February 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Assessment of Australian Sea Lion Bycatch Mortality in a Gillnet Fishery, and Implementation and Evaluation of an Effective Mitigation Strategy
by Goldsworthy, Simon (PIRSA-SARDI) 18 Feb '22

18 Feb '22

OFFICIAL Dear colleagues I'm pleased to announce our publication in Frontiers in Marine Science, which is the culmination of almost 20 years of work that has led to significant conservation outcomes for the endangered Australian sea lion. Goldsworthy SD, Page B, Hamer DJ, Lowther AD, Shaughnessy PD, Hindell MA, Burch P, Costa DP, Fowler SL, Peters K, McIntosh RR, Bailleul F, Mackay AI, Kirkwood R, Holman D and Bryars S (2022) Assessment of Australian Sea Lion Bycatch Mortality in a Gillnet Fishery, and Implementation and Evaluation of an Effective Mitigation Strategy. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:799102. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.799102<https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.799102> An open access PDF copy can be downloaded from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.799102 Abstract: Globally, the bycatch of marine mammals in fisheries represents the greatest source of human-caused mortality that threatens the sustainability of many populations and species. The Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) is an endangered species, whose populations off South Australia (SA) have been subject to bycatch in a demersal gillnet fishery targeting sharks since the 1960s. A comprehensive assessment was undertaken of sea lion bycatch mortality that combined independent fishery observer data with species distribution models (underpinned by satellite tracking, abundance data and population modeling) to model the relationship between at-sea foraging effort and bycatch rate. Combined with the distribution of fishing effort, these models enabled the overall level of bycatch mortality to be estimated by age, sex and subpopulation, facilitating population viability analyses that indicated most subpopulations were declining, and subject to unsustainable levels of bycatch mortality. To reduce this mortality, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority implemented an Australian Sea Lion Management Strategy that included an independent observer program (ultimately 100% electronic monitoring of gillnet fishing off SA), permanent spatial gillnet closures around all sea lion breeding sites, bycatch mortality limits that triggered temporal (18 months) spatial closures when zone-specific bycatch trigger limits were reached, and incentives for gillnet fishers to switch to an alternate fishing method (longlines). The Strategy had immediate impacts on the fishery: it resulted in significant reductions in gillnet fishing effort and on the reported bycatch of sea lions. In the next decade, there was an estimated 98% reduction in sea lion bycatch mortality from gillnet interactions and an apparent stabilization of the decline in sea lion pup abundances at some impacted breeding sites. There was an almost complete transition in the fishery from gillnets to longlines, and fishing catches returned to pre-management levels. The successful implementation of management measures to mitigate sea lion bycatch mortality in the gillnet fishery off SA was rapid, science informed, adaptive, comprehensive, and backed by strong compliance and monitoring of the fishery. It provides an important case study which demonstrates how management measures can be effectively applied to mitigate bycatch mortality of marine mammals and other marine protected species. cheers, Simon Prof Simon Goldsworthy | Principal Scientist Ecosystem Effects of Fishing & Aquaculture South Australian Research and Development Institute - SARDI (Aquatic Sciences) Department of Primary Industries and Regions Government of South Australia | 2 Hamra Ave, West Beach, SA 5024 | Affiliate Professor | The University of Adelaide PO Box 120, Henley Beach SA 5022 P: +61 8 8429 0268 | M: +61 428 102 831 | E: simon.goldsworthy(a)sa.gov.au<mailto:simon.goldsworthy@sa.gov.au> pir.sa.gov.au<https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/> [cid:image001.jpg@01D825A4.078B65F0]<https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryIndustriesAndRegionsSA> [cid:image002.jpg@01D825A4.078B65F0] <https://www.instagram.com/sa_pirsa/> [cid:image003.jpg@01D825A4.078B65F0] <https://twitter.com/SA_PIRSA> [cid:image004.jpg@01D825A4.078B65F0] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/primary-industries-and-regions-sa> [cid:image005.jpg@01D825A4.078B65F0] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyicJZzw2RKEBYrfp0p1IDw> [cid:image006.jpg@01D825A4.078B65F0] Service l Professionalism l Trust l Respect l Collaboration & Engagement l Honesty & Integrity l Courage & Tenacity l Sustainability Disclaimer: The information in this e-mail may be confidential and/or legally privileged. Use or disclosure of the information by anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may be unlawful. [Simon D Goldsworthy]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Simon_Goldsworthy>[Google scholar]<http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=kjahDcYAAAAJ>

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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 18 Feb '22

18 Feb '22

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 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<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fauthors.e…> 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…> [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/> Australia and New Zealand Student Chapter SMM Committee member European Cetacean Society National Contact Person for New Zealand

