February 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Summer Volunteer Placements with Cetus’ Robson Bight Warden & Straitwatch Programs!
by Nicola Rammell 22 Feb '22

22 Feb '22

*Summer Volunteer Placements with Cetus’ Robson Bight Warden & Straitwatch Programs!* Cetus Research & Conservation Society is a non-profit marine conservation organization. Cetus is dedicated to protecting the lives of whales in the wild through research, education, and direct intervention. Founded in 2005, Cetus addresses the increasing endangerment of BC's killer whales due to human activities. We focus on one of three key contributors to killer whale endangerment: vessel traffic disturbance. We work in the field to protect whales and other marine mammals from harassment and harm. As vessel traffic in the region increases, our work becomes more and more crucial to their survival. For more information, visit www.cetussociety.org. Cetus is seeking to fill the following volunteer placements: *Robson Bight Warden Program/Straitwatch Quadra* Four placements will be based out of a rustic Robson Bight Warden field camp on West Cracroft Island located near Alert Bay, BC and two placements will be based on Quadra Island, BC. We require a commitment to the full season, which runs from approximately mid-June to early-September 2022. Our programs focus on protecting British Columbia’s marine mammal populations and encouraging others to do the same. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with a variety of tasks ranging from community outreach and education to marine mammal response and data collection. Students will have the opportunity to work aboard our monitoring vessels where they will participate in data collection and on-the-water boater education. Students based in Robson Bight will also monitor vessel traffic and killer whale presence from our land-based observation platform on West Cracroft Island. *Responsibilities include:* - Educating boaters, kayakers, and members of the public about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk, and the conservation issues they face - Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity - Public interpretation and participation in community events - Observing and recording cetaceans for the BC Cetacean Sightings Network - Potentially helping to respond to injured, sick, or dead marine mammals in support of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network - Assisting with general administrative duties - General duties including cooking, cleaning, and general upkeep of accommodations *What skills and experience will students gain? * - Experience working aboard a monitoring vessel in coastal BC - Experience participating in land-based marine conservation efforts - Data collection and data entry using Microsoft Access - Interpretive skills and techniques - Experience educating the public on marine conservation issues - Experience with fundraising and community outreach - Potential for experience in marine mammal response - Extensive remote fieldwork experience - Training opportunities such as Small Vessel Operator course (SVOP), Small Domestic Vessel Safety course (SDV-BS), Marine VHF course (ROC-M), Marine First Aid and/or Wilderness First Aid certifications *Essential Requirements:* - Interest in marine wildlife and conservation - Flexibility - Strong communication skills - Strong observation skills and careful attention to detail - Ability to work long hours, outdoors, in all weather conditions - Ability to live and work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with staff and volunteers (Robson Bight team only) - Ability to carry 45 lbs of gear between vessels and base camps - this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline and up steep trails (Robson Bight team only) - Ability to hike from the base camp to the observation site on alternate days on a rugged hiking trail (3.2 km each way) which takes approximately 1 hour each way (Robson Bight team only) *Additional Information:* Students based on Quadra Island will be provided with accommodation while students based at Robson Bight will be camping in a rustic base camp for the duration of their placements. Those participating in Robson Bight placements will need to bring their own tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag. Tent pads and tarps are provided as well as cooking equipment. Communal dinners are prepared by the field team each evening. Please note these are unpaid positions. Successful candidates will be eligible for funding covering all participant costs associated with travel, living expenses, training opportunities, and personal gear for the duration of the placement through Ocean Bridge Direct Action ( https://education.ocean.org/directaction/assignments/1117747) *Eligibility:* - Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee status in Canada - Living in Canada for the duration of the program and cannot be out of the country for more than one month consecutively - 18 to 30 years old at the start date of the program *How to apply:* Candidates will be placed through Ocean Bridge Direct Action. Apply to Ocean Bridge Direct Action ( https://education.ocean.org/directaction/assignments/1117743) and express your interest in being placed with Cetus’ Robson Bight Warden or Straitwatch Programs. *Application deadline is March 11th, 2022 (11:59 PST).* Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and asked to provide contact details for two references. Thank you for your interest! -- Nicola Rammell (she/her) Program Coordinator Robson Bight Marine Warden Program Cetus Research & Conservation Society nicola.rammell(a)cetussociety.org <marie.fournier(a)cetussociety.org> www.ProtectOurWhale <http://www.cetussociety.org/>s.com

