May 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: First biologging data finds remarkably fast biosonar and movement strategy for Sowerby's beaked whale
by fvisser＠kelpmarineresearch.com 16 May '22

16 May '22

Dear marmam, It is our pleasure to share our recent publication on the biosonar and movement strategy of Sowerby's beaked whales. The first biologging data on this species, from individuals tagged off Terceira, Azores with Dtags, showed surprisingly fast swimming and hunting behaviour, combined with fast, high frequency echolocation. These findings suggest a much wider range of deep-sea foraging niches and strategies in beaked whales than currently expected, as well as a possibly different beaked whale response strategy to anthropogenic sounds. Link to the open access paper: https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/225/9/jeb243728/275372/Sowerby-… Authors: Fleur Visser, Machiel G Oudejans, Onno A Keller, Peter T Madsen and Mark Johnson. Abstract: Closely-related species are expected to diverge in foraging strategy, reflecting the evolutionary drive to optimize foraging performance. The most speciose cetacean genus, the mesoplodonts, are beaked whales with little diversity in external morphology or diet, and overlapping distributions. Moreover, the few studied species of beaked whales (Ziphiidae) show closely-similar foraging styles with slow, energy-conserving movement during long, deep foraging dives. This raises the question of what factors drive their speciation. Using data from animal-attached tags and aerial imagery, we test the hypothesis that two similar-sized mesoplodonts, Sowerby's (Mesoplodon bidens) and Blainville's (M. densirostris) beaked whales, exploit a similar low-energy niche. We show that, compared to the low-energy strategist Blainville's beaked whale, Sowerby's beaked whale lives in the fast lane. While targeting a similar meso/bathypelagic foraging zone, they consistently swim and hunt faster, perform shorter deep dives, echolocate at a faster rate and with higher frequency clicks. Further, extensive near-surface travel between deep dives challenges the interpretation of beaked whale shallow inter-foraging dives as management of decompression sickness. The distinctively higher frequency echolocation clicks do not hold apparent foraging benefits. Instead, we argue that a high-speed foraging style influences dive duration and echolocation behaviour, enabling access to a distinct prey population. Our results demonstrate that beaked whales exploit a broader diversity of deep-sea foraging and energetic niches than hitherto suspected. The marked deviation of Sowerby’s beaked whales from the typical Ziphiid foraging strategy has potential implications for their response to anthropogenic sounds, which appear to be strongly behaviourally-driven in other Ziphiids.

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JNCC MMO certification - Ireland
by Patrick Lyne 16 May '22

16 May '22

Dear All If interested in obtaining JNCC Marine Mammal Observer certification, I will be running a JNCC course followed by an introduction to the Irish regulatory system on the 18th and 19th of May. Next wednsday and Thursday from 9:30 to 17:30 with a one hour break for lunch and short breaks during the morning and afternoon. The course will be online based on Moodle and Zoom with exercises on marine fauna id, distance estimation and mitigation which must be passed in order to gain certification. Though it is expected that anyone with an appropriate background will have little difficulty with these exercises/exams. The course will be held in four half day sessions with the final session on the Irish regulatory system which is currently undergoing change. The part of the course on the Irish regulatory system is only available to those sitting the JNCC course as some of the relevant material is covered under that section of the course. The cost of the course is €280 and payable through paypal or bank transfer. If you wish to do this course or you have any questions please email whale(a)manadaenv.net and a userid id will be created for you to access the material on Moodle. Best regards Patrick Lyne

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New Paper: Heterogeneity in resource competition covaries with individual variation in long-term social relationships
by Alexis Levengood 15 May '22

