April 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Publication announcement from Shark Bay Dolphin Research
by Simon Allen 07 Apr '22

07 Apr '22

G’day Marmamers, We are most pleased to bring to your attention two papers on dolphin social complexity in the forthcoming issue of Current Biology, both stemming from our long-term research programme in Shark Bay, Western Australia (www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org>). In the first paper, led by University of Bristol MSc graduate Emma Chereskin, we show that vocal exchanges can function as a replacement of physical bonding in dolphin alliances. This is the first evidence for Robin Dunbar’s social bonding hypothesis and, interestingly, comes from outside of the primate lineage. Paper 1: Chereskin E, Connor RC, Friedman WR, Jensen FH, Allen SJ, Sørensen PM, Krützen M, King SL (2022). Allied male dolphins use vocal exchanges to ‘bond-at-a-distance’. Current Biology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.02.019 Summary: Vocal interactions are intrinsic features of social groups and can play a pivotal role in social bonding. Dunbar’s social bonding hypothesis posits that vocal exchanges evolved to “groom at a distance” when social groups became too large or complex for individuals to devote time to physical bonding activities. Tests of this hypothesis in non-human primates, however, suggest that vocal exchanges occur between more strongly bonded individuals that engage in higher grooming rates and thus do not provide evidence for replacement of physical bonding. Here, we combine data on social bond strength, whistle exchange frequency, and affiliative contact behavior rates to test this hypothesis in wild male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, who form multi-level alliances that cooperate over access to females. We show that, although whistle exchanges are more likely to occur within the core alliance, they occur more frequently between those males that share weaker social bonds, i.e., between core allies that spend less time together, while the opposite occurs for affiliative physical contact behavior. This suggests that vocal exchanges function as a low-cost mechanism for male dolphins that spend less time in close proximity and engage in fewer affiliative contact behaviors to reinforce and maintain their valuable alliance relationships. Our findings provide new evidence outside of the primate lineage that vocal exchanges serve a bonding function and reveal that, as the social bonding hypothesis originally suggested, vocal exchanges can function as a replacement of physical bonding activities for individuals to maintain their important social relationships. In the second paper, led by University of Zürich PhD graduate Livia Gerber, we show that ‘popular’ allied male dolphins (those that are well-integrated and have homogenous social bonds with their allies) enjoy higher reproductive success. Paper 2: Gerber L, Connor RC, Allen SJ, Horlacher K, King SL, Sherwin WB, Willems E, Wittwer S, Krützen M (2022). Social integration influences fitness in allied male dolphins. Current Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.03.027 Summary: Understanding determinants of differential reproductive success is at the core of evolutionary biology because of its connection to fitness. Early work has linked variation in reproductive success to differences in age, rank, or size, as well as habitat characteristics. More recently, studies in group-living taxa have revealed that social relationships also have measurable effects on fitness. The influence of social bonds on fitness is particularly interesting in males who compete over reproductive opportunities. In Shark Bay, Western Australia, groups of 4-14 unrelated male bottlenose dolphins cooperate in second-order alliances to compete with rival alliances over access to females. Nested within second-order alliances, pairs or trios of males, which can vary in composition, form first-order alliances to herd estrus females. Using 30 years of behavioral data, we examined how individual social factors, such as first-order alliance stability, social connectivity, and variation in social bond strength within second-order alliances, affect male fitness. Analyzing the reproductive careers of 85 males belonging to 10 second-order alliances, we found that the number of paternities a male achieved was positively correlated with his cumulative social bond strength but negatively correlated with his variation in bond strength. Thus, well-integrated males with more homogeneous social bonds to second-order allies obtained most paternities. Our findings provide novel insights into the fitness benefits of polyadic cooperation among unrelated males and highlight the adaptive value of social bonds in this context. If you’d like a PDF or have any queries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the primary authors (emma.chereskin(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:emma.chereskin@bristol.ac.uk> and livia.gerber(a)uzh.ch<mailto:livia.gerber@uzh.ch>). All the best, Simon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Simon J Allen Senior Lecturer School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Mob: +44 (0) 77047 53101 [UK] / +61 (0) 416 083 653 [AU] Email: Simon.Allen(a)bristol.ac.uk<mailto:Simon.Allen@bristol.ac.uk> / Simon.Allen(a)uwa.edu.au<mailto:Simon.Allen@uwa.edu.au> Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org Twitter: @SimonJAllen1 [Chart, scatter chart Description automatically generated] Recent papers: Estimating sustainable limits to human-caused wildlife mortality https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cobi.13897 Cooperation-based concept formation in bottlenose dolphins https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22668-1 Non-vertical transmission of a dolphin foraging innovation https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(20)30756-9 Declines in dolphin survival and reproduction following a heatwave https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0960-9822%2819%2930217-9 “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” (Kenneth Grahame) “I must say here, in passing, that those captains who have scientists… aboard their ships, must take with them a good supply of patience. I admit that although I have no lack of it, the scientists have frequently driven me to the end of my tether...” (Nicolas Baudin)

