March 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

2-Day Underwater Acoustics Workshop in Vancouver, Canada
by Jonathan Vallarta 11 Mar '22

11 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM readers, SLR Consulting will be offering a 2-day underwater acoustics workshop at the Vancouver International Association of Impact Assessment (May 4th to the 7th, 2022 at the East Convention Center). The workshop takes place immediately before the conference begins, on May 2nd and 3rd. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of the fundamentals of underwater noise, the impact of noise from commercial vessels on marine mammals and fish, and hands-on experience with hydrophones and high-level signal analysis. By partnering with the IAIA on this endeavor, we can offer the two-day training course at a significantly reduced cost to participants. The workshop is suitable for a wide range of educational backgrounds and will be tailored to meet the audience's technical needs. Overall, we strive to offer an exciting and immersive 2-day "dive" into the world of underwater sound! I have included links below to an overview of our training course as well as information on the wider IAIA conference. Best regards, Jonathan https://conferences.iaia.org/2022/tc-03.php<https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fconferenc…> Training Course Overview<https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fconferenc…> Call for IAIA16 Training Course Proposals. In the maritime and environmental impact assessment sectors, there is a deficiency in directed guidance and supervised training in the fundamental principles of underwater noise and the impacts of commercial shipping. conferences.iaia.org<https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fconference…> https://conferences.iaia.org/2022/index.php<https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fconferenc…> IAIA22 Vancouver, Canada - International Association for Impact Assessment<https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fconferenc…> About the host. The Environmental Assessment Office is a neutral regulatory agency of the Government of British Columbia, Canada, responsible for assessing the effects of major projects, which includes sustainability and Indigenous reconciliation (www.eao.gov.bc.ca<https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eao.go…>). conferences.iaia.org<https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fconference…> Jonathan Vallarta, PhD Underwater Acoustics Business Lead D +1 604 742 4502 O +1 604 738 2500 C +1 604 240 1715 E jvallarta(a)slrconsulting.com SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Suite 200 - 1620 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1V4 Confidentiality Notice and Disclaimer This communication and any attachment(s) contain information which is confidential and may also be legally privileged. It is intended for the exclusive use of the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, please e-mail us by return e-mail and then delete the e-mail from your system together with any copies of it. Any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of SLR Management Ltd, or any of its subsidiaries, unless specifically stated.

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SMM Editors' Select Series for March 24th: Sperm whale echolocation and foraging behavior during different sea states and sonar exposures: indications of masking?
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 11 Mar '22

11 Mar '22

Greetings MARMAM! Join us on *Thursday, 24 March 2022 at 9 AM PST (12 PM EST / 5 PM GMT)* for the next SMM Seminar Editors' Select Series: Sperm whale echolocation and foraging behavior during different sea states and sonar exposures: indications of masking? with Dr. Saana Isojunno of the University of St Andrews. Free to attend. Registration required. Presented online on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_75zf9B7DTku5rJp1yqIlpQ Space on Zoom is limited to the first 500 attendees. The talk will also be streamed live on the SMM Facebook page. *The SMM Seminar Editors' Select Series highlights the latest and most exciting marine mammal science published in the Marine Mammal Science Journal. This is your chance to engage with marine mammal scientists, learn and ask questions from anywhere in the world. All are welcome. * *About this talk:* Marine mammals that rely on sound for important life functions, such as echolocation, have evolved strategies to cope with auditory masking. However, these may not be completely effective or cost-free, raising concern for anthropogenic noise impacts. We investigated whether sperm whales (N=15 individuals with sound- and movement recording tags) exhibited behaviors consistent with masking during experimental exposures to navy sonar and wind-generated surface noise. Compared to strong variation with depth, foraging and echolocation behavior was relatively stable throughout different sea states and sonar exposures. Nevertheless, small increase in apparent click levels and reduced prey capture attempts were consistent with our hypotheses for masking from sea state and sonar. *About the presenter:* Dr Saana Isojunno is behavioral ecologist at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, based at the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) but also working closely with the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU). She majored in fisheries and hydrobiology (University of Jyvaskylä, Finland), before she moved to St Andrews where she gained a masters in Marine Mammal Science in 2008, and PhD on sperm whale foraging behavior and anthropogenic disturbance in 2014. Her research strives to better understand how individuals respond to, and cope with, environmental stressors and human activities. She focuses on applied questions such as the effects of underwater noise and marine renewables, but drawing from fundamental science such as the non-consumptive effects of predators on prey. Best regards, *Ayça Eleman, Ph.D. Candidate* *Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Student* *Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D.* *Student Members-at-Large* Society for Marine Mammalogy

