July 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication : Humpback Whales in Nicaragua
by Association ELI-S 11 Jul '22

11 Jul '22

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recent publication in Marine and Freshwater Research. De Weerdt, J., Calambokidis J., Pouplard E., Pouey-Santalou V., Patulny C., Kochzius M., Clapham P. 2022. Abundance, distribution and behavior of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, Central America. Marine and freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF21326. Abstract. Context. Previous research has shown the presence of an endangered humpback whale population breeding off the Pacific coast of Central America. However, little is known about the density, size, social-group structure and spatial habitat use of this subpopulation. Aim. The study goal was to characterise a potential breeding subpopulation of humpback whales in the waters off Nicaragua. Five objectives were used to achieve this goal: (1) estimate abundance, (2) determine encounter rates, (3) define group composition, (4) assess distribution, and (5) document habitat-use patterns. Method. Boat-based surveys were conducted between November and April at two study sites along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua in the winters of 2004–2008 and 2016–2020. Key result. Inter-annual mark–recapture estimates did not yield a reliable estimate of abundance. Encounter rates were lower for the northern study site than for the southern site. Group composition consisted of groups with calves, singers and competitive males. Conclusion. These results confirmed that Nicaragua is a breeding area based on known breeding-ground behaviours observed in other areas, and similar environmental characteristics. Implication. Distinct habitats were found at the two study sites, suggesting that Central American humpback whales might use different areas within the broader Central American breeding range according to their needs and activity. Send me an email to receive a preprint of the paper. If you wish to support this project you can order an original whale bracelet that is handmade and custom made by Association ELI-S. https://eli-s.com/shop/ or consider a donation <https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6DCP5GMKBKYLA> Best regards, *Joëlle De Weerdt* *Become a donor of our project o <https://www.helloasso.com/associations/association%20eli%20s/collectes/cons…>n our Patreon Page <https://www.patreon.com/AssociationELIS>* PhD Candidate VUB Project director of Cetacean conservation of Nicaragua --------------------- www.eli-s.com Find us on : Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/AssociationELIS>, Instagram <http://www.instagram.com/association.elis>, Twitter <http://twitter.com/ELI_Scientific>, Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjeseHPDvE6pq-MmoZXWNkg> Use lilo as research engine and support our project here <https://www.lilo.org/fr/eli-scientific/>

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HDR | Technical Project Manager | Virginia Beach, VA location
by Engelhaupt, Daniel 11 Jul '22

11 Jul '22

HDR is currently in need of a Technical Project Manager for our Virginia Beach, VA location. The ideal candidate will have project management expertise, an extensive knowledge of Marine Science emphasizing the effects of underwater sound to marine mammals, as well as experience monitoring marine mammal abundance, distribution, and/or behavioral responses to stimuli. This position will assist in a wide range of project management, boat and aircraft-based fieldwork, and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the Norfolk, VA area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas but also including occasional projects in the Pacific Ocean region. Primary Responsibilities In the role of Technical Project Manager, we'll count on you to: * Provide project management east-coast based aircraft surveys including Navy client project-management, fieldwork, and reporting needs warrants the justification of this new hire to our team. * Involved in Atlantic-based small boat tagging efforts, data processing, and annual reporting efforts. * Manage multiple projects from conception, planning, budgeting, and completion. * Anticipated concentration of work assignments would be concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas. * This position will assist in a wide range of project management and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the Norfolk, VA area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Ocean areas but also including the Pacific Ocean region. This position may require effort monitoring from small twin-engine aircraft as well as from small and large vessels. * Perform other duties as needed Required Qualifications * Masters or Ph.D. Degree in Marine Biology or a related field * Must have a minimum of 3+ years of experience managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal biology or behavior in a consulting or university-related research capacity; ideally this would include a background of direct interface with customers, and regulatory experience in a combination of Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance. * Have Project Manager consulting expertise along with an extensive marine science background with specific interests focused on one or more of the following: marine mammal behavior, abundance, distribution, behavioral responses to stimuli, and/or understanding the effects of underwater sound on marine mammals. * Be detail oriented to perform work accurately in a team-oriented environment and have the demonstrated ability to direct the work of others including subcontractors. * Demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and a demonstrated history of team-oriented performance. * Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills such as writing procedures, guides, and/or studies * Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research skills * Ability to work independently and as part of a team * An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must * Ability to travel up to 25%. Applicants can anticipate limited travel throughout the U.S. * Qualified candidates must have the ability to obtain a security clearance at the secret level. Preferred Qualifications * Knowledge of U.S. Navy training, oil and gas development, construction noise monitoring, or offshore renewable energy activities a plus. * Unmanned aerial systems experience with FAA certification a plus but not required to apply * MATLAB and/or R Studio programming experience a plus but not required to apply Direct Link To Job Description: Technical Project Manager (ID: 167139) https://hdr.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=167139&lang=en&sns…<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhdr.taleo…> For more information about working for HDR, please see: https://www.hdrinc.com/careers/working-hdr<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hdrin…> Direct Link To Job Description on MARMAM's website: Technical Project Manager - Society for Marine Mammalogy (marinemammalscience.org)<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmarinemam…> Eric Howell Senior Recruiter HDR Mahwah, NJ D 201-335-9457 M 201-749-0630 eric.howell(a)hdrinc.com<mailto:eric.howell@hdrinc.com> hdrinc.com/follow-us<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhdrinc.com…> Dan Engelhaupt, Ph.D. Program Manager HDR 4144 Hermitage Point Virginia Beach, VA 23455 M 757.354.6735 Daniel.Engelhaupt(a)hdrinc.com<mailto:Daniel.Engelhaupt@hdrinc.com>