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Sealcentre Pieterburen Vet Internships 2022 & 2023
by Ana Rubio García | Zeehondencentrum 06 Apr '22

06 Apr '22

Dear all, One more year we are pleased to announce: VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP – SEALCENTRE PIETERBUREN The Sealcentre Pieterburen, the Netherlands, has an exciting opportunity for *two Veterinary Interns* to work in our Veterinary and Sealcare Departments. Both positions last one year, one is scheduled to start in October 2022, and the other in April 2023. Previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. The Sealcentre’s Veterinary Department includes two full time veterinarians and two veterinary interns. We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic candidate who will join our team and will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, maintenance of daily nutritional and medical records, sampling for various research projects, and data entry. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. The interns must be veterinarians or veterinary students. They are required to find their own transportation to Pieterburen and we provide housing (fully equipped: gas, electricity, water, and internet included) and meals. An allowance to cover health insurance costs is provided. These positions are unpaid. The interns should expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of shifts including weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills (a fluent English level is required). Due to Visa requirements we are currently only able to accept applicants with a European passport. The deadline for applications is May 15th 2022. Interested applicants should submit a copy of the CV, an intention letter, and two recommendation letters. Note that the application materials should be in English. Applications and questions should be submitted to vet(a)zeehondencentrum.nl indicating in the subject VETERINARY INTERN 2022/2023. For more information about the Sealcentre Pieterburen visit www.zeehondencentrum.nl Kind regards, *Ana Rubio García* *Head of the Veterinary, Care & Research Department* Mobile phone: +31 (0)6 12 981154 Email: ana.rubiogarcia(a)zeehondencentrum.nl Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. Healthy sea, happy seal. Hoofdstraat 94a 9968 AG Pieterburen T +31 (0)595 526 526 E: *info(a)zeehondencentrum.nl <info(a)zeehondencentrum.nl>* I: www.zeehondencentrum.nl Follow us <https://www.facebook.com/zeehondencentrumpieterburen/> <https://www.instagram.com/zeehondencentrum> <https://www.tiktok.com/@sealcentrepieterburen> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaqwCONkIsKkpMK2UlU_B4g> <https://twitter.com/zeehondencreche> P Please consider the environment. Think before printing. [image: cid:image006.jpg@01D1D1F2.77C4C4D0]

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Job Opening: Marine Mammal Researcher Positions at Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
by Beatriz Tintore 05 Apr '22

05 Apr '22

MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCHER POSITIONS AT ARCHIPELAGOS INSTITUTE OF MARINE CONSERVATION http://archipelago.gr/en/ Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is recruiting for the following positions *1* *Marine Mammal Research Team Supervisor * *1 Marine Mammal Research Assistant* Location: Samos island - eastern Aegean Sea, Greece Start date: April-May 2022 (preferably) With the use of 3 research boats, Archipelagos' Marine Mammal Team carries out research and conservation work, collecting data and monitoring the populations of dolphins, whales, monk seals and sea turtles of the region. A key aspect of this work is the assessment of habitats and population status, as well as the impact of the different factors threatening their survival. Knowledge acquired in this way enables us to fill in important knowledge gaps, as well as develop successful, targeted management and conservation plans. For over 24 years, Archipelagos has been carrying out research and conservation work collecting data and monitoring the populations of dolphins, whales, monk seals and sea turtles of the region, assessing habitats and population status as well as the impact of the different factors impacting them. Knowledge acquired in this way enables us to develop successful, targeted management and conservation plans. More information can be found at http://archipelago.gr/en/our-work/marine-mammals/ ESSENTIAL REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: MSc Degree in marine sciences, with experience in marine mammal research Good comprehension of data collection methods and research and analysis principles and techniques Previous experience in marine mammal field research Experience managing and training students and/or volunteers Demonstrated leadership, supervision and team building skills Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions Ability to write scientific reports and papers Fluency in English Excellent computer skills Sincere interest in issues related to the protection of the environment Willingness to occasionally work during weekends and holidays Valid international driver’s license or driver’s license for the EU (preferable) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please submit a current resume, a list of three references, and a cover letter expressing your interest to info(a)archipelago.gr *Beatriz Tintoré* *Head of the Marine Mammal Research Department* *MSc in Marine Biology*

