June 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication - Sowerby’s Beaked Whales in the Skagerrak and Adjacent Waters
by Jasmine Stavenow 25 Jun '22

25 Jun '22

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are very happy to share our new publication: "Sowerby’s Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon bidens) in the Skagerrak and Adjacent Waters: Historical Records and Recent Post-Mortem Findings.” You will find the open access publication at: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/3/3/18 <https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/3/3/18> Stavenow, J.; Roos, A.M.; Ågren, E.O.; Kinze, C.; Englund, W.F.; Neimanis, A. Sowerby’s Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon bidens) in the Skagerrak and Adjacent Waters: Historical Records and Recent Post-Mortem Findings. Oceans 2022, 3, 250–267. https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans3030018 <https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans3030018> Abstract: In contrast to sparse historical observational records, five Sowerby’s beaked whales (SBW) stranded and died in Swedish waters between 2015 and 2020. Here we summarize historical records of SBWs in the Skagerrak basin and adjacent waters. The three recent stranding events from Sweden are described, and the post-mortem findings, including diet analysis, from the five SBWs are presented. Of 30 historical records of SBWs observations since 1869, 13 (43%) were documented between 2010 and 2021, and records between July and November were the most frequent. The recent stranding events occurred in October 2015 (n = 1), August 2019 (n = 3) and July 2020 (n = 1). Four of the SBWs were examined through necropsy, and one was sampled in the field. They were all sub-adults and included a single female and four males. The causes of death were emaciation, euthanasia due to traumatic injury, and live stranding of undetermined cause. Two SBWs each had a focal bone lesion consistent with osteomyelitis. Other findings included pox-like dermatitis, trauma, focal granulomas in a lymph node and intestine, and ulceration of the stomach. CT scans were performed on the heads of two animals, with inconclusive results. Three SBWs had hard parts in the gastrointestinal tract that mainly consisted of otoliths from several fish species. An eDNA-analysis confirmed and supplemented the diet analysis, revealing 17 fish species in total, including species not previously described as prey for SBW, such as Pleuronectidae spp. The apparent increase in observational records since 2010 may indicate a shift in SBW distribution or changing threats to these animals. Our results support and expand theories on SBW movements and provide data on the biology and health of this poorly known species, which are valuable for conservation and legislation efforts. All the best, Jasmine Jasmine Stavenow, MSc Ecology and Conservation biology Programme manager | Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases National Veterinary Institute, SVA 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden | +46 18-67 52 72, +46 76-767 44 93 sva.se <http://sva.se/> , jasmine.stavenow(a)sva.se <mailto:jasmine.stavenow@sva.se>

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New Publication
by Jim Carretta - NOAA Federal 24 Jun '22

