August 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication
by Chloe K 13 Aug '22

13 Aug '22

Hello all, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our new article: Kotik, C., Durban, J. W., Fearnbach, H., & Barrett-Lennard, L. G. (2022). Morphometrics of mammal-eating killer whales from drone photogrammetry, with comparison to sympatric fish-eating killer whales in the eastern North Pacific. *Marine Mammal Science*, 1– 17. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12965 ABSTRACT: Aerial photogrammetry has provided increased power for monitoring the health of individuals in the endangered population of Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW, Orcinus orca) in the eastern North Pacific. These data have shown evidence of nutritional stress, with individual growth and body condition correlating with the availability of their primary prey, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). We used drones to derive similar but novel photogrammetry measurements from a sympatric population of mammal-eating Bigg's killer whales (BKWs) that has been increasing in abundance in recent decades. From 2014 to 2019 we photographed 95 individual BKWs in Canadian waters off Vancouver Island and US waters in the Salish Sea; we estimated asymptotic lengths of 6.4 m for adult females and 7.3 m for adult males, both longer than corresponding length estimates for SRKWs. As a proxy for body condition, we measured head width at a standardized distance behind the blowhole, expressed as proportion of the length between the blowhole and dorsal fin, and estimated that on average, all age/sex classes of BKWs were more robust than corresponding classes of SRKWs. These differences likely reflect divergent adaptive selection in these prey-specialist ecotypes, but may also partially indicate recent impacts of differential prey availability. Please feel free to contact chloe.kotik(a)gmail.com for a PDF or any questions. Cheers, Chloe -- Chloe Kotik, M.Sci chloe.kotik(a)gmail.com 617 840 8184

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New publication: NARLUGA (Beluga X Narhwal) 3D SKULL MORPHOLOGY
by Deborah Vicari 13 Aug '22

13 Aug '22

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication: “Skull ecomorphological variation of narwhals (*Monodon monoceros*, Linnaeus 1758) and belugas (*Delphinapterus leucas*, Pallas 1776) reveals phenotype of their hybrids”. The 3D skull of the narluga hybrid can be downloaded from the supporting information (S1 File.PLY). Suggested free software to read the PLY file: MeshLab. Vicari D, Lorenzen ED, Skovrind M, Szpak P, Louis M, Olsen MT, et al. (2022) Skull ecomorphological variation of narwhals (*Monodon monoceros*, Linnaeus 1758) and belugas (*Delphinapterus leucas*, Pallas 1776) reveals phenotype of their hybrids. PLoS ONE 17(8): e0273122. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273122 *ABSTRACT* Narwhals and belugas are toothed whales belonging to the Monodontidae. Belugas have a circumpolar Arctic and sub-Artic distribution while narwhals are restricted to the Atlantic Arctic. Their geographical ranges overlap during winter migrations in the Baffin Bay area (Canada/West Greenland) and successful interbreeding may occur. Here, we employed geometric morphometrics on museum specimens to explore the cranium and mandible morphology of a known hybrid (NHMD MCE 1356) and the cranium morphology of a putative hybrid (NHMD 1963.44.1.4) relative to skull morphological variation in the parental species. Specifically, we used 3D models of skulls from 69 belugas, 86 narwhals, and the two known/putative hybrids and 2D left hemi-mandibles from 20 belugas, 64 narwhals and the known hybrid. Skull shape analyses allowed clear discrimination between species. Narwhals are characterised by a relatively short rostrum and wide neurocranium while belugas show a more elongated and narrower cranium. Sexual size dimorphism was detected in narwhals, with males larger than females, but no sexual shape dimorphism was detected in either species (excluding presence/absence of tusks in narwhals). Morphological skull variation was also dependent on different allometric slopes between species and sexes in narwhals. Our analyses showed that the cranium of the known hybrid was phenotypically close to belugas but its 2D hemi-mandible had a narwhal shape and size morphology. Both cranium and mandible were strongly correlated, with the pattern of covariation being similar to belugas. The putative hybrid was a pure male narwhal with extruded teeth. Comparison of genomic DNA supported this result, and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values suggested that the putative hybrid had a more benthic foraging strategy compared to narwhals. This work demonstrates that although the known hybrid could be discriminated from narwhals and belugas, detection of its affinities with these parental species was dependent on the part of the skull analysed. The full Open Access paper can be downloaded from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0273122 A blog on the narluga story is also available at https://whalescientists.com/narluga/ Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: D.Vicari(a)outlook.com Sincerely, Deborah Vicari -- Deborah Vicari Ph.D. Ph.D. in Odontoceti 3D Skull Ecomorphology LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-vicari Twitter: @deborah_vicari Deborah Vicari Ph.D. in Odontoceti 3D Skull Ecomorphology LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-vicari>

