May 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication about the Ship strike risk for fin whales in the NW Mediterranean
by Beatriu Tort 25 May '22

25 May '22

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our article in Frontiers in Marine Science. Tort Castro B, Prieto González R, O’Callaghan SA, Dominguez Rein-Loring P and Degollada Bastos E (2022) Ship Strike Risk for Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) Off the Garraf coast, Northwest Mediterranean Sea. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:867287. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.867287 Abstract: Ship strikes are a widespread conservation issue for many cetacean species globally. Population level impacts depend on the occurrence and severity of collisions, which may lead to life altering injuries or fatalities. Such impacts are a major concern for large, long-lived, and reproductively slow species like the fin whale. Since 2014, a seasonal feeding aggregation of fin whales has been monitored from February to June off the Catalan coast (Spain), in the northwest Mediterranean Sea. Oceanographical factors influence the occurrence and high density of krill within submarine canyons along the continental shelf, resulting in high whale abundance within a small spatial area. The study area extends 37 km offshore across a 1,944 km2 marine strip situated between the towns of Torredembarra and Castelldefels. This fin whale feeding ground is exposed to high density marine vessel traffic, given its location between the northern Mediterranean shipping lane, which links Barcelona and Tarragona Ports to the Atlantic Ocean and wider Mediterranean Basin. Ship strikes represent the greatest conservation threat for fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea. At least four fin whales have been found dead in Barcelona Port since 1986 due to ship strikes and seven live whales have been documented with injuries in the study area since 2018. Fin whale distribution was mapped with known high-risk marine vessels’ (cargo, tanker and passenger vessels) shipping lanes. Vessel density and shipping lanes characterised by speed were considered. Collision risk was estimated monthly based on the predicted fin whale occurrence and traffic density. Several shipping lanes crossed the fin whale feeding habitat every month with an average speed of 15 kn. Cargo vessels displayed the highest ship-strike risk during April, overlapping with the peak of fin whale sightings in the critical feeding area. Slower vessel speeds (8 kn) in waters <200 m depth or along the continental shelf should be implemented along the Catalan coast, during the whale season. These suggestions should be applied into the Barcelona Port transport separation scheme. Ship strike risk for this species will persist unless active management plans are adapted in the region to mitigate its risk. The article is open-access and available at: Frontiers | Ship Strike Risk for Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) Off the Garraf coast, Northwest Mediterranean Sea | Marine Science (frontiersin.org) <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.867287/full> Best regards, Beatriu Tort

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MMO Training Course 27-28 June UK
by Sam Nichols 25 May '22

25 May '22

Accredited MMO Training Course | 27-28 June 2022| Devon, UK On 27-28 June 2022, Seiche is running a comprehensive two-day course from their UK office in Okehampton, Devon, specifically aimed at those aspiring to a career in marine mammal observation (MMO). Accredited by Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) the course will give delegates a thorough insight into life offshore, the practicalities of the role and preparation for those embarking on a career as a MMO. A mixture of classroom and practical boat sessions are delivered by their approved trainer who has over 10 years' MMO and marine mammal experience. The course starts in the classroom with a look at what exactly an MMO does, exploring: how noise impacts marine mammals; the legislative landscape; record-keeping; reporting requirements; and mitigation measures. Then delegates put the theory straight into practice by boarding a vessel and getting a real insight into life offshore. The course is £250 + VAT, for more information email training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> or visit https://www.seiche.com/seichetraining/jncc-marine-mammal-observer-training/ Sam Nichols Chief Operating Officer Seiche Water Technology Group Ltd T: +44(0)1409 404050 M: +44(0)759 1207572 E: s.nichols(a)seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Registered in England & Wales No. 10210943, Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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New publication on fin whale seasonal distribution in Antarctic and Australian waters based on passive acoustics
by Meghan Aulich 24 May '22