24 Jun '22

We are pleased to announce publication of our paper on assessing severity of entanglement and vessel strike whale injuries: Carretta, J.V. and A.G. Henry. 2022. Risk Assessment of Whale Entanglement and Vessel Strike Injuries From Case Narratives and Classification Trees. Frontiers In Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.863070 Abstract Entanglements and vessel strikes impact large whales worldwide. Post-event health status is often unknown because whales are seen once or over short spans that conceal long-term health declines. Well-studied populations with high site fidelity verified by photo-ID offer opportunity to confirm deaths, health declines and recoveries. We used known outcome entanglements and vessel strikes of right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) to model probabilities of deaths, health declines and recoveries with Random Forest (RF) classification trees. Variables included presence or absence of phrases from case narratives (‘deep laceration’, ‘cyamid’, ‘healing’, ‘superficial’) and a categorical variable for vessel size. Health status post-entanglement was correctly classified in 95.7% of right whale and 93.6% of humpback whale cases (expected by chance=50%). Health status post-vessel strike was correctly classified in 91.4% of right whale and 88.6% of humpback whale cases. Important variables included cyamid presence, emaciation, discolored skin, constricting entanglements, gear-free resightings, superficial or healing lacerations, and vessel size. Cross-validated RF models were applied to unknown outcome cases to estimate the probability of deaths, health declines and recoveries. Total serious injuries (probability of death or health decline > 0.50) assigned by RF were nearly equal to current injury assessment methods applied by biologists for known outcomes. However, RF consistently predicted higher serious injury totals for unknown outcomes, suggesting that current assessment methods may underestimate risk for cases lacking details or long-term observations. Advantages of the RF method include: 1) risk models are based on known outcomes; 2) unknown outcomes are assigned post-event health status probabilities; and 3) identification of important predictor variables improves data collection standards. The paper is open-access and can be downloaded at https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.863070 Sincerely, James V. Carretta * * * * * * * * * "The human spirit at least needs to believe that it is timeless and unsupervised." - Jon Young, author of *What The Robin Knows <https://what-the-robin-knows.harpercollins.com/home>* *Selected recent publications* *Carretta, J.V. and A.G. Henry. 2022. Risk assessment of whale entanglement and vessel strike injuries from case narratives and classification trees. Frontiers in Marine Science. Volume 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.863070 <https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.863070>* *Danil, K., Berman, M., Frame, E., Preti, A., Fire, S., Leighfield, T., Carretta, J., Carter, M.L., & Lefebvre, K. 2021. Marine algal toxins and their vectors in southern California cetaceans. Harmful Algae. Vol. 103, 2021.* *Jannot, J., E.J. Ward, K.A. Somers, B.E. Feist, T.P. Good, D. Lawson, and J.V. Carretta. 2021. Bayesian time-series models to estimate humpback whale entanglements in the U.S. West Coast sablefish pot fishery. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.775187 <https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.775187>* *Curtis, K.A. and Carretta, J.V., 2020. ObsCovgTools: Assessing observer coverage needed to document and estimate rare event bycatch. Fisheries Research, 225, p.105493. <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783620300102?casa_to…>* *Carretta, J.V. 2018. A machine-learning approach to assign species <https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v36/p89-98/>**to ‘unidentified’ entangled whales. Endangered Species Research <https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v36/p89-98/>**Vol. 36: 89–98 <https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v36/p89-98/>.* *Laake, J.L., M.S. Lowry, R.L. DeLong, S.R. Melin, and J.V. Carretta. 2018. Population growth and status of California sea lions. The Journal of Wildlife Management, DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21405. <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jwmg.21405>Carretta, J.V., Danil, K., Chivers, S.J., Weller, D.W., Janiger, D.S., Berman‐Kowalewski, M., Hernandez, K.M., Harvey, J.T., Dunkin, R.C., Casper, D.R., Stoudt, S., Flannery, M., Wilkinson, K., Huggins, J., and Lambourn, D.M. 2016. Recovery rates of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) carcasses estimated from stranding and survival rate data. Marine Mammal Science, 32(1), pp.349-362. <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/mms.12264>*

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Manatee Internship
by Faucett, Blake 24 Jun '22

24 Jun '22

FWC Manatee Internship-Blake Faucett The southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one Fall-Winter 2022 internship! Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship: one 6-month term from October 2022-April 2023. The expected start date for the internship is flexible if an earlier/later start date is needed. Duration of the internship is flexible if it does not work with availability, but 6 months is preferred. Working hours are typically 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 40 hours a week, with some nights and weekends required. The position is in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality/rescue reports, assist with other computer work, and participate in public outreach as needed. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is preferred. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This internship is unpaid. Housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: § A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability § A résumé describing training and experience § A list of three references § An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 https://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships/se-fl-intern/

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New publication - Estimation of High-Frequency Auditory Masking in Beluga Whales by Commercial Vessels in Cook Inlet, Alaska
by Jonathan Vallarta 24 Jun '22