15 May '22

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest paper on the Shark Bay Dolphins in *Behavioral Ecology*. Alexis L Levengood, Kasha Strickland, Vivienne Foroughirad, Janet Mann, Romane H Cristescu, Ewa Krzyszczyk, Céline H Frère. 2022. Heterogeneity in resource competition covaries with individual variation in long-term social relationships. *Behavioral Ecology*, arac037. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/arac037 The article can be found here: https://academic.oup.com/beheco/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/beheco… <http://track.smtpsendmail.com/9032119/c?p=iH8df4y5x1zKCko9Lo3GbygTUtJ4WajS4…> Abstract: Resource competition among conspecifics is central to social evolution, as it serves as one of the primary selective pressures of group living. This is because the degree of competition for resources impacts the costs and benefits of social interactions. Despite this, how heterogeneity in resource competition drives variation in the type and quantity of long-term social relationships individuals foster has been overlooked. By measuring male mating competition and female foraging competition in a highly social, long-lived mammal, we demonstrate that individual variation in long-term intrasexual social relationships covaries with preferred habitat and experienced resource competition, and this effect differs based on the sex of the individual. Specifically, greater resource competition resulted in fewer social preferences, but the magnitude of the effect varied by both habitat and sex, whereas for social avoidances, both the directionality and magnitude of the effect of resource competition varied by habitat and sex. Together our work shows how fine-scale variation in individual socioecological niches (i.e., unique physical and social environments) can drive extensive variation in individual social behavior (here long-term relationships) within a population, thereby broadening current theories of social evolution. Want a copy or have a question? Please feel free to get in touch: alevengo(a)gmail.com Cheers, Alexis & co-authors *Dr Alexis Levengood* (she/her) University of the Sunshine Coast School of Science, Technology, and Engineering Queensland, Australia

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New publication: Temporal-trends of OHCs in Pontoporia blainvillei
by Nara Oliveira 15 May '22

15 May '22

Dear MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new paper with you entitled "Franciscana dolphins, *Pontoporia blainvillei*, as environmental sentinels of the world's largest mining disaster: Temporal trends for organohalogen compounds and their consequences for an endangered population" recently published in Environmental Pollution. We discuss the temporal trends of organohalogen compounds in a genetically and geographically isolated population of franciscana dolphins affected by the largest environmental disaster in Brazil. You can access the article following the link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S026974912200584X?via… Abstract: On November 5th, 2015, the Fundão dam collapsed in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, releasing millions of cubic meters of mud containing mining residue into the Doce River. Two weeks later, the mud arrived to the marine environment, triggering changes in franciscana dolphin habitat, *Pontoporia blainvillei*, from Franciscana Management Area Ia. This is an isolated population of the most endangered cetacean species in the South Atlantic Ocean. Organohalogen compounds <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/organohal…> (OHCs) may pose a threat to this endangered population because of their endocrine disrupting properties. Hence, this study sought to determine if there were differences in the bioaccumulation profile of OHC (PCBs, DDTs, Mirex, HCB <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/hexachlor…> , HCHs <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/hch>, PBDEs <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/pbde>, PBEB, HBBZ and MeO-BDEs) in franciscana dolphins before and after dam collapse and to build a temporal trend. Blubber of 33 stranded individuals was collected in Espírito Santo state for organohalogen <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/organohal…> assessment between 2003 and 2019. Differences were found between franciscana dolphins collected prior to and after the disaster. Additionally, significant temporal trends for organochlorine pesticides <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/organochl…> and natural and anthropogenic organobromine were detected. The increase in pesticide concentrations after 2015 is suggestive of their reavailability in the environment. The decline in organobromine over time could be due to their debromination in the marine environment and alterations in the composition of their natural producers. PCBs remained stable during the period of the study. Our findings show an increase in endocrine disruptor <https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/endocrine…> concentrations, which is of great concern for this endangered population. Please, do not hesitate to contact us! Kind regards, -- *MSc. Nara de Oliveira Ferreira* _____________________________________________________________ *Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA -UERJ)* Mestre em Ecologia e Evolução - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Doutoranda em Biofísica - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Contato: + 55 21 98585.9916

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New Paper: Calf-directed aggression as an infanticide attempt in Pacific white-sided dolphins (Leanne Rosser)
by Leanne Rosser 14 May '22