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new publication: a bowhead whale in the eastern north pacific
by Jared Towers 11 Mar '22

11 Mar '22

Hello A Nature Note that my colleagues and I put together about a bowhead whale in the eastern North Pacific is now published open access in Ecology and Evolution at http://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8664 Towers JR, Pilkington JF, Mason EA, and Mason EV. 2022. A bowhead whale in the eastern North Pacific. Ecology and Evolution 12:e8664 Abstract Bowhead whales occur in the Arctic year-round. Their movements are largely correlated with seasonal expansions and reductions of sea ice, but a few recent extralimital sightings have occurred in the eastern and western North Atlantic and one was also documented in the western North Pacific over 50 years ago. Here we present details of a juvenile bowhead whale that was photographed and filmed from above and below the water while it was skim-feeding in Caamaño Sound, BC, Canada on May 31, 2016. This sighting occurred over 2000 km southeast from the nearest known range for this species in the Bering Sea at a time that most bowhead whales in that region would have been migrating northeast. This sighting represents the first and only documentation of a bowhead whale in the eastern North Pacific to date. Regards, Jared Towers Director Bay Cetology Alert Bay BC www.baycetology.org jrtowers(a)gmail.com

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New publication: First report of signature whistles in an oceanic common bottlenose dolphin population (Raul Rio)
by Raul Rio Ribeiro 11 Mar '22

