August 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Two new publications on climate change impacts on great whales & foraging ecology of odontocetes
by Katharina Peters 08 Aug '22

08 Aug '22

Dear MARMAM community, My colleagues and I are very happy to share the publication of two new papers: ‘On the rise: Climate change in New Zealand will cause sperm and blue whales to seek higher latitudes’ in Ecological Indicators. Citation: Peters KJ, Stockin KA, Saltré F (2022). On the rise: Climate change in New Zealand will cause sperm and blue whales to seek higher latitudes. Ecological Indicators 142: 109235 Abstract: Climate impacts affect marine ecosystems worldwide with island nations such as New Zealand being extremely vulnerable because of their socio-economic and cultural dependence on the marine and costal environment. Cetaceans are ideal indicator species of ecosystem change and ocean health given their extended life span and cosmopolitan distribution, but limited data availability prevents anticipating change in distribution under future climate changes. We projected the range shifts of a key odontocete and mysticete species (Physeter macrocephalus and Balaenoptera musculus) in 2100 relative to present day in New Zealand waters, using an ensemble modelling approach, under three climate change scenarios of different severity. The results show a latitudinal shift in suitable habitat for both whale species, increasing in magnitude with severity of sea surface temperature warming. The most severe climate change scenario tested generated 61% and 42% loss and decrease of currently suitable habitat for sperm and blue whales, respectively, mostly in New Zealand’s northern waters. These predicted changes will have a strong impact on the ecosystem functioning and services in New Zealand’s northern waters but also in coastal areas (critical for the species’ foraging and survival). Not only do these simulated range shifts help to identify future potential climate refugia to mitigate a global warming, they also generate a range of socioeconomic consequences for island nations relying on wildlife tourism, industry, and environmental protection. Available open-access at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109235 and ‘Too close for comfort? Isotopic niche segregation in New Zealand’s odontocetes’ in the special issue "Applications of Stable Isotope Analysis in Ecology" in Biology. Citation: Peters KJ, Bury SJ, Hinton B, Betty EL, Casano-Bally D, Parra GJ, Stockin KA (2022). Too close for comfort? Isotopic niche segregation in New Zealand’s odontocetes. Biology 11(8):1179 Abstract: Species occurring in sympatry and relying on similar and limited resources may partition re-source use to avoid overlap and interspecific competition. Aotearoa, New Zealand hosts an extraordinarily rich marine megafauna, including 50% of the world’s cetacean species. In this study, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes as ecological tracers to investigate isotopic niche overlap between 21 odontocete (toothed whale) species inhabiting neritic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic waters. Results showed a clear niche separation for the bathypelagic Gray’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon grayi) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), but high isotopic niche overlap and potential interspecific competition for neritic and mesopelagic species. For these species, competition could be reduced via temporal or finer-scale spatial segregation or differences in foraging behaviour. This study represents the first insights into the coexistence of odontocetes in a biodiverse hotspot. The data presented here provide a critical baseline to a system already ongoing ecosystem change via ocean warming and subsequent effects on prey abundance and distributions. Available open-access at https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/11/8/1179 Ngā mihi, Katharina Katharina J. Peters, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury Ōtautahi, Aotearoa | Christchurch, NZ [A picture containing shape Description automatically generated]<https://www.aim.uzh.ch/de/members/researchersandpostdocs/katharinapeters.ht…>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katharina_Peters>[A close up of a logo Description automatically generated]<https://twitter.com/kjopeters>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&pli=1&user=7QWvsMUAAAAJ>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://katharinajpeters.weebly.com/>[A picture containing object, kit, drawing Description automatically generated]<https://www.facebook.com/CetaceanEcologyOrg>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharina-j-peters-b47b5370/>[A picture containing game, table Description automatically generated]<https://www.cetaceanecology.org/dr-katharina-j-peters>[A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated]<https://www.instagram.com/katharina.j.peters/>