24 May '22

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new paper, “Seasonal Distribution of the Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in Antarctic and Australian Waters Based on Passive Acoustics” by Aulich MG, McCauley RD, Miller BS, Samaran F, Giorli G, Saunders BJ and Erbe C, was recently published in Frontiers in Marine Science, section Marine Megafauna. This publication is open access and freely available here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.864153 Abstract The fin whale is listed as globally vulnerable, with ongoing threats to their population, yet little is known about the distribution and movements of the Southern Hemisphere subspecies, Balaenoptera physalus quoyi. This study assesses fin whale distribution in the Southern Hemisphere analysing acoustic recordings from 15 locations in Antarctic and Australian waters from 2002 to 2019. A seasonal acoustic presence of fin whales in Antarctic waters from late austral summer to autumn (February to June) with long-term, consistent annual usage areas was identified at the Southern Kerguelen Plateau and Dumont d’Urville sites. In comparison, limited vocal presence of fin whales was observed at the Casey site. In Australian waters, fin whales were seasonally present from austral autumn to mid-spring (May to October) on east and west coasts, with a decadal pattern of acoustic presence observed at Cape Leeuwin, WA. Two migratory pathways are identified, from the Indian sector of Antarctica to the west coast of Australia and from the Pacific sector of Antarctica to the east coast of Australia. The identified seasonal distributions and migratory pathways provide valuable information to aid in monitoring the recovery of this vulnerable sub-species. We suggest the identified distribution and dispersal from the Southern Kerguelen Plateau and Dumont d’Urville sites to the west and east coasts of Australia respectively, as well as the spatial separation between Antarctic sites, provide preliminary evidence of separate sub-populations of the Southern Hemisphere sub-species of fin whale. Please feel free to contact us with any questions Respectfully, Meghan ----------------------------- Meghan Aulich (she/her) PhD candidate | Centre for Marine Science and Technology Curtin University- Perth, Western Australia Email| meghan.aulich(a)hotmail.com<mailto:meghan.aulich@hotmail.com>

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New publication on Steller and California sea lion consumption of Pacific salmon in northwest Washington
by Jonathan Scordino 24 May '22

24 May '22

Dear Colleagues, I would like to share with you a new publication on Steller and California sea lion consumption of Pacific salmon in northwest Washington. The study reports on the frequency and overall consumption estimates by species and size class of salmon by sea lions based on analysis of prey remains from scat samples. The manuscript is freely available at (PDF) Consumption of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) by California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in northwest Washington during 2010–2013 (researchgate.net) <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360739376_Consumption_of_Pacific_s…> . Abstract: Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are important to the ecology, economy, and cultures of the Pacific Northwest. Many populations of Pacific salmon in the Pacific Northwest are declining because of poor marine survival. We evaluated the role of Steller (Eumetopias jubatus) and California (Zalophus californianus) sea lions as predators of Pacific salmon. Roughly, half of the 1330 metric tons (t) of Pacific salmon eaten by Steller sea lions per year and of the 1220 t of Pacific salmon eaten by California sea lions per year in northwest Washington during 2010–2013 were coho salmon (O. kisutch). The response of Steller and California sea lions to the large run of pink salmon (O. gorbuscha) in 2011 was less than expected. Sea lions of these species rarely ate large (roughly ≥50 cm in total length) Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha), indicating that they have limited direct competition for prey with the southern resident distinct population segment of killer whales (Orcinus orca). Combined, California and Steller sea lions in northwest Washington consumed a mass of coho salmon similar to that landed by commercial fisheries in Washington State. More work on modeling the effect of the predation by California and Steller sea lions on salmon populations, particularly for coho salmon, is needed to better evaluate the conservation and productivity of Pacific salmon. -- Respectfully, Jonathan Scordino Marine Mammal Biologist Makah Fisheries Management (360) 645-3176

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New Job: Sant Chair in Marine Sciences: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
by McGowen, Michael 24 May '22

24 May '22

Dear all, The search for the next Sant Chair in Marine Sciences has launched. The link to the posting on USA Jobs is here USAJOBS - Job Announcement<https://www.usajobs.gov/job/654610800> and the paid ad that will appear in Science, Nature, and GSA Today, follows below. Please share widely! Sant Chair in Marine Sciences, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Office of the Associate Director for Science and Chief Scientist, is seeking an international leader in marine science to fill the position of Sant Chair in Marine Science (Supervisory Research Biologist). The Sant Chair conducts and oversees exceptional interdisciplinary or collaborative scholarly research at the Smithsonian and will advance a cohesive ocean science strategy that includes research, education, exhibits, major public programs, media contacts, publications, and lectures. Increasing the public’s awareness of science is at the core of the Smithsonian’s mission to increase and diffuse knowledge. The Sant Chair will develop and participate in research programs related to their area of marine science, will conduct fieldwork on a global level with a focus on enhancing the National Collections, and will oversee major, synthetic research products of exceptional scope and originality that have significant impact across disciplines. The Sant Chair will provide leadership, stimulate new collaborations, and enhance communication across the Museum’s ocean-science portfolio including the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce Florida (SMSFP) and the NMNH Ocean Science Center (OSC). The Sant Chair must also be able to advise Smithsonian leadership at all levels on scientific matters involving national and international scope, and they will represent the Smithsonian on marine initiatives and partnerships such as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The Sant Chair will join a vibrant community of research scientists at the NMNH and around the Smithsonian, a community that also includes highly specialized collections, conservation, laboratories, field stations, exhibits and education colleagues. The museum’s collections hold over 147 million biological, fossil and mineral specimens, genomic samples, cultural objects and archival materials, representing over 90% of the Smithsonian’s holdings across its 19 museums. This is a full-time, permanent executive level position to be filled as Trust (private sector, U.S. citizenship not required, proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. required). Salary starts at $ 135,468 per year, commensurate with experience. The Smithsonian Institution offers a comprehensive package of benefits. For complete requirements and application procedures, please visit: www.si.edu/ohr<https://www.si.edu/ohr/jobs_public> and refer to Announcement # EX-22-23 (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/654610800 ). Applications must be received online by 6/27/22. Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this position; starting and ending dates of job (Month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. Applicants will be notified by email when their applications are received. For more information about the position, please contact Ellen Strong, Search Committee Chair and Chair of the Department of Invertebrate Zoology, at stronge(a)si.edu<mailto:stronge@si.edu>. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. -- Michael R. McGowen, PhD Research Zoologist and Curator of Marine Mammals Curator-in-Charge, Division of Mammals Department of Vertebrate Zoology Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW Washington DC 20560 USA mcgowenm(a)si.edu

