March 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

MARINE MAMMAL JOURNALS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 29 Mar '22

29 Mar '22

MARINE MAMMAL JOURNALS AVAILABLE ¡VIVA Vaquita! is a non-profit organization dedicated to working to help save the vaquita (and other endangered cetaceans) 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. 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 on how you can help prevent this from happening. ¡VIVA Vaquita! 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 journals we currently have available (price listed is suggested donation, shipping is extra). To request journals or ask questions, please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com. California Fish and Game. Vols. 1-91 (1914-2005). Most volumes bound in green buckram. $120 for set. European Research on Cetaceans. Misc. issues. $4/issue. Investigations on Cetacea. Vols. 1, 3(pt. 1). 1969-1971. $10/issue. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. Misc. issues. $3/issue. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada Vol. 32(7): 879-1242. Mitchell, E. (ed). 1975. Review of biology and fisheries for smaller cetaceans. Special issue of journal on dolphins, porpoises, and small whales. $10/copy (multiple copies). Journal of Mammalogy. Vols. 43-95 (1962-2014). (Incomplete, but 176 issues in total). $$85 for set. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals. Vols. 1-2 (2002-2003). $5/issue or $8 for set. Reports of the International Whaling Commission. Vols. 34, 37-40 (1984-1990). $15/issue. Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute. Vols. 1-6, 10, 12, 15-37, 39. $10/issue or $200 for set of 33 issues. Whalewatcher (American Cetacean Society journal). Misc. issues. $3/issue.

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New methods publication on defining associations between individuals: a data-driven approach tested on northern resident killer whales
by Sara Tavares 29 Mar '22

29 Mar '22

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication in Mammalian Biology: *Assessing social structure: a data-driven approach to define associations between individuals* Sara B. Tavares · Hal Whitehead · Thomas Doniol-Valcroze *Abstract * Our interpretation of animal social structures is inherently dependent on our ability to define association criteria that are biologically meaningful. However, association thresholds are often based upon generalized preconceptions of a species’ social behaviour, and the impact of using these arbitrary definitions has been largely overlooked. In this study we suggest a probability-based method for defining association thresholds using lagged identification rates on photographic records of identifiable individuals. This technique uses a simple model of emigration/immigration from photographable clusters to identify the time-dependent lag value between identifications of two individuals that corresponds to approximately 75% probability of being in close spatial proximity and likely associating. This lag value is then used as the threshold to define associations for social analyses. We applied the technique to a dataset of northern resident killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) in the Northeast Pacific and tested its performance against two arbitrary thresholds. The probabilistic association maximized the variation in association strengths at different levels of the social structure, in line with known social patterns in this population. Furthermore, variability in inferred social structure metrics generated by different association criteria highlighted the consequential effect of choosing arbitrary thresholds. Data-driven association thresholds are a promising approach to study populations without the need to subjectively define associations in the field, especially in societies with prominent fission–fusion dynamics. This method is applicable to any dataset of sequential identifications where it can be assumed that associated individuals will tend to be identified in close proximity. The article is available online here: https://rdcu.be/cJM5h Best regards, Sara B Tavares, PhD Cetacean Research Program Pacific Biological Station Fisheries and Oceans Canada 3190 Hammond Bay Rd Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N7 Email: saratavares19(a)gmail.com

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Humpback whale Summer Internships
by ORCA Volunteer 29 Mar '22