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New Publication: Naturally stressed? Glucocorticoid profiles in blubber of blue and gray whales in response to life history parameters
by Valentina Melica 05 Aug '22

05 Aug '22

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new manuscript in Marine Mammal Science Melica, V., Atkinson, S., Calambokidis, J., Gendron, D., Lang, A., & Scordino, J. (2022). Naturally stressed? Glucocorticoid profiles in blubber of blue and gray whales in response to life history parameters. *Marine Mammal Science*. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12954 Abstract The goal of the present study was to carry out a thorough methodological validation and describe baseline profiles for glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol and corticosterone) in blubber from blue (*n =* 77) and gray (*n =* 103) whales from the eastern North Pacific Ocean. For each species, we modelled cortisol and corticosterone concentrations in response to life history parameters (age, sex, reproductive status) and season or geographic location. In blue whales, cortisol concentrations did not vary significantly by age class, sex, or reproductive status, whereas corticosterone was significantly lower in immature than in adult females ( *p* < .001). In gray whales, cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in lactating whales (*p* < .05), while corticosterone was significantly different between females and males (*p* = .001) and elevated in calves (*p =* .003). In gray whales, corticosterone concentrations were significantly lower in males sampled later in the year (August to November) compared to both sexes sampled between March and August (*p* = .05), but no seasonal trend occurred in blue whales. Our results indicate that glucocorticoid actions vary between species and sex in large whales. Analysis of multiple hormones improves our understanding of the physiology of maintaining metabolic homeostasis or coping with chronic stressors. Please contact valentinamelica88(a)gmail.com if you'd like a copy of the manuscript or if you have any questions. Kind regards, Valentina -- Valentina Melica, PhD Italy-US Fulbright Alumna www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-melica-7315453b/ www.researchgate.net/profile/Valentina-Melica *If we surrenderedto earth’s intelligencewe could rise up rooted, like trees.* *-Rainer Maria Rilke*

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New publication: The partial merger of two dolphin societies
by Nicole Danaher-Garcia 05 Aug '22

05 Aug '22

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication "The partial merger of two dolphin societies" published in Royal Society Open Science. A PDF is freely available using the link below. Danaher-Garcia N, Connor R, Fay G, Melillo Sweeting K, Dudzinski K (2022) The partial merger of two dolphin societies. *R Open Sci.* 9:211963. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.211963 ABSTRACT: Interactions between mammalian social groups are generally antagonistic as individuals in groups cooperate to defend resources from non-members. Members of the familyDelphinidae inhabit a three-dimensional habitat where resource defence is usually impractical. Here, we describe a long-term partial fusion of two communities of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). The northern community, studied for 30 years, immigrated 160 km to the range of the southern community, observed for 20 years. Both communities featuredfission–fusion grouping patterns, strongest associations between adult males, and frequent affiliative contact between individuals. For the 5-year period following the immigration,we found members of all age classes and both sexes in mixed groups, but there was a strong bias toward finding immigrant males in mixed groups. Some association levels between males,and males and females, from different communities were as high as the highest within-community associations. Affiliative Contacts indicate that these individuals were forming social relationships.The mixing of two separate social groups with new bond formation is rare in terrestrial mammal groups. Such Mixing between spotted dolphin groups suggests that adaptations to respond aggressively to outsiders are diminished in this species and possibly other ecologically similar dolphins. Please, do not hesitate to contact me at nicole(a)dcpmail.org. I would be happy to answer any questions about the study. Best regards, Nicole -- Nicole A. Danaher-Garcia, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Associate Florida International University | Dolphin Communication Project ndanaher(a)fiu.edu | nicole(a)dcpmail.org

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Post Doc position at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
by Summers, Erin L. 05 Aug '22