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PSO Training Course on April 9-10
by Angela Bostwick 22 Feb '22

22 Feb '22

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on April 9-10, 2022. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is needed. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides. PSOs monitor mainly for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals, complete reports on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. This course includes discussion on life offshore with a focus on maintaining productive personal interactions in the shared common working spaces offshore. Life as a PSO is fun, but it involves long hours of performing dedicated watch; patience, integrity, and persistence are all required for successful performance of duties. This course discussion will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior and industry operations for reporting to regulatory agencies. A list of recommended items to pack for offshore is provided, and additional potential requirements for offshore work are also discussed in the course. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Internship opportunity in the Azores- Pico Island (Nova Atlantis Foundation)
by Nova Atlantis 22 Feb '22

22 Feb '22

*Internship opportunity in the Azores**-** Pico Island** -Nova Atlantis Foundation* The Nova Atlantis Foundation is preparing its 23rd fieldwork season, dedicated to studying the social ecology of the Risso´s dolphin around Pico island. Next to the continuation of the Risso project we will conduct cetacean monitoring surveys, focusing on the deep diving species such as pilot whales and beaked whales. Pico island is an excellent area to learn and gain experience at sea and to observe over 15 species of cetaceans during the summer season. We are seeking interns for the period May/June to September. Candidates should be available for at least 2 months. We may make exceptions to apply for a shorter placement for potential participants and in particular an acoustics specialist. Interns must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly, and with a true interest in marine conservation and animal behaviour. The internship includes: - An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing - Sea-surveys (using a drone) and land based data collection - Data processing - Additional work e.g. boat cleaning and preparation, maintenance of the observation post The 2-month internship requires a payment to cover running field work costs. Expenses for travelling to and from the fieldwork site, accommodation and food are not included in this fee. The Nova Atlantis Foundation offers accommodation in collaboration with a local family in Santa Cruz das Ribeiras. Interns are free to find their own accommodation in the Ribeiras area as well. Fieldwork is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive long days of work at sea and from land. On a typical field day, we split the team in a land crew and a sea crew and work in shifts allowing all to rotate and gain experience in several methodologies. We use rough weather days for data entry or as a day off. Application deadline is the 21st of March 2022. To apply, and for further information, please send a short letter (state which period you prefer) and a short CV to: oceanwatch(a)gmail.com. -- Karin Hartman, PhD Nova Atlantis Foundation Risso's Dolphin Research Center Rua Dr. Freitas Pimentel 11 9930-309 Santa Cruz das Ribeiras Lajes do Pico Azores -Portugal www.nova-atlantis.org

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Re: [MARMAM] New publication: When and how to say goodbye: An analysis of Standard Operating Procedures that guide end-of-life decision-making for stranded cetaceans.
by Rebecca Boys 21 Feb '22