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Identifying suitable areas for common bottlenose dolphin in anthropized waters
by Guilherme Maricato 11 Aug '22

11 Aug '22

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to share our new paper published in Marine Biology. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions (guilherme.713(a)gmail.com) Title: Identifying suitable areas for common bottlenose dolphin in anthropized waters Authors: Guilherme Maricato, Rodrigo Tardin, Liliane Lodi, Leonardo L. Wedekin, Fábio G. Daura-Jorge, Israel Maciel, Tatiana F. Maria and Maria Alice S. Alves Abstract: Understanding the processes that determine the occurrence of species, especially for those exposed to human activities, is key to appropriate management. The common bottlenose dolphin, *Tursiops truncatus*, is well studied worldwide, but very little attention has been given to transient groups of this species and how such groups are exposed to human activities. Here, we modeled and mapped how the environment and human activities drive bottlenose dolphin habitat suitability, and residence patterns in an anthropized area of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. To predict habitat suitability, we ran 300 distribution models, including six algorithms, and generated an ensemble model. In parallel, we used photo-identification techniques to investigate dolphins' residence patterns. Our results demonstrated that primary productivity, seabed slope and port activities explained dolphins’ habitat suitability. The most suitable areas included coastal waters, nearby port complexes and shipping routes. We also identified a low degree of residence in Cabo Frio and Rio de Janeiro city waters, but calves were constantly sighted there, indicating an important area for caring and nursing. The high overlap between the dolphins’ most suitable areas and human activities, such as ports, vessel traffic and fisheries spots, plus the presence of calves in these areas, highlights the need for safeguard measurements to protect these animals from anthropogenic threats. Our results can be used to support management decisions, such as fisheries regulations and the creation of new marine protected areas to conserve critical habitats for this species. Kind regards, Guilherme -- *Guilherme Maricato* *Ph.D. Candidate in Ecology and Evolution (Rio de Janeiro State University)* Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab (Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/ecomar.ufrj> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/ecomar_ufrj> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@ecomar_ufrj> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/ecomar_ufrj> | Website <https://ecomarufrj.com.br> | YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNCNp2KLXhQHEZZm9z0vBg>) Whales and Dolphins of Rio de Janeiro Project (Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/baleiasgolfinhosrj> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/baleiasgolfinhosrj> | YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEmyYtoNc9mDtL0w_5EYjpA>) Lattes <http://lattes.cnpq.br/0119708038699421> | ORCID <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7813-0644> | ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guilherme_Maricato> | Others <http://bit.ly/3rWxMqL>

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New publication: Cetacean acoustic occurrence on the US Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf from 2017 to 2020
by Katie Kowarski 11 Aug '22

11 Aug '22

We are pleased to announce our recent publication available online! https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12962 Kowarski, K.A., S.B. Martin, E.E. Maxner, C.B. Lawrence, J.J.-Y. Delarue, and J.L. Miksis-Olds. 2022. Cetacean acoustic occurrence on the US Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf from 2017 to 2020. *Marine Mammal Science*. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12962. Abstract Long-term distribution data for cetaceans are lacking, inhibiting the ability of management bodies to assess trends and react appropriately. Such is true even along the US Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) where previous passive acoustic monitoring programs have laid the groundwork for monitoring cetacean occurrence over a multidecadal scale. Here, we continue and expand the scope of previous acoustic programs, providing a synopsis of the monthly cetacean acoustic occurrence from late 2017 to late 2020. Acoustic data were collected using bottom-mounted autonomous recorders located at seven stations along the OCS in depths of 212–900 m. Automated cetacean vocalization detector-classifiers were applied, and the resulting automated detections directed the manual review of a subset of the data by analysts. Only manual detections informed the occurrence results. Six baleen whale species and at least eight toothed whale species occurred in the region with diversity increasing in winter. In considering previous monitoring program results, we found evidence that some mysticete whales are spending less time in the region annually, confirmed that some species occur farther offshore than previously reported, and identified two previously unreported areas utilized by beaked whales. For effective species management, these findings must be considered, and monitoring programs continued.

