April 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

We Are All Whalers CHOICE360 review
by Michael Moore 30 Apr '22

30 Apr '22

Dear Colleagues, The North Atlantic right whale species would appreciate your help educating consumers as to how the species could recover. This recent review of my book 'We re All Whalers' helps in that regard. Please share it if so moved. The book is doing OK, but if we are to get enough people and politicians to care about vessel strike and entanglement in large whales, it and other efforts need to go to a whole new level of public awareness. https://www.choice360.org/choice-pick/we-are-all-whalers-rotw-4-18-22/ "This is the book all conservationists wish they could emulate. Through compelling personal narrative, Moore (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), a marine veterinarian, informs readers about the biology, life cycle, and human-caused threats that critically endanger the survival of North Atlantic right whales as a species. The book is easy to read, as the writing is superb and the narrative engaging, yet it is packed with facts and data. What may be most notable about this text is the author’s sensitivity not only to the species he covers but also to all stakeholders in whale conservation, from indigenous hunters to commercial fishers. It is a thoughtful treatise that, through fact-based analysis, leads readers to confront the root of the problem—choices consumers make in a post-industrial society. This reviewer strongly commends the book to all readers, especially students and scholars in relevant disciplines. The book has obvious value to marine biologists and veterinarians, not to mention whale conservation organizations. However, all conservation practitioners and journalists will benefit from reading it. Moore offers a most outstanding example of communicating science to advance conservation." Summing Up: Essential. All readers. Reviewer: J. Organ, emeritus, University of Massachusetts Amherst Interdisciplinary Subjects: Environmental Studies, Food and Agriculture Subject: Science & Technology – Biology – Zoology Choice Issue: Jul 2022 Royalties from the book are being used for right whale conservation efforts. -- Michael Moore Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/mmoore/we-are-all-whalers/

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New Publication on vocal behaviour of humpback whales at the Vema Seamount
by Erin Ross-Marsh 29 Apr '22

29 Apr '22

On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to announce the publication of our new article regarding the vocal behaviour of humpback whales near the Vema Seamount. This article is open access and available athttps:// asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/10.0010072 Reference: Ross-Marsh, E.C., Elwen, S.H., Fearey, J., Thompson, K.F., Maack, T. and Gridley, T., 2022. Detection of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) non-song vocalizations around the Vema Seamount, southeast Atlantic Ocean. JASA Express Letters, 2(4), p.041201. Abstract: Humpback whales are a cosmopolitan, highly vocal species. Investigated here are their vocalizations recorded at the Vema Seamount (31°38′S, 08°20′E) from moored hydrophones in the austral spring of 2019. During the 11-d recording period over 600 non-song calls were detected. Calls were predominantly detected at night over three consecutive days. The most common calls were low, frequency-modulated sounds (whups). An impulsive sound (gunshot) previously unknown in humpback whales was also detected. The location and timing of the calls suggests that humpback whales may be using the Vema Seamount as a temporary stop on their migration to their polar feeding grounds. Best regards, *Erin Ross-Marsh* *PhD Candidate* *University of Stellenbosch*

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New publication- Discriminating and classifying odontocete echolocation clicks in the Hawaiian Islands using machine learning methods
by Morgan Ziegenhorn 28 Apr '22

28 Apr '22

Hello there, I was hoping you could include the following message in the listserv. Thanks! Morgan Ziegenhorn ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to announce the publication of the following article in PLOS One: "Discriminating and classifying odontocete echolocation clicks in the Hawaiian Islands using machine learning methods" The full text of the article can be found here: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0266424 Authors: Morgan A. Ziegenhorn, Kaitlin E. Frasier, John A. Hildebrand, Erin M. Oleson, Robin W. Baird, Sean M. Wiggins, Simone Baumann-Pickering Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has proven a powerful tool for the study of marine mammals, allowing for documentation of biologically relevant factors such as movement patterns or animal behaviors while remaining largely non-invasive and cost effective. From 2008–2019, a set of PAM recordings covering the frequency band of most toothed whale (odontocete) echolocation clicks were collected at sites off the islands of Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, and Pearl and Hermes Reef. However, due to the size of this dataset and the complexity of species-level acoustic classification, multi-year, multi-species analyses had not yet been completed. This study shows how a machine learning toolkit can effectively mitigate this problem by detecting and classifying echolocation clicks using a combination of unsupervised clustering methods and human-mediated analyses. Using these methods, it was possible to distill ten unique echolocation click ‘types’ attributable to regional odontocetes at the genus or species level. In one case, auxiliary sightings and recordings were used to attribute a new click type to the rough-toothed dolphin, *Steno bredanensis*. Types defined by clustering were then used as input classes in a neural-network based classifier, which was trained, tested, and evaluated on 5-minute binned data segments. Network precision was variable, with lower precision occurring most notably for false killer whales, *Pseudorca crassidens*, across all sites (35–76%). However, accuracy and recall were high (>96% and >75%, respectively) in all cases except for one type of short-finned pilot whale, *Globicephala macrorhynchus*, call class at Kauaʻi and Pearl and Hermes Reef (recall >66%). These results emphasize the utility of machine learning in analysis of large PAM datasets. The classifier and timeseries developed here will facilitate further analyses of spatiotemporal patterns of included toothed whales. Broader application of these methods may improve the efficiency of global multi-species PAM data processing for echolocation clicks, which is needed as these datasets continue to grow. Please contact Morgan Ziegenhorn (mziegenh(a)ucsd.edu) with any questions. All the best, Morgan Morgan Ziegenhorn she/they PhD Candidate Scripps Acoustic Ecology Lab and Scripps Whale Acoustics Lab Scripps Institution of Oceanography "Say to them [...] ' Even if you are not ready for day, it cannot always be night.' " - Gwendolyn Brooks

