December 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) positions available
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 30 May '23

30 May '23

THE PROJECT The Montenegro Dolphin Research is a scientific project run by Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD). Our study is the only long term research study of marine mammals in Montenegrin and Albanian coastal waters. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behavior, define critical habitats and investigate the impact 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, particularly youth and women. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several 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 BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose love for dolphins is strong and sincere. Opportunities are available starting from January 2023 onwards. This project runs year round with prefered arrival within the first week, or just before, of candidates prefered month. The minimum duration of the placements is 2 MONTHS, with possible exceptions for skilled candidates. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once a week, weather allowing -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavior data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloging and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. -Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides intensive lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring every week. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammals research such as: -ArcGIS mapping -Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; -Photo-identification; -Discovery software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; -Visual and acoustic behaviour of marine mammals -Scientific manuscript and technical report writing skills PROJECT PARTICIPATION FEE The positions require a contribution fee; for volunteers it is €840/month for the first 2 months and €780 for any month more; for interns, it's €940/month for the first 2 months and €880 for any month more. All of which goes directly to supporting the projects and the participation fee includes: -Accommodation -Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania -Training and lectures -Scientific support -Field work -Use of equipment Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and motivation letter to 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 www.dmad.org.tr https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/ https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, *Thalia de Haas* *Volunteer Coordinator of Montenegro Dolphin Research* *Researcher of DMAD-Marine Mammals Research Association * *WhatsApp +31645402061* *Skype: thalia.dehaas* *Thalia.deHaas(a)dmad.org.tr <thalia.dehaas(a)dmad.org.tr>* *https://www.instagram.com/marinevagabond <https://www.instagram.com/marinevagabond>* *General* *info@d <info(a)dmad.org.tr>m <info(a)dmad.org.tr>ad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/ <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature>* *https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>* [image: MDR Logo.jpg]

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Fully funded PhD studentship - Novel sensors to assess vessel, porpoise & dolphin activity
by Per Berggren 30 Mar '23

30 Mar '23

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We have a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship advertised and looking for a student with an Acoustic or Electronic Engineering background and interest in animal and anthropogenic sound in the marine environment. The project (Application of novel sensors to assess vessel, porpoise & dolphin activity during development of a floating wind farm off Blyth, UK) will further develop, test and use novel passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) sensors developed by the supervisory team (Prof Jeffrey Neasham and Prof Per Berggren) at Newcastle University, UK. The echolocation sound and cavitation noise sensors are low-cost and low-energy PAM platforms that listen, analyse and send the resulting data back to the user on land via long-range wifi or Iridium satellite networks. Please see link for full description and how to apply for the PhD studentship: https://auracdt.hull.ac.uk/research-projects/application-of-novel-sensors-t… Recruitment is open until 4 January 2023 for beginning study in September 2023. For any questions please contact Per Berggren (per.berggren(a)ncl.ac.uk) and/or Jeff Neasham (jeff.neasham(a)newcastle.ac.uk) ________________________________________________________ Professor Per Berggren Chair of Marine Megafauna Conservation Marine MEGAfauna Lab, School of Natural & Environmental Sciences Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, UK Tel +44 191 2085676, Email: per.berggren(a)ncl.ac.uk Skype: berggrenper, Twitter: @PerBerggren1 http://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/staff/profile/per.berggren ________________________________________________________

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New publication: drivers of dolphin group size
by Severine Methion 07 Mar '23

07 Mar '23

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Methion S, Giralt Paradell O, Padín XA, Corrège T, Díaz López B (2023). Group size varies with climate and oceanographic conditions in bottlenose dolphins. Marine Biology 170:7. Doi.org/10.1007/s00227-022-04154-4 AbstractAn understanding of animal grouping patterns is essential to increase knowledge about their social systems. We used a five-year continuous dataset to investigate grouping behavior in a free-ranging highly social mammal, the bottlenose dolphin. Our objective was achieved by examining the relationships between a set of oceanographic, climatic, topographic, anthropogenic and social variables and bottlenose dolphin group size. Modeling analysis revealed that bottlenose dolphin group dynamics was linked to both small-scale oceanographic variation and large-scale climatic variation. Larger groups of bottlenose dolphins were predicted with an elevated concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water column, a moderate concentration of chlorophyll-a 60 days before each encounter, and a neutral NAO index. The observed link between environmental variables and dolphin group size is likely associated to changes in dolphin prey availability. Bottlenose dolphin group dynamics are likely driven by multiple factors, and social variables may act synergistically with environmental parameters. Larger groups of bottlenose dolphins were indeed also predicted with a greater number of dependent calves, likely because of enhanced care towards the calves. This study illustrates the value of using multiple variables at different scales to explore the factors that shape animal societies. The current study therefore contributes to the growing body of literature on how environmental change, occurring at different spatio-temporal scales, is indirectly related to the social behavior of a marine top predator. The article can be found at the following link: https://rdcu.be/c1ZvL Feel free to contact me to request a pdf or for any question regarding our work at: severine(a)thebdri.com Kind regards, Séverine Methion, PhDshe/her/hersBDRI Research Scientist0034 640 119 669http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Severine_Methion https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9348-2592 Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRIAv. Beiramar 192, 36980, O Grove, Pontevedra, Spainwww.thebdri.comFind us on Facebook & Instagram! This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).