11 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM readers, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our study entitled "First report of signature whistles in an oceanic common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population from Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico” in Marine Mammal Science: Raul Rio, Hiram Rosales-Nanduca, Lucia A. Piuma, João F. Piuma, Manuela Piuma, Guilherme S. Redecker, Lilian S. Hoffmann Ocean Sound: Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) - Brazil: Site: https://www.oceansound.org/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oceansound.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceansoundorg/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCErM-9WbKTpAH9ls7wL1Ukw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceansound.org You can access the paper here: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12921 Abstract: This study is the first baseline acoustic description of common bottlenose dolphin populations (Tursiops truncatus) from Revillagigedo Archipelago and the first identification of signature whistles (SWs) in an oceanic population of T. truncatus. A total of 85% (199/233) of the recorded whistles were classified as stereotyped whistles and subsequently (bout analysis/SIGID) categorized into one of five SW types. External observers were in perfect agreement in classifying whistles into the adopted SW categorization. SWs represented 42% (98/233) of the repertoire. Overall, most whistle types were categorized as sine (80%; SW1, SW2, SW4, and SW5) with one downsweep (20%, SW3). Roca Partida Island had the highest number of SW types. Principal component analysis explained 77% of the total SWs variance, highlighting the importance of shape/contour variables to the SWs variance. The combined mean SWs acoustic parameters from Revillagigedo Archipelago were higher than that recorded in coastal regions, which may indicate there are differences between SWs of pelagic and coastal populations. However, further acoustic and ecological studies in the Archipelago are needed to clarify and expand our findings, to identify its members (Photo ID and SW Revillagigedo Catalog), and to investigate this topic at other oceanic islands. Best regards, Raul Rio Prof. Dr. Raul Rio RibeiroUniversidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJFFaculdade de MedicinaDepartamento de Medicina VeterináriaRua: José Lourenço Kelmer, s/n - Campus UniversitárioBairro São Pedro - 36036-900 - Juiz de Fora - MGhttp://www.oceansound.org Em quinta-feira, 10 de março de 2022 21:30:49 BRT, <marmam-request(a)lists.uvic.ca> escreveu: Send MARMAM mailing list submissions to marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to marmam-request(a)lists.uvic.ca You can reach the person managing the list at marmam-owner(a)lists.uvic.ca When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of MARMAM digest..." Today's Topics: 1. New publication: Ecology of humpback dolphins in the Norther Persian Gulf (Bruno Diaz Lopez) 2. FinBase Workshop (Jason Allen) 3. Job Posting: Associate Director, Field Operations & Response, The Marine Mammal Center (Kathi George) 4. Call for Abstracts: 2022 NWSSMM Conference (Adelsheim, Julia) 5. 2021 Humpback Whale Monitoring Report from Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Neilson, Janet L) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2022 09:39:22 +0000 (UTC) From: Bruno Diaz Lopez <bruno(a)thebdri.com> To: Marmam <marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca> Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Ecology of humpback dolphins in the Norther Persian Gulf Message-ID: <467535115.110896.1646818762337(a)mail.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Dear Colleagues, We are delighted to share with all of you our last study on the ecology of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in the Northern Persian Gulf published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research. Title: Abundance estimation, group dynamics, and residence patterns of Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) in the Dayer?Nakhiloo Marine National Park, Northern Persian Gulf, Iran Authors: Nazanin Mohsenian, S?verine Methion, Hamed Moshiri, Shadi Karbalaei Hassan, Shaghayegh Afkhami, Mohammad Amin Tollab, Mahmod Sadeh, Gill T. Braulik, Bruno D?az L?pez AbstractThe Persian Gulf is positioned in the heart of the Middle East as one of the most critical water bodies. Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) are distributed in nearshore waters and are therefore highly vulnerable to a variety of anthropogenic pressures. To our knowledge, there is a little information and data available about habitat use and abundance of this endangered species in Iranian waters. In the present study, baseline data about population size and site fidelity of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in the Dayer-Nakhiloo Marine National Park in Northern Persian Gulf, Iran, has been explored for the first time. From March 2014 to December 2018, 127 boat-based surveys and 6436 km of survey effort were conducted. Overall, 127 groups of humpback dolphins were observed on 62% of the surveys. Humpback dolphin group size ranged from 1 to 14 individuals (mean 5.8 ? SE 0.3). Abundance estimates were calculated and fitted with open population models. Thirty (95%! CI 22?38) humpback dolphins were estimated to inhabit the study area. There was a lack of seasonality in the occurrence of humpback dolphins and strong site fidelity within the Dayer-Nakhiloo Marine National Park. Most of the identified individuals used the study zone regularly (79.5%), while a smaller number were present less often. The results of this study provide important baseline information about humpback dolphin ecology in an area subject to significant anthropogenicpressures which can help to take effective conservation and management measures. Journal Reference:? Mohsenian, N., Methion, S., Moshiri, H., Hassan, S.K., Afkhami, S., Tollab, M.A., Sadeh, M., Braulik, G.T. and D?az L?pez, B., 2022. Abundance estimation, group dynamics, and residence patterns of Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) in the Dayer-Nakhiloo Marine National Park, Northern Persian Gulf, Iran. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 68(2), pp.1-11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-022-01565-y You can read the article here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359005141_Abundance_estimation_gro… Please do not hesitate to ask for any question regarding our study or to request a PDF copy of the article. Kind regards, Bruno D?az L?pez Ph.DChief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI -?www.thebdri.comAvenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, SpainTel. 0034 684248552 he/him/his ResearchGate?-?GoogleScholar?-https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0388-3289 Follow BDRI on?Facebook ,?Instagram or mention us on?Twitter. This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

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NAMMCO Internship
by NAMMCO, Josephine Schulze 11 Mar '22

11 Mar '22

I would like to share a post from NAMMCO regarding their upcoming internship programme application deadline: '' Would you like to be an Intern at NAMMCO? The deadline for the next round of applications is coming up on 1 April 2022! If you are interested in marine mammals, would like to try working for an intergovernmental organisation, and think you could enjoy living in the Arctic, then we would love to receive an application from you. We are open to applications from candidates around the world and although you need a bachelors degree to apply, this can be in any field - e.g. marine biology, environmental science, genetics, toxicology, law, anthropology, politics, ethics, etc. The intern will work with the NAMMCO Secretariat, based in Tromsø, Norway. Tromsø is a small but cosmopolitan city set in a stunning landscape of mountains and fjords, full of fresh air and lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find for more information on the program and the application here: https://nammco.no/topics/nammco-internship/?fbclid=IwAR0Bf0yMfs3VLClF2tTtmR… And you can read about our recent intern's experience at NAMMCO here: https://nammco.no/topics/10-march-2022-blog-my-internship-at-nammco/?fbclid… '' Kind regards, Josephine Schulze Intern NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission POB 6453, Sykehusveien 21-23 N-9294 Tromsø, Norway E-mail: intern(a)nammco.no<mailto:intern@nammco.no> [cid:image001.png@01D83545.E1D492D0] 30 years: 1992 - 2022