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Postdoc examining copepods and drivers of North Atlantic right whale habitat at Stony Brook University
by Lesley Thorne 28 Apr '22

28 Apr '22

We’re recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate (two year position) to work on a study examining changes to drivers of North Atlantic right whale habitat use in Southern New England Brief Description of Duties: The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) under the supervision of Principal Investigator Dr. Lesley Thorne. The Postdoctoral Associate will assess environmental and biological drivers of habitat use for right whales and will examine historical data from waters of Southern New England and New York to assess how variability in copepods influences right whale habitat. The selected candidate will conduct modeling studies in collaboration with oceanographers and ecologists and will prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and will present at scientific conferences. Further information can be found here: https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=2200709&tz=… Open until May 16 Contact lesley.thorne(a)stonybrook.edu with any questions. ____________________________________________________ Lesley Thorne, Associate Professor School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com

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New article - Underwater photo-identification of sperm whales off Mauritius
by Justine Girardet 28 Apr '22

28 Apr '22

Dear all, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper "Underwater photo-identification of sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) off Mauritius"in Marine Biology Research. Abstract The long-term monitoring of long-lived animals often requires individual identification. For cetaceans, this identification may be based on morphological characters observable from a boat such as shape, spots and cuts of the back, fluke and dorsal fins. However, for some species such as the sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*), this approach may be challenging as individuals display a rather uniform skin pigmentation. They also do not very often show their fluke, complicating individual identification from a boat. Immature sperm whales that usually have an unharmed fluke may be excluded from photo-identification catalogues. Within the framework of the Maubydick project, focusing on the long-term monitoring of sperm-whales in Mauritius, passive underwater observation and video recording were used to identify long-lasting body markers (e.g. sex, ventral white markings, cut-outs of fins). A catalogue of 38 individuals (six adult males, 18 adult females and 14 immatures) enabled observers to record some nearly-daily, and yearly resightings. Advantages and disadvantages of this method are presented here. Such catalogues represent a robust baseline for conducting behavioural, genetic and acoustic studies in social species. Benefits of such newly acquired knowledge are of primary importance to implement relevant conservation plans in the marine realm. The article can be accessed for free for a limited time via the following link : <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17451000.2022.2040737?src=> https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/VHRRHWU5WPMDCUBTWWMR/full?target=10.1080… It can also be access via https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17451000.2022.2040737?src= 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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***SPAM Suspected*** PSO Training Course on June 11th and 12th
by Angela Bostwick 27 Apr '22

27 Apr '22

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on June 11-12, 2022. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and is a long-standing industry standard which is often accepted in other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is needed. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides. PSOs monitor for ESA-listed animals and marine mammals, complete reports on protected species activity and industry operations, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals. We will discuss the tricks of the trade in identifying marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species. Search cues to locate animals and key diagnostic traits and behaviors are also discussed. This course includes discussion on life offshore with a focus on maintaining productive personal interactions in the shared common working spaces offshore. Life as a PSO is fun, but it involves long hours of performing dedicated watch; patience, integrity, and persistence are all required for successful performance of duties. This course discussion will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and other protected species, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objective documentation of animal behavior and industry operations for reporting to regulatory agencies. A list of recommended items to pack for work offshore is provided, and some additional potential requirements for offshore work are also discussed in the course. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Cetacean Sessions
by Jared Towers 27 Apr '22

