May 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Demographic decline of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolpin in the Beibu Gulf
by linwz＠idsse.ac.cn 05 May '22

05 May '22

Greetings MARMAM, I am pleased to announce the publication of our newest article about the demographic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the Beibu Gulf, northern South China Sea in *Frontiers in Marine Science. *Lin W, Zheng R, Liu B, Chen S, Lin M, Liu M, Liu W, Li S. Low Survivals and Rapid Demographic Decline of a Threatened Estuarine Delphinid. Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022, 9.* 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�C0.94). In comparison, the survival of the juvenile and sex-undetermined adults dropped from 0.92 (95% CI: 0.75�C0.98) in 2015 to 0.86 (95% CI: 0.71�C0.94) in 2016 and bounced back to 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80�C0.94) in 2018. The low level of survival may justify the rapid decline in the annual population size from 156 (95% CI: 133�C184) in 2015 to 102 (95% CI: 98�C107) 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. The full article is available on Frontiers | Low Survivals and Rapid Demographic Decline of a Threatened Estuarine Delphinid | Marine Science (frontiersin.org) . Best regards, Wenzhi Lin Research Associate Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Science linwz(a)idsse.ac.cn

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recent publication on mucus & breath microbiomes in northeast Pacific killer whales
by Linda Rhodes - NOAA Federal 05 May '22

05 May '22

We are pleased to share this recent publication with the community. Title: Bacterial microbiomes from mucus and breath of southern resident killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) Authors: Linda D Rhodes, Candice K Emmons, GabrielS Wisswaesser, Abigail H Wells, M Bradley Hanson Citation: *Conservation Physiology*, Volume 10, Issue 1, 2022, coac014, https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coac014 Abstract: Opportunities to assess odontocete health are restricted due to their limited time at the surface, relatively quick movements and large geographic ranges. For endangered populations such as the southern resident killer whales (SKRWs) of the northeast Pacific Ocean, taking advantage of non-invasive samples such as expelled mucus and exhaled breath is appealing. Over the past 12 years, such samples were collected, providing a chance to analyse and assess their bacterial microbiomes using amplicon sequencing. Based on operational taxonomic units, microbiome communities from SRKW and transient killer whales showed little overlap between mucus, breath and seawater from SRKW habitats and six bacterial phyla were prominent in expelled mucus but not in seawater. Mollicutes and Fusobacteria were common and abundant in mucus, but not in breath or seawater, suggesting these bacterial classes may be normal constituents of the SRKW microbiome. Out of 134 bacterial families detected, 24 were unique to breath and mucus, including higher abundances of *Burkholderiaceae*, *Moraxellaceae* and *Chitinophagaceae*. Although there were multiple bacterial genera in breath or mucus that include pathogenic species (e.g. *Campylobacter*, *Hemophilus*, *Treponema*), the presence of these bacteria is not necessarily evidence of disease or infection. Future emphasis on genotyping mucus samples to the individual animal will allow further assessment in the context of that animal’s history, including body condition index and prior contaminants burden. This study is the first to examine expelled mucus from cetaceans for microbiomes and demonstrates the value of analysing these types of non-invasive samples. Linda

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New publication: Mutual mother–pup vocal recognition in the highly colonial Cape fur,seal: evidence of discrimination of calls with a high acoustic similarity
by Mathilde Martin 04 May '22

04 May '22

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to inform you our new publication in /Animal Cognition/: *Mutual mother–pup vocal recognition in the highly colonial Cape fur seal: evidence of discrimination of calls with a high acoustic similarity* Mathilde Martin, Tess Gridley, Dorothy Fourie, Simon Elwen, Isabelle Charrier Abstract: The Cape fur seal (/Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus/) is one of the most colonial mammal species in the world. Females exclusively nurse their pups for 9 to 11 months, during which they alternate frequent foraging trips at sea with suckling periods ashore. The survival of the pup thus depends on the ability of the mother–pup pair to relocate each other among thousands of individuals. Previous work has demonstrated identity information encoded in pup-attraction (PAC) and female-attraction (FAC) calls. Here, we investigated vocal recognition between mother and pup using playbacks of PAC and FAC performed during the breeding season at Pelican Point, Namibia. Both females and pups were able to specifically discriminate the voice of their pup or their mother from non-affiliated pup or mother. Females were able to memorize previous versions of their pup’s calls (evidence of recognition up to 73 days after pup’s calls recording). Vocal recognition was demonstrated in pups from 1- to 13-weeks old age. Females and pups did not respond differently to the non-filial or non-mother (for pups) stimulus even if it had a strong acoustic similarity with the filial or mother stimulus. This suggested that Cape fur seal mother–pup pairs have high perceptual and cognitive abilities, allowing individuals to identify kin’s vocalizations in a very noisy and confusing environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would request the PDF Best regards, -- *Mathilde MARTIN* PhD Student mathilde.martin(a)universite-paris-saclay.fr Acoustic Communications Team, Department Cognition & Network Neuroscience NeuroPSI - Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience 151 rue de la Rotonde, 91400 Saclay, FRANCE https://neuropsi.cnrs.fr Tel: +33 (0)1 69 82 63 56 Email: mathilde.martin(a)universite-paris-saclay.fr Website: https://mathildemartin-research.com/