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New paper on foetal growth, birth size and energetic cost of gestation in southern right whales
by Fredrik Christiansen 05 Apr '22

05 Apr '22

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of Physiology: Christiansen, F., Uhart, M.M., Bejder, L., Clapham, P., Ivashchenko, Y., Tormosov, D., Lewin, N. & Sironi, M. 2022. Fetal growth, birth size and energetic cost of gestation in southern right whales. Journal of Physiology https://doi.org/10.1113/JP282351 Abstract: The cost of reproduction greatly affects a species’ life history strategy. Baleen whales exhibit some of the fastest offspring growth rates in the animal kingdom. We quantified the energetic cost of gestation for southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) by combining whaling catch records of pregnant females with photogrammetry data on southern right whale mothers and calves from two breeding grounds in Argentina and Australia. The relationship between calf birth size and maternal length was determined from repeated measurements of individual females before and after giving birth. Fetal growth was determined from generalized linear models fitted to fetal length data from whaling operations between 1961 and 1967. Fetal length was converted to volume and mass, using the volume-to-length relationship of newborn southern right whales calves, and published tissue composition and energy content estimates. Fetal maintenance costs (heat of gestation) and the energy content of the placenta were predicted from published relationships and added to the fetal growth cost to calculate the total cost of gestation. Our findings showed that fetal growth rates and birth size increased linearly with maternal length, with calves being born at ∼35% maternal length. Fetal length increased curvilinearly through gestation, which resulted in an exponential increase in fetal volume and mass. Consequently, the cost of gestation was very low during the first (0.1% of total cost) and second trimester (4.9%), but increased rapidly during the last trimester (95.0%). The heat of gestation incurred the highest cost for pregnant females (73.8%), followed by fetal growth (21.2%) and the placental energy content (5.0%). The paper is open access and can be accessed from the following link: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP282351 The article comes with a graphical abstract from what appears to be a 5-year old, and a smug picture of the artist himself. Enjoy! Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark f.christiansen(a)bio.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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Job Posting for Standing Network Coordinator & Data Specialist for The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor WA
by Jenny Atkinson 04 Apr '22

04 Apr '22

Position: Stranding Network Coordinator & Data Specialist Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA The Whale Museum is seeking a person to fulfill the role of Stranding Network Coordinator & Data Specialist. This is a year-round, full-time salaried position with benefits. Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum's mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Our facility is located on San Juan Island, northwest of Seattle, Washington. This remote island is accessible only by ferry, boat or plane. This position works closely with the Executive Director as the Stranding Network Coordinator & Data Specialist to manage several databases and to coordinate the efforts of the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network. This position's primary responsibilities are: coordinating responses for live and dead stranded marine mammals, managing the necropsy program including maintenance of equipment and supplies, archiving tissue samples and shipping samples for testing, annual grant writing, and managing the lab space. The successful candidate will also be the primary vessel operator for our stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard. The main field season for the Stranding Network is between June and September, but responses can occur anytime throughout the year. This position also trains and supervises a volunteer network of approximately 60 people, mentors 2-3 seasonal interns, oversees grant management and routinely moves marine mammals or other items in excess of 50 pounds. During the off-season (Oct-May), a large portion of this job is computer-based, primarily data entry and analysis, database management, and writing. The successful candidate will be highly flexible as response work can occur any time, day or night. This position manages the long-term scientific data that supports the research and provides the substance for education programs and exhibits. Current projects focus on: managing 40 years of marine mammal stranding data; analyzing 30+ years of historical passive acoustics monitoring data; conducting aerial flight surveys to develop a harbor seal pupping index; and assisting with the data entry of a 40+ year sightings database used to track Southern Resident killer whale's movement patterns. Partnerships with other organizations and researchers are critical to our work. Current partnerships include, but are not limited to: NOAA-Northwest Region, SeaDoc Society, SMRU Consulting, and John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. Qualifications: a Master's Degree or 3 years' experience in a relevant field, excellent communication skills (oral and written), excellent attention to detail, excellent computer/technological skills (i.e., Microsoft Office particularly Access & Excel, ARC-GIS mapping), grant writing, experience with field work (specifically Stranding Network field response and necropsies), experience with conflict resolution & public communication, and project management experience. Boating experience with Washington State Boater Education Card is required. Must have a Basic Open Water scuba diving certification with at least 15 dives logged in the Salish Sea (to manage osteological preparations and assist partnering organizations with relevant projects). Acoustic data analysis experience is not required, but preferred. A varied skill set and flexibility are major assets. The position will start June 1st with the opportunity for a brief training period with the outgoing employee. Active review of submitted applications will begin immediately, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Electronic submissions are encouraged. It is suggested that a PDF compiled with the requested information be submitted. Send cover letter, resume and up to three references (either reference letter or contact information for each reference) to: Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director The Whale Museum P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Email: jenny(a)whalemuseum.org <mailto:jenny@whalemuseum.org> Website: www.whalemuseum.org Jenny L. Atkinson Executive Director The Whale Museum P. O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-4710 ext. 26 www.whalemuseum.org

