March 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: First Case of Brevetoxicosis Linked to Rough-Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) Mass-Mortality Event in Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean: A Climate Change Effect?
by Yara Bernaldo de Quirós Miranda 02 Mar '22

02 Mar '22

Dear Colleagues, We are glad to announce a new publication on the “*First Case of Brevetoxicosis Linked to Rough-Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) Mass-Mortality Event in Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean: A Climate Change Effect?*” ABSTRACT Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been increasingly recorded over the last decades and much work has linked these events to multiple oceanographic and climate disturbances. HABs can affect ecosystems either as events that affect dissolved oxygen, clog fish gills, or smother corals or through the production of biotoxins which affect living marine resources through food web transfers or aerosols. HAB represent a natural driver of decline and potential extinction of aquatic organisms, from invertebrates to mammals, which may offer little evolutionary adaptation particularly in very high and long-lasting exposures. Despite numerous multispecies mass-mortality events linked to HAB-associated biotoxicosis globally, there are no records in cetaceans off the central eastern Atlantic Ocean. Herein, we report the epidemiology, pathologic, microbiologic and toxicologic investigation results attesting to the first documentation of cetacean mass-mortality in European waters associated with brevetoxins. Twelve rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) were found dead adrift or beached along the southwestern coast of Gran Canaria from April 28th to May 7th, 2008. Although pathologic examinations were limited by moderate to advanced autolysis and decomposition of the carcasses, consistent findings included multisystemic hemorrhage and undigested ingesta within the gastric compartments, mainly salema porgy (Sarpa salpa). Toxicologic analysis of gastric contents identified PbTx2 and PbTx3 brevetoxins. Our results provide compelling toxicopathologic evidence of fatal brevetoxicosis in a cohort of roughtoothed dolphins. These data add to the limited knowledge on pathology of HAB in cetaceans and provide the first account of brevetoxicosis in European waters. No other mass-mortality or individual fatality of any cetacean species has been linked to brevetoxicosis in the Canary Islands since this event. Link to the full manuscript: *https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.834051/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Marine_Science&id=834051 <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.834051/full?&utm_so…>* Regards, Prof. Antonio Fernández PhD Josué Díaz-Delgado PhD Yara Bernaldo de Quirós

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New publication: Dynamic body acceleration as a proxy to predict the cost of locomotion in bottlenose dolphins (Austin S. Allen)
by Austin Allen 02 Mar '22

02 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new paper published in Journal of Experimental Biology: Allen, A.S., Read, A.J., Shorter, K.A., Gabaldon, J., Blawas, A.M., Rocho-Levine, J. and Fahlman, A., 2022. Dynamic body acceleration as a proxy to predict the cost of locomotion in bottlenose dolphins. Journal of Experimental Biology, 225(4), jeb243121 https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.243121 Abstract Estimates of the energetic costs of locomotion (COL) at different activity levels are necessary to answer fundamental eco-physiological questions and to understand the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance to marine mammals. We combined estimates of energetic costs derived from breath-by-breath respirometry with measurements of overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) from biologging tags to validate ODBA as a proxy for COL in trained common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). We measured resting metabolic rate (RMR); mean individual RMR was 0.71–1.42 times that of a similarly sized terrestrial mammal and agreed with past measurements that used breath-by-breath and flow-through respirometry. We also measured energy expenditure during submerged swim trials, at primarily moderate exercise levels. We subtracted RMR to obtain COL, and normalized COL by body size to incorporate individual swimming efficiencies. We found both mass-specific energy expenditure and mass-specific COL were linearly related with ODBA. Measurements of activity level and cost of transport (the energy required to move a given distance) improve understanding of the COL in marine mammals. The strength of the correlation between ODBA and COL varied among individuals, but the overall relationship can be used at a broad scale to estimate the energetic costs of disturbance and daily locomotion costs to build energy budgets, and investigate the costs of diving in free-ranging animals where bio-logging data are available. We propose that a similar approach could be applied to other cetacean species. The paper is available at https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/225/4/jeb243121/274390/Dynamic-…<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/225…>, or please email me for a copy. Best, Austin Austin S. Allen, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher, Duke University Marine Laboratory Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment austin.allen(a)duke.edu

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New publication: marine mammal community composition off Southeast Greenland
by Ramona Mattmueller 02 Mar '22