21 Feb '22

Dear MARMAMers, Apologies for posting again, it seems that the link did not work correctly on the last email. We are pleased to announce our recent publication in Marine Policy regarding end-of-life decision-making for stranded cetaceans. Boys, R.M., Beausoleil, N.J., Betty, E.L., Stockin, K.A. (2022). When and how to say goodbye: An analysis of Standard Operating Procedures that guide end-of-life decision-making for stranded cetaceans. Marine Policy, 138C: 104949, 10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104949 Abstract: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are tools used to ensure management best practice during emergency incidents including wildlife interventions, such as cetacean strandings. The compromised state of stranded cetaceans means humane end-of-life decisions may be considered, and SOPs frequently guide this process. This study evaluated SOPs for end-of-life decision-making and technically enacting euthanasia of stranded cetaceans across Australasia. The aim was to highlight similarities and differences in management and explore directions to improve stranded cetacean welfare. SOPs were requested from the eight government authorities across Australia and New Zealand. All SOPs were evaluated for decision-making criteria, yielding 29 parameters for the implementation of end-of-life decisions. Euthanasia and palliative care were options for end-of-life, with palliative care recommended when euthanasia was not feasible or presented human safety risks. Three euthanasia methods were recommended. Ballistics was recommended in seven SOPs, chemicals in five and explosives in three SOPs. Variability existed in the exact procedures and equipment recommended in all three methods. Additionally, only five SOPs provided criteria for verifying death, while only two recommended time-to-death be recorded, hindering evaluation of the welfare impacts of end-of-life decisions and euthanasia procedures. Our findings highlight the need for detailed guidance and consistency in end-of-life decisions and euthanasia techniques to ensure reliable welfare outcomes. Systematic, standardised data collection at euthanasia events across regions is required to facilitate assessment of welfare impacts and develop evidence-based recommendations. International collaboration is key to developing objective criteria necessary to ensure consistent guidance for end-of-life decisions. You can download the paper freely using this link for the next 50 days: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1ecGf,714MjLeX Alternatively, please feel free to contact me if you would like a PDF of the paper or if you have any questions. Thank you very much, Rebecca Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:11:24 +0000 From: Rebecca Boys <rebeccaboys(a)hotmail.com<mailto:rebeccaboys@hotmail.com>> To: "MARMAM(a)lists.uvic.ca<mailto:MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca>" <marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca<mailto:marmam@lists.uvic.ca>> Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: When and how to say goodbye: An analysis of Standard Operating Procedures that guide end-of-life decision-making for stranded cetaceans. Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Dear Marine Mammal Community, We are pleased to announce our recent publication in Marine Policy regarding end-of-life decision-making for stranded cetaceans. Boys, R.M., Beausoleil, N.J., Betty, E.L., Stockin, K.A. (2022). When and how to say goodbye: An analysis of Standard Operating Procedures that guide end-of-life decision-making for stranded cetaceans. Marine Policy, 138C: 104949, 10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104949 Abstract: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are tools used to ensure management best practice during emergency incidents including wildlife interventions, such as cetacean strandings. The compromised state of stranded cetaceans means humane end-of-life decisions may be considered, and SOPs frequently guide this process. This study evaluated SOPs for end-of-life decision-making and technically enacting euthanasia of stranded cetaceans across Australasia. The aim was to highlight similarities and differences in management and explore directions to improve stranded cetacean welfare. SOPs were requested from the eight government authorities across Australia and New Zealand. All SOPs were evaluated for decision-making criteria, yielding 29 parameters for the implementation of end-of-life decisions. Euthanasia and palliative care were options for end-of-life, with palliative care recommended when euthanasia was not feasible or presented human safety risks. Three euthanasia methods were r! ecommended. Ballistics was recommended in seven SOPs, chemicals in five and explosives in three SOPs. Variability existed in the exact procedures and equipment recommended in all three methods. Additionally, only five SOPs provided criteria for verifying death, while only two recommended time-to-death be recorded, hindering evaluation of the welfare impacts of end-of-life decisions and euthanasia procedures. Our findings highlight the need for detailed guidance and consistency in end-of-life decisions and euthanasia techniques to ensure reliable welfare outcomes. Systematic, standardised data collection at euthanasia events across regions is required to facilitate assessment of welfare impacts and develop evidence-based recommendations. International collaboration is key to developing objective criteria necessary to ensure consistent guidance for end-of-life decisions. You can download the paper freely using this link for the next 50 days: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1ecGf,714MjLeX<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fauthors.e…<https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1ecGf,714MjLeX%3chttps:/apc01.safelinks.prot…>> Alternatively, please feel free to contact me if you would like a PDF of the paper or if you have any questions. Thank you very much, Rebecca ------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca M Boys Marine Biologist PhD Student Cetacean Ecology Research Group School of Natural and Computational Sciences Massey University Auckland New Zealand [cid:a64ccff9-3fc1-4ecb-a48e-57cfaa8d5b9e]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rebecca_Boys> [cid:2bb5f15c-510a-4f78-9b1d-b196e3de0645] <https://scholar.google.co.nz/citations?hl=en&user=7rHpOpMAAAAJ> [cid:d7da4fc9-e36c-4cf8-8ef1-afb4c9bc9435] <https://twitter.com/RebeccaMBoys> [cid:dc71995f-7542-47f7-a04e-1866b8c36604] <https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC7KHN…<https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg/?__xts__%5b0%5d=68.ARBKlWSLR-YC…>> [cid:7a0aa93d-1cdf-490f-9011-3d412124a0f9] <https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/explore/research/animal-veterinary/animal/m…> [cid:5ea84a35-7862-4279-95ad-8b7fced0d3c2] www.cetaceanecology.org/<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/<http://www.cetaceanecology.org/%3chttps:/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: common dolphin producing porpoise clicks --- (correct version)
by Mel Cosentino 21 Feb '22