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New paper: Bottlenose Dolphin Responses to Boat Traffic Affected by Boat Characteristics and Degree of Compliance to Code of Conduct (Aleksandra Koroza & Peter G.H.Evans)
by Aleksandra Koroza 04 May '22

04 May '22

1. New paper: Bottlenose Dolphin Responses to Boat Traffic Affected by Boat Characteristics and Degree of Compliance to Code of Conduct (Aleksandra Koroza & Peter G.H. Evans) ———————————— Dear MARMAM community, We are delighted to announce the publication of our paper: Koroza, A., & Evans, P. G. (2022). Bottlenose Dolphin Responses to Boat Traffic Affected by Boat Characteristics and Degree of Compliance to Code of Conduct. Sustainability, 14(9), 5185. Abstract Levels of boat traffic in coastal seas have been steadily increasing in many parts of the world, introducing pressures on marine wildlife through disturbance. The appropriate management of human activities is important not only to preserve wildlife, but also for the local communities that depend on ecotourism for employment and their economy. This study presents further insight into bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) responses to boats in New Quay Bay (West Wales) within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation. This region is heavily dependent on wildlife tourism, and marine traffic is regulated through a long-standing Code of Conduct. Based on a long-term dataset spanning the months of April to October and the years 2010–2018, the study found that compliance to a code of human behaviour increased dolphin positive responses towards boats. Dolphin responses to individual named boats and to different boat types were examined in greater detail. Speed boats, small motorboats, and kayaks were found to break the code most often, resulting in higher rates of negative response by dolphins. Visitor passenger boats formed the majority of boat traffic in the area, and showed greater compliance than other general recreational crafts. Suggestions are made for the better protection of the coastal dolphin population, as well as the role that citizen science can play to help achieve this goal through working directly with wildlife trip boats and the recruitment of local observers. The full paper may be accessed via this link (https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095185 <https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095185>) Kind regards, Aleksandra ——————————— Aleksandra Koroza Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences Climate and Ocean Research and Education Laboratory Powstancow Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland

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Cetacean Sessions - Mother's Day May 8th
by Jared Towers 04 May '22

04 May '22

Join us on Crowdcast for Season 2 of Cetacean Sessions focused 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 Session #9 is Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8th at 7:00pm Pacific Time. In this session we will discuss why all killer whale Mums are important and how they influence orca society. Mia Lybkær Kronborg Nielsen will provide an overview of this topic including her article “A long postreproductive life span is a shared trait among genetically distinct killer whale populations” recently published in Ecology and Evolution. Presentation and discussion will be followed by live Q&A with the audience. Please visit our Crowdcast channel to register and for more information on our upcoming and past sessions. https://www.crowdcast.io/cetaceansessions Sincerely, Jared Towers Director, Bay Cetology https://baycetology.org

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Recruitment for Marine Mammal Wildlife Biologist
by Polasek, Lori K (DFG) 03 May '22

03 May '22

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Wildlife Biologist 4 in either Juneau or Anchorage! What you will be doing: The department is seeking an individual with an interest in marine mammal research and conservation with vision to lead a skilled team of scientists. The position will design, plan, coordinate, and obtain competitive funds for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Gulf and Bering Marine Mammal Program, under the umbrella of the Statewide Marine Mammal Program and subsequently administer program funds and personnel and oversee reporting and scientific research dissemination. Analyze research results and prepare manuscripts for scientific publication. Full posting link: ADFG_wildlife_biologist_4<https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/3536755/wildlife-biologi…>

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Edgewise Environmental Protected Species Observer (PSO) Online Course in May
by Kayla Hunter 02 May '22

02 May '22

Edgewise Environmental is teaching a virtual *Protected Species Observer* (PSO) course, beginning on *May 19th *and running until *June 9th*. This course is completely *online* with no at-sea practical, so it can be completed around your busy schedule. You complete 2 modules per week at your own pace with instructor meetings based on your schedule. The Edgewise Environmental PSO course shall focus on mitigation processes of offshore aspects that may impact marine mammals and sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico and aligns with the BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) and NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) criteria for Protected Species Observer certification. This certification may also be required in other areas of USA jurisdiction. Given this course does not have a practical component, we (Edgewise) require trainees to have completed a previous Marine Mammal Observer certification as well as have completed 12+ weeks of documented and dedicated marine mammal observation. Proof shall be required before being accepted to the course. To register, please email *info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com <info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com>* or visit our website, https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/training/protected-species-observer/ Kayla Hunter *Marketing and Communications Coordinator* Edgewise Environmental Ltd. St. John's, NL, Canada www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