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New Publication: Spy in the sky: a method to identify pregnant small cetaceans
by Cheney, Barbara J. 18 Feb '22

18 Feb '22

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Cheney, B.J., Dale, J., Thompson, P.M. & Quick, N.J. (2022) Spy in the sky: a method to identify pregnant small cetaceans. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation. doi.org/10.1002/rse2.258<https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.258> Abstract Data on sex ratios, age classes, reproductive success and health status are key metrics to manage populations, yet can be difficult to collect in wild cetacean populations. Long-term individual-based studies provide a unique opportunity to apply unoccupied aerial system (UAS) photogrammetry to non-invasively measure body morphometrics of individuals with known life history information. The aims of this study were (1) to compare length measurements from UAS photogrammetry with laser photogrammetry and (2) to explore whether UAS measurements of body width could be used to remotely determine pregnancy status, sex or age class in a well-studied bottlenose dolphin population in Scotland. We carried out five boat-based surveys in July and August 2017, with concurrent photo-identification, UAS and laser photogrammetry. Photographs were measured using bespoke programmes, MorphMetriX for UAS photos and a Zooniverse project for laser photos. In total 64 dolphins were identified using photo-ID, 54 of which had concurrent UAS body length and 47 with laser body length measurements. We also measured body widths at 10% increments from 10% to 90% of body length for 48 individuals of known sex, age class and/or pregnancy status. There was no significant difference in the length of individuals measured with UAS and laser photogrammetry. Discriminant analyses of the body width-length (WL) ratios expected to change during pregnancy, correctly assigned pregnancy status for 14 of the 15 females of known pregnancy status. Only one pregnant female was incorrectly assigned as not pregnant. However, our results showed that length and body width cannot accurately allocate these bottlenose dolphins to sex or age class using photogrammetry techniques alone. The present study illustrates that UAS and laser photogrammetry measurements are comparable for small cetaceans and demonstrates that UAS measurements of body WL ratio can accurately assign pregnancy status in bottlenose dolphins. An open access PDF copy can be downloaded from https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rse2.258 Kind regards, Barbara __ Barbara Cheney Research Fellow Lighthouse Field Station University of Aberdeen George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL Tel: 01381 600548 [Aberdeen_Uni_logo_big low res]<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/> [FB_FindUsOnFacebook-320] <https://www.facebook.com/lighthousefieldstation> [follow us on twitter logo] <https://twitter.com/cromartylh> The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas cl?raichte ann an Alba, ?ir. SC013683.

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New publication -Not friends, just roommates: social organisation of two South American sea lion non-breeding colonies
by Gisela Giardino 18 Feb '22

18 Feb '22

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share with you our new publication: Giardino GV, Mandiola MA, Bastida J, Gana JCM, Bastida RO, Rodríguez DH. 2022. *Not friends, just roommates: social organisation of two South American sea lion non-breeding colonies*. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research.1-16. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00288330.2022.2034653?scroll=t… Any questions, comments, as well as the full text are available by writing to oflavescens(a)gmail.com. Thank you for your attention Have a nice weekend Gisela *ABSTRACT: * Groups of male South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens; SSLs) congregate in harbours on the northern coast of Argentina. These groups are very dynamic, with a high degree of habituation to human activities and the ability to colonise different types of artificial substrates, making them an interesting subject for understanding individual association patterns and spatiotemporal variations in this species. In the present study, we recorded the associations between individual bleach-marked SSLs in the harbours of Mar del Plata (PM) and Puerto Quequén (PQ) on four different substrate types during four non-breeding seasons. We found that the association pattern differed between the harbours, with a well-differentiated social structure being evident in PM but very little social differentiation occurring in PQ. The observed social structure in PM may have resulted from passive habitat preference rather than genuine social behaviour, as the association pattern disappeared when SSLs moved to sandy beaches within the harbour. Given that these colonies are must-see tourist attractions but may have negative interactions with human activities, we recommend considering the association between SSLs and artificial habitats to design effective management strategies and reduce potential conflicts -- Dra. Gisela Giardino Grupo de Investigacion Biol., Ecología y Conserv. de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) -IIMyC (CONICET) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 244) Casilla de Correo 1260-Correo Central-MdP https://linktr.ee/becmm

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Job Announcement with NOAA Fisheries (2)
by Eric Patterson - NOAA Federal 18 Feb '22