24 Jun '22

Dear MARMAM colleagues, My co-author and I are excited to announce the publication of the following article in the Journal of the Transportation Research Board Estimation of High-Frequency Auditory Masking in Beluga Whales by Commercial Vessels in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Justin Eickmeier and Jonathan Vallarta. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981221103230<https://doi.org/10.1177%2F03611981221103230> Abstract: Industrial development in Cook Inlet, Alaska, has raised concerns about the decline of the resident beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) population over the past decades. Anthropogenic noise sources, such as commercial vessels, can cause auditory masking of cetacean vocalizations used in communication, navigation, and foraging. This study includes a source-level spectrum of a containership, positioned in Cook Inlet within the primary shipping channel, and audiograms obtained from a live, stranded beluga calf in Cook Inlet, in sound transmission loss modeling. The model uses a hybrid parabolic equation/raytracing solution to determine underwater sound pressure levels. Whereas the communication band of belugas can be fully masked by ambient noise and underwater radiated noise from a containership positioned at 5,000 m, the echolocation band (for navigation) is only partially masked at shorter ranges (≤2,500 m). Increased multipath reflections from the propagation of underwater noise in the upslope direction contributes significantly to the attenuation of high frequencies and minimizes masking in the echolocation band of the beluga whale. To assess the complex task of auditory masking, critical ratios were used to determine the difference between the energy of a pure tone and the noise in the masking band. A successful strategy to reduce underwater radiated noise must consider the interactions and contributions of mitigation measures that have already been shown to be effective. The technical and economic profitability of these measures will largely depend on the design, operating parameters, and mandatory requirements for a particular vessel. Best regards, Jonathan Jonathan Vallarta, PhD Underwater Acoustics Business Lead D +1 604 742 4502 O +1 604 738 2500 C +1 604 240 1715 E jvallarta(a)slrconsulting.com SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Suite 200 - 1620 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1V4 Confidentiality Notice and Disclaimer This communication and any attachment(s) contain information which is confidential and may also be legally privileged. It is intended for the exclusive use of the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, please e-mail us by return e-mail and then delete the e-mail from your system together with any copies of it. Any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of SLR Management Ltd, or any of its subsidiaries, unless specifically stated.

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New article on Guadalupe fur seal pup production (Mario A. Pardo - CICESE)
by Mario A. Pardo 24 Jun '22

24 Jun '22

Dear MARMAM'ers, We are pleased to announce the publication of our article: “Guadalupe fur seal pup production predicted from annual variations of sea surface temperature in the southern California Current Ecosystem” by A. Juárez-Ruiz, M.A. Pardo, J.C. Hernández-Montoya, F.R. Elorriaga-Verplancken, M. de los Á. Milanés-Salinas, T. Norris, E. Beier, and G. Heckel. in The ICES Journal of Marine Science. ABSTRACT - We evaluated the effects of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the southern California Current Ecosystem on the annual Guadalupe fur seal (/Arctocephalus townsendi/) pup production, a species recovering from near extinction. Pup counts from 1991 to 1993 and from 2006 to 2019 were used to estimate deviations from a long-term trend as a proxy for the population's reproductive success. We estimated interannual SSTA as a subtraction from the linear trend spanning 1991–2019 for a 778,000 km2 area, which represents the primary foraging range of adult females. The long-term increase in pup production followed an exponential curve ( R2B= 1⁠), typical of species in a recovery phase. Pup production deviations from this trend responded to SSTA during the gestation period as a cubic polynomial function (R2B= 0.837⁠), revealing that SSTA < −0.2°C and between ∼0.6 and 1.38°C increased pup production in the subsequent breeding season, whereas normal to slightly warm (−0.17 to 0.6°C) and extreme SSTA (>1.4°C) decreased pup counts, arguably resulting from low prey availability and quality. This model allowed us to estimate pup production for years without observations, needed to understand the environmental variability influence on the recovery process of this species, and therefore constitutes a practical tool for its conservation and management. The article can be obtained directly from the journal at: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac097 Or upon personal request to the authors at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361189585_Guadalupe_fur_seal_pup_p… Best wishes, -- Mario A. Pardo Research Associate CONACYT - CICESE La Paz, BCS, Mexico -- *Mario Pardo* Turquesa Specialist <https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6e199a_290c49fb6c6d49a196ee9a4bbdf8dc32~…> Chilaquiles Analyst <https://patijinich.com/es/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/07/207-chilaquile…> Compost Consultant <https://www.sirdo.com.mx/imagenes/composteros/tierracompost.jpg> Ph.D. in Beach IPA Testing <https://storage.googleapis.com/yema-plm/cms-prod/images/Captura_de_Pantalla…> M.Sc. in Margarita Development <https://myareanetwork-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/editorphotos/f/22279_15002187…> Kaia’s Drama Therapist Tika’s Behavior Enthusiast Society for the Blueberry Peanut Butter (Emeritus) <https://images.jumpseller.com/store/mi-tierra-bendita/4655673/CREMA_CACAHUA…> Black Sails & Vikings Reviewer <https://i.pinimg.com/originals/59/ee/f5/59eef538d1b43fdabe4e559550e68ff0.gif>