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Invitation to SMM Workshop "Cachalote Consortium"
by Niki Diogou 11 Jul '22

11 Jul '22

Dear colleagues, The SMM Workshop “Cachalote Consortium” is also going virtual on the 30th of July. Everyone interested in attending virtually -even if not registered for the conference- and perhaps want to present work on sperm whales is invited. Email us at nikitsoto01(a)hotmail.com and sarah.mesnick(a)noaa.gov<mailto:sarah.mesnick@noaa.gov>. The Cachalote Consortium was created in 2005 with the goal of bringing sperm whale researchers from multiple disciplines together to promote understanding of global patterns of sperm whale biology, ecology and conservation. The workshop in Florida continues this tradition and will provide a forum for presenting progress, trading ideas, exchanging and standardizing methodologies, identifying knowledge gaps, inspiring new collaborations and fostering the next generation of sperm whale scientists. In parallel with the goals of the Biennial, we are encouraging you to share your ideas on the science and conservation of sperm whale societies and to present your use of technologies (traditional and novel) that promote understanding of sperm whales at multiple scales: social, regional and global. We anticipate organizing this year's workshop by topic, with short presentations followed by panel and group discussion. There will be two coffee breaks and a lunch break for casual interactions too. Depending on your interests and responses to the questions below we will organize the speakers by topic, such as (but not limited to): "distribution and habitat", "human impacts and fishery interactions", "social relations, structure and behavior", "predators and prey", "anatomy and physiology", etc. Please share with us the ideas you have for giving a talk and those that you would like to discuss. As we prepare for the workshop, please answer each of the following questions by this coming Friday, 15 July 2022. 1. Would you like to give a short data presentation of your work (5-10 min using PowerPoint)? If yes, what is the title? 2. Would you like to give a short description of the topic of your research (3 min with/without PowerPoint presentation)? If yes, what is your title? 3. Are there special topics or ideas you'd like to discuss? If yes, please describe. 4. Is there video, photographs or recordings of sperm whales that you'd like to share - especially ones that highlight unusual behavior or observations? If yes, please describe and note the length of the video. We welcome amazing visuals from the field. Looking forward to hearing from you. Best regards, Sarah & Niki sarah.mesnick(a)noaa.gov<mailto:sarah.mesnick@noaa.gov> nikitsoto01(a)hotmail.com<mailto:nikitsoto01@hotmail.com>

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Abundance estimation of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise using PAM
by Julia Carlström 10 Jul '22