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MMO, PSO & PAM Training Course 2022
by Tabbi McGhee 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is offering its next Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)-approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEst)-approved Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses. JNCC-certified MMOs comply with UK regulations, and PSOs comply with USA regulations, to minimise the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from various offshore operations. OSC’s MMO course comprises theory and practice, including binocular and range estimation, and role-play sessions. The PAM course comprises theory and practice using PAM equipment in OSC's workshop facilities and/or onboard OSC’s survey vessel (subject to weather). The intention is to run the following course in-person near Edinburgh at OSC’s Dunbar headquarters: 14th to 17th November 2022 Prices are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate. A discounted package price of £700 is offered for participants who wish to attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Course participants will also receive a discount for purchases of marine binoculars or tripod mounts from Opticron – these should be ordered in advance of the course to ensure availability. For further details: https://www.osc.co.uk/training For course registration: https://www.osc.co.uk/jncc-registration Best wishes, OSC training team [cid:image001.png@01D8D963.D28AA180] Admin Team Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road , Dunbar , East Lothian , EH42 1RR , Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7368 866 235<tel:M:%20+44%20(0)7368%20866%20235> T: +44 (0)1368 865 722<tel:T:%20+44%20(0)1368%20865%20722%E2%80%8B> W: www.osc.co.uk<http://www.osc.co.uk/> . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com<http://www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com/> Tabbi McGhee PA to Directors & Office Administrator Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7368 866 235 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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New Online Training Course: An Introduction To Integrating QGIS/GIS And R For Spatial Analysis - 6th to 8th May 2020
by cdmacleod＠gisinecology.com 20 Jan '23

20 Jan '23

We will be running a new online training course called 'An Introduction To Integrating QGIS/GIS and R For Spatial Analysis' between the 6th and 8th of May 2020. It will be held via the Zoom video-conferencing platform. This course is aimed at those who wish to learn how to use and integrate QGIS (the leading freely available GIS software package) and R (the leading freely available data analysis software package) for spatial analysis. It will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, the author of 'An Introduction To Integrating QGIS And R for Spatial Analysis [1]' (Pictish Beast Publications) and a renowned expert in using GIS in biological and ecological research. He is also a co-author of the recenntly publised 'An Introduction To Basic Statistics For Biologists Using R [2]', which is a practical guide to carrying out the analysis of biological data in R. The course assumes no prior knowledge of either QGIS/GIS or R, and so is open to complete beginners as well as those how know how to use one of these software packages, and wish to learn how to integrate it with the other. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 16 people. The course for this three day course will cost GBP 395 per person (with a discounted rate of GBP 300 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, visit http://gisinecology.com/online-course-an-introduction-to-integrating-qgis-g… or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. GIS and statistical analysis are two of the most fundamental software tools for marine mammalogists wishing to conduct spatial analyses, which is, itself, a cornerstone for the management and conservation of marine mammal species. However, GIS and statistical analyses have their own sets of software packages, and sometimes it can be difficult to know how to integrate the two. This course will provide an introduction to the integration of QGIS (the leading freely available GIS software package) and R (the leading data analysis software packages used by biologists) to create a combined tool set that makes the most of the strengths of each of these individual software packages. It will consist of a series of background sessions on using GIS and R for spatial analysis, mixed in with practical sessions where you will learn how to use QGIS, how to use R, and how to integrate two to complete a spatial analysis project. This last part will include working through an example project, starting with creating a high quality map for publication through creating raster data layers of environmental variables, joining data together based on their spatial relationships and analysing the combined data set using R (including creating summary statistics, conducting linear regressions and conducting generalised additive modelling - GAMs). While it will primarily be based around QGIS, this course is taught using software-independent approach, and it is also open to those who wish to learn how to use ArcGIS to do biological GIS. When you attend this course you will receive a free copy of An Introduction To Integrating QGIS And R for Spatial Analysis [1] (GIS For Biologists Workbooks) as the practical exercises in that course are based on the ones contained in that book. NOTE: If you wish to use ArcGIS software for this course, alternative materials will be provided for the practical sessions. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== Links: ------ [1] http://gisinecology.com/an-introduction-to-integrating-qgis-and-r-for-spati… [2] http://gisinecology.com/stats-for-biologists-1