21 Feb '22

Dear MarMamers I am very pleased to announce our latest publication, titled "I beg your pardon? Acoustic behaviour of a wild solitary common dolphin who interacts with harbour porpoises". Our results suggest that this female dolphin produces clicks similar to those emitted by porpoises, after having spent almost 20 years alone in a an area with high density of porpoises in west Scotland. *Please note* that an eariler version of the manuscript was mistakenly published by the Publishers (Taylor and Francis), which was online from the 10th of January. The link below is to the corrected version. Windy greetings Mel and co-authors Cosentino M, Nairn D, Coscarella M, Jackson J & Windmill J. I beg you pardon? Acoustic behaviour of a wild solitary common dolphin who interacts with harbour porpoises. Bioacoustics. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2021.1982005 *Abstract* Kylie is a solitary common dolphin who inhabits a restricted area within the Firth of Clyde (Scotland). She spends most of her time around navigational buoys in the Hunterston/Fairlie channel, where she has been seen interacting with harbour porpoises. Recordings from 2016 and 2017 were used to study her acoustic behaviour when seen alone and with a porpoise. Clicks were classified as potential porpoise or dolphin clicks based on the waveform, power spectrum, and spectrogram, as well as direction of arrival, inter-click interval, amplitude, and centroid frequency variations. Kylie emitted clicks exclusively, which were of variable nature, including low, mid, and high-frequency (HF, centroid frequency > 100 kHz) as well as broad or narrowband. Some of Kylie’s HF clicks were similar to porpoise clicks both in the time (e.g. polycyclic) and frequency (e.g. narrowband with most energy between 100 and 150 kHz) domains, which cannot fully be explained by recording geometry and directionality effects. -- *Mel Cosentino, PhD* Marine Mammal Researcher Whalesafari, Norway Aarhus University, Denmark www.PorpoiseLady.org @PorpoiseLady "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" - E. Burke

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RARE MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 21 Feb '22