10 Jul '22

Dear colleagues, On behalf of an international team of 33 authors, I am pleased to announce the publication Amundin, M., Carlström, J., Thomas, L., Carlén, I., Koblitz, J., Teilmann, J., Tougaard, J., Tregenza, N., Wennerberg, D., Loisa, O., Brundiers, K., Kosecka, M., Kyhn, L. A., Tiberi Ljungqvist, C., Sveegaard, S., Burt, M. L., Pawliczka, I., Jussi, I., Koza, R., ... Benke, H. (2022). Estimating the abundance of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) population using passive acoustic monitoring. Ecology and Evolution, 12, e8554. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8554 The paper was first published with an erroneous order of authors, which now has been corrected. The paper is open access. Abstract: Knowing the abundance of a population is a crucial component to assess its conservation status and develop effective conservation plans. For most cetaceans, abundance estimation is difficult given their cryptic and mobile nature, especially when the population is small and has a transnational distribution. In the Baltic Sea, the number of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) has collapsed since the mid-20th century and the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and HELCOM; however, its abundance remains unknown. Here, one of the largest ever passive acoustic monitoring studies was carried out by eight Baltic Sea nations to estimate the abundance of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise for the first time. By logging porpoise echolocation signals at 298 stations during May 2011-April 2013, calibrating the loggers' spatial detection performance at sea, and measuring the click rate of tagged individuals, we estimated an abundance of 71-1105 individuals (95% CI, point estimate 491) during May-October within the population's proposed management border. The small abundance estimate strongly supports that the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is facing an extremely high risk of extinction, and highlights the need for immediate and efficient conservation actions through international cooperation. It also provides a starting point in monitoring the trend of the population abundance to evaluate the effectiveness of management measures and determine its interactions with the larger neighboring Belt Sea population. Further, we offer evidence that design-based passive acoustic monitoring can generate reliable estimates of the abundance of rare and cryptic animal populations across large spatial scales. Kind regards, Julia Carlström [cid:image001.gif@01CFE190.DF0F5D20] Julia Carlström Curator, PhD Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring Office: +46 (0)8 5195 4190 Mobile: +46 (0)733 120 787 julia.carlstrom(a)nrm.se<mailto:julia.carlstrom@nrm.se> Swedish Museum of Natural History P.O. Box 50007 SE-104 05 Stockholm Visitng address: Frescativägen 40 www.nrm.se<http://www.nrm.se/>

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Behavioral responses to spatial heterogeneity in endangered Ganges River dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica)
by SHAMBHU PAUDEL 08 Jul '22

08 Jul '22

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our recent publication in Water Biology and Security: Paudel, S., Koprowski, J. L., Thakuri, U., Sasaki-Yamamoto, Y., & Kohshima, S. (2022). Behavioral responses to spatial heterogeneity in endangered Ganges River dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica). *Water Biology and Security*, 100058. Behavioral responses to spatial heterogeneity in endangered Ganges River dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica) - ScienceDirect <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772735122000786?utm_cam…> Abstract Globally, the threat of endangerment and extinction of small cetaceans was highlighted after the recent extinction of the Chinese River dolphin or Baiji (*Lipotes vexillifer*). Species with a small population size and a limited geographic range, such as Ganges River dolphins (GRD), are more vulnerable to extinction. The social and behavioral needs of cetaceans have been identified as potential factors increasing their vulnerability to human disturbance. However, little is known about how GRD adapt their behaviors and diel activity patterns to spatiotemporal variation. In this paper, we examined the underwater behavior of GRDs in Nepal by collecting echolocation clicks from three spatially stratified habitats in the Sapta Koshi River system over a six-month period. Our research found that GRDs behave differently in response to spatial heterogeneity, indicating diverse environmental requirements for GRD persistence. Behavioral activity and duration varied across habitats but not across time of day, suggesting that GRD behaviors are likely to be regulated by habitat structure regardless of the time of day. However, GRD consistently exhibited nocturnal activity peaks even when diurnal activity varied substantially. This indicates that river dolphins may favor nocturnal refuges as a reaction to human disturbance in highly regulated rivers. Managing human disturbances in conjunction with habitat heterogeneity can improve the persistence of riverine cetaceans. Here, we document behavioral and ecological information pertaining to GRD, which is essential to the formation of river dolphin recovery plans that link ecological perspectives to planning and management. -- *Shambhu Paudel, PhD* *School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA, **Cell: 520-331-3137*