14 May '22

Hello everyone, On behalf of our team here in Japan at Mutsu Bay Dolphin Research, I would like to announce the publication of our new paper: 'Calf-directed aggression as a possible infanticide attempt in Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens).' Our latest work has been published in the current issue of Aquatic Mammals and can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.273 Abstract: We report the first case of conspecific calf-directed aggression in Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) as a possible infanticide attempt in Mutsu Bay, Japan. Our observation of a 75-minute-long persistent attack on a neonate was performed by 10 attackers (4 adult males, 1 possible male, and 5 of unknown sex) and left the neonate with visible injuries. Only one individual was recorded for the entirety of the event and was regarded as the suspected mother, displaying protective behaviours towards the neonate as well as being the target of coercive guarding and sexual behaviours, such as mounting, by the attackers. The observation featured a distinct group composition change in which after 50 minutes the attack was taken over by a new group of attackers. There was a brief overlap between the groups in which some dolphins from the first group surfaced with the second. Excluding the mother and calf, only two individuals that were observed towards the end of the first group attack, remained with the second group until the end of the observation. The first group of attackers did not make further aggressive attempts on the neonate or presumed mother, and no conflict between the two groups was witnessed. The second group continued the attack with significantly increased aggression and a greater array of behavioural types than the first, often dividing into two approximately 5-10 m distanced subgroups, one that herded the suspected mother and another that focused on attacking the neonate. Our study analysed the frequency and variety of behavioural types used in the attack and compared them between individuals and the two separate attack groups. The group change we observed is absent from the literature on conspecific calf-directed attacks in other cetacean species and, if this is an infanticide attempt, provides new insight into the social structure of Pacific white-sided dolphins. Feel free to get in touch: leannerachaelrosser(a)gmail.com Many Thanks, Leanne Rosser Mutsu Bay Dolphin Research Aomori, Japan www.konnichiwadolphin.com

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SMM Editor’s Select Series Feeding tactics of resident Brydes whales
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 13 May '22

13 May '22

Greetings Marmam, Join us on Friday May 20th, 11 am NZST (Thursday May 19th, 4 pm PDT / 7 pm EDT / 11 pm GMT) for the next SMM Seminar Editors' Select Series: Feeding tactics of resident Bryde's whales in New Zealand with Dr. Sahar Izadi of the University of Auckland. Free to attend. Registration required. Presented online on Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_90MvXhciTZ61bj-3rNwA-g 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: Baleen whales are the largest mammals on earth, but many questions about their behaviour remain unanswered as they are submerged in the pelagic environment. Among baleen whales, Bryde’s whales are one of the least known. They are a non-migrating species of baleen whale with a wide distribution. There is a small (∼ 135) year-round population of Bryde’s whales in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. We investigated their foraging behaviour using data collected by an archival tag (DTAG2), boat-based surveys, and drones. Our investigation not only revealed some interesting aspects of their foraging behaviour, but also helped us to understand other aspects of their lives such as rest. About the presenter: After receiving a masters in Marine Mammal Science from the University of St Andrews, Sahar moved to New Zealand to do a PhD at the University of Auckland. She completed her PhD on behavioural ecology of Bryde’s whales and graduated in 2019. Since then, she has been doing something completely different from marine mammal science; she is a co-founder at a tech start-up in New Zealand. But, she thinks she hasn’t distanced herself from science, still working on the papers from her PhD and believes she will get back to marine science world full time in the future. Best regards, SMM Student Members-At-Large *Ayça Eleman, Ph.D. Candidate* *Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Student* *Eric Angel Ramos, Ph.D.* -- *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 paper on Northernmost Habitat Range of Guadalupe Fur Seals in the Gulf of California.
by Hector Perez 13 May '22

13 May '22

Dear MARMAN colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to announce our recent short-note in Aquatic Mammals Journal about ¨Northernmost Habitat Range of Guadalupe Fur Seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) in the Gulf of California, México¨. Citation: Gálvez, C., Pérez-Puig, H. and F. R. Elorriaga-Verplancken. (2022). Northernmost Habitat Range of Guadalupe Fur Seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) in the Gulf of California, México. Aquatic Mammals, 48(3):223-233, DOI 10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.223 Short223 You can have access to the short-note here: https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=art… Here is the absctrat: In this short-note, we provided information on an apparent increase in the Guadalupe fur seal’s (Arctocephalus townsendi) (GFS) habitat expansion range, involving the potential establishment of the first bulls haul-out site located in the Midriff Islands Region of the Gulf of California. We highlight the relevance of increase research efforts in this area to determine their potential colonization, which is relevant due to haul-out site is located in a region where important anthropogenic activities (e.g, fishing) are performed, representing a potential risk forindividuals welfare and survival during their post-breeding migration period along the Gulf of California. Please feel free to contact us with any questions/comments or request a pdf copy. Best regards, Héctor. _______________________________________ M.C. Héctor Pérez Puig Coordinador - Programa de Mamíferos Marinos Centro de Estudios Culturales y Ecológicos Prescott College A.C. Coordinator - Marine Mammal Program Prescott College Kino Bay Center for Cultural and Ecological Studies w. www.prescott.edu/kino-bay-center/index.html<http://www.prescott.edu/kino-bay-center/index.html> e. hector.perez(a)prescott.edu<mailto:hector.perez@prescott.edu> t. (01662)-242-0024