21 Feb '22

RARE MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AVAILABLE ¡VIVAVaquita! is a non-profit organization dedicated to working to help save the vaquita from extinction. 100% of funds raised are actively used for research and conservation work on the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world’s most endangered marine mammal species, and other endangered cetaceans. The global population of the vaquita now numbers less than 15 individuals and is nearing extinction. Visit our website at www.vivavaquita.org for more details. ¡VIVAVaquita! has hundreds of marine mammal books, reprints, monographs, and journals that are available for a donation to the organization. Below is a sample of some of the rarer items we have (price listed is suggested donation, shipping is extra), but there are many, many more and suggested donation amounts range from US$1-120. To request books or a list of additional books available (and photos), please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com. Allen, G. M. 1916. The whalebone whales of New England. Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural History 8:107-322. Hardbound. $30. Au, W. W. L., A. N. Popper and R. R. Fay. 2000. Hearing by Whales and Dolphins. Springer. $20. Best, P. B. 2007. Whales and Dolphins of the Southern African Subregion. Cambridge University Press. $65. Boyd, I. L. 1993. Marine Mammals: Advances in Behavioural and Population Biology. Pages 404 pp. Clarendon Press. $40. Burns, J. J., J. J. Montague and C. J. Cowles. 1993. The Bowhead Whale. Pages 787 pp. Society for Marine Mammalogy. $25. Burt, W. H. 1971. Antarctic Pinnipedia. Pages 226 pp. American Geophysical Union, Antarctic Research Series. $21. Fraser, F. C. 1952. Handbook of R. H. Burne's Cetacean Dissections. British Museum (Natural History). $15. Garner, G. W., S. C. Amstrup, J. L. Laake, B. J. F. Manley, L. L. Mcdonald and D. G. Robertson. 1999. Marine Mammal Survey and Assessment Methods. Pages 287 pp. A. A. Balkema. $52. Graells, M. P. 1889. Las ballenas en las costas oceanicas de Espana. MEMORIAS DE LA REAL ACADEMIA DE CIENCIAS EXACTAS, FISICAS Y NATURALES DE MADRID 8:1-115, +119pls. $18. Haug, T., G. Desportes, G. A. Vikingsson and L. Witting. 2003. Harbour porpoises in the North Atlantic. Pages 315 pp. NAMMCO Scientific Publications. $14. Jones, M. L., S. L. Swartz and S. Leatherwood. 1984. The Gray Whale Eschrichtius robustus. Pages 600 pp. Academic Press. $38. Kellogg, R. 1965. Fossil marine mammals from the Miocene Calvert Formation of Maryland and Virginia, Volume 1, pt. 1. A new whalebone whale from the Miocene Calvert formation, pt. 2. The Miocene Calvert sperm whale Orycterocetus. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 247:1-63. $12. Kellogg, R. 1966. Fossil marine mammals from the Miocene Calvert Formation of Maryland and Virginia, Volume 2, pt. 3. New species of extinct Miocene Sirenia, pt. 4. A new Odontocete from the Calvert Miocene of Maryland Bulletin of the United States National Museum 247:65-101. $12. Kraus, S. D. and R. M. Rolland. 2007. The Urban Whale: North Atlantic Right Whales at the Crossroads. Harvard University Press. $13. Mackintosh, N. A. and J. F. G. Wheeler. 1929. Southern blue and fin whales. Discovery Reports 1:257-540. $28. Matthews, L. H. 1938. The sei whale, Balaenoptera borealis. Discovery Reports 17:183-290. Hardbound. $16. Mitchell, E. (ed). 1975. Review of biology and fisheries for smaller cetaceans. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 32(7): 879-1242. Special issue of journal on dolphins, porpoises, and small whales. $10. Norris, K. S. and J. H. Prescott. 1961. Observations on Pacific cetaceans of Californian and Mexican waters. University of California Publications in Zoology 63:291-402. $16. Norris, K. S., B. Wursig, R. S. Wells and M. Wursig. 1994. The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press. $12. Notarbartolo Di Sciara, G., M. Podesta and B. E. Curry. 2016. Mediterranean Marine Mammal Ecology and Conservation. Pages 428 pp. Advances in Marine Biology. $65. Osgood, W. H., E. A. Preble and G. H. Parker. 1915. The fur seals and other life of the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, in 1914. Bulletin of the Bureau of Fisheries 34:172+ pp. $23. Payne, R. 1983. Communication and behavior of whales. Pages 643 pp. AAAS Selected Symposium. Westview Press, Inc,, Boulder, Co. $17. Perrin, W. F., B. Wursig and J. G. Thewissen. 2002. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Pages 1414 pp. Academic Press. $45. Pryor, K. and K. S. Norris. 1991. Dolphin Societies: Discoveries and Puzzles. Pages 397 pp. University of California Press. $18. Richard, M. J. 1936. Documents sur les Cetaces et Pinnipedes provenant des campagnes du Prince Albert 1er de Monaco. Resultats des Campagnes Scientifiques Accomplies sur son Yacht par Albert 1er Prince Souverain de Monaco 44:72 pp. $21. Ridgway, S. H. 1972. Mammals of the Sea: Biology and Medicine. Pages 812 pp. Charles C. Thomas. $120. Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute. Most issues available (please designate issues desired). $10/issue. Sokolov, V. E. and V. A. Arsen'ev. 2006. Baleen Whales: Mammals of Russia and Adjacent Regions. Smithsonian Institution Libraries. $28. Truitt, D. 1974. Dolphins and Porpoises: A Comprehensive Annotated Bibliography of the Smaller Cetacea. Gale Research Co. $24. Wheeler, J. F. G. 1930. The age of fin whales at physical maturity with a note on multiple ovulations. Discovery Reports 2:403-434. $8. Winn, H. E. and B. L. Olla. 1979. Behavior of Marine Animals, Volume 3: Cetaceans. Pages 438 pp. Plenum Press, New York. $32. Wursig, B., J. G. M. Thewissen and K. M. Kovacs. 2017. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals (Third Edition). Pages 1157 pp. Academic Press. $65.

