001.png@01D8F83F.E7AB2210]

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New publication: Year-round distribution of bearded seals in Alaskan Arctic
by Jessica Crance - NOAA Federal 14 Nov '22

14 Nov '22

Good morning, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our manuscript on bearded seal distribution in Deep-Sea Research Part II. *Year-round distribution of bearded seals, Erignathus barbatus, throughout the Alaskan Chukchi and northern Bering Sea* Jessica L.Crance, Catherine L.Berchok, Brynn M.Kimber, Jenna M.Harlacher, Eric K.Braen, and Megan C.Ferguson *Abstract: *Bearded seals are pan-Arctic ice-obligate phocids; for the threatened Beringia population, the majority of the population feeds in the summer in the Chukchi Sea, then migrates south to overwinter in the northern Bering Sea. Contemporary information on the impact of rapidly changing climatic conditions on bearded seal distribution is essential for effective management. To monitor for marine mammals, passive acoustic recorders were deployed throughout the eastern Chukchi and northern Bering seas (64° N to 72° N), sampling at a rate of 16 kHz on a duty cycle of either 80 or 85 min every 5 h. Data from year-long deployments at nine sites over four years (2012–2016) were manually analyzed, totaling 13,275 days (∼75,000 h). Bearded seal calling activity was present at every site in every year. Calling activity increased from September through February and reached sustained and saturated levels from March through June, at which point calling ceased abruptly regardless of ice cover. The timing of calling and its abrupt cessation correspond with the known breeding season of bearded seals. However, the timing of the cessation of calling occurred earlier each year, corresponding with an earlier sea ice retreat. The sustained calling detected overwinter at all locations suggests that this is more than just a few animals that are remaining in the Chukchi Sea. Preceding this main pulse was a smaller peak in calling that progressed southward, corresponding with the fall migration of bearded seals to the Bering Sea. These results increase our knowledge on the year-round spatio-temporal distribution and migration patterns of this pagophilic species, and the relationship between calling activity and sea ice concentration. The paper can be accessed at the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967064522002016?dgcid=a… Cheers, Jessica Crance -- Jessica Crance (she/her) Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 work: 206-526-4063 cell: 619-733-1386

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New Publication: Sighting records of “Migaloo” the white humpback whale provide evidence of Australian site fidelity and use of New Zealand waters as a migratory route
by Vanessa Pirotta (HDR) 14 Nov '22

14 Nov '22

Dear MARMAM colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Sighting records of “Migaloo” the white humpback whale provide evidence of Australian site fidelity and use of New Zealand waters as a migratory route Pirotta, V., Franklin, W., Mansfield, L., Lowe, J., and Peterson, O. (2022). Sighting records of “Migaloo” the white humpback whale provide evidence of Australian site fidelity and use of New Zealand waters as a migratory route. Australian Zoologist; doi: https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2022.043 ABSTRACT Observations of an all-white humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the Australian east coast were first made in 1991 off Byron Bay, Australia. Genetic analysis of tissue samples collected from this individual confirmed this whale to be male and lacking pigmentation as a result of albinism. While there are observations of other predominately white humpback whales, this individual is the only known true white (albino) humpback whale in the Australian east coast population. Due to his unique appearance, this individual has since become known as “Migaloo”, which is a First Nations meaning for “white fella”. In this short note we present the first extensive sighting history of Migaloo collected via scientific and citizen science efforts. This provides evidence of Migaloo’s presence in both Australian and New Zealand waters confirmed through photographic evidence and genetic testing. We also detail gaps in sighting history and highlight variability in the east Australian humpback whale population migration. The collective annual effort to document Migaloo’s presence along the Australian east coast is a unique opportunity to connect a wide community of scientists and non-scientists through whale research. It also highlights variability in whale movement geographically and the potential impact changing oceans might have on this in the future. Best regards, Vanessa Pirotta Dr. Vanessa Pirotta Marine Predator Research Group School of Natural Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia Twitter: @vanessapirotta Superstar of STEM 2021-2022 Watch my TEDx talk here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PXgFoTtwi0> [cid:69de3658-cbbe-49fe-86a6-b12b74242034]<https://www.vanessapirotta.com> [cid:8bf056a0-5cb8-4730-b0fe-e8ae0a37448b]<http://www.wildsydneyharbour.com>

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