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Second Edition of the Course Diseases of Marine Mammals, Barcelona
by Mariano Domingo Alvarez 24 May '22

24 May '22

I am glad to inform you about the second edition of the international summer school course, fully presential, dedicated to Diseases of Marine Mammals, at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, from June/20 to July/8. Participants (with a limit of 30 students) will learn on the main diseases and threats that affect wild cetaceans and pinnipeds (bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, as well as anthropogenic influences and other non-infectious problems). The course will also pay attention to the methodologies of disease detection and investigation. As part of the practical training, a full necropsy of a dolphin (frozen and thawed for the course) will be performed. The course will be presential (at this time, there are no Covid-19 restrictions and teaching is face to face), from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and students are expected to spend between two and three hours per day on self-guided learning. A total of 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) will be certified once the course has been satisfactorily completed. The course is directed to veterinary medicine and marine biology graduate students in the last years of training, and to master students willing to get a comprehensive view of marine mammal diseases. Registration is open, and there are still a few seats available. For registration and further details visit the UAB web site Diseases of Marine Mammals<https://www.uab.cat/barcelona-summer-school/> For questions about the contents of the course, mail to: mariano.domingo(a)uab.cat<mailto:mariano.domingo@uab.cat> Best regards Mariano Domingo Professor del Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, UAB Investigador del Subp. Malalties Exòtiques del CReSA Programa de Sanitat Animal, IRTA [signature_3518112464] [signature_1168766894] Edifici CReSA, s/n, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Catalunya Tel.: +34 93 581 4567 +34 626164714 mariano.domingo@<applewebdata://1B5B6AA4-A69D-49E3-9534-AFE3F9CA2974/mariano.domingo@cresa.uab.cat>uab.cat<applewebdata://1B5B6AA4-A69D-49E3-9534-AFE3F9CA2974/mariano.domingo@cresa.uab.cat>

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MMO, PSO & PAM Training Courses
by Admin Team 24 May '22

24 May '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 6 June 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 7 June 2022 at a cost of £100 per person (excl. VAT) 3. PAM training on 7-9 June 2022 at a cost of £450 per person (excl. VAT) 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 [cid:image001.png@01D86F59.CDAF9B80] Admin Team Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road , Dunbar , East Lothian , EH42 1RR , Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7368 866 235<tel:M:%20+44%20(0)7368%20866%20235> T: +44 (0)1368 865 722<tel:T:%20+44%20(0)1368%20865%20722%E2%80%8B> W: www.osc.co.uk<http://www.osc.co.uk/> . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com<http://www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com/> 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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recent publication on sperm whale distribution in the South China Sea: Evidence of a nursing ground?
by songhai 24 May '22