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New article about gray whales feeding outside the Arctic
by Michelle 01 May '22

01 May '22

Dear MARMAM community My co-authors and I are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest article: Gelippi, M., Caraveo-Patiño, J., Gauger, M.F.W. *et al.* Isotopic composition of the eastern gray whale epidermis indicates contribution of prey outside Arctic feeding grounds. *Sci Rep* 12, 7055 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-10780-1 The full article can be freely read and downloaded at: https://rdcu.be/cMvgx Abstract: Eastern gray whales’ distribution range and plasticity in feeding behavior complicates the understanding of critical life-history such as pregnancy and lactation. Our goal was to determine if females who experienced gestation, gave birth, and lactated their calves, assimilated a high proportion of benthic amphipods from the Bering Sea, which are considered the species’ main prey. We used Bayesian stable isotope mixing models to estimate the probability of contribution of food items sampled along the species’ distributional range, using isotopic data on amphipods from the Bering Sea, mysids from Vancouver Island, and amphipods and polychaetes from Ojo de Liebre Lagoon. We sampled epidermal tissue from lactating females (n = 25) and calves (n = 34) and analyzed their carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition. Model outcome indicated that benthic amphipods from the Bering Sea were not the primary food for the eastern gray whale. Each mother performed a different feeding strategy, and prey from Vancouver Island were generally as important as that from the Bering Sea. Moreover, model results indicate a constant use of Ojo de Liebre Lagoon as a feeding ground. Our results appear to agree with previous studies that report continuous feeding by females to satisfy certain physiological requirements (e.g., fatty acids omega-6) during migration and breeding time. Future investigations of the isotopic composition of all those prey items that could be assimilated by the eastern gray whale emerge as critical. Both historical and recent information, that would provide insights in the species feeding ecology under past and present environmental conditions, should be considered as equally important to establish conservation and management plans. Best, Michelle -- Michelle Gelippi (PhD) Marine Biologist

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New paper: Dolphin depredation and damage accumulation on different set nets in the northeastern Mediterranean sea
by Niki Pardalou 01 May '22

01 May '22

Dear MARMAM community, We are delighted to announce the publication of our paper in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science Pardalou A, Adamidou A, Tsikliras A.C. (2022) Dolphin depredation and damage accumulation on different set nets in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2022.107866 Abstract Small-scale fisheries represent an economically marginalized sector, that struggles to balance operational costs and profit from catches. Economic revenues from catches have declined due to overfishing, and additional costs may jeopardise the sustainability of the sector. In Greece, reported net damage from interaction with marine megafauna, especially the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a common occurrence for many coastal areas, where small-scale fisheries operate. A seasonal experimental trial took place during 2016–2017 in the northern Aegean Sea, in an area where large actively swimming marine organisms other than dolphins were lacking. Three gangs of different panels of net (mixed gill nets and trammel nets) were deployed in three different depth zones. For each gang, we recorded the number, size, and position of holes on each net, and assessed overall damage. Multifactor analysis was used to identify possible links between fishing practices and damage intensity. Results showed a correlation between reduced net damage by dolphins with larger mesh sizes and increasing depth. In the case of small mesh sizes, one should seek a combination of solutions, as changes in deployment depths alone, do not seem to be adequate for the depth ranges studied. The adoption of larger than 22 mm mesh size is proposed for all set nets, to increase net selectivity and decrease accumulated damage. Fishers should focus on adjusting, substituting or even ceasing specific fishing tactics to have the lowest possible economic loss, whereas fisheries scientists, managers and policy makers must monitor and offer guidance for this transition. The full paper may be accessed via this link ( https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1e-Yu~1MBjfXZ) within the following 50 days or upon request at apardalou[(a)]bio[.]auth[.]gr or nikipardalou[(a)]gmail[.]com Kind regards, Niki ---------------------------------------------------------------- Androniki Pardalou PhD Student in Fisheries Biology Laboratory of Ichthyology, School of Biology Aristotle University of Thessaloniki UP Box 134, University Campus 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece Email : apardalou(a)bio.auth.gr Webpage : http://fishlab.bio.auth.gr Orchid: <http://goog_1051031584>https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0566-0337 ---------------------------------------------------------------

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