18 Feb '22

Hi fellow MARMAMers, Please see below for a USA Jobs announcement for two positions within NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division. Both positions are focused on marine mammal science and management. Please share with anyone that may be interested. Note the announcement closes on *February 24, 2022.* https://www.usajobs.gov/job/638127900 Cheers, *Eric M. Patterson, Ph.D.* *Cetacean and Pinniped Conservation LeadMarine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation DivisionOffice of Protected ResourcesNOAA FisheriesU.S. Department of Commerce* *301-427-8415 <301-427-8415>eric.patterson(a)noaa.gov <eric.patterson(a)noaa.gov>https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-protected-resources <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-protected-resources>*

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New publication: Risk areas for marine mammals in Colombia, South America
by Isabel Cristina Avila 18 Feb '22

18 Feb '22

Dear colleagues We are pleased to share with you our new publication which visually quantified threats to marine mammals in Colombia (South America), and identified mitigation actions: Avila, I.C. & A. Giraldo (2022) Áreas en riesgo para los mamíferos marinos en Colombia [Risk areas for marine mammals in Colombia]. Revista de Biología Tropical, 70: 96-113. https://doi.org/10.15517/rev. biol. trop..v70i1.48553 Abstract: Marine mammals are affected by diverse threats that must be identified for mitigation efforts. Objective: To visually quantify threats to marine mammals in Colombia, and to identify mitigation actions. Methods: We georeferenced threats based on the literature, covering 35 species in the period 1991-2020, and superimposed them on species range maps. Results: 22 species had at least one threat. Bycatch and interactions with fishing gear affected 16 species, followed by direct capture (8 species), vessel traffic/transit (6 species) and alteration of ocean physics (6 species). The most affected species, in terms of the greatest diversity of threats, are: humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Caribbean West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), marine tucuxi (Sotalia guianensis) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Nearly all of Colombia's marine territory presents some degree of risk for marine mammals. High-risk areas are Buenaventura, Guapi, Cupica Gulf and Tumaco in the Pacific; and Urabá Gulf, Darién Gulf, Morrosquillo Gulf, off Barranquilla, Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and Coquivacoa Gulf in the Caribbean. Conclusion: Marine mammals in Colombia are currently at risk due to several threats, especially related to fishing , hunting/capture and shipping activities, mainly in coastal areas. Urgent evaluation and management actions are needed in the ten high-risk areas identified in this study. The article is Open Access and is available here: https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rbt/article/view/48553?fbclid=IwAR1kv8… Best regards, Isabel C. Avila -- Dr. Isabel Cristina Avila Jiménez Marine Biologist PhD in Environmental Sciences Research Associate of the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Hannover, Germany Research member of the Animal Ecology group, Universidad del Valle, Colombia E-mails: isabel_c_avila(a)yahoo.com / isabelc.avila(a)gmail.com http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1389-8908 https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-c-avila-j-68983b34/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Isabel_Avila2 https://www.tiho-hannover.de/itaw/beschaeftigte/beschaeftigte-buesum/isabel…

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{Disarmed} Introductory distance sampling training workshop 11-22 April 2022; registration now open
by Eric Rexstad 18 Feb '22

18 Feb '22

Interactive introductory distance sampling training The University of St Andrews has been training ecologists and statisticians in design and analysis of distance sampling studies for decades. Distance sampling methods are widely used in the assessment of cetacean populations. Perhaps you've wanted to attend but scheduling of workshops conflicted with your field work. 👨‍🌾 We are offering the training workshop in 10 2.5-hour blocks in April 2022. You will be invited to interact in short lectures on distance sampling principles. 👩‍🎓 Exercises analysing data sets in R will reinforce those principles and the lecturer will be available to assist during the practical session via screen sharing. The block will conclude with a summary of the exercise and question/answer session for both lecture and exercise. 💻 You can participate in polls during the workshop to assess your comprehension of topics discussed. 🤔 In addition to questions at any time during the lectures and practicals, an optional additional half hour will be set aside each session for discussion. 🗣 The workshop will be delivered using Zoom web conferencing software along with R-Studio "in the cloud".☁️ You will need (free) accounts for both pieces of software. I encourage you to experiment with Zoom (at https://zoom.us) and https://rstudio.cloud before the course begins. 👩‍💻 There will be an internet connection testing session prior to the first meeting on 11 April. Important details Workshop dates and time: 11-22 April 2022; 1500-1730 British Summer Time. For the time of day in your time zone, consult https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Introductory+dist… 🕰️ Registration deadline: 17 March 2022📅 Enrolment limit: 14 Cost: 215 British pounds 💵 What is included: Lectures, exercises, code, data all available online📃 What they are saying I would like to say I really liked RStudio Cloud and it is working just fine and I am really enjoying using it as a student. I'm looking forward to using it as an instructor too. I really liked the first half of the course. I love distance sampling and I am enjoying every second of the course! The only thing I can say about this particular workshop is it deserves more time. -- Kaan Özgencil, PhD student, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Further details are available: https://workshops.distancesampling.org/intro-apr-22.html At the webpage above, you will find a link to the St Andrews online shop where payment is made. After registration, I will contact you with additional details regarding workshop electronic materials, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions. Please share this announcement with interested colleagues. Information regarding all distance sampling workshops can be found at https://workshops.distancesampling.org Distance Sampling Workshops · distancesampling.org<https://workshops.distancesampling.org/> Distance Sampling Workshops. Here you can find content for distance sampling workshops including slides, exercises and other materials. Free online course workshops.distancesampling.org Eric Rexstad Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Registered Charity in Scotland SC013532