29 Mar '22

Name: Domonique Gillen Email: volunteer.orca(a)gmail.com Message: *Introduction*: The Ocean Research Conservation Association of Ireland (ORCA Ireland) are a non-profit organisation based in the south of Ireland. ORCA Ireland are seeking to expand our team for summer 2022, and are taking applications for interns/research assistants for humpback whale research at our field station in West Cork. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal science. *Experience Gained:* As an ORCA Ireland research assistant you will gain experience in; - Boat-based opportunistic cetacean surveys on whale watching boats - Dedicated boat-based and land-based cetacean surveys - Detection and species identification of marine mammals and seabirds - Collecting and processing Photo I.D. data - Collecting behavioural data - Assisting with bioacoustics analysis using AI/machine learning with our *Smart Whale Sounds *Project - Analysing UAV or drone footage collected in the field - Science communication, education and public awareness In addition, interns will gain experience living in a remote offshore island, rich in biodiversity, boat handling and crew skills. Accommodation: Interns will be provided with camping facilities on Sherkin Island <https://sherkinisland.ie>, including access to a communal kitchen and showers, in addition to gaining access and experience growing fruit and vegetables in a communal garden. Interns are expected to alternate shopping, cooking and cleaning duties according to a rota. Out-door recreational activities are available, such as kayaking and surfing. *Qualifications*: Recent graduate or current student of marine science, zoology, ecology or related biological or animal science fields are encouraged to apply. Previous experience on boats, with photography and data collection are desirable but not required as training will be provided. Preference will be given to interns that can join the project for a minimum of 2 months. *Expenses*: Those accepted to the program are volunteers and do not earn an income while involved, or collecting data on local whale watch boats. Provided camping facilities at North Shore <https://sherkinnorthshore.com> on Sherkin Island is mandatory for a fee. Contribution to join the field season is €800/month for use of shared camping facilities, in addition to supporting the project to cover costs of use of equipment, insurance and boat fuel. Successful applicants are also responsible for their own travel to the field site and recreational expenses, however travel to and from Sherkin Island to mainland Ireland will be included in the project contribution fee. To apply: To apply for a position of a Humpback whale Intern with ORCA Ireland, applicants must send an up to date C.V. and cover letter stating their motivation to join the team. *Deadline for a**pplications to be sent to volunteer.orca(a)gmail.com <volunteer.orca(a)gmail.com>** is by 5pm (GMT) on April 8th 2022.* Cheers, Domonique -- Domonique Gillen, BSc., MSc. *ORCA Ireland* ORCA Coordination Officer, *Ocean Research Conservation Association Ireland. * The Rubicon Centre, Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland. Tel:: *+353 (83) 365-2933.* Website: https://www.orcaireland.org <https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscanmail.…> *Follow us on Facebook & Twitter* Ocean Research & Conservation Association Ireland is a non-profit organisation dedicated to monitoring and minimising disturbance to marine wildlife. *The content of this email is confidential and intended for the recipient specified in message only. It is strictly forbidden to share any part of this message with any third party, without a written consent of the sender. If you received this message by mistake, please reply to this message and follow with its deletion, so that we can ensure such a mistake does not occur in the future.* -- Domonique Gillen, BSc., MSc. *ORCA Ireland* ORCA Coordination Officer, *Ocean Research Conservation Association Ireland. * The Rubicon Centre, Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland. Tel:: *+353 (83) 365-2933.* Website: https://www.orcaireland.org <https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscanmail.…> *Follow us on Facebook & Twitter* Ocean Research & Conservation Association Ireland is a "for-impact" organisation dedicated to monitoring and minimising disturbance to marine wildlife. *The content of this email is confidential and intended for the recipient specified in message only. It is strictly forbidden to share any part of this message with any third party, without a written consent of the sender. If you received this message by mistake, please reply to this message and follow with its deletion, so that we can ensure such a mistake does not occur in the future.*

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New publication submission
by Adelaide Dedden 28 Mar '22