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Hiring: Research Assistant | Hervey Bay, Australia
by Stephanie Stack 10 Mar '22

10 Mar '22

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF)<https://www.pacificwhale.org/research/> is seeking one Research Assistant for assistance on a whale and dolphin research project in Hervey Bay, Queensland. This project builds upon the long-term research conducted by PWF in East Australia since 1984. Our research aims are to provide robust monitoring of whale and dolphin populations and mitigate anthropogenic threats to cetaceans. The team will be conducting UAS (drone) and photo-ID surveys aboard a small research vessel to fill crucial knowledge gaps on whale and dolphin population trends, health, distribution, and habitat use to inform conservation management actions. The Research Assistant is responsible for supporting and assisting with PWF's humpback whale and dolphin research in Hervey Bay, Australia. This will include collecting ID photographs, behavioural observations, drone images and associated data from a dedicated research vessel. Data are expected to be processed daily and in a timely manner. Applicants must reside in Australia and either hold Australian citizenship or be legally authorised to work in Australia. Location: Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia Reporting To: Australia Research Associate Duration: 15 June 2022 - 15 Dec 2022 (6-month contract with potential for renewal) Compensation: $32/hour (AUD) at 38 hours per week DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Fulfill the mission and vision of the Foundation by assisting with scientific research under the guidance of the Australia Research Associate. * Collect research data (ID photographs, behavioural observations and associated information) in the field aboard a dedicated research vessel. * Follow a detailed protocol and record data in an accurate and consistent manner, using the data collection app, PoiMapper. * Accurately identify age-classes, behaviours, and individuals during encounters. * Accurately record weather and environmental conditions. * Quality control of data and use Discovery software to catalogue photos into an existing database. * Cataloguing tasks: entering sightings data, verifying quality and distinctiveness of individuals, and matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins. * Process drone data by obtaining screenshots of surfacing and scoring images following a set of criteria. * Gather information from a wide variety of sources (e.g., literature searches) and synthesise information and data in the form of graphs, reports, and presentations. * Maintain, clean, and take care of research equipment. * Prepare outreach materials to communicate research findings and/or informative presentations to internal and external audiences. * Further duties may be assigned as necessary according to the needs and requirements of the research program. REQUIREMENTS * Bachelor of Science degree or extensive relevant work experience in the marine mammal field. * Working knowledge of marine mammal field techniques, including photo-identification procedures and methodologies. * Experience in cataloguing and/or photo-ID matching of humpback whales and dolphins. * Good working knowledge of Office365. * Valid Queensland driver’s license. * Valid Queensland recreational vessel licence. * Reliable, detail oriented, and displays a mature attitude towards research. * Able to stand for extended periods (up to 10 hours) and move about on a vessel at sea. * Able to work a flexible schedule and variable workload; occasional long hours, weekend events, and alternative hours to accommodate international time zones are required. * Able to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a dynamic work environment with speed, accuracy, and a positive attitude. * Strong commitment to the mission, goals, and values of Pacific Whale Foundation. * Legally authorised to work in Australia. DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE * Experience conducting line transect surveys for marine mammals. * Familiar with apps and software used for data processing including PoiMapper, FinFindR, and/or Discovery. * Experience using R, MARK, SOCPROG, Matlab, and/or GIS software. * Hold a Queensland-recognised coxswains vessel licence. * Hold a CASA Remote Pilots Licence (RePL). NOTE: All photographs and data collected in this position are the sole property of Pacific Whale Foundation. All training and equipment will be provided by the research staff. This post is advertised as a full-time (38hrs per week), fixed-term position (15 June – 15 Dec 2022) and will be based in Hervey Bay, Australia. However, as fieldwork is heavily weather dependent, we often work above the standard 38hrs per week when the weather permits, and time off in lieu is given to account for this. To apply, please send a cover letter and CV in PDF format to research(a)pacificwhale.org<mailto:research@pacificwhale.org> and clearly state how you meet the above-stated requirements. Applications will be accepted until March 31 and interviews will take place beginning April 11. All applicants will be updated on the status of their application once a decision is made, whether successful or not. To learn more about Pacific Whale Foundation's research in Australia, please visit https://www.pacificwhale.org/research/australia/<https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacif…> Stephanie Stack (she/her) Chief Research Biologist Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793 USA Cell: +1 808-740-5540 Fax: +1 808-856-8363 Email: stephaniestack(a)pacificwhale.org Website: pacificwhale.org/research

