March 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

European Association for Aquatic Mammals - EAAM 2022 Virtual Conference - 30th March till 3rd April
by Guillermo Sánchez Contreras 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

Dear colleagues and friends, I hope you find this information useful: *EAAM is excited to announce the 2022 ONLINE CONFERENCE with the title:“WE ARE BACK”* Every year EAAM organizes the Annual Symposium. A yearly reunion that gives the opportunity to our community to gather and share state of the art knowledge, experiences, discoveries and scientific developments. Unfortunately, the current pandemic situation made it impossible to meet both in 2020 and 2021. However, we managed to meet in a virtual conference last year. We all had high expectations to be able to meet in Valencia in 2022 but although some areas are seeing progress against the COVID 19 pandemic, there are still some locations where restrictions still apply making the attendance to an in-person event logistically impossible. Based on this along with the success of the 2021 virtual Annual Meeting, the EAAM Board has decided to hold the 2022 Annual Meeting virtually and hope for an in-person event in 2023. *THE 2022 EAAM ONLINE CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN MARCH 30th and APRIL 3rd* We wish to count on you in this new edition of the conference. The program will not disappoint you! We are planning a highly participative meeting with very interesting roundtables. As you may have noticed, the meeting will last until April 3rd. Due to the high quality abstract received and in order to reduce the “Zoom fatigue”, we have extended the conference 1 extra day. Price of the conference will not be affected by this additional day of meeting. *Presentations will be recorded and will be available for a period of time after the Conference for you to re-watch.* A more detailed program is available here <https://eaam.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/EAAM2022-Programa-28.02-PROGRAM…> but you can have a look to our tentative program: 28th March – Board Meeting and Institutional Members Meeting 29th March – Annual General Meeting and Election of New Board Members 30th March – Opening Ceremony, Presentation of New Board. First Round Table, Key Note talk, and Scientific Session. 31st March – Second Round Table, Key Note talk, and Scientific Session. 1st April – Third Round Table, Key Note talk, and Scientific Session. 2nd April – Fourth Round table, Key Note talk, and Scientific Sessions. 3rd April – Scientific Session, and Closing Ceremony. 2022 will be a year of celebrations, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of both the European Association for Aquatic Mammals and the Aquatic Mammals Journal. Are you going to miss it? Join us! Let’s celebrate together! Do not miss it! *Register HERE* <https://www.credoffice.net/EAAMForms/Link/Link.aspx/REGISTRATION> *You can have a look at the Conference Fees down below. We are including information regarding the renewal of your membership or details if you want to become a member of EAAM:* – Individual Member: 1. Membership renewal: 39 euros 2. Full conference: 59 euros 3. One day pass: 25 euros – Institutional Member: 1. Membership renewal: 1500 euros 2. I.M. Representative – Full conference: 59 euros 3. I.M. Representative – One day pass: 25 euros – Student Member: 1. Membership renewal: 20 euros 2. Full conference: 40 euros 3. One day pass: 25 euros – Members of IMATA and ADEMM 1. Full conference: 65 euros 2. One day pass: 25 euros – NON-MEMBERS (no student) 1. Full conference: 80 euros 2. One day pass: 45 euros – STUDENT NON-MEMBERS 1. Full conference: 50 euros 2. One day pass: 35 euros **ALL Non-members will be able to apply for membership and enjoy the discounted fees for the conference if they submit their application for membership and all information needed (updated CV and 2 supporters) before Wednesday 23rd March. To become a member of EAAM visit our website and submit your application –> https://eaam.org/register/ -- *Guillermo J. Sánchez Contreras* Veterinario - Veterinarian - Dierenarts Mobile phone: +356 9999 2227 or +34 679 656 073 Email: gjsctn(a)gmail.com