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Summer distance sampling workshop series - registration open
by Len Thomas 04 Apr '22

04 Apr '22

Distance sampling is a survey technique widely used to estimate the density and abundance of marine mammal populations, and other taxa. The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling are pleased to announce that we will be running 3 live online workshops this summer on aspects of distance sampling. Registration is now open for 2 of them, and will be for the 3rd soon. The workshops are: 1. Spatially explicit models for distance sampling data: density surface modelling in practice, 16th-20th August 2021. 2. Distance sampling when animals are missed at zero distance, 30th-31st August 2021. 3. A practical guide to distance sampling survey design and simulation, 13th, 14th and 16th September 2021. For more details, and to register, go to https://workshops.distancesampling.org We are offering one free place on each workshop with the goal of to widening participation to scientists from countries with fewer resources and groups traditionally under-represented in wildlife science. More details are at http://workshops.distancesampling.org/widening-participation and the closing date for applications for the widening participation scholarships is June 15th. -- Len Thomas len.thomas(a)st-andrews.ac.uk lenthomas.org @len_thom Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling and School of Mathematics and Statistics The Observatory, University of St Andrews, Scotland KY16 9LZ Office: UK+1334-461801 Admin: UK+1334-461842 While I may be sending this email outside of my normal office hours, I have no expectation to receive a reply outside of yours. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013532.

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FWC Southwest Field Lab Marine Mammal Internship
by Schubert, Molly 02 Apr '22

02 Apr '22

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Mammals section at the Charlotte Harbor Field Lab in Port Charlotte, FL is accepting applications for an intern to start in May 2022. The Southwest Field Lab is offering two internships to driven, self-motivated individuals for the Summer 2022 season. The expected start date for the internship is beginning to mid May, however, start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically four to five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some additional night and weekend hours may be required. The position is located in Port Charlotte on the west coast of Florida, just north of Fort Myers. The intern's duties would include assisting with manatee and cetacean carcass salvage, necropsies, research projects (temperature monitoring, Photo ID, etc.), public outreach, and occasional rescues. The intern will also assist with office duties including mortality reports, upkeep of databases, and other office work as needed. To perform the tasks mentioned, interns will operate FWC trucks and dependent upon experience, trailers and boats up to 22' in length. At the end of the internship, interns are required to complete a project and a 10-15 minute presentation on a marine mammal topic of their choosing. Qualifications: * College juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students are eligible * Interns must have some research field experience * Interns must be comfortable operating large trucks and speaking to the public * Familiarity with digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters is preferred, but can be trained * Computer literacy * Previous animal handling experience is desirable but not necessary * Ability to trailer and operate watercrafts up to 22' in length and experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable, but not necessary * Interns must be able to lift 50 lbs., swim, and possess a valid US driver's license * Interns should understand that this job will require them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods of time Application Process: If you are interested in applying for an internship with FWRI, please provide the following information: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A resume describing training and experience * Names and contact information for at least three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator 585 Prineville Street Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Molly R. Schubert Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Southwest Field Lab 585 Prineville St Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Office: (941) 249-6559 Molly.Schubert(a)myFWC.com Manatee Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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PhD student position in Saimaa ringed seal conservation biology
by Vincent Biard 01 Apr '22

01 Apr '22

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A suite of products from the Ocean Modeling Forum's Marine Mammal Bycatch Working Group
by Tessa Francis 01 Apr '22