05 Aug '22

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, Maine USA is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to help develop right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) distribution models for the coastal Gulf of Maine, with the goal of helping to address management and policy issues. They will work in collaboration with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, using passive acoustic and other sightings data in combination with measured and modeled environmental covariates to build computational / species distribution models. There will be opportunities for the postdoctoral scientist to develop, lead, and co-author manuscripts for publication in the primary research literature as well as to present results at scientific and management meetings. Please see the below link for more information on the position and how to apply. https://bigelow.freshteam.com/jobs/Bld8fd8S9CU5/postdoctoral-scientist-in-r…<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbigelow.f…> Erin Summers Director, Division of Ecology and the Environment Maine Department of Marine Resources

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new publication
by Anna Salazar Casals 05 Aug '22

05 Aug '22

Dear all, >From the Sealcentre Pieterburen, we would like to share the new article we have recently published. Our article "Increased Incidence of Entanglements and Ingested Marine Debris in Dutch Seals from 2010 to 2020" has been published in Oceans as part of the Special Issue Marine Mammal Health and is available online here (PDF version): https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/3/3/26/pdf Abstract: In recent decades, the amount of marine debris has increased in our oceans. As wildlife interactions with debris increase, so does the number of entangled animals, impairing normal behavior and potentially affecting the survival of these individuals. The current study summarizes data on two phocid species, harbor (Phoca vitulina) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), affected by marine debris in Dutch waters from 2010 to 2020. The findings indicate that the annual entanglement rate (13.2 entanglements/year) has quadrupled compared with previous studies. Young seals, particularly gray seals, are the most affected individuals, with most animals found or sighted with fishing nets wrapped around their necks. Interestingly, harbor seals showed a higher incidence of ingested debris. Species differences with regard to behavior, foraging strategies, and habitat preferences may explain these findings. The lack of consistency across reports suggests that it is important to standardize data collection from now on. Despite increased public awareness about the adverse environmental effects of marine debris, more initiatives and policies are needed to ensure the protection of the marine environment in the Netherlands. For questions or remarks, any correspondence can be addressed to the corresponding author. Best regards, *Anna Salazar Casals* *Veterinarian* Mobile phone: +31 (0)6 12 981175 Email: anna.salazarcasals(a)zeehondencentrum.nl <ana.rubiogarcia(a)zeehondencentrum.nl> Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. Healthy sea, happy seal. P Please consider the environment. Think before printing.

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New disease paper in Salish Sea harbor porpoises (Washington State, USA)
by Stephanie Norman 04 Aug '22

04 Aug '22

Hello colleagues On behalf of my co-authors and me, we would like to share with you details on our recent publication: Norman SA, Huggins JL, Lambourn DM, Rhodes LD, Garner MM, Bolton JL, Gaydos JK, Scott A, Raverty S and Calambokidis J (2022) Risk factor determination and qualitative risk assessment of Mucormycosis in Harbor Porpoise, an emergent fungal disease in Salish Sea marine mammals. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:962857. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.962857 Abstract: Mucorales infections are increasing in frequency and are a One Health pathogen of concern. In humans and domestic animals, risk factors include being immunocompromised, elevated circulating serum iron, contaminated open wounds, or metabolic diseases such as ketoacidosis or uncontrolled diabetes. Mucormycosis was first identified in 2012 in Pacific Northwest marine mammals, predominantly in harbor porpoises. We performed an assessment to determine the overall qualitative risk, or risk score, of mucormycosis in harbor porpoises. Risk factors for this disease are unknown in aquatic mammals. In a separate risk factor analysis, potential risk factors such as pollutants, trace metals (e.g., iron), and co-infection with other pathogens (e.g., viruses and Brucella spp.) were examined in mucormycosis cases and noncases using a matched case-control study design, to determine the presence and strength of association of these factors with mucormycosis. Disease severity (gross and histopathology) and exposure scores were multiplied together to obtain the overall risk scores of 9 -16 which corresponded to moderate and severe, respectively. In the risk factor analysis, the factors most strongly associated with a mucormycosis case, relative to a control, were elevated liver iron, decreased blubber thickness, and the decreased ratio of the sum of PCB congeners/sum of PBDE congeners. The results of this study suggest that mucormycosis may pose an inordinately high risk to harbor porpoises (and potentially sympatric species in the Salish Sea such as southern resident killer whales) based on the detected prevalence and the severity of lesions observed at necropsy. However, the risk may be greater on an individual basis compared to the overall population, and is likely related to other factors such as increased POP and heavy metal burdens. The full article is Open Access and can be downloaded from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.962857/full Thank you, Stephanie Stephanie A. Norman, DVM, MS, PhD Marine-Med: Marine Research, Epidemiology, and Veterinary Medicine E-mail: stephanie(a)marine-med.com Phone: 206-321-0249 Marine-Med website <https://www.marine-med.com/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/MarineMed1> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/whaledocsteph> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieanorman/>