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Long Term Ecological Data Series in cetaceans: essential but challenging! - ECS workshop 2022
by Laura González García 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I are organizing a workshop within the European Cetacean Society conference 2022, entitled Long Term Ecological Data Series in cetaceans: essential but challenging! In recent years, Long Term Ecological Research have become increasingly important to understand ecosystem complexity, identify natural variability, and allow detection of rare events or disturbances caused by anthropogenic or natural changes. Ecological systems usually operate at large temporal scales, so their impact might be overlooked when analysing short periods of data, which usually provide a good understanding of the time window considered, but a weak and often misunderstood general context. Collecting long-term wildlife occurrence data is challenging, but opportunistic platforms often provide a cost-effective method to obtain information over long periods and defined areas, and can effectively complement data collected in standardized and/or dedicated surveys. Nevertheless, as it is well known, maintaining and keeping LTER is a challenging process, due to many potential inconveniences such as lack of funding to maintain the initiatives. We want to encourage researchers to share their experience and outputs of LTE programs for cetaceans, especially those based on citizen science. We aim to showcase some of the different initiatives that exist nowadays, and share experiences, challenges and solutions to keep these initiatives alive. Looking forward to a friendly environment where we all can learn from each other 😊 Date: 4th April, 9-13h CET Where? ONLINE via Zoom. Registration open (free of charge!) More info, including registration and preliminary program: https://sites.google.com/view/lter-workshop-ecs2022/ Looking forward to see you there! Laura González García, PhD. Universidade dos Açores

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ECS Workshop announcement
by Luigi Bundone 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM users, The present message is to inform you that are open the registration to participate to our workshop: Art as a Tool for Communicating Marine Mammal Science to the General Public 8.2. The workshop brings together a variety of people approaching communication of marine mammal science from many different perspectives in the field of arts For further information and to register to participate: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-3 [1] -- Luigi Elio Alessandro Bundone PhD Archipelagos-ambiente e sviluppo, Italia Calle Asiago 4 (Sant'Elena) 30132 Venezia Voucher MISE per P.IVA e PMI: fino a 2500€ per la Banda Ultralarga. https://www.tiscali.it/business/prodotti/voucher/?r=TS00000A00025&dm=link&p….

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New publication - Extinction risk of West Indian manatee in Brazil
by Ana Carolina Meirelles 16 Mar '22

16 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM members, On behalf of all theauthors, I would like to share with you the publication in the Journalfor Nature Conservation: Don’t let me down: West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus,is still critically endangered in Brazil AnaCarolina Oliveira de Meirelles, Danielledos Santos Lima, MariaDanise de Oliveira Alves, JoãoCarlos Gomes Borges, Miriam Marmontel, VitorLuz Carvalho, FabricioRodrigues dos Santos | | | | | | | | | | | Don’t let me down: West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus, is still cri... Sirenians have a unique ecological function in coastal ecosystems, deserving special conservation attention. The... | | | You can find the paperhere: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1elJa5liTFK8Wf Abstract: Sirenians have a uniqueecological function in coastal ecosystems, deserving specialconservation attention. The West Indian manatee (Trichechusmanatus) is globally classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. In Brazil, wherethe species was intensively hunted in the past and currently faces severalthreats, it was classified as Endangered during the last national assessmentpublished in 2014. Here, we generated information based on available data toassess the species extinction risk in Brazil using IUCN regional guidelines,applying all criteria, and choosing the highest category of risk. Abundance atthe national level was projected considering the density estimated in Ceará andRio Grande do Norte states and the Criterion B EOO (Extent of Occurrence)estimated in this study (34,899 km2) and resulted in 1,047 individuals(95% CI: 538–2,038). Six scenarios of annual mortality were inferred andsuspected based on evidence. We adopted a simple discrete logistic growth modelto project population reduction in the past and future (three generations −69 years) in 18 scenarios. Among the 18 projected scenarios, four resultedin extinction, six in decline and eight in population growth. Considering thelow abundance bound, all scenarios indicate a reduction larger than 80% inpopulation size, classifying the species as ‘Critically Endangered’ basedon A4de. Reduction in EOO and abundance in the past classify thespecies as ‘Endangered’ based on A2c. The suspected number ofmature animals (607;95% CI: 312–1,182) and the projected decline higher than20% in two generations also classify the species as ‘Endangered’ based on C1 and‘Vulnerable’ under D1. Our results indicate that information can begenerated to produce more accurate assessments based on available data. Thespecies national extinction risk needs to be reassessed, and the NationalAction Plan effectiveness evaluated. Thank you for your interestin the paper! Bestregards, Carol. ________________________________ Ana CarolinaOliveira de Meirelles Alves Campos Ph.D Tropical Marine Sciences Cetacean and Sirenian Specialist Links na mensagem (1) | | West Indian Manatee - an overview | Sci... | | | Virus-free. www.avast.com |