28 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce the publication of our new research paper in frontiers in Marine Science special edition Whales and Climate, where we found variability in feeding patterns of humpback and southern right whales are linked to changes in climate. Dedden AV and Rogers TL (2022) Stable Isotope Oscillations in Whale Baleen Are Linked to Climate Cycles, Which May Reflect Changes in Feeding for Humpback and Southern Right Whales in the Southern Hemisphere. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:832075. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.832075 Abstract: Baleen whales that undertake extensive long-distance migrations away from reliable food sources must depend on body reserves acquired prior to migration. Prey abundance fluctuates, which has been linked in some regions with climate cycles. However, where historically these cycles have been predictable, due to climate change they are occurring at higher frequencies and intensities. We tested if there were links between variability in whale feeding patterns and changes in climate cycles including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Southern Annular Mode (SAM), and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). To reconstruct feeding patterns we used the values of bulk stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) assimilated within the baleen plates of 18 humpback and 4 southern right whales between 1963 and 2019, then matched them with climate anomalies from the time in which the section of baleen grew. We show that variability in stable isotope values within baleen for both humpback and southern right whales is linked with shifts in climate cycles and may imply changes in feeding patterns due to resource availability. However, these relationships differed depending on the oceanic region in which the whales feed. In the western Pacific, Southern Ocean feeding humpback whales had elevated nitrogen and carbon stable isotope values during La Niña and positive SAM phases when lagged 4 years, potentially reflecting reduced feeding opportunities. On the other hand, in the Indian Ocean the opposite occurs, where lower nitrogen and carbon stable isotope values were found during positive SAM phases at 2–4-year lag periods for both Southern Ocean feeding humpback and southern right whales, which may indicate improved feeding opportunities. Identifying links between stable isotope values and changes in climate cycles may contribute to our understanding of how complex oscillation patterns in baleen are formed. As projections of future climate scenarios emphasise there will be greater variability in climate cycles and thus the primary food source of baleen whales, we can then use these links to investigate how long-term feeding patterns may change in the future. Open access paper available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.832075/full Media: https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/marine-life/baleen-whales-isotopes/ All the best, Adelaide Dedden PhD Candidate Mammal lab | Centre for Marine Science and Innovation Evolution & Ecology Research Centre Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences UNSW SYDNEY NSW | 2052 | Australia E: a.dedden(a)unsw.edu.au<mailto:a.dedden@unsw.edu.au> Twitter: @AdelaideDedden

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Job Announcement: Analytical Chemist for Killer Whale Project
by Amy Whitt 28 Mar '22

28 Mar '22

*Analytical Chemist* Azura is looking for an experienced analytical chemist to support the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC). This position is dependent on Azura being awarded a contract for the project “Non-invasive Diet Characterization of Southern Resident Killer Whales”. The objective of this project is to determine recent and long-term feeding habits of Southern Resident killer whales. Work is anticipated to be conducted full-time for a one-year period. Work will be conducted at the NWFSC in Seattle, Washington during the normal operating hours of the facility. Anticipated tasks are listed below. - Conduct bulk and compound specific stable isotope analyses of killer whale and prey tissues to develop mathematical relationships of isotopic fractionation, quantify turnover time, and characterize recent and long-term patterns of diet composition and trophic position of Southern Resident killer whales - Prepare, analyze, and archive tissue samples - Process tissues and standards for isotope analysis and ensure proper storage of samples - Maintain and organize lab equipment - Maintain safe chemical hygiene practices and adhere to laboratory safe practices *Required Qualifications* - Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry or closely related field of study from an accredited college or university - A minimum of 2 years of analytical chemistry experience - Expertise with stable isotope analysis, especially compound specific stable isotope analysis - Expertise in one or more of the following areas: isotope-ratio mass spectrometry, coding in R, application of mixing models - Demonstrated experience working with large data sets - A documented product such as authorship of a peer-reviewed publication and/or report - Demonstrated ability to give public presentations (e.g., oral and/or poster presentations at conferences) *Preferred Qualifications* - At least 1 year of experience using isotope-ratio mass spectrometry for stable isotope analyses - At least 1 year of experience using R statistical software In compliance with federal law, all applicants must be able to prove that they are legally able to work in the United States and pass a security/background check. Azura Consulting LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position. If you are interested in this position and have all of the required qualifications listed above, please send your resume and cover letter to anna(a)azuraco.com. In your resume, please describe how you meet all of the required qualifications and list contact information for three references who can attest to your previous work experience. In your cover letter, please describe why you would be a good fit for this position. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Azura Consulting LLC is an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business specializing in marine mammal conservation, management, and research.