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SMM2022 Conference COVID Guidelines
by Amy Hirons 08 Jul '22

08 Jul '22

Aloha SMM2022 Attendees! We were hoping that COVID would be a thing of the past by the time SMM2022 rolled around. Instead, it looks to be our new permanent norm. So here are some recommended guidelines to help everyone have a safe conference. 1. Masks - We are not able to mandate mask wearing for this conference. However, we strongly encourage and appreciate liberal wearing of masks! If you forget your mask, we can provide one for you at the conference registration desk. 2. Embrace Social Distancing - * Go slow with your hellos! We know it has been years since you have seen some of your friends, but we all have different comfort zones as we navigate the pandemic. When you see someone, ask how they want to be greeted - waves from a few feet away, fist bumps, or much needed hugs. * During sessions, sit with your pod and socially distance as much as possible. If you want space between you and others, please place a piece of paper on each side of you to block off those seats. As you look for a place to sit, please be respectful of others' need for space. * When it isn’t too hot outside, take your conversations out to the many beautiful outdoor spaces. 3. Monitor your health status. * Morning self-check. If you have a fever, cough, or any other symptoms, please stay back in your room. Much of the conference's live content will be available to you on the conference app! * Starting to feel off during the meeting…please duck out asap! 4. Hand sanitizer will be located in various locations throughout the convention center. Please feel free to utilize it regularly. SMM2022 Conference Committee Amy C. Hirons, PhD Professor Director, Charismatic Megafauna and Oceanography Laboratory Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center Nova Southeastern University 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania Beach, FL 33004 (o) 954-262-3620 (OC) (f) 954-262-4098 hirons(a)nova.edu Pronouns: she, her(s) hirons(a)nova.edu<mailto:hirons@nova.edu> https://works.bepress.com/amy-hirons/about/ http://nsuoc-cmol.weebly.com/ Conference Co-Chair, SMM2022 [cid:4778fcb4-80dd-48c0-8f59-5fb0f10172e8] [cid:6b1e1a34-f049-4de7-8357-9be7cfec79e0]

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New articles on harbor seal open water grouping behavior and kleptoparasitism by bald eagles during marine mammal foraging events
by Cindy Elliser 08 Jul '22

08 Jul '22

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am happy to announce our two recent publications in Behaviour: *Open water grouping behaviour in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) of the Salish Sea* Cindy R. Elliser, David Anderson, Trevor Derie, Katrina MacIver, and Laurie Shuster Article link: https://brill.com/view/journals/beh/aop/article-10.1163-1568539X-bja10175/a… Abstract: Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) commonly form larger congregations at haul out locations during times of rest and pupping season, but are generally thought to be solitary at sea. Occasionally larger clusters of individuals may be observed swimming near haul out sites, forced bottlenecking channels or mouths of rivers with concentrated prey and restricted space. Recently, isolated occurrences of mass gatherings of harbour seals have been observed in the Salish Sea that were distanced from haul out sites (over 1 km away) or forced bottlenecking regions. In April-June (but primarily May) 2019–2021 juvenile and adult harbour seals in Burrows Pass (Anacortes, WA, USA) were observed in large groups (N=31) ranging in size from 6–50 individuals (x‾=16.8) within 1-2 body lengths of each other and periodically diving down seemingly hunting and chasing prey. These groupings primarily occurred during flood and slack high tides. Based on the surface level activity observed, habitat type, the frequency of individuals using the area for foraging year round and the tidal preferences during the occurrences, it is likely these are foraging events. Similar large groups have been documented (N=10) in the South Puget Sound and Central Puget Sound, first observed in 2016 and officially documented in February of 2017. These groupings (from 20–30 to 150+) occurred year round and at varied tidal states. While some sightings were obviously foraging behaviour, others appeared to be resting, traveling or socializing. Open water behaviour of harbour seals is not well documented, and a literature review found no other published accounts of large in-water groupings. Investigation of ecological relationships (like prey spawning, prey abundance, or other environmental correlates) and observation of underwater harbour seal behaviour will aid in determining the reason for this seemingly novel behaviour. and *Kleptoparasitic interactions by bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) during marine mammal foraging events* Cindy R. Elliser, Ciera Edison, Katrina MacIver, and Lauren B. Rust Article link: https://brill.com/view/journals/beh/aop/article-10.1163-1568539X-bja10177/a… Abstract: Stealing of food items from another animal, or kleptoparasitism, has been well studied in bird species. Bald eagles are known kleptoparasites of other birds and occasionally other species, however kleptoparasitic interactions with mammals are relatively uncommon. We describe instances of bald eagles taking, or attempting to take, fish and mammal prey from three species of cetaceans (bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena vomerina) and killer whales (Orcinus orca)) and one species of pinniped (harbour seal (Phoca vitulina richardii)) on the east and west coast of the United States of America. We discuss possible drivers of this emerging behaviour, including bald eagle population increases, reductions in other prey abundance, and changes in prey choice (for harbour porpoises). Further research is needed to determine if this behaviour is opportunistic in nature, or a more common foraging strategy. Best, Cindy Cindy Elliser, PhD Research Director Pacific Mammal Research www.pacmam.org 360-202-2860