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New paper on grey and harbour seal distribution estimates in the UK and Ireland (Matt Carter)
by Matt Carter 24 Jun '22

24 Jun '22

Dear marmam community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new study using regional habitat preference models to estimate the at-sea distribution of grey and harbour seals in the UK and Ireland. Carter MID, Boehme L, Conin MA, Duck CD, Grecian WJ, Hastie GD, Jessopp M, Matthiopoulos J, McConnell BJ, Miller DL, Morris CD, Moss SEW, Thompson D, Thompson PM, Russell DJF (2022). Sympatric seals, satellite tracking and protected areas: habitat-based distribution estimates for conservation and management. Frontiers in Marine Science 9:872869. We present population-wide maps, alongside the first distribution estimates for specific protected areas (Special Areas of Conservation: SACs), and demonstrate their utility for ecology and marine spatial planning. We also explore the connectivity between SACs and at-sea distribution, and highlight and urgent need for further research to link trends in abundance observed at SACs to foraging areas. The paper is available for download at the following link: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.875869/full GIS resources can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.17630/f2a9cc5a-4fac-4740-937e-ed79fc907ebc Abstract: Marine predator populations are crucial to the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Like many predator taxa, pinnipeds face an increasingly complex array of natural and anthropogenic threats. Understanding the relationship between at-sea processes and trends in abundance at land-based monitoring sites requires robust estimates of at-sea distribution, often on multi-region scales. Such an understanding is critical for effective conservation management, but estimates are often limited in spatial extent by spatial coverage of animal-borne tracking data. Grey (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) are sympatric predators in North Atlantic shelf seas. The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland represents an important population centre for both species, and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated for their monitoring and protection. Here we use an extensive high-resolution GPS tracking dataset, unprecedented in both size (114 grey and 239 harbour seals) and spatial coverage, to model habitat preference and generate at-sea distribution estimates for the entire UK and Ireland populations of both species. We found regional differences in environmental drivers of distribution for both species which likely relate to regional variation in diet and population trends. Moreover, we provide SAC-specific estimates of at-sea distribution for use in marine spatial planning, demonstrating that hotspots of at-sea density in UK and Ireland-wide maps cannot always be apportioned to the nearest SAC. We show that for grey seals, colonial capital breeders, there is a mismatch between SACs (where impacts are likely to be detected) and areas where impacts are most likely to occur (at sea). We highlight an urgent need for further research to elucidate the links between at-sea distribution during the foraging season and population trends observed in SACs. More generally, we highlight that the potential for such a disconnect needs to be considered when designating and managing protected sites, particularly for species that aggregate to breed and exhibit partial migration (e.g. grey seals), or spatial variation in migration strategies. We demonstrate the use of strategic tracking efforts to predict distribution across multiple regions, but caution that such efforts should be mindful of the potential for differences in species-environment relationships despite similar accessible habitats. Best wishes, Dr Matt Carter Research Fellow, Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews midc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:midc@st-andrews.ac.uk>

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JOB POSTING: IFAW Bycatch Project Coordinator
by Livermore, Sharon 24 Jun '22