02 Mar '22

Dear Marine Mammal Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication: Ramona M. Mattmüller, Karolin Thomisch, Ilse Van Opzeeland, Kristin L. Laidre, and Malene Simon, "Passive acoustic monitoring reveals year-round marine mammal community composition off Tasiilaq, Southeast Greenland", The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 151, 1380-1392 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0009429 <https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0009429> You can download the open-access publication here:https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/10.0009429 <https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/10.0009429> Abstract: Climate-driven changes are affecting sea ice conditions off Tasiilaq, Southeast Greenland, with implications for marine mammal distributions. Knowledge about marine mammal presence, biodiversity, and community composition is key to effective conservation and management but is lacking, especially during winter months. Seasonal patterns of acoustic marine mammal presence were investigated relative to sea ice concentration at two recording sites between 2014 and 2018, with one (65.6°N, 37.4°W) or three years (65.5°N, 38.0°W) of passive acoustic recordings. Seven marine mammal species were recorded. Bearded seals were acoustically dominant during winter and spring, whereas sperm, humpback, and fin whales dominated during the sea ice-free summer and autumn. Narwhals, bowhead, and killer whales were recorded only rarely. Song-fragments of humpback whales and acoustic presence of fin whales in winter suggest mating-associated behavior taking place in the area. Ambient noise levels in 1/3-octave level bands (20, 63, 125, 500, 1000, and 4000 Hz), ranged between 75.6 to 105 dB re 1 /μ/Pa. This study provides multi-year insights into the coastal marine mammal community composition off Southeast Greenland and suggests that the Tasiilaq area provides suitable habitat for various marine mammal species year-round. Best, Ramona -- Ramona Mattmüller (PhD student) Ocean Acoustics Group, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Klußmannstr. 3d, 27570 Bremerhaven phone: (+49)4714831-1813 home-office: (+49)1520-4380417 Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, 33501 Bielefeld

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new paper on reducing mercury concentrations in cetacean tissue
by Russell Fielding 02 Mar '22

02 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM list members, My coauthors (Kelsie Schiavone and Jessica Dutton) and I are pleased to share our just-published paper in the Caribbean Journal of Science, which presents the results of an experiment that tested the effectiveness of ordinary sea salt and table salt in reducing the concentration of mercury in cetacean tissue. While many of us here on the MARMAM list are focused on cetacean conservation, we also acknowledge the existence of traditional whaling operations around the world and are concerned about the impact on human health of consuming food products derived from whaling. This experiment focused on one such operation: the "blackfish" fishery of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which targets short-finned pilot whales and other small cetaceans. While the impact of this operation on Caribbean cetacean populations is difficult to determine, owing to a lack of population baseline data for the region, recent studies have shown the food products derived from this whaling operation to be heavily contaminated with mercury--in some cases, more so than for the same species sampled in different geographical areas. We collected cetacean muscle tissue samples from St. Vincent and found that, after drying, the samples that we salted had approximately 30% less mercury than unsalted controls, after controlling for the added drying power of the salt. If the method presented in this paper can be implemented at scale, and if several of the complicating social, economic, and environmental issues we discuss can be addressed, this might offer a way to protect human health for whatever amount of time this whaling operation remains active. It may also be applicable to other forms of "seafood" that are known to contain high concentrations of mercury. I would welcome your feedback and any questions you might have to share. The paper's abstract is as follows: High mercury (Hg) concentrations in seafood present a major global public health concern, especially in regions heavily dependent upon seafood like the Caribbean. Tissues from predatory fishes and other high trophic-level marine organisms such as odontocetes (toothed whales and dolphins) are often elevated in mercury, owing to biomagnification. We investigated whether salting reduces the total mercury (THg) concentration in muscle tissue from odontocetes (“blackfish”) taken for human consumption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Muscle from 21 odontocetes was coated in table salt or sea salt and dried for one, three, or seven days, after which the THg concentration in each sample was determined and compared to the THg concentration in the corresponding unsalted control. Every salted sample had a lower THg concentration than the unsalted control (mean decrease = 29.4%). There was no difference in the effectiveness of table salt versus sea salt at reducing the THg concentration. Our results show that, while salting successfully removed Hg, only 11% of samples had a methylmercury (MeHg) concentration below the World Health Organization’s 1.0 μg/g wet weight advisory level, indicating that consuming odontocete muscle still poses a risk to human health—though that risk may be reduced by the application of salt during drying. The method that we present here may also be applicable to tissues from other marine species with lower initial THg concentrations and may be effective at rendering those tissues safer for human consumption. The paper can be accessed at this DOI link (https://doi.org/10.18475/cjos.v52i1.a1) and I would be happy to share a PDF copy with anyone who cannot access the full-text directly. Feel free to email me at the address below. Regards, Russell Fielding rfielding(a)coastal.edu -- Russell Fielding, Ph.D. Assistant Professor HTC Honors College Coastal Carolina University P.O. Box 261954 Conway, SC 29528-6054 843-349-2396 rfielding(a)coastal.edu<mailto:rfielding@coastal.edu> russellfielding.com<http://www.russellfielding.com/>