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Texas A&M Galveston Seeks an Assistant Professor in Marine Mammal Biology
by Childress, Gretchen 06 Jan '23

06 Jan '23

Assistant Professor in Marine Mammal Biology The Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston invites applications for a full time, tenure-track position with a 9-month academic appointment beginning August 1, 2023. Applicants will be considered for the faculty title of Assistant Professor in marine mammal biology, with an emphasis on their ecology, physiology, behavior, and/or evolution. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission<https://www.tamu.edu/statements/mission.html> and living our core values<https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html>. We are particularly interested in recruiting someone who has developed innovative research and will develop multidisciplinary partnerships across the University, including projects within the Blue Economy framework (https://www.tamug.edu/AcademicAffairs/StrategicPlan.html) (as stated in TAMUGs 2020-2025 Strategic Plan). Individuals with strong quantitative skills and experience in acoustics and telemetry are encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities will include an existing undergraduate course on the biology of marine mammals and contributing to advanced classes offered at the graduate level. The successful applicant will establish and sustain a vigorous externally funded research program and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Department of Marine Biology occupies space in the Ocean and Coastal Studies Building, a LEED-certified facility home to over 20 research laboratories, two teaching laboratories, and a Sea Life Center with running seawater systems. More information on the Department and the campus can be found at http://www.tamug.edu. The Department members participate in their PhD and MS program, but can also consider graduate appointments in other departments on the Galveston and College Station campuses. Texas A&M University at Galveston is the ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University which educates more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students in a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts, and transportation. It is driving the development of the blue economy in the Gulf Coast Region and is a critical contributor to Texas A&M's sea-grant portion of Texas A&M's land-, sea-, space-grant mission with more than $20 million in research expenditures. Texas A&M University Galveston is also home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, one of seven in the U.S. and the only academy integrated into a Tier 1 academic institution, which trains over 400 cadets annually for maritime service and employment around the world. Texas A&M University Galveston is ideally located in Galveston, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, surrounded by the industrial, environmental, and other programs essential to fulfilling its special-purpose mission. Aggies are known for their deep commitment to the success of each other and their strong desire to serve. Qualifications We seek an individual with a Ph.D. whose research complements and enhances that of faculty in the Department of Marine Biology (www.tamug.edu/marb<http://www.tamug.edu/marb>) and other departments of the University. The Ph.D. should be in biology, marine biology, marine science, biological oceanography or related fields. Preferred qualifications: postdoctoral or other related job experience; and a strong publication record. Application Instructions Applicants must submit electronic PDF copies of 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) statement on research experience, 4) statement on teaching philosophy and interests, 5) a diversity statement detailing professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to support campus inclusion, diversity, and equity efforts and 6) a list of three references with contact information by applying online at: apply.interfolio.com/114816<http://apply.interfolio.com/114816>. For more information on the position, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Antonietta Quigg, at quigga(a)tamug.edu<mailto:quigga@tamug.edu>. The review of applications will begin on January 15, 2023. While preference will be given to applications received by this date, the position will remain open until filled. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission<https://www.tamu.edu/statements/mission.html> and living our core values<https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html>. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.

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Special Issue - Threats to Cetacean Health
by Rachel Ann Hauser Davis 31 Dec '22