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Call for an acoustics specialist during fieldwork in the Azores (Nova Atlantis Foundation)
by Nova Atlantis 21 Feb '22

21 Feb '22

Call for an acoustics specialist during fieldwork in the Azores (Nova Atlantis Foundation) The Nova Atlantis Foundation (www.nova-atlantis.org <http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nova-atlantis.org%2F&h=CAQGm…>) is preparing its 23rd fieldwork season, dedicated to studying the social ecology of the Risso´s dolphin around Pico island. For a new project, we are seeking an acoustics specialist who is interested to help with the set-up of a complex hydrophone system to study intra-group acoustics in long-term followed pods (Risso’s dolphins), as part of our ongoing social studies. Application deadline is the 21st of March 2022. To apply, and for more information, please contact us: oceanwatch(a)gmail.com. Karin Hartman, PhD Nova Atlantis Foundation Risso's Dolphin Research Center Rua Dr. Freitas Pimentel 11 9930-309 Santa Cruz das Ribeiras Lajes do Pico Azores -Portugal www.nova-atlantis.org

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New publication on epimeletic and acoustic behaviour in Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphins carrying dead calves
by Daniela Silvia Pace 21 Feb '22

21 Feb '22

Dear Marine Mammal Community, we are pleased to share our recent open access publication: Pedrazzi G., Giacomini G. and Pace D.S. (2022). First report of epimeletic and acoustic behavior in Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) carrying dead calves Biology 11(2), 337. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020337 https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/11/2/337/htm Abstract Epimeletic behavior toward dead calves has been frequently reported in cetaceans, mostly with females (presumed mothers) showing supportive behaviors such as carrying, lifting, or sinking, often assisted by “escort” individuals. However, information on acoustic production in such contexts is scarce. This report describes two observations of epimeletic behavior toward dead newborns in bottlenose dolphins and associated acoustic production. Data were collected at the Tiber River estuary (Rome, Mediterranean Sea, Italy) with one hydrophone for passive acoustic monitoring and two digital cameras. In both cases, an individual (presumed mother) acting as the main supporter and directly interacting with the carcass by lifting it (case 1) or sinking it (case 2) was observed. Another adult individual (escort) was present in both encounters showing standing-by and excitement behaviors (case 1) and supportive behavior (case 2). In both encounters, whistles, pulsed sounds, and bray-call elements were recorded. The consistent vocal activity observed likely conveyed context-specific information. A signature whistle in the first encounter was also recorded, likely emitted by the putative mother as a distress call. This report confirms the occurrence of epimeletic behavior in bottlenose dolphins and reports a preliminary description of the acoustic production when a dead calf is involved, providing additional information on this largely unknown topic. Cheers Daniela, Giulia and Giancarlo -- Daniela Silvia Pace, PhD Department of Environmental Biology Marine Ecology Lab Sapienza University of Rome Viale dell’Università 32 00185 Rome, Italy mail: danielasilvia.pace(a)uniroma1.it mobile: +39 346 1039652 office: +39 06 4991 4763 skype: lagenorinco Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5121-7080 [image: Risultati immagini per logo sapienza]