24 Jun '22

JOB POSTING (independent contractor) Bycatch Project Coordinator Location: France Term: 24 month contract (from Aug 2022) Closing date: 8th July 2022 The conservation and welfare of the Northeast Atlantic common dolphin is threatened by high and unsustainable levels of bycatch in fishing gear in NW European waters. Common dolphins have been entangled in fishing gear in high numbers for at least 30 years and scientists have calculated that since 1997, between 3,600 and 4,700 dolphins were bycaught per year on average. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in strandings along the French and Spanish coastlines of the Bay of Biscay. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is seeking a knowledgeable, experienced and engaging individual to coordinate our Bay of Biscay bycatch project. The project will focus primarily on building the support needed for urgent conservation measures to significantly reduce the high number of incidental catches of dolphins in the Bay of Biscay through alliance and network building; targeting key stakeholders to encourage, support and drive regulatory change to address this threat. The campaign will be supported by public awareness and engagement activities, to raise awareness of this issue and gather support for positive regulatory changes for the conservation of the Northeast Atlantic common dolphin. IFAW is seeking an experienced bycatch project co-coordinator to undertake the following key campaign objectives: * Provide recommendations, expert advice, tactical and strategic insight to IFAW on the Bay of Biscay bycatch issue * Join and participate in relevant working groups in France, developing collaborative relationships with key stakeholders * Build and maintain relationships with political stakeholders, both at the Member State and Commission level, pushing for urgent action with the aim of achieving positive changes in policy and legislation * Liaise and build relationships with scientists, researchers and strandings networks to help inform project focus and development * Identify and assess specific opportunities for pragmatic, collaborative work and respond to relevant developments within the public policy environment, capitalising upon opportunities to push IFAW's priority policy calls At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds. For further details of experience and skills required, and to apply visit: https://www.ifaw.org/fr/news/bycatch-project-coordinator The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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New paper on impacts of entanglement on North Atlantic right whales
by Dr Robert Schick, Ph.D. 24 Jun '22

24 Jun '22

On behalf of my co-authors, I’m pleased to announce the publication of our paper on the impacts of entanglements on the health and vital rates of NARW. The paper was recently published in Conservation Science and Practice: Fishing gear entanglement threatens recovery of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales Amy R. Knowlton, James S. Clark, Philip K. Hamilton, Scott D. Kraus, Heather M. Pettis, Rosalind M. Rolland, Robert S. Schick First published: 14 June 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12736 https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.12736 Abstract North Atlantic right whales frequently become entangled in fishing gear, which can negatively affect their reproductive output and probability of survival. We estimated individual whale health from a hierarchical Bayesian model fit to photographic indices of health. We reviewed 696 whales sighted from 1980 to 2011 and assigned 1196 entanglement events to 573 individuals in six categories of increasing injury severity and estimated monthly median health scores (0–100 scale) for the duration of their life within the study period. We then quantified the relationship between entanglement injury events and their severity with survival, reproduction, and population health. Severe entanglements resulted in worse health for all whales—males and females with severe injuries were eight times more likely to die than males with minor injuries. Females with severe injuries that survived had the lowest birth rates. Though the relationship between entanglement and fecundity was complex, we found that as the health of reproductively active females declined, their calving intervals increased. Unimpacted whale health scores declined significantly over three decades, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, suggesting food limitations may be contributing to population-wide health declines. Decadal health scores of entangled whales showed a more notable reduction in health suggesting a clear and perhaps synergistic effect.

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New publication: Pathological Studies and Postmortem Computed Tomography of Dolphins with Meningoencephalomyelitis and Osteoarthritis Caused by Brucella ceti
by Gaby Hernandez 23 Jun '22