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2021 Humpback Whale Monitoring Report from Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
by Neilson, Janet L 10 Mar '22

10 Mar '22

The following report summarizing 2021 humpback whale monitoring results from Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska is now available: Neilson, J.L., C.M. Gabriele, and A.R. Bendlin. 2022. Glacier Bay & Icy Strait Humpback Whale Population Monitoring: 2021 Update. National Park Service Resource Brief, Gustavus, Alaska. https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/668731 [2.2 MB, 7 pages] The 2022 field season (our 38th year of monitoring) will be underway soon. Happy spring! KEY FINDINGS FROM 2021: · Effort-corrected counts indicate that the number of whales in Glacier Bay-Icy Strait (GB-IS) declined 5% from 2020 to 2021. In Glacier Bay, abundance declined compared to 2020, while in Icy Strait, abundance increased. · Twenty-seven of 66 adult whales (41%) with a history of strong site fidelity to GB-IS remain missing and most are presumed to have died during or after the 2014-2016 Northeast Pacific marine heatwave (PMH). · Eleven mother/calf pairs (crude birth rate, CBR, 6.6%) is an improvement over 2015-2019 (CBR 0%-3%) but the birth rate remains below average compared to the pre-PMH average (CBR 9.3%). We documented one case of apparent mid-season calf mortality, which is generally uncommon but has been more frequent since the PMH. · A relatively high residency rate and record-low transience rate in 2021 stand in contrast to PMH years. · An increasing proportion of whales (27%) appeared emaciated, including 9 of 11 mothers, compared to recent years. · Overall, these results suggest that the population is still recovering from the PMH. · We opportunistically documented numerous forage fish schools, especially capelin, however annual forage fish monitoring is needed to systematically assess trends. · There was an unusually high number of whale/human interactions, including a severely entangled whale (#2532) in GB who has not been sighted since July 30. -- Janet Neilson Humpback Whale Monitoring Program Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, AK 99826 907-697-2658 Xunaa Káawu Aaní áwé yéi xat yatee ka ax’ yéi jixané I live and work in Huna Tlingit Homeland.

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New publication on ecotoxicology of Ross Sea Killer whales
by Cristina Panti 10 Mar '22