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Manatee internship-Tequesta
by Faucett, Blake 16 Mar '22

16 Mar '22

Manatee Internships-Blake Faucett The southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one Summer-Fall 2022 internship! Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship: one 6-month term from May-November. The expected start date for the internship is flexible if an earlier/later start date is needed. Duration of internship is flexible if duration of internship does not work with availability, but 6 months is preferred. Working hours are typically 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 40 hours a week, with some nights and weekends required. The position is in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality/rescue reports, assist with other computer work, and participate in public outreach as needed. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is preferred. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This internship is unpaid. Housing options can be discussed. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: § A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability § A résumé describing training and experience § A list of three references § An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 https://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships/se-fl-intern/

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New Publication: Harbour seals exposure to acoustic deterrent noise from aquaculture
by Charlotte Findlay 16 Mar '22

16 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent Open Access publication in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems: Findlay, C.R., Hastie, G.D., Farcas, A., Merchant, N.D., Risch, D., & Wilson, B. (2022). Exposure of individual harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and waters surrounding protected habitats to acoustic deterrent noise from aquaculture. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3800 Abstract: 1. Pinniped depredation at aquaculture sites is a globally recognized problem. To mitigate depredation, the aquaculture sector uses acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) as a non-lethal alternative to shooting pinnipeds interacting with caged finfish. However, it is unclear whether sound emissions from ADDs have the potential to also impact non-target pinnipeds at spatial scales relevant to populations. 2. Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking data from seven harbour seals tagged in a non-aquaculture context, on the west coast of Scotland, in 2017 were combined with modelled maps of ADD noise to quantify sound exposure and estimate the potential for auditory impairment. The acoustic model applied an energy flux approach across the main frequency range of ADDs (2–40 kHz). Predictions of temporary and permanent auditory threshold shifts were made using seal location data and published noise exposure criteria. The acoustic exposure of waters (10-km buffers) surrounding protected habitats (i.e. designated haul outs and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)) on the west coast of Scotland was also assessed. 3. All tagged seals and waters surrounding 51 of 56 protected sites were predicted to be exposed to ADD noise exceeding median ambient sound levels. Temporary auditory impairment was predicted to occur in one of the seven tagged harbour seals and across 1.7% of waters surrounding protected habitats over a 24-hour period, when assuming a 100% ADD duty cycle. 4. Although the predicted risk of auditory impairment appears to be relatively low, these findings suggest that harbour seals inhabiting inshore waters off western Scotland are routinely exposed to ADD noise that exceeds median ambient sound levels. This chronic exposure risks negative consequences for individual harbour seals among the wider population in this region. The use of ADDs to mitigate pinniped depredation should be carefully considered to reduce unintended habitat-wide impacts on non-target species, including pinnipeds that are not specifically interacting with aquaculture. The full article is available open access at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aqc.3800 Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Best wishes, Charlotte Findlay ---------------------------------------- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Bioacoustics Lab<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com/> Zoophysiology - Department of Biology Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 3, Building 1130 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Email: charlotte.findlay(a)bio.au.dk / charlotte_findlay(a)hotmail.co.uk Twitter: @chazz_findlay

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New article - Male sperm whales in the Indian Ocean
by Justine Girardet 16 Mar '22