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Biological Scientist, Right Whale Aerial Observer, Florida
by Pitchford, Tom 11 Aug '22

11 Aug '22

Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77903038 Position Number: 77903038 Requisition No: 702864 Posting Closing Date: 09/05/2022 Direct link to job posting: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job-invite/702864/ North Atlantic Right Whale Aerial Observer (Seasonal) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Section: Wildlife Research - Marine Mammals Job Location: St. Augustine, FL (St. Johns County) Rate of Pay: $17.00/hr; 40 hrs/week including weekends and holidays Observer positions are temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. Anticipated end date for this position is 4/2/2023. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: FWC's FWRI conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale population. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. Observers collect in-flight survey data and right whale photo-documentation and assist with data entry, processing, and archival tasks as well as photo-identification. Observers also provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and must communicate effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as well as the general public. Observers assist with vessel surveys and genetic sampling efforts as well as field necropsies of right whales, large whale disentanglement, and documentation of large whale reports from the public as needed. Prior to the start of surveys on December 1st (dates TBA), applicants will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training as well as training to introduce the skills and responsibilities of an observer with FWC's North Atlantic right whale program. Applicants must be willing to regularly work weekends, holidays, and evenings. Observer positions are temporary/seasonal and contingent upon funding. QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited university is required. Preference may be given to candidates with previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience and practical knowledge of photo-identification techniques. Preference may also be given to candidates who demonstrate experience in database entry and hands-on experience with digital SLR cameras and lenses. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Applicant must be able to: thrive in a small team environment and maintain successful working relationships; apply basic methods of data collection and field research; utilize problem solving techniques and work independently; carry-out daily manual labor (able to vertically lift at least 50 lbs.); excel under adverse field conditions including a full day seated in a small aircraft or aboard a small vessel; swim sufficiently to save oneself; and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. TO APPLY: Applicants are required to apply by completing a State of Florida Employment Profile online in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) by midnight on the closing date stated. Additionally, in order to be considered for this position, applicants must include a cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and relevant qualifications, a resume or CV, and contact information for at least three professional references. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. (TTY applicants call 1-866-221-0268). WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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Proposed Rule for the Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to the U.S. Navy Training Activities in the Gulf of Alaska Study Area
by Leah Davis - NOAA Federal 11 Aug '22

11 Aug '22

NOAA Fisheries is proposing to issue seven-year regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to govern the incidental take of marine mammals by the U.S. Navy’s training activities in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Study Area from December 2022 through December 2029. These regulations authorize take of individuals of 16 species of marine mammals by Level A harassment and Level B harassment incidental to the Navy’s training activities from the use of sonar and other transducers and in-air detonations at or near the surface (within 10 m above the water surface). No mortality or serious injury and no Level A harassment from non-auditory tissue damage is anticipated or proposed for authorization. You can access the proposed rule at: *https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/11/2022-16509/taking-and-importing-marine-mammals-taking-marine-mammals-incidental-to-the-us-navy-training <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/11/2022-16509/taking-and-…>*. NOAA Fisheries’ proposed regulations would require mitigation and monitoring measures that are expected to reduce adverse impacts to marine mammals. NOAA Fisheries and the Navy have worked together to develop a comprehensive suite of mitigation measures including procedural mitigations that reduce the likelihood of mortality, injury, hearing impairment, and more severe behavioral responses for most species, as well as time/area mitigation that further protect areas where marine mammals conduct important behaviors and/or sensitive species congregate, which reduces the likelihood of takes that are likely to impact reproduction or survival. Overall, NOAA Fisheries and the Navy have developed adaptive management and a robust monitoring plan specifically for these training activities to help better understand the effects of Navy activities on protected marine species. Please visit *https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-marine-mammal-protection-act* <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/incidental-take-authorizations-under-…> for more information on NOAA’s incidental take program under the MMPA. [image: image.png] Geographic Mitigation Areas for Marine Mammals in the GOA Study Area -- *Leah Davis *(she/her/hers) Marine Resources Management Specialist, Office of Protected Resources NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce Office: (301) 427- 8431 www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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Share your video about why we need to Save the Vaquita
by Tom Kieckhefer 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