31 Dec '22

We would like to announce a Special Issue entitled "Threats to Cetacean Health", guest edited by myself and Dr. Leila Lemos. Please find submission instructions: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/F378F97U0S The uncontrolled growth of human population and anthropogenic activities along coasts and riverbanks has threatened aquatic ecosystems and their biota. Cetaceans, in particular, are at high risk of conservation, as they are especially sensitive to anthropogenic activities, including but not limited to negative interactions with watercraft and fishing gear, habitat destruction, pollution, noise, climate change, prey depletion, hunting, and diseases, acting as important ecosystem health indicators. Thus, this special issue aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of cetacean health worldwide and advance our understanding of the physiological mechanisms that control and regulate individual and population behaviors and dynamics, which can aid in effective and sustainable conservation actions. Review or original research articles on pollution levels and effects, physiological and behavior responses and body condition alterations caused by anthropogenic influences are especially encouraged. Submission deadline: 31st August 2023 -- *Dr. Rachel Ann Hauser Davis (B.S., Lic., Esp., M.Sc., D.Sc.)* *Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)* *CV: *http://lattes.cnpq.br/5987657587996872 *ORCID:* https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9451-471X *Research Gate:*https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rachel_Hauser-Davis *Editor-in-Chief:* Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals <https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-trace-elements-and-minerals> *Associate Editor: *Marine Pollution Bulletin <https://www.journals.elsevier.com/marine-pollution-bulletin> *Associate Editor: *Frontiers in Marine Science - Marine Pollution <https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/all/sections/marine-pollution> *Associate Editor: *Ecotoxicology and <https://siaiap32.univali.br/seer/index.php/eec>Environmental Contamination <https://siaiap32.univali.br/seer/index.php/eec> *Associate Editor:* PeerJ <https://peerj.com> *Associate Editor:* Critical Reviews in Science and Technology <https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/best20> *Associate Editor:* Boletim do Laboratório de HIdrobiologia <https://periodicoseletronicos.ufma.br/index.php/blabohidro> *Instagram:* Hauser-Davis Research Group <https://www.instagram.com/hauserdavis_group/> "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." Jacques Yves Cousteau "An understanding of the natural world and what's in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment." David Attenborough Please note that if you receive this email outside of your working hours, I do not expect you to read or respond until you are back in working mode.

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New publication on contaminants in Caspian seals
by Annalisa Zaccaroni 30 Dec '22

30 Dec '22

It is with great pleasure that my co-authors and I would like to share our most recent publication in the open access journal TOXICS on contaminants in Caspian seals. "Trace Elements and Contaminants Concentrations in Tissues of Caspian Seals (Pusa caspica) along the Iranian Coast", available online: Website: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/1/39 PDF Version: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/1/39/pdf Abstract The Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) is an endangered species that only lives in the Caspian Sea. Little information is available on its exposure to contaminants, and no data exists for Southern sub-populations. From 2011 to 2016, tissues samples were collected from 20 Caspian seals to (i) Define the concentration of trace elements in five different matrices and the concentration of 30 pesticides in their blubber; (ii) Determine whether differences in contaminant concentrations are age- or sex-related; (iii) Evaluate if detected concentrations can represent a risk to the species. Age- and sex-related variations were detected for Zn and Hg in the blubber and Fe in the kidney by age only. Exceptionally high Hg concentrations and low levels of hepatic Zn were detected, raising some concern about the reproductive health of seals. Similarly, the DDTs levels detected were in the range of adverse reproductive effects in marine mammals. Based on these results, potentially adverse effects on the immune and endocrine systems of the Caspian seal cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that pollutant monitoring becomes an integral component of conservation strategies for the Caspian seal. Best regards and happy new year Prof. Annalisa Zaccaroni Dep.ment Veterinary Medical Sciences University of Bologna Alma Mater Studiorum Viale Vespucci 2 47042 Cesenatico (FC), Italy Inviato dal mio Galaxy

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Recent publications about the vessel's impact on a resident dolphin population (Wenzhi LIN)
by menjilam＠163.com 29 Dec '22