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PSO/ESO Position- Ponce Inlet, FL
by Courtney Friday 02 Mar '22

02 Mar '22

Dear all, Marine Ventures International, Inc. is seeking experienced NMFS approved Endangered Species Observers in the Ponce Inlet, Florida area for an upcoming marine construction project to begin May 2nd. The project is expected to last 3-4 months. Requirements: -Local to the Ponce Inlet/ Daytona Beach, FL area -NMFS approval letter -Previous experience monitoring protected species during dredging or marine construction activities. -Manatee observation experience -Excellent communication and report writing skills -Able to work in the heat and inclement weather for long periods of time To apply please submit your CV and NMFS approval letter to cfriday(a)marineventures.com<mailto:cfriday@marineventures.com> Best regards, Courtney (Dunn) Friday | PSO/MMO Services Manager Marine Ventures International, Inc. 8524 SW Kansas Avenue<https://maps.google.com/?q=8524+SW+Kansas+Avenue+%0D%0A+Stuart,+FL+USA+3499…> Stuart, FL USA 34997<https://maps.google.com/?q=8524+SW+Kansas+Avenue+%0D%0A+Stuart,+FL+USA+3499…> +1 843-503-9127 www.marineventures.com<http://www.marineventures.com/>

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RFP - ACS-LA is now accepting research grant proposals through 15-April-2022
by ACS-LA.Grants 01 Mar '22

01 Mar '22

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of the request for applications (RFP) for its 2022 Research Grants: The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. The Los Angeles Chapter of ACS is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants, in the amount of $1,000.00 each, to researchers whose study focuses on marine mammals in California or to researchers & students who are attending an accredited university in California or are affiliated with a California-based research organization that is studying marine mammals anywhere in the world. In addition, in 2022, we will be offering a 1-time award for $550.00 in honor of long-time ACS-LA Gray Whale Census volunteer, Corine Sutherland. The John E. Heyning Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000 The William F. Samaras Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000.00 The Corine Sutherland Research Award. This one-time award in the amount of $550.00 will be given in 2022 Eligibility: For the John E. Heyning or the William F. Samaras Awards, the applicant should be a researcher or a student living and/or attending school in California OR if Applicant resides outside of California, Applicant’s research focus should be on Marine Mammals in California. For the Corine Sutherland Award, the applicant should be a researcher or student studying the Eastern North Pacific Stock of Gray Whales. For information on how to apply please the “Grants & Awards” tab on our website: acs-la.org/grants-and-awards <http://acs-la.org/grants-and-awards> Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 15th April 2022. Awards will be announced by 15th May 2022 Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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Postdoc in bioacoustics at UBC
by David Rosen 01 Mar '22

01 Mar '22

Postdoctoral Opportunity A one year fulltime postdoctoral position is available with the Marine Mammal Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries at The University of British Columbia. The postdoctoral fellow will join a team of researchers studying resident killer whales and Chinook salmon, and will focus on the availability of Chinook salmon for resident killer whales. Specific responsibilities will include conducting analysis of hydroacoustic and biological data to characterize sub-regional and regional variability in the habitat and prey of southern resident killer whales. Key activities to include comparing prey distribution with killer whale forging behaviour, and comparing foraging habitats between northern and southern resident killer whales. Ideal Qualifications - A PhD with knowledge of biological and physical oceanographic processes, and experience in remote sensing techniques and acoustic data analysis. - Ability to undertake spatial and temporal analysis of multi-frequency echosounders across multiple trophic levels. - Ability to analyze hydroacoustic data using Echoview and Matlab. - Ability and desire to work independently and collaboratively on the analysis of multidisciplinary data. - Excellent verbal and written communication with an ability to communicate results at departmental seminars, and at regional, national and international meetings. - A publication record in peer reviewed scientific journals. Location: The post-doc will be part of the Marine Mammal Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. Application closure date: March 15, 2022 Start date: The position is available April 1, 2022. Position Length: One Year April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. Salary: $60,000 + benefits. Applicants must submit: - A CV, including the e-mail and phone numbers for three references; - A short cover letter (1 page) explaining the applicant’s motivation for working on the project and how previous experience qualifies them for this position; - Equity and diversity are essential for academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nations, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Submit applications to: Pamela Rosenbaum <pamela.rosenbaum(a)ubc.ca>. Please also email if additional information is needed.