23 Jun '22

Dear colleagues, We are very happy to share our most recent publication on the "Pathological Studies and Postmortem Computed Tomography of Dolphins with Meningoencephalomyelitis and Osteoarthritis Caused by Brucella ceti" You will find the open-access publication at: *https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/3/2/14 <https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/3/2/14>* Granados-Zapata, A.; Robles-Malagamba, M.J.; González-Barrientos, R.; Kot, B.C.-W.; Barquero-Calvo, E.; Cordero-Chavaría, M.; Suárez-Esquivel, M.; Guzmán-Verri, C.; Palacios-Alfaro, J.D.; Tien-Sung, C.; Moreno, E.; Hernández-Mora, G. Pathological Studies and Postmortem Computed Tomography of Dolphins with Meningoencephalomyelitis and Osteoarthritis Caused by *Brucella ceti*. *Oceans* 2022, *3*, 189-203. https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans3020014 *Abstract* Cetacean neurobrucellosis is a common cause of strandings in Costa Rica diagnosed by serology, bacteriology, and histopathology. Pathological studies were performed on 18 dolphins. Twelve were scanned by postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) as a complementary tool for describing neurobrucellosis and osteoarticular alterations associated with Brucella ceti infections. The central nervous system (CNS) and the skeleton of five dolphins not infected with B ceti did not reveal alterations by PMCT scanning. Seven Brucella-infected dolphins showed at least bilateral ventriculomegaly associated with hydrocephalus and accumulation in CSF in the lateral ventricles. We performed semiquantitative grading of the inflammatory process in the different areas of the CNS and evaluated the thickness of the cellular infiltrate in the meninges and the perivascular cuffs. The results for the severity grading were graphed to provide an injury profile associated with each area of the CNS. Age is not a decisive factor regarding neurobrucellosis presentation. The severity of ventriculomegaly by PMCT does not directly correlate with the severity of the inflammatory index determined by histopathological parameters of the brain cortex and other CNS regions, suggesting that these processes, although linked, are multifactorial and need further characterization and validation to establish better cutoffs on the PMCT Please feel free to contact us for any questions you may have. Best regards, Gabriela Hernández -- Gabriela Hernández Mora, PhD, M.Sc, DVM Coordinadora Laboratorio de Bacteriología Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal, SENASA Costa Rica Tel +506 25871837 gabriela.hernandez.m(a)senasa.go.cr- gabbytica(a)gmail.com Skype: gabbytica https://iwc.int/management-and-conservation/strandings/expert-advisory-pane… Gabriela Hernández Mora PhD, M.Sc, DVM Chief Bacteriology Laboratory National Service of Animal Health, SENASA SENASA-Costa Rica Tel +506 25871837 gabriela.hernandez.m(a)senasa.go.cr- gabbytica(a)gmail.com Skype: gabbytica https://iwc.int/management-and-conservation/strandings/expert-advisory-pane…

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Review on marine mammal bioenergetic modelling
by Enrico Pirotta 23 Jun '22

23 Jun '22

Dear MARMAM colleagues, I am pleased to announce that the following review paper is now available online: Enrico Pirotta. A review of bioenergetic modelling for marine mammal populations. Conservation Physiology 10(1), coac036. Please note that this is part of a Special Issue in Conservation Physiology, so stay tuned for more reviews on specific aspects of bioenergetic modelling in marine mammals. Abstract: Bioenergetic models describe the processes through which animals acquire energy from resources in the environment and allocate it to different life history functions. They capture some of the fundamental mechanisms regulating individuals, populations and ecosystems and have thus been used in a wide variety of theoretical and applied contexts. Here, I review the development of bioenergetic models for marine mammals and their application to management and conservation. For these long-lived, wide-ranging species, bioenergetic approaches were initially used to assess the energy requirements and prey consumption of individuals and populations. Increasingly, models are developed to describe the dynamics of energy intake and allocation and predict how resulting body reserves, vital rates and population dynamics might change as external conditions vary. The building blocks required to develop such models include estimates of intake rate, maintenance costs, growth patterns, energy s! torage and the dynamics of gestation and lactation, as well as rules for prioritizing allocation. I describe how these components have been parameterized for marine mammals and highlight critical research gaps. Large variation exists among available analytical approaches, reflecting the large range of life histories, management needs and data availability across studies. Flexibility in modelling strategy has supported tailored applications to specific case studies but has resulted in limited generality. Despite the many empirical and theoretical uncertainties that remain, bioenergetic models can be used to predict individual and population responses to environmental change and other anthropogenic impacts, thus providing powerful tools to inform effective management and conservation. Keywords: population consequences of disturbance, pinnipeds, individual-based modelling, energy budgets, cetaceans, bioenergetic models. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article-abstract/doi/10.1093/conphys/coac0… Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any question. Best Regards, Enrico

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