27 Apr '22

Join us on Crowdcast for Season 2 of Cetacean Sessions focused exclusively on recent advances in killer whale science. Cetacean Sessions is a free seasonal weekly webinar series where we discuss impactful cetacean science with those conducting it around the world. It is informal, educational, interactive and geared towards those studying or interested in cetaceans. Cetacean Sessions #8 is Sunday, May 1st at 7:00pm Pacific Time. In this session we will discuss how age and sex class affect sociality in J pod (southern resident killer whales) and generally, what friendships between individual killer whales look like. Dr. Michael Weiss will provide an overview of his article Age and sex influence social interactions, but not associations, within a killer whale pod recently published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. Presentation and discussion will be followed by live Q&A. Please visit our Crowdcast channel to register and for more information on our upcoming sessions. https://www.crowdcast.io/cetaceansessions Sincerely, Jared Towers Director, Bay Cetology https://baycetology.org

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New publication: Multi-regional comparison of scarring and pigmentation patterns in Cuvier's beaked whales
by Erin Falcone 27 Apr '22

27 Apr '22

On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to share our recent publication in a special edition of Mammalian Biology focused on techniques and methods of photo-identification: Coomber, F.G., Falcone, E.A., Keene, E.L., Cárdenas-Hinojosa, G.; Huerta-Patiño, R.; Rosso, M. Multi-regional comparison of scarring and pigmentation patterns in Cuvier’s beaked whales. Mamm Biol (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-022-00226-6 Abstract: Recent research on Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) from the Mediterranean has demonstrated that sexes can be visibly distinguished in photos using sex-linked patterns of scarring density and pigmentation, even at age classes which are notoriously difficult to differentiate. Being able to apply this research to other populations would allow for better monitoring of population demographics and vital rates globally. This study uses Photo Identification Captures (PICs) of known sex, adult Cuvier’s beaked whales from three regions (Southern California, USA; Guadalupe Island, Mexico; and the Mediterranean Sea, Italy) to evaluate geographic variation in sex-linked patterns of scarring density and pigmentation. Standardized scarring density measurements from typical photo-ID views and Generalized Linear Models (GLM) were used to identify scarring density thresholds for sex at each region and for all regions combined to predict the sex of individuals. Scarring densities did not differ significantly among regions and thresholds calculated from any region correctly predicted the sex in other regions 92–98% of the time. An agglomerative cluster analysis with complete linkage identified three distinct pigmentation clusters in each of the three regions, with one being indicative of sex. This study supports the notion that scarring density is indicative of sex for this species, improves the predictive capacity of this metric inter-regionally, and provides a reliable method to estimate the sex of whales in a typical photo-ID catalog, thus supporting vital rate assessments for this data-deficient species. The complete manuscript can be viewed at: https://rdcu.be/cLVXZ Erin A. Falcone, Biologist Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2468 Camp McKenzie Trail NW Seabeck, WA 98380 USA 360-789-6474 (Mobile) 206-550-9806 (Office) www.marecotel.org

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MMO, PSO & PAM training courses
by Admin Team 27 Apr '22

27 Apr '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. 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, £220 per person (excl. VAT), price 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 (excl. VAT) 3. PAM training on 6-8 April 2022 at a cost of £450 per person (excl. VAT) The next MMO course will be 6 June, PSO morning of 7 June, and PAM 7-9 June 2022 at the above prices. 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 from Opticron - 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 M: +44 (0)7368 866 235 T: +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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Internship oppurtunities with Montenegro Dolphin Research
by Aylin Akkaya 26 Apr '22

26 Apr '22

The Montenegro Dolphin Research is a scientific project run by Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD). Our study is the only long term research study of marine mammals in Montenegrin and Albanian coastal waters. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behavior, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to seismic practices. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community, particularly youth and women. *WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR* We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose love for dolphins is strong and sincere. Opportunities are available starting from May 2022 onwards. *FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; Performing boat-based surveys once a week, weather allowing Collecting dolphins sighting and behavior data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; Data entry and analysis; Cataloging and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. Promoting citizen-science activities *TRAINING* The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides intensive lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring every week. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammals research such as: ArcGIS mapping Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; Photo-identification; Discovery and Logger 2010 software; Systematic data collection and data analysis; Visual and acoustic behaviour of marine mammals Scientific manuscript and technical report writing skills *PROJECT PARTICIPATION FEE* The positions require a contribution fee of 950 Euros/ month which fully goes to support the project and the participation fee includes; Accommodation and expenses Transportation between the project sites within Montenegro Training and lectures Scientific support Field work Use of the equipment Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. *HOW TO APPLY* Email your CV to info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are the perfect asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better follow our websites: DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, *Dr. Aylin Akkaya*

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