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FW: New Publication: Microplastic Occurence in GITs of Seals from the North Sea and Baltic Sea
by Carolin Philipp 01 Mar '22

01 Mar '22

Dear MarMam-Community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to share with you our recent study about the occurrences of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract samples of seals from German waters: Philipp C, Unger B, Siebert U. Occurrence of Microplastics in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) from German Waters. Animals. 2022; 12(5):551. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050551<https://deref-web.de/mail/client/KfxJabcF7z4/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%…> Don't hesitate to contact us if you have further questions to the study or want to request a pdf. ABSTRACT: The level of knowledge on microplastic exposure in marine mammals is limited by the access to dead and alive individuals. Focusing on the Northeast Atlantic area, some studies already confirmed the microplastic presence in free-ranging marine mammals, such as harbour porpoises or harbour seals inhabiting the North Sea (NS). In contrast, knowledge on the exposure to grey seals and particularly on specimen inhabiting the Baltic Sea (BS) are scarce. This study examined 63 gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of harbour seals and grey seals originating from German waters (NS and BS) found between 2014 and 2019. Besides the documentation of microplastic findings, this study is dealing with life history and health parameters, attempting to identify correlations with microplastic presence. This study confirmed beside the presence, the egestion of microplastics (>100 µm; MPs) in the examined seals, without correlations in parasite infestations or inflammation responses. 540 suspected MPs were identified in 62 intestinal samples (42% fibres, 58% fragments), and 228 MPs in seven stomachs (28% fibres, 72% fragments). In accordance, first evidence of the retainment of fragments in the GIT were given. However, no significant difference in MP occurrence was indicated for different sex or age groups. Cheers, Carolin Philipp (carolin.philipp(a)npolar.no<mailto:carolin.philipp@npolar.no>)

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MSc in Statistical Ecology at University of St Andrews, UK
by School of Maths 01 Mar '22

01 Mar '22

Dear Colleagues We are very pleased to announce that we are taking applications for the third intake of our new MSc in Statistical Ecology detailed in the attached leaflet. This year there are equivalent to 2 international or 4 home fee-waiver scholarships available, which can be applied for when applying for admission to the MSc. The MSc aims to give students * a sound understanding of the statistical foundations of modern methods in statistical ecology * Knowledge and skills to use these methods effectively * experience of applying them to real-world problems, under the supervision of experts, some of whom are leading researchers in this field The Programme involves two semesters of taught courses and a 3-month summer research dissertation. It is taught by staff at the interdisciplinary Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (https://www.creem.st-andrews.ac.uk/) The summer dissertation includes optional placements with collaborators in the UK or abroad, to give students experience of dealing with real-world problems in statistical ecology. We are delighted to announce that we intend to award scholarships to partially or fully cover MSc fees to selected successful applicants. More information is available here: Course details: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/statistics/statistical-ecology-msc/ Scholarship: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/scholarshi… The University of St Andrews is home to the Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM) in Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), and Scottish Oceans Initiative (SOI), providing many opportunities for networking including working on several summer projects focussed specifically on marine mammal which are matched to students' backgrounds and interests. As such, we think this MSc should be of interest to the MARMAM group. For any additional information, please direct enquiries to maths(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:maths@st-andrews.ac.uk>. [University of St Andrews]<https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/> School of Mathematics and Statistics Mathematical Institute, North Haugh University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SS Email : maths(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:maths@st-andrews.ac.uk> www.st-andrews.ac.uk<https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/> [cid:image002.png@01D82734.15F5E9D0] The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

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OSC Upcoming Training Courses - April 2022
by Admin Team 01 Mar '22

01 Mar '22

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 in January 2022. 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 courses in-person near Edinburgh at OSC's Dunbar headquarters: 1. JNCC MMO training on 5 April 2022 at a cost of £220 per person, which includes a copy of the 'Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook' 2. BOEM PSO training on the morning of 6 April 2022 at a cost of £100 per person 3. PAM training on 6-8 April 2022 at a cost of £450 per person All courses are capped at a maximum of 10 participants. 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 - 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 -- Admin Team Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK +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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