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Call for applications for the graduate summer school “Acoustic Communication”, August 6-19, 2022 in Denmark
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 28 Mar '22

28 Mar '22

Call for applications for the graduate summer school “Acoustic Communication”, August 6-19, 2022 Graduate course arranged by graduate school SNAK, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Application deadline April 15th, 2022 The course focuses on methods and techniques for studying animal sound communication in air (infra-, ultra- and sonic ranges), in water, and in solids (vibrations). It includes lectures, practicals, and excursions with time for discussion and student presentations. Introductory lectures aim at giving an overview of the subject of acoustic communication followed by special lectures on the fundamentals of acoustics, signal analysis, psychoacoustics, animal sound production, and noise. Practicals aim at giving the students hands-on experience of sound and vibration recording, sound analysis, and playback in air and water with emphasis on methodological limitations and pitfalls. MatLab will be used throughout the course but prior experience is not required. The applicants will be evaluated through group presentations of practicals. Time: August 6-19, 2022 Location: The marine and terrestrial field stations of the Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark. The stations are located in the town of Kerteminde (marine) on the east coast of Funen and in the south of the island Funen (terrestrial), respectively. Teachers: Resident experts and invited experts from abroad. Resident experts: Peter Teglberg Madsen, Mark Johnson, Jakob Tougaard (AU, DK) Magnus Wahlberg, Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard, Coen P.H. Elemans, Lasse Jakobsen, Ole Næsbye Larsen, Iris Adam (SDU, DK) Participants: Strict priority is given to students enrolled in a PhD-program at their home universities. MSc-students and post-docs may attend if space permits. The maximal number of participants is 24. Fees: DKK 10,000 (approximately USD 1,400 and EUR 1,400) to cover tuition, transport during course, accommodation, and all meals. Language: English ECTS points: 10 Application procedure: To apply, please send the following documents in PDF format: • Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages), indicating level of English language proficiency. • A statement of your reasons for wishing to attend the course and your potential benefits of participation including a description of your research interests, the title of your PhD-project (or MSc-project), and name(s) of your supervisor(s) (max. 1 page). The application should be emailed to bioacoustics(a)biology.sdu.dk by April 15th. The 24 successful applicants will be notified of acceptance before May 1st. Course directors: Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard & Lasse Jakobsen, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark. jcd(a)biology.sdu.dk lasse(a)biology.sdu.dk Course webpage: https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/sound-communication-behaviour/education/gra…

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News about the Aquatic Noise Conference
by Frank Thomsen 28 Mar '22

28 Mar '22

Dear friends and colleagues of AN2022, The 6th International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life (marine mammals, fish and invertebrates) will be held IN PERSON from July 10 to July 15 2022 in Berlin, Germany. Of course, we are monitoring the situation for COVID and in the Ukraine, and appropriate adjustments will be made as directed by the authorities. Backup plans are in place if restrictions make it impossible to meet, including adjustment of registration fees. We have had great interest in submission of papers to AN2022. That bodes well for the meeting. However, several colleagues have requested an extension for submission of abstracts. Therefore, we are extending our final deadline until April 15, 2022. We cannot accept any contributions after that date. Best regards, AN2022 Organising Committee: Frank Thomsen, Chairman (frth(a)dhigroup.com) Arthur Popper Anthony Hawkins Joseph Sisneros Paul Lepper Amy Scholik-Schlomer

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Marine Bioacoustics Summer School (SeaBASS) 2022 Application Deadline approaching
by Susan E Parks 28 Mar '22

28 Mar '22

We are pleased to announce this year's Marine Bioacoustics Summer School program (SeaBASS 2022). SeaBASS provides the opportunity for currently enrolled graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation of both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one University. The topics covered in the course include: Introduction to Underwater Sound, Sound Propagation, Marine Mammal Biology & Behavior, Fish Communication & Behavior, Hearing, Echolocation, Fisheries Acoustics/Active Acoustic Monitoring, and Passive Acoustic Monitoring. WHEN: June 12-17, 2022 WHERE: In-Person; Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY COSTS: The costs of student attendance (room and board) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time participation of all participants is required. Travel costs are the responsibility of the student, but travel assistance can be requested during the application process. APPLICATION: The on-line application is available at https://eos.unh.edu/center-acoustics-research-education/courses/bioacoustic… DEADLINE: The application deadline has been extended to April 8, 2022 Please direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds (J.MiksisOlds(a)unh.edu<mailto:J.MiksisOlds@unh.edu>) or Dr. Susan Parks (sparks(a)syr.edu<mailto:sparks@syr.edu>).