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Marine Mammal Conference Workshops
by Polasek, Lori K (DFG) 13 May '22

13 May '22

Florida bound friends - We welcome everyone to peruse the list of 15 workshops occurring the weekend before the Maine Mammal Conference. Titles of the workshops are below, and more details can be found on the conference website (workshops<x-msg://45/workshops>). As of today, all workshops still have space, and we encourage you to attend. * Integrated Conservation Planning for Cetaceans: ICP and this workshop are intended to encourage formation of new partnerships, to increase levels of trust and understanding among conservation practitioners and stakeholders across multiple management contexts, and to expand and enhance the quality of the tools available for science-based conservation action. * Shiny tools for management tools: Using R and "shiny" to streamline marine mammal conservation: In this workshop we will demonstrate how effective conservation tools can be developed by researchers without formal computer science training using accessible, open source tools (R and RStudio). * 2nd Marine Mammal eDNA Workshop: We will bring together early-career and established researchers interested in applying emerging techniques in environmental DNA (eDNA) to marine mammal species. * Cachalote Consortium 2019- Behavior, ecology and the structure of sperm whale societies - transforming science into stewardship for ocean nomads: The Cachalote Consortium was created in 2005 with the goal of bringing together researchers from multiple disciplines to promote understanding of global patterns of sperm whale biology, ecology and conservation. * Experimental science in wild and captive marine mammals: current and future focuses, needs, and collaborations: Panel topics will include conservation technology and innovation, bioacoustics and cognition, research training, the logistics/specifics of working with facilities, etc. * Individual-based models - predictive models for studying impacts of disturbance on marine mammals: The goals of this interactive workshop are to identify key processes currently used in marine mammal IBMs and those which should be considered in future models, define alternative approaches, and outline best practices for going forward. * Marine mammal sensory systems: recent advances and emerging technologies: This workshop explores both specific and integrated marine mammal sensory systems with a focus on recent advances in this field of research as well as emerging technologies that can advance our understanding of (multimodal) sensory perception. The workshop will be supported by funding through a Scientific Meeting Grant, with funds to reimburse the workshop fee for a limited number of participants, preference given to students on a first-come-first-served basis. * Tenth International Sirenian Symposium: The Tenth International Sirenian Symposium will support and promote Sirenian conservation by providing a venue and opportunity for researchers from around the globe to present novel and relevant work. * Assessment Approaches to Support Bycatch Management for Marine Mammals: The aims of this workshop are to increase the number of marine mammal populations for which abundance and bycatch can be estimated and to help identify which fisheries are most urgently in need of mitigation. * Exploring Marine Mammal Cognition as a Conservation Tool: This multi-disciplinary workshop explores current applications and future expansions of cognitive approaches to marine mammal conservation. * Pinniped entanglement prevention and response: sharing best practices to improve safety and success: This workshop is intended to bring together pinniped researchers, managers, and responders interested in reducing global pinniped entanglements and interactions with active fishing gear. * A Research-Based Approach to Collaboration and Communication for Conservation: This interactive session uses FourSight, a research-based framework that is both universal and instinctive, to explore how people approach communication and problem solving. * Acoustic citizen science and tourism vessels - best practices and possibilities for the future: The workshop will look at the benefits, barriers, and untapped potential for utilizing platforms of opportunity, and citizen scientists, for gathering and analyzing acoustic marine mammal and environmental data. * US East Coast Offshore Wind Research Opportunities and Coordination: We propose to gather developers and scientists together to present ongoing and upcoming research, discuss collaborative and funding opportunities, and develop a more coordinated effort that minimizes redundancy, improves regional communication, and makes researchers aware of current and future funding and priority questions identified by agencies and stakeholder processes. * Win More Battles for Marine Mammals!!! Science Communication for REAL Impact: Our goal is to have participants leave 1) understanding why they must add this skill to their tool belt and 2) understanding the basics for better communication.