Join Dr. Jane Goodall and Andrea Crosta, and share this message as widely as you can! You can download their video below. https://vimeo.com/578206699/e6106de916?fbclid=IwAR28cJZ1lhOzEVDzcmIl_NO_pOX… Throughout 2022-23 VivaVaquita.org will be presenting a series of short (1-2 min) videos from researchers, conservationists and people of all ages explaining why they think the vaquita needs to be saved from extinction. So, please share your video to tell the world what you think with our Non-Profit Organization dedicated to saving the vaquita porpoise. We need all of your VOICES more than ever to Save The Vaquita! For more information about how you can submit a video, see: https://vivavaquita.org/international-save-the-vaquita-day/. *Scroll down to the bottom of this page to "Submit a Video Clip" for instructions. Thank you for your support! ¡Viva Vaquita! Thomas R. Kieckhefer, M.Sc.Marine Ecologist & EducatorSave The Whales¡VIVA Vaquita!831-901-0006 (cell) #savethevaquita, #vaquita, #criticallyendangered, #pandaofthesea, #internationalsavethevaquitaday @Viva_Vaquita, @PorpoiseCon, @VaquitaSAFE, @IUCNCetaceanSG, @CetaceanSG, @EarthLeagueInt, www.earthleagueinternational.org

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International Save The Vaquita Day on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 9AM to 1PM
by Tom Kieckhefer 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

Please join us for Virtual International Save The Vaquita Day on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 9AM to 1PM. For more info, see: https://vivavaquita.org/international-save-the-vaquita-day/Don't miss the new insight from experts into how the vaquita, and other porpoises & dolphins are facing the same plight to survive. ¡Viva Vaquita! Thomas R. Kieckhefer, M.Sc.Marine Ecologist & EducatorSave The Whales¡VIVA Vaquita!831-901-0006 (cell) #savethevaquita, #vaquita, #criticallyendangered, #pandaofthesea, #internationalsavethevaquitaday@Viva_Vaquita, @PorpoiseCon, @VaquitaSAFE, @IUCNCetaceanSG, @CetaceanSG, @EarthLeagueInt, www.earthleagueinternational.org

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Graduate Student Positions
by Jenn Burns 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

The Burns’ lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University (https://tinyurl.com/BurnsLab) is searching for three graduate students to participate in two separate, NSF-funded, multi-PI field projects on pinniped ecophysiology and behavior. The first project is focused on individual variation in the diving behavior of lactating female Weddell seals and their pups, requires field work in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, and is collaborative with Dr. Michelle Shero at WHOI, Dr. Allyson Hindle at University of Nevada Los Vegas, and Dr. Briggs at University of Alaska Anchorage. The second project focuses on the role of iron in the physiological development of grey seal pups and their resulting post-weaning movements and diving behavior. One student will focus on pups, and the second on how maternal diet and condition may influence the amount of milk and iron that moms can provide to their pups. The project field work will take place on Sable Island, Canada, and will be conducted in collaboration with partners from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, Dr. Michelle Shero, and Dr. Greg Breed from University of Alaska Fairbanks. For all projects, we prefer students who have experience with field work, and who have already completed a MSc, although applicants desiring a PhD who do not yet have a MSc will be considered if they can demonstrate strong analytical or laboratory skills. Students will be provided with stipend support, as well as tuition and fees; some student teaching is expected. More information on the Department of Biological Sciences can be found at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/biology/ . If interested, please send a statement of interest, your CV, and unofficial transcripts (if available) to jenn.burns(a)ttu.edu

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William Perrin Memorial Information
by Annette Henry - NOAA Federal 10 Aug '22

10 Aug '22

A memorial service was held in remembrance of Dr. William (Bill) F. Perrin, who passed on July 11, 2022 at the age of 83 in San Diego, CA on Sunday, August 7th. A video of the memorial is available at https://memoryafilms.com/Perrin/ <https://memoryafilms.com/Perrin/> and includes the short portion of the reception that followed. The film will be available online for a year. Please visit the Dignity Memorial website if you would like to leave a memory (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-diego-ca/william-perrin-1084… <https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-diego-ca/william-perrin-1084…>). ----------- Annette Henry NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Fisheries Science Center La Jolla, CA 92037

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