29 Dec '22

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to share two of our recent publications: Ranging pattern development of a declining delphinid population: A potential cascade effect of vessel activities Lin W, Zheng R, Liu B, Chen S, Lin M, Serres A, Liu M, Liu W, Li S (2023) Journal of Environmental Management, 330, 117120. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2901.221549 or https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1gKpx14Z6tlGUv Abstract It is generally accepted that vessel activity causes various behavioral responses of cetaceans and undermines individual fitness. Whether or how it can lead to a demographic response of populations remains rarely examined. In the northern Beibu Gulf, China, vessel activities have sharply increased in the past two decades, while abnormal demographic dynamics was recently noted for the resident Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. The present study first examined the humpback dolphins' utilization distribution (UD) from 2003 to 2019. Habitat suitability was then modeled with the sighting data collected before the most recent population reduction. Finally, we tried to disentangle the anthropogenic driver of dolphin demography by cross-referring the spatiotemporal development of dolphins' UD, vessel activities, and habitat suitability. Our results showed that the dolphins’ UD shrank substantially during the port expansion in the early 2010s, and we suggest that the consequential increase in vessel activities might impose extra marine stressors on the resident humpback dolphins. To reduce the boat interaction, the dolphins steadily shifted their core area to a less suitable area in the east during 2015–2017, when unnaturally low survivals were recorded. Afterward, the dolphin core area partially shifted back to the more suitable area in the west, which corresponded to the improving dolphin survival in 2018. Our finding suggested that the vessel activity may be responsible for the dolphin displacement, while staying in the less suitable area may further lead to a more severe and acute demographic consequence on the population. The underlying and indirect impact of vessel activities as disclosed by the present study is particularly important for port management, marine planning, and conservation practice regarding coastal cetaceans, especially for those resident and endangered populations inhabiting the urbanized coastal areas. Low survivals and rapid demographic decline of a threatened estuarine delphinid. Lin W, Zheng R, Liu B, Chen S, Lin M, Liu M, Liu W, Li S (2022) Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, 782680. Abstract: Beibu Gulf’s (BBG) Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins present both a genetic differentiation and phenotypical differences from conspecifics from other areas of the South China Sea. Given the recent urbanization and industrialization in southern China, humpback dolphins from the BBG warrant conservation attention. However, this population’s demographic trend is unclear, making it hard to take conservation measures. To assess the population status of humpback dolphins in the BBG, photo-identification surveys were conducted between 2015 and 2019 in the inshore region surrounding the Dafeng River Estuary, which represents the most urbanized and industrialized coastal area of the BBG region. Robust design modeling suggested a constant survival for the female adults (0.89, 95% CI: 0.83–0.94). In comparison, the survival of the juvenile and sex-undetermined adults dropped from 0.92 (95% CI: 0.75–0.98) in 2015 to 0.86 (95% CI: 0.71–0.94) in 2016 and bounced back to 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80–0.94) in 2018. The low level of survival may justify the rapid decline in the annual population size from 156 (95% CI: 133–184) in 2015 to 102 (95% CI: 98–107) in 2019. We found little impact of emigration on the dolphin demographic process. Instead, the low and fluctuating survivals, although with overlapping confidence intervals, seemingly suggested a presence of strong marine stressor(s). Our study highlighted that obtaining high-resolution data is essential to improving our understanding of the demographic dynamics. Moreover, the anthropogenic stress in the BBG region should be quantitatively studied in both temporal and spatial perspectives, to help depict the ecological response of the dolphins to anthropogenic activities. The full article is available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2022.782680 Best wishes, WZ Lin.

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Don Baur: In Memoriam
by Naomi Rose 29 Dec '22

29 Dec '22

Dear Marmam colleagues: Don Baur, a mentor to many in the marine mammal policy world, passed away on December 15 from cancer. Don joined Perkins Coie in 1987, after working as a lawyer for the Department of the Interior and serving as General Counsel for the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. He was promoted to partner at the firm in 1993 and rose to become a cornerstone of the firm's environmental practice. Through Vermont Law School, he helped trained a generation of environmental lawyers. He was a superb practitioner who was widely respected throughout the country. His wisdom, calm pragmatism, and generous spirit were widely valued within the marine policy world. Don taught at Vermont Law School, Golden Gate School of Law and the Environmental Law Institute. He edited two editions of the American Bar Association's books "Endangered Species Act: Law, Policy, and Perspectives" and "Ocean and Coastal Law and Policy," and he co-authored "Best Practices for Protecting Natural Resources on Tribal Lands." Don's deep interest in and dedication to marine mammals, the marine environment, and national parks were central to his professional legacy. He spent hundreds-more likely thousands-of hours doing pro bono work to help whales, sea otters, parks, and the environment. He never seemed to sleep and made himself available whenever he was needed. Don served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Shenandoah National Park Trust, the Park Institute of America, and the Pegasus Foundation. He was legal counsel for the Whale Sanctuary Project. He received the Marine Wildlife Conservation Award from the Center for Marine Conservation, the 1872 Award for Service to the National Parks from the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, and the Animal Welfare Advocacy Award from the Pegasus Foundation. At Perkins Coie, Don received the 2022 Shan Mullin Community Leadership and Service Award and the 2019 Pro Bono Leadership Award. For so many of us in the marine mammal policy world, Don was our colleague, mentor, and most importantly our friend. It is difficult to express how deeply he will be missed. He did not seek the limelight, but was behind so many efforts to protect marine mammals. His first response to any issue brought to his attention was, "How can I help?" His loss leaves a profound vacuum in the marine mammal advocacy community. For anyone who wishes to make a donation in Don's honor, his family has suggested the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy<https://www.facebook.com/apostleislandshpc>-these islands meant a great deal to him personally. There are plans for a memorial service by his friends and colleagues in the new year. Please feel free to reach out to me at naomi(a)awionline.org<mailto:naomi@awionline.org> for more information. ____________________________ [13_AWILogo_ONLY] NAOMI A. ROSE, PH.D. Marine Mammal Scientist ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE T: +1 202 446 2120 ~ C: +1 240 401 4269 www.awionline.org<http://www.awionline.org/> P Please consider the animals and their habitat before printing

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