01 Apr '22

Dear Colleagues. I am happy to share a suite of products from the Marine Mammal Bycatch working group of the Ocean Modeling Forum <https://oceanmodelingforum.org/working-groups/marine-mammal-bycatch-working…>. The first is a synthesis of best practices for assessing and managing marine mammal bycatch, led by Paul Wade and Kristy Long. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.757330/full A second is a comprehensive review of methods for estimating marine mammal abundance, led by Phil Hammond: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.735770/full A third, led by Jeff Moore, is a review of best practices for estimating bycatch mortality: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.752356/full In addition, Margaret Siple has developed a ShinyApp and R package for exploring bycatch impacts for different life histories, using your own inputs of abundance & mortality. ShinyApp here https:// msiple.shinyapps.io/mmrefpoints/ <https://t.co/Mw3X7ri7D9> and accompanying paper in JOSS here: https://joss.theoj.org/papers/10.21105/joss.03888. Another paper led by André Punt explores approaches to setting biological reference points in low-data situations: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13816 In another paper by Punt et al., Chile is used as a case study for developing a bycatch assessment approach when observer data are limited and there is uncertainty about post-release mortality: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2020.105816 Another paper by Punt et al. explores the robustness of PBR to a variety of uncertainties: https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/77/7-8/2491/5903506?login=false. The last paper, also by Punt et al., explores alternative bycatch management strategies using the case study of Iceland, with multiple fisheries, multiple marine mammal species, and direct and indirect sources of mortality: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2019-0386. A webinar <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMX_fggxpw4&t=175s> with many of the authors steps through these resources, which are aimed at supporting nations who are working to mitigate bycatch, especially in compliance with the MMPA Import Provisions. Please reach out if you need access to any of the papers. More information about the working group, with links to all the papers, can be found here <https://www.lenfestocean.org/en/research-projects/developing-recommendation…> . Cheers, Tessa -- Tessa Francis, PhD [she/her/hers] Lead Ecosystem Ecologist, Puget Sound Institute University of Washington Tacoma 326 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421 p: 253-254-7030 ext 8013 tw: @tessafrancis *** See the latest version of Salish Sea Currents <https://www.eopugetsound.org/magazine> *** Managing Director, Ocean Modeling Forum University of Washington FSH 308B 1122 NE Boat Street, Seattle, WA 98195 http://oceanmodelingforum.org/ @oceanmodeling

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New publication on frequency decline of blue whale calls
by Ally Rice 01 Apr '22

01 Apr '22

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper, "Update on frequency decline of Northeast Pacific blue whale (*Balaenoptera musculus*) calls" in *PLOS ONE*. Ally Rice, Ana Širović, John A. Hildebrand, Megan Wood, Alex Carbaugh-Rutland, and Simone Baumann-Pickering Abstract: Worldwide, the frequency (pitch) of blue whale (*Balaenoptera musculus*) calls has been decreasing since first recorded in the 1960s. This frequency decline occurs over annual and inter-annual timescales and has recently been documented in other baleen whale species, yet it remains unexplained. In the Northeast Pacific, blue whales produce two calls, or units, that, when regularly repeated, are referred to as song: A and B calls. In this population, frequency decline has thus far only been examined in B calls. In this work, passive acoustic data collected in the Southern California Bight from 2006 to 2019 were examined to determine if A calls are also declining in frequency and whether the call pulse rate was similarly impacted. Additionally, frequency measurements were made for B calls to determine whether the rate of frequency decline is the same as was calculated when this phenomenon was first reported in 2009. We found that A calls decreased at a rate of 0.32 Hz yr-1 during this period and that B calls were still decreasing, albeit at a slower rate (0.27 Hz yr-1) than reported previously. The A call pulse rate also declined over the course of the study, at a rate of 0.006 pulses/s yr-1. With this updated information, we consider the various theories that have been proposed to explain frequency decline in blue whales. We conclude that no current theory adequately accounts for all aspects of this phenomenon and consider the role that individual perception of song frequency may play. To understand the cause behind call frequency decline, future studies might want to explore the function of these songs and the mechanism for their synchronization. The ubiquitous nature of the frequency shift phenomenon may indicate a consistent level of vocal plasticity and fine auditory processing abilities across baleen whale species. Available at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0266469 Best, Ally -- Ally Rice Staff Research Associate II Scripps Acoustic Ecology Laboratory Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD office: 858-534-5755

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