10 Mar '22

Dear MARMAM members, On behalf of all the authors, I would like to share with you the publication in the Ecotoxicology of Tipe C Killer whales from Antarctica: Ecotoxicological Characterization of Type C Killer Whales From Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica): Molecular Biomarkers, Legacy, and Emerging Persistent Organic Contaminants Cristina Panti, Juan Muñoz-Arnanz, Letizia Marsili, Simone Panigada, Matteo Baini, Begoña Jiménez, Maria Cristina Fossi, Giancarlo Lauriano You can find the paper here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.818370 Abstract: Among killer whale forms, type C is a fish-eating form and is the most common in the Ross Sea. In the austral summer 2015, a study was conducted to evaluate the toxicological hazard these marine mammals face in the Antarctic ecosystem. Seven biopsy samples were collected from adult individuals (five males and two females) in the surroundings of the Italian Research Station Mario Zucchelli, Terra Nova Bay, by remote dart sampling from the pack ice. The accumulation levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as legacy (DDTs, PCBs, and HCB) and emerging (PBDEs and DP) were measured. Moreover, the protein expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1 and 2B) and the mRNA level variations of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ (PPARα-γ) and the estrogen receptor α (ERα), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and Cyp1a were evaluated. Twenty PCB congeners, six DDTs, HCB, three HCHs, and fourteen brominated BDEs and DP-syn and anti-isomers were analyzed on freeze-dried blubber biopsy samples by GC-MS. The protein expression was evaluated by Western Blot and the mRNA levels were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. The average abundance pattern for the contaminants was DDTs > PCBs > HCB > HCHs ≈ PBDEs >> DP. Contaminant levels resulted to be lower when compared to the existing data from the Antarctic type C killer whales from the McMurdo Sound (Ross Sea) and those reported for fish-eating killer whales worldwide. The mRNA levels of the five target genes were successfully quantified, but no statistical correlation was found with POP levels, suggesting that either the low levels of quantified POPs in blubber may not significantly affect the biological responses investigated, or that other stressors could contribute to the alterations of the molecular biomarkers. Although the results showed a lower risk related to contamination compared to more impacted areas, this study provides baseline data for the conservation of this species in an area with high ecological value, recently declared as the largest Marine Protected Area in Antarctica, where pollutants should remain at minimum levels despite increasing multiple stresses existing in the region. Thank you for your interest in the paper! Best regards, Cristina ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> Cristina Panti, PhD Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences University of Siena Via P.A. Mattioli, 4 53100, Siena Italy Ph. +39 0577 232245 Fax. +39 0577 232930 https://plasticbustersmpas.interreg-med.eu/ https://www.unisi.it/

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New Paper_Marine Mammal Interactions With Fisheries
by Ketki Jog 10 Mar '22

10 Mar '22

Hi, I am pleased to share my new publication: abstract and the link to the paper are provided below *Abstract:* Marine mammal interactions with fisheries, such as bycatch and depredation, are a common occurrence across commercial and small-scale fisheries. We conducted a systematic review to assess the management responses to marine mammal interactions with fisheries. We analyzed literature between 1995 and 2021 to measure research trends in studies on direct and indirect interactions for (i) high and low to middle-income countries, (ii) fishery operations (commercial and small-scale), and (iii) taxonomic groups. Management responses were categorized using the framework described previously in peer-reviewed studies. Marine mammal bycatch remains a major conservation concern, followed by marine mammal depredation of fishing gear. A high proportion of studies concentrated on commercial fisheries in high-income countries, with an increase in small-scale fisheries in low to middle-income countries between 1999 and 2020. The insufficient understanding of the social dimensions of interactions and the inevitable uncertainties concerning animal and human behaviors are major challenges to effective management. Despite the key role of human behavior and socioeconomics, we found only eight articles that incorporate human dimensions in the management context. Integrating social dimensions of marine mammal interactions with fisheries could help in setting pragmatic conservation priorities based on an enhanced understanding of critical knowledge gaps. An area-specific adaptive management framework could be an effective tool in reducing the risk to marine mammals from fisheries by coupling technical solutions with socio-economic and political interventions. We conclude that despite the vast body of literature on this subject, a “silver bullet” management solution to marine mammal interactions with fisheries does not yet exist. *Link: * https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.758013/full?&utm_so… Could you please share the same on the digest, mailing list? Best regards, Ketki

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Job Posting: Associate Director, Field Operations & Response, The Marine Mammal Center
by Kathi George 09 Mar '22

09 Mar '22

Hello MARMAMers, Please see the link below to apply for the Associate Director, Field Operations & Response position at The Marine Mammal Center. https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/opportunities The Associate Director, Field Operations & Response will lead a large and geographically diverse team on the frontlines of the Center’s marine mammal field response and rescue work. If you are an experienced and dynamic leader and manager of people and you are excited by and have a track record of building analyses to create data-driven decisions, bringing together partners from across the organization to build and execute a plan, and leading and developing a team to keep pushing the limits of impact success, then this is the perfect role for you. Best, Kathi Kathi George Director, Field Operations & Response The Marine Mammal Center Sausalito, CA, USA georgek(a)tmmc.org [cidimage001.png(a)01D588D0.7631FBE0] Kathi George (she-her) Director, Field Operations & Response GeorgeK(a)tmmc.org<mailto:GeorgeK@tmmc.org> | T: 415.289.7370 | C: 650-906-4914 MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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