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Issue 48.3 of Aquatic Mammals now available online
by Kathleen Dudzinski 13 May '22

13 May '22

Dear MARMAM subscribers, The third issue of volume 48 (48.3) of Aquatic Mammals journal is published online. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published every two months with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> Happy Reading! With regards, Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Volume 48, Issue 3 (Items preceded by an ** are open access) Danielle S. Conry, P. J. Nico de Bruyn, Pierre Pistorius, Victor G. Cockcroft, and Gwenith S. Penry. (2022). Alloparental Care of a Bottlenose and Common Dolphin Calf by a Female Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Along the Garden Route, South Africa. Aquatic Mammals, 48(3), 197-202. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.197 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.197> Janmanee Panyawai and Anchana Prathep. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Status, Knowledge, and Research Gaps of Dugong in Southeast Asia. Aquatic Mammals, 48(3), 203-222. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.203 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.203> Casandra Gálvez, Héctor Pérez-Puig, and Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken. (2022). Northernmost Habitat Range of Guadalupe Fur Seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) in the Gulf of California, México. Aquatic Mammals, 48(3), 223-233. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.223 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.223> **Sarah J. Teman, Denise J. Greig, Sarah M. Wilkin, and Joseph K. Gaydos. (2022). Variability in Body Condition and Growth Rates for Rehabilitated Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Pups.Aquatic Mammals, 48(3), 234-247. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.234 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.234> **Ronald A. Kastelein, Lean Helder-Hoek, Linde N. Defillet, Laura Van Acoleyen, Léonie A. E. Huijser, and John M. Terhune. (2022). Temporary Hearing Threshold Shift in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) Due to One-Sixth-Octave Noise Bands Centered at 0.6 and 1 kHz. Aquatic Mammals, 48(3), 248-265. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.248 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.248> **Luis Santillán. (2022). Observations of Burmeister’s Porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis) in the Northern Coast of Peru. Aquatic Mammals, 48(3), 266-272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.266 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.266> Leanne R. Rosser, Tadamichi Morisaka, Yoko Mitani, and Takeshi Igarashi. (2022). Calf-Directed Aggression as a Possible Infanticide Attempt in Pacific White-Sided Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Aquatic Mammals, 48(3), 273-286. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.273 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.273> Don R. Bergfelt, Maria Vences, Danielle Merritt, Marcus Machado, Julienne Rawlins, Luis Pablo Hervé-Claude, Loveness Dzikiti, Rocio Canales, and Roberto Sanchez-Okrucky. (2022). Cortisol, Lactate, and Ammonia Plasma Concentrations Associated with Performance-Based Physical Activities in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals, 48(3), 287-295. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.287 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.3.2022.287>

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New Publication: An integrative taxonomic investigation supports the presence of distinct bottlenose dolphin species
by Ana Costa 13 May '22

13 May '22

Dear All, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent paper published first online in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. In this study we describe a species of bottlenose dolphin for the coastal waters of the US Atlantic Ocean based on an integrative taxonomic approach. We resurrected the name Tursiops erebennus and suggested the common name Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphin for this coastal bottlenose dolphin species: Costa APB, McFee W, Wilcox LA, Archer FI, Rosel PE. 2022. The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) ecotypes of the western North Atlantic revisited: an integrative taxonomic investigation supports the presence of distinct species. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac025 <https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac025> Abstract Integrative taxonomy can help us to gain a better understanding of the degree of evolutionary divergence between taxa. In the western North Atlantic (wNA), two ecotypes (coastal and offshore) of common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, exhibit some external morphological differences, and previous genetic findings suggested that they could be different species. However, their taxonomy remains unsettled. Using an integrative approach comparing traditional and geometric morphometrics, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, we evaluated evolutionary relationships between these ecotypes. We observed congruence among these lines of evidence, strongly indicating that the wNA ecotypes are following distinct evolutionary trajectories. Based on mitochondrial DNA analyses, we detected significant divergence (Nei’s dA = 0.027), unshared haplotypes and one fixed difference leading to complete diagnosability (percentage diagnosable = 100%) of the wNA coastal ecotype. We found morphological diagnosability and negligible nuclear gene flow between the wNA ecotypes. Integration of these multiple lines of evidence revealed that the wNA coastal ecotype is an independent evolutionary unit, appearing to be more closely related to coastal dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea than to their parapatric offshore neighbours, while the offshore dolphins form a relatively cohesive worldwide unit, T. truncatus. We propose that this coastal ecotype is recognized as a distinct species, resurrecting the name Tursiops erebennus. You can also contact me directly for a PDF copy (anapbccosta(a)gmail.com <mailto:anapbccosta@gmail.com>) Best, Ana

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