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Historical sperm whaling study updated - Sperm whaling to the north-west of Australia and Indonesian and New Guinea Waters
by Dale Chatwin 19 Feb '22

19 Feb '22

Hello everyone - [Previous version April 2021] - Updates findings from a 30 plus year study of log books, journals and other sources documenting traditional British and American sperm whaling in the 1800s to the north of Australia including Indonesian and New Guinea waters. Charts over 1450 sperm whale sightings. The data comprises 970 British sightings extracted from the logs of 14 British whaling voyages covering the period 1820 to 1850 and 481 American sightings from a slightly later period. What’s New in this version? Key differences are the addition of another 74 British sightings, and an ability to track American voyages and compare them to the British voyage tracks. Introduction of View Map functionality on the Whaling History website facilitates this. Voyage tracks allow us to determine ‘where whaleships went over time and where the sighted whales’ confirming patterns of deployment. The main outcome of this is the finding that American vessels overwhelmingly approached Indonesia from the south-west. This was previously not obvious. Voyage tracks also show that the majority of early American voyages were forays to the south of Sumatra, Sumba and to the west of Timor rather than being voyages into the Indonesian Archipelago. American voyages through Archipelago did not become commonplace until the mid-1840s. In previous versions of the Paper I also wondered whether whaling vessels identified as sailing north-west from New Zealand (presumably the American Whaling Fleet?) or north from Australia (the Colonial Whaling Fleet?) undertook whaling around New Guinea and the Solomons. The evidence in American voyage tracks reveal that some American whaling vessels did sail east across the south of Australia and then north between the east coast of Australia and New Zealand from the 1840s. These vessels did undertake some whaling to the east of the Solomon Islands before continuing their voyages into the Northern Pacific. Finally, the original study findings continue to be reaffirmed. This is, that the British and American fleets whaling to the north-west of Australia, in Indonesian and in New Guinea waters deployed differently. Essentially, the Americans transited Indonesian waters whereas British vessels remained within the Indonesian Archipelago, moving from whaling ground to whaling ground. Remaining within the Archipelago meant that the British needed to reprovision locally. The key reprovisioning ports were Kupang on Timor, Kema on North Sulawesi and to a lesser extent Ternate in the Molucca [Maluku Islands]. https://www.academia.edu/71899655/British_Sperm_Whaling_Activity_to_the_Nor…

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
by AIMM Internships 19 Feb '22

19 Feb '22

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of July to 30st November 2022. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Measure water visibility with the Secchi disk methodology; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2022 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in the research house; - Transportation to/from the marina; - Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork in the research vessel. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants and snacks; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 14 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: https://www.aimmportugal.org/application-form Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. Due to COVID-19, we ask ours interns to come with a negative COVID-19 teste with a maximum of 3 days before departing. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- *AIMM Portugal* - Ass. Investigação do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] <https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal> [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] <https://www.instagram.com/aimmportugal_org/> [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] <http://www.youtube.com/c/AimmportugalOrg>

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