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New publication on population assessment and feeding ecology on a new colony of the Guadalupe fur seal on the Gulf of California, Mexico
by José Ángel Ortega Borchardt 07 Jul '22

07 Jul '22

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our recent publication in *Marine Mammal Science* : Barba-Acuña, I. D., Gallo-Reynoso, J. P., Guevara-Medina, M. Á., Markaida, U., & Ortega-Borchardt, J. Á. (2022). Population assessment and feeding ecology on a new colony of the Guadalupe fur seal (*Arctocephalus philippii townsendi*) on Farallón de San Ignacio Island, Gulf of California, Mexico. *Marine Mammal Science*, https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12953 Note summary: The Guadalupe fur seal (*Arctocephalus philippii townsendi*) was commercially extinct in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its populations are now recovering. Guadalupe Island is the only breeding colony. We found a new colony on Farallón de San Ignacio Island, in the southern Gulf of California. This island is used as a resting and foraging colony mainly by juveniles and subadults during autumn-winter. Fur seals fed mainly on ommastrephid squids during the early colonization stages. The continued monitoring of this species is necessary for understanding its dispersal behavior and use of terrestrial habitat at Farallón de San Ignacio Island and other islands of the Gulf of California. This is important information for the conservation and management of this endangered species that is colonizing islands in the southern Gulf of California. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. All the best, M.C. José Ángel Ortega Borchardt +52 (662) 137 6171 ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jose-Ortega-Borchardt>

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Bioacoustics Stack Exchange is LIVE!
by Emily T. Griffiths 07 Jul '22