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DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 18 Feb '22

18 Feb '22

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 February 2019 onwards. 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 and Logger 2010 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 of 700 Euros/ month which fully goes to support the project and the participation fee includes: -Accommodation and expenses -Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania -Training and lectures -Scientific support -Field work -Use of the 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 cover letter to akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com (Aylin Akkaya) and 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 https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, - Muhammet Ali OTER *Operation Manager of Montenegro Dolphin Research (MDR) and **Intern & Volunteer Coordinator at the **Marine Mammal Research Association* *Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)* *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>* *Phone: +382 67 401 854 ''Whatsapp & Viber''* *Follow us on: Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/DMADforNature/> & **Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/>*

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PSO, Migratory Bird Monitor, and Turbidity Monitor Positions
by Maxx Van Waeyenberghe 17 Feb '22

17 Feb '22

Dear All, Vantage Observing, LLC is seeking experienced National Marine Fisheries Service approved PSO’s, and Migratory Bird Monitors for ongoing and upcoming dredging, and marine construction projects. Candidates with previous Hopper Dredging, and Clamshell Dredging experience are preferred. We are also seeking candidates with Migratory Bird Monitoring experience and turbidity monitoring experience to join our team. Vantage Observing provides a professional work environment with highly competitive compensation, and flexible scheduling. Requirements: Protected Species Observer - Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology or related field. - 2 Years of protected species observing experience during dredging, or marine construction projects. - Previous experience monitoring for Sea Turtles, Sturgeon, Manatees, and Whales. - National Marine Fisheries Unconditional Approval Letter - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. Migratory Bird Monitor: - 2 years of migratory bird monitoring experience. - Previous experience in bird abatement and techniques. - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work independently and in a team environment. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. Turbidity Monitor: - Previous turbidity monitoring experience on beach nourishment, and/or dredging projects. - 3 years of experience operating boats with a length of greater than 21'. - Experience trailering boats and launching. - Excellent communication and report writing skills. - Work independently and in a team environment. - Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. For more information or to submit your resume email VantageObserving(a)gmail.com Best Regards, Maxx Van Waeyenberghe Vantage Observing, LLC Manager

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Nocardiosis in cetaceans
by Pablo José Díaz Santana 17 Feb '22

17 Feb '22

Dear Marman subscribers: We are pleased to present our latest published reasearch : *"Nocardiosis in Free-Ranging **Cetaceans from the Central-Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Contiguous* *Mediterranean Sea".* We report and describe the pathologic associated features of 5 delphinids (four striped dolphins and one bottle-nose dolphin) from Canary Islands and Andalusia with first description of *N. otitidiscaviarum* in cetaceans and *N. farcinica* in free-ranging cetaceans. Our results contribute to expand the disease literature as well as highlithg the zoonotic potential. Abstract: We report the pathologic features of nocardiosis in five free-ranging delphinids from the Canary Islands and Andalusia, namely four striped dolphins (Stenella coerulealba) and one bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). All animals had a multiorgan (disseminated) pattern of infection involving suppurative to pyogranulomatous and thromboembolic lesions in two or more organs. Most affected organs were (by decreasing order) lung, pulmonary lymph nodes, liver, kidney, adrenal glands, and central nervous system. Typical intralesional and intravascular branched and filamentous bacteria were highlighted by Grocott’s methenamine silver and Gram stains. Bacterial analysis including 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified Nocardia farcinica in two striped dolphins and Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in one striped dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. All dolphins tested (n = 4) for cetacean morbillivirus were negative; one dolphin had concurrent cutaneous herpesvirosis. These results provide the first record of N. otitidiscaviarum in cetaceans, the first account of N. farcinica in free-ranging dolphins, and confirmation of nocardiosis in central eastern Atlantic Ocean. These results expand the known geographic range of nocardiosis in cetaceans https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/4/434 Cheers, All authors.

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