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New Publication Available for Download - The Important Marine Mammal Area network: a tool for systematic spatial planning in response to the marine mammal habitat conservation crisis
by Michael J. Tetley 25 Mar '22

25 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, The Important Marine Mammal Areas Secretariat and the IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force (MMPATF) are pleased to announce the publication of the following comprehensive paper on the development of IMMAs in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. *Tetley MJ, Braulik GT, Lanfredi C, Minton G, Panigada S, Politi E, Zanardelli M, Notarbartolo di Sciara G and Hoyt E (2022) The Important Marine Mammal Area Network: A Tool for Systematic Spatial Planning in Response to the Marine Mammal Habitat Conservation Crisis. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:841789. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.841789* *Abstract* The Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) initiative was launched by the Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in 2016, as a response to a conservation crisis in the protection of marine mammals and wider global ocean biodiversity. IMMAs identify discrete portions of habitat that are important for one or more marine mammal species, and that have the potential to be delineated and managed for conservation. They are identified by scientific experts during regional workshops, on the basis of satisfying one or more of eight criteria that capture critical aspects of marine mammal biology, ecology and population structure. Candidate IMMAs undergo independent scientific review prior to being accepted, and then are publicly available via a searchable and downloadable database and a dedicated online e-Atlas. Between 2016 and 2021, eight expert workshops - engaging more than 300 experts - have resulted in the identification of 173 IMMAs located in 90 countries or territories, across a third of the globe. IMMAs identified to date provide important habitats for 58 of the 131 recognized marine mammal species. Around two-thirds of all IMMAs (65%) were identified on the basis of important habitat for a marine mammal species that is threatened on the IUCN Red List. Approximately 61% of IMMA surface areas occur within Exclusive Economic Zone waters, while 39% fall within areas beyond national jurisdiction. The Task Force undertook implementation planning exercises for IMMAs in Palau (Micronesia), the Andaman Islands (India) and the Bazaruto Archipelago and Inhambane Bay (Mozambique), engaging with a range of stakeholders including government and management bodies. IMMAs are increasingly being utilized in environmental impact assessments, marine planning exercises and in international, national and supra-regional conservation, policy and management initiatives, including the Convention on Migratory Species and Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as the design and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the extension of MPA networks. The Task Force is working toward completing a global network of IMMAs that will contribute the scientific information needed to fulfill the current collective goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. This Open Access paper is available as a PDF for free download from here <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.841789/full?&utm_so…> . Please see here <https://www.marinemammalhabitat.org/new-frontiers-in-marine-science-paper/> for more information on the Task Force website about the IMMA process and our global programme of work. Regards, Dr Mike Tetley, on behalf of the IMMA Secretariat and IUCN MMPATF. [image: logo] *Michael J. Tetley, Ph.D. | IMMA Data Coordinator* IUCN Joint SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force www.marinemammalhabitat.org Isle of Mull, Argyll, Scotland, UK, PA75 6QJ michael.tetley(a)imma-network.org +44 1688 400 524 This e-mail transmission is intended only for the addressee (s) indicated above. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. Any review, dissemination or use of this transmission or its contents by persons other than the addressee is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please be so kind to contact us by e-mail at the mail (privacy(a)imma-network.org) and delete the message from your server.

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NOAA Fisheries Hiring
by Benjamin Laws - NOAA Federal 24 Mar '22

24 Mar '22

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service has announced a senior Biologist position implementing the Incidental Take Provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the Office of Protected Resources. The announcement closes on March 29th. https://www.usajobs.gov/job/644027900

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