16 Mar '22

Dear all, On behalf of my colleagues, I am pleased to inform you of the new article in Frontiers Marine Science: "Long distance runners in the marine realm: new insights into genetic diversity, kin relationships and social fidelity of Indian Ocean male sperm whales" Abstract Adult male sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) are long distance runners of the marine realm, feeding in high latitudes and mating in tropical and subtropical waters where stable social groups of females and immatures live. Several areas of uncertainty still limit our understanding of their social and breeding behavior, in particular concerning the potential existence of geographical and/or social fidelities. In this study, using underwater observation and sloughed-skin sampling, we looked for male social fidelity to a specific matrilineal sperm whale group near Mauritius. In addition, we captured a wider picture of kin relationships and genetic diversity of male sperm whales in the Indian Ocean thanks to biopsies of eight individuals taken in a feeding ground near the Kerguelen and Crozet Archipelagos (Southern Indian Ocean). Twenty-six adult male sperm whales were identified when socializing with adult females and immatures off Mauritius. Sloughed-skin samples were taken from thirteen of them for genetic analysis. Long-term underwater observation recorded several noteworthy social interactions between adult males and adult females and/or immatures. We identified seven possible male recaptures over different years (three by direct observation, and four at the gametic level), which supports a certain level of male social fidelity. Two probable first- and thirty second-degree kin relationships were highlighted between members of the social unit and adult males, confirming that some of the adult males observed in Mauritian waters are reproductive. Male social philopatry to their natal group can be excluded, as none of the males sampled shared the haplotype characteristic of the matrilineal social group. Mitochondrial DNA control region haplotype and nucleotide diversities calculated over the 21 total male sperm whales sampled were similar to values found by others in the Indian Ocean. Our study strongly supports the existence of some levels of male sperm whale social fidelity, not directed to their social group of birth, in the Indian Ocean. Males sampled in breeding and feeding grounds are linked by kin relationships. Our results support a model of male mediated gene flow occurring at the level of the whole Indian Ocean, likely interconnected with large-scale geographical fidelity to ocean basin, and a small-scale social fidelity to matrilineal social groups." PDF of the article is available online via the following DOI link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.815684 Best regards, Justine Girardet -- GIRARDET Justine Université de Brest, UFR Sciences et Techniques 6 avenue le Gorgeu, 29200 Brest, France Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité UMR7205 (ISYEB), Equipe Homologies Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Station Marine de Concarneau justinegirardet(a)gmail.com 0782424534

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Drone Observations of Marine Life and Human–Wildlife Interactions off Sydney, Australia
by Vanessa Pirotta (HDR) 16 Mar '22

16 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication: Drone Observations of Marine Life and Human–Wildlife Interactions off Sydney, Australia Pirotta, V.; Hocking, D.P.; Iggleden, J.; Harcourt, R. Drone Observations of Marine Life and Human–Wildlife Interactions off Sydney, Australia. Drones 2022, 6, 75. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6030075 Abstract Drones have become popular with the general public for viewing and filming marine life. One amateur enthusiast platform, DroneSharkApp, films marine life in the waters off Sydney, Australia year-round and posts their observations on social media. The drone observations include the behaviours of a variety of coastal marine wildlife species, including sharks, rays, fur seals, dolphins and fish, as well as migratory species such as migrating humpback whales. Given the extensive effort and multiple recordings of the presence, behaviour and interactions of various species with humans provided by DroneSharkApp, we explored its utility for providing biologically meaningful observations of marine wildlife. Using social media posts from the DroneSharkApp Instagram page, a total of 678 wildlife videos were assessed from 432 days of observation collected by a single observer. This included 94 feeding behaviours or events for fur seals (n = 58) and dolphins (n = 33), two feeding events for white sharks and one feeding event for a humpback whale. DroneSharkApp documented 101 interactions with sharks and humans (swimmers and surfers), demonstrating the frequent, mainly innocuous human–shark overlap off some of Australia’s busiest beaches. Finally, DroneSharkApp provided multiple observations of humpback and dwarf minke whales with calves travelling north, indicating calving occurring well south of traditional northern Queensland breeding waters. Collaboration between scientists and citizen scientists such as those involved with DroneSharkApp can greatly and quantitatively increase the biological understanding of marine wildlife data. Available here: https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/6/3/75 [cid:cc9c9d73-0c99-478c-833c-4c626bea8f9c] Dr. Vanessa Pirotta Marine Predator Research Group School of Natural Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia Twitter: @vanessapirotta Superstar of STEM 2021-2022 Watch my TEDx talk here<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PXgFoTtwi0> [cid:5d099f2f-d61e-4fdb-a9aa-5d0cbed651c1]<https://www.vanessapirotta.com> [cid:cb90d028-2aeb-4527-894c-3c80dd8350fc]<http://www.wildsydneyharbour.com>

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Marine Mammal Regulatory Biologist position
by Emma Dvorak 15 Mar '22