07 Jul '22

The Bioacoustics Stack Exchange has reached Beta and is Live<https://bioacoustics.stackexchange.com/>! It is also in a critical stage, and we need YOUR help to keep it alive. We have less than 2 weeks to prove we have the community to support the site! Please help as you can! How can you help? - JOIN: https://bioacoustics.stackexchange.com/ - VISIT: Make it a habit. We need >>500 visits per day! - VOTE: We need to show participation! Vote on all good Q/A - ASK: Have a new question about marine mammal bioacoustics? What about your older questions? You can even ask/answer your own question! These questions will be archived for future use, so ALL good questions are welcome! We need >> 10 Questions per day! - ANSWER: Have an answer to one of the questions, or additional information? Is there a question you are often asked? You can pair up with someone to ask/answer it again to be archived! If someone asks you a question-- tell them you will answer it on the Stack Exchange! We need ~2.5 Answers per Question. - INVITE: Invite other to join! Share this post! - DO NOT DELAY: Participate today and everyday that you can-- we know our community can support a site, but it takes time to create this habit. Unfortunately, this proposal has a deadline and we need ALL the help we can get, as often as possible! **Hold on, back up, what's a Stack Exchange? If you are unfamiliar with Stack Exchange, it is a searchable forum where users ask technical questions about a specific subject. There are many different sites ranging from coding questions (StackOverflow) to hiking and camping (The Great Outdoors). The great thing about these forums is that debate and opinions are not allowed - they are simply a resource for answering questions about specific topics, searchable by anyone with access to the internet. Why do we need one in Bioacoustics? Because it is one of the fastest growing fields in both marine and terrestrial science. It gives us a unique opportunity to observe animal behavior and track populations' distribution non-invasively. Additionally, if done correctly, it can be easier and cheaper to collect data than traditional survey techniques. Most bioacoustic equipment is several thousand dollars/euros, sure, but that equipment can be left unattended, collecting data, ranging from weeks to months. This makes it more accessible to a larger group of researchers, and smaller companies are cropping up to make the startup costs even cheaper. However, analyzing that data can be a headache. You can find yourself with terabytes of acoustic data, and not know what to do with it. Enter stage left: The Bioacoustic Stack Exchange. A free resource for anyone, including people who are working/studying without the support of an experienced team (think remote communities, developing countries, nascent labs). Anyone can all benefit from our collective knowledge, which is a win for science. **OK, but I'm not a bioacoustics expert. I'm in a different field of marine mammal science. So this doesn't sound like it's for me. We need folks from ALL walks of life! We need experts, yes, but we also need enthusiastics, students, related professionals, and folks that are just curious. We need folks asking questions that those of us conducting research wouldn't think to ask in addition to the folks that can answer those questions. So please, check it out, and join us! And if you have questions, you can reach out to bioacousticsse(a)gmail.com<mailto:bioacousticsse@gmail.com> or shannon.rankin(a)noaa.gov<mailto:shannon.rankin@noaa.gov>. . -- .. .-.. -.-- - .-.-.- --. .-. .. ..-. ..-. .. - .... ... Emily T. Griffiths (She/Her) Academic Employee // Akademisk medarbejder Department of Ecoscience, section for Marine Mammal Research Aarhus University Denmark Sitting at: C.F. møller's Allé 3 Building 1131 DK-8000 Aarhus Affiliation: Frederiksborgvej 399 Building 7425 DK-4000 Roskilde CVR/VAT: 31119103 EAN: 5798000419988 AU ECOSCIENCE - AARHUS UNIVERSITY Section for Marine Mammal Research<https://bios.au.dk/en/researchconsultancy/research-areas/marine-mammal-rese…>

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New article: Interactions between air-breathing marine megafauna and artisanal fisheries in Southern Iberian Atlantic waters: Results from an interview survey to fishers
by Ana Marçalo 07 Jul '22

07 Jul '22

Dear MARMAN Subscribers, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our new research in Fisheries Research. Alexandre, S., Marçalo, A., Marques, T.A., Pires, A., Rangel, M., Ressurreição, A., Monteiro, P., Erini, K., Gonçalves J.M.S. 2022. Interactions between air-breathing marine megafauna and artisanal fisheries in Southern Iberian Atlantic waters: Results from an interview survey to fishers. Fisheries Research. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12945 ABSTRACT The coastal waters off Western Iberia are an important fishing ground and a marine megafauna foraging area. Overlap between fishery target species and the diet of several air breathing marine megafauna species can lead to negative interactions and consequently conservation and economic issues. This work aimed to assess marine megafauna (cetaceans, marine birds, and marine turtles) – fishery interactions through face-to-face interviews to fishers of the local and coastal artisanal fisheries fleets in the landing sites of the Portuguese mainland Southern coast (Algarve). The main goal was to identify and evaluate problematic interactions known to cause bycatch or economic loss through depredation. We found that bycatch is a concern for all marine megafauna groups, but depredation problems are mostly associated with cetaceans. Of the sampled artisanal fisheries (longlines, pots and traps, bottom set-nets, and purse seine), the fishing gears of most concern were purse seine and coastal bottom set-nets. Purse seine showed problems associated with important bycatch numbers, especially of common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, while bottom set-nets have considerable bycatch of all animal groups and depredation was highly associated with bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Bycatch and depredation were found to be species, gear, area, and vessel size dependent. Economic loss caused by depredation led to catch and gear damage and was widely reported by bottom set-net fishers, ranging from 7% to 21% of their revenue. Higher losses were reported for local vessels in leeward (eastern) Algarve area. This study showed that the active participation of fishers provides improved localized knowledge on interactions between local and coastal fisheries and marine megafauna, allowing for the definition of specific management and mitigation strategies. Best wishes. The full paper may be accessed via this link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783622002077?dgcid=a… or upon request. Kind Regards, Ana Marçalo

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