24 May '22

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to share you our recent publications as below, hope you are interested in this paper. Mingming Liu, Wenzhi Lin, Mingli Lin, Francesco Caruso, Massimiliano Rosso, Peijun Zhang, Lijun Dong, Liang Dai, Songhai Li. (2022) Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the northern South China Sea: Evidence of a nursing ground? Deep-Sea Research Part I. 184 (2022) 103767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2022.103767. Abstract: Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are widely distributed in deep waters worldwide, yet relatively little is known about this species in the South China Sea (SCS). Here, an integrated approach was used to investigate sperm whales in this region. First, we compiled records of 28 strandings, two bycatch events, and 63 opportunistic sightings of sperm whales in the SCS, and these historical records indicated that sperm whales have occurred occasionally in the SCS. Second, we conducted four ship-based surveys from 2019 to 2021 to investigate cetaceans in the northern SCS. During these surveys, we recorded 125 cetacean sightings, including nine sperm whale sightings, with a group size of 5.1 �� 2.3 individuals (mean �� SD). Of nine sperm whale sightings, seven were determined to be nursery groups, with 1�C2 calves/juveniles per group. This finding suggests that the northern SCS might be a nursing ground for sperm whales. Twenty-two individuals were photographically identified from six groups with no resightings, indicating that there are probably more whales within the investigated area that have not been identified. Third, we tagged three adult sperm whales from a nursery group with LIMPET satellite tags on July 24, 2020. Satellite-tracking data showed that these whales occupied a relatively small area (��2200 km2) within <10 days, with an estimated travel distance of ��400 km for each individual. To conclude, this is the first study to document the frequent existence and probable residence of sperm whales in the northern SCS. Considering that sperm whales in this area may represent only a small portion of the entire SCS population, additional field surveys and biologging efforts are required to investigate sperm whales in the SCS and help reveal the broad distribution, movement patterns, and habitat preferences of this species in the region. Best Regards Songhai ------------------------------------------------------------------- Songhai Li Ph.D. & Prof. Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences 28 Luhuitou Road, Sanya, 572000, China Phone: +86-898-88222393 Email: <mailto:lish@sidsse.ac.cn> lish(a)idsse.ac.cn http://www.idsse.cas.cn/yjsgk2015/zzjg2015/yftx2015/shkxyjb2015/hybrdwyhysws xyjz2015/ <http://www.cetacean.csdb.cn/> http://www.cetacean.csdb.cn/

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recent publication on Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: Low survivals and rapid demographic decline
by songhai 24 May '22

24 May '22

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to share you our recent publications as below, hope you are interested in this paper. Wenzhi Lin, Ruiqiang Zheng, Binshuai Liu, Shenglan Chen, Mingli Lin, Mingming Liu, Wenhua Liu, and Songhai Li. (2022) Low survivals and rapid demographic decline of a threatened estuarine delphinid. Frontiers in Marine Science. 9:782680. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.782680. <https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.782680> https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.782680 Abstract: Beibu Gulf's (BBG) Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins present both a genetic differentiation and phenotypical differences from conspecifics from other areas of the South China Sea. Given the recent urbanization and industrialization in southern China, humpback dolphins from the BBG warrant conservation attention. However, this population's demographic trend is unclear, making it hard to take conservation measures. To assess the population status of humpback dolphins in the BBG, photo-identification surveys were conducted between 2015 and 2019 in the inshore region surrounding the Dafeng River Estuary, which represents the most urbanized and industrialized coastal area of the BBG region. Robust design modeling suggested a constant survival for the female adults (0.89, 95% CI: 0.83-0.94). In comparison, the survival of the juvenile and sex-undetermined adults dropped from 0.92 (95% CI: 0.75-0.98) in 2015 to 0.86 (95% CI: 0.71-0.94) in 2016 and bounced back to 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80-0.94) in 2018. The low level of survival may justify the rapid decline in the annual population size from 156 (95% CI: 133-184) in 2015 to 102 (95% CI: 98-107) in 2019. We found little impact of emigration on the dolphin demographic process. Instead, the low and fluctuating survivals, although with overlapping confidence intervals, seemingly suggested a presence of strong marine stressor(s). Our study highlighted that obtaining high-resolution data is essential to improving our understanding of the demographic dynamics. Moreover, the anthropogenic stress in the BBG region should be quantitatively studied in both temporal and spatial perspectives, to help depict the ecological response of the dolphins to anthropogenic activities. Best Regards Songhai ------------------------------------------------------------------- Songhai Li Ph.D. & Prof. Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences 28 Luhuitou Road, Sanya, 572000, China Phone: +86-898-88222393 Email: <mailto:lish@sidsse.ac.cn> lish(a)idsse.ac.cn http://www.idsse.cas.cn/yjsgk2015/zzjg2015/yftx2015/shkxyjb2015/hybrdwyhysws xyjz2015/ <http://www.cetacean.csdb.cn/> http://www.cetacean.csdb.cn/

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Stranding Biologist Position at University of Florida
by Mickey, Suzanna 23 May '22

23 May '22

University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue is a stranding network that responds to marine mammals and sea turtles in northwest Florida. We are seeking to fill a vacant stranding biologist position. The job posting and position's details can be found using this link: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/521881/ops-stranding-biologist. More information about UF Marine Animal Rescue can be found on our website: https://cdpm.vetmed.ufl.edu/services/marine-animal-rescue-program/marine-an…. Thank you! Suzanna Mickey Stranding Biologist University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue College of Veterinary Medicine mickeys(a)ufl.edu

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