15 Mar '22

Marine Mammal Regulatory Biologist Integrated Statistics is looking for an Ecologist (Marine Mammal Regulatory Biologist) to work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service Marine Mammals Management Office’s Regulatory program to implement portions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act for the conservation and management of polar bears, northern sea otters, and Pacific walruses in Alaska. This position will focus on identifying, evaluating, and analyzing data collected as part of MMPA incidental take authorizations. *Duties* The Marine Mammal Regulatory Biologist's responsibilities include: * Collecting, verifying, and analyzing data on species distribution and abundance as well as habitat quantity and quality of natural resources. * Entering data and conducting quality control reviews and querying databases to extract data or determine the status of actions. * Conducting biological analysis of proposed actions. * Evaluating the effect of proposed actions on species and habitats. * Evaluating the effectiveness of management decisions on species and habitats. * Preparing maps and other geographical displays and analysis. * Conducting literature reviews. * Drafting responses, letters, reports and reviews. * Attending meetings. * Organizing and maintaining filing systems (including electronic filing); copying documents and compiling records (including responses to Freedom of Information Requests and Administrative records); and providing meeting support including organization, material preparations, participant assistance, facilitation, and debriefing. *Qualifications* * A Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science or a closely related field. Graduate degree preferred. * Experience participating in regulation and management pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and/or the Endangered Species Act: o Preparing issue papers, briefing documents, Federal Register notices, rulemaking documents, or other similar species issue papers. o Participating in teams with multiple State and Federal Agencies, Tribes, private industry, and non-government entities. o Working across multiple cultures. o Presenting complex or controversial issues to a variety or audiences. o Reviewing proposed resource development projects and developing recommendations. o Developing written analyses of complex or controversial regulatory proposals, including developing management strategies. * Willingness and desire to work in a fast paced, interdisciplinary environment. * Demonstrated ability to manage timelines and produce materials in a timely manner. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Proficiency in R and GIS. * Excellent writing and analytical skills; track record of success in writing technical reports and policy papers. * Strong oral communication skills. The position is expected to last until October 31, 2022, and is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website. The rate of pay is $31.52/hr. The position is open to US citizens with US presence. To apply for this position, go to https://jobs.intstats.com/JobDetails.jsp?jobListingId=292 or visit www.integratedstatistics.com, click Employment Opportunities, click the job name and click the Apply Here link. Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans. For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms, and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office. -- Integrated Statistics, Inc. 16 Sumner Street Woods Hole, MA 02543 Cell: (508) 648-8308 Office: (508) 540-8560 Fax: (508) 721-6841

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Summer Field Course: Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC, June 27 - August 5, 2022
by Katie Wood, MA 15 Mar '22

15 Mar '22

Greetings! The Duke University Marine Lab (DUML) is currently accepting enrollments for our summer Marine Mammals course in Beaufort, North Carolina. This six-week IN PERSON course will cover the biology and conservation of marine mammals. We will introduce you to the basic biology of various taxonomic groups, describe some of the research approaches used to study them, and conclude with a consideration of their conservation. Laboratories and interactive activities will focus on topics including diving physiology, photographic identification methods, population biology, bioacoustics, biologging, and drone technology. We will also take advantage of opportunities to interact with marine mammal experts from DUML and from around the world through virtual guest lectures, field trips, and discussion panels, and through the creation of a DUML Marine Mammals podcast. This course is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. MARSCI/BIO/ENV 376L (undergraduate) ENVIRON 776L (graduate) (4 Duke credits). Feel free to contact the course instructors for more information. Students will receive a Duke University transcript upon successful completion of the course. Instructors: Filipe Alves (filipe.alves(a)mare-centre.pt<mailto:filipe.alves@mare-centre.pt>) & Francesco Caruso (francesco.caruso(a)szn.it<mailto:francesco.caruso@szn.it>) Tuition: $3,325 + fees On-Island Room (shared room) & Board: $3,331 - (plus tax) Course Dates: June 27 - August 5, 2022 Financial details can be found here: https://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/academics/undergraduate/tuition-fees Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday, 9am - 12 pm & 1- 4:30 pm, EDT To enroll: Please reach out to Gwendy.Womble(a)duke.edu<mailto:Gwendy.Womble@duke.edu> with any questions or to enroll. A number of tuition fellowships are available by request. Kind regards, Katie Katie Wood (she/her) Assistant Director, Marine Lab Academic Programs 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516 www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab<http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab>

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