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Temporary 1-year Technician Position at Makah Fisheries Marine Mammal Program
by Jonathan Scordino 03 Aug '22

03 Aug '22

Dear MARMAM subscribers, Makah Fisheries Management is seeking a temporary technician for our Marine Mammal Program. The position has funding for 1 year. We are seeking a biologist with skills in field research, data analysis, and manuscript writing. The three primary projects the Technician will assist with are 1) an assessment of anthropogenic and killer whale scarring of Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales, 2) developing a methodology to determine if photographed PCFG gray whales are a calf or not, and 3) assessment of what factors most strongly influence observations of gray whale ship strikes and entanglements in US west coast waters from 1983-2021. In addition to these projects, the Technician will assist in marine mammal surveys in the Pacific Ocean and in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and with a tagging study of Chinook salmon. The pay of this position is not great, housing options are limited, and it rains here over 100 inches a year. Yet this position is a great opportunity for someone to build their resume by helping to write manuscripts and reports, expanding their knowledge on field research methods, and learning to work in the unique cultural environment of working for an Indian Tribe. The job description is available at Marine-Mammal-Technician-II-Closes-8-15.pdf (makah.com) <https://makah.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Marine-Mammal-Technician-II-Cl…>. Application material is available at Employment/Jobs - Makah Tribe <https://makah.com/makah-tribal-info/employment/> on the bottom of the page. Please send your completed application, CV, and cover letter to both katherine.thompson(a)makah.com and to jonathan.scordino(a)makah.com. -- Respectfully, Jonathan Scordino Marine Mammal Biologist Makah Fisheries Management (360) 645-3176

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Paper Request - Bowhead Whale - McCartney 1978/1980
by Youri van den Hurk 03 Aug '22

03 Aug '22

Hi all, I am looking for copies of the following papers. I've sent out multiple emails, but cannot seem to find them. McCartney, A. P. 1978. Study of archaeological whale bones for the reconstruction of Canadian Arctic bowhead whale stocks and whale use by prehistoric Inuit. Preliminary MS report prepared for the Northern Environmental Protection Branch, Dept. of Indian and Northern Affairs, Ottawa. And/or McCartney, A. P. 1980. Study of archaeological whale bones for the reconstruction of Canadian Arctic bowhead whale stocks and whale use by prehistoric Inuit. Final MS report prepared for the Northern Environmental Protection Branch, Dept. of Indian and Northern Affairs, Ottawa. Many thanks in advance, Youri van den Hurk

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Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response - Winter Internship
by Sydney P. Lundquist 03 Aug '22

03 Aug '22

The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Winter 2022-2023. Intern Application Deadline: 10/1/2022 For more information, including duties, position requirements and how to apply, visit: https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/support/work-with-us<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virgi…> or email vaqstranding(a)gmail.com with any questions. Position Overview Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. VAQS covers all live and dead marine mammal and sea turtle strandings for the state of Virginia. Interns will be trained in all aspects of stranding response, but may be assigned a rehabilitation or necropsy focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary by internship session. VAQS will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Internship * Internships will be approximately three months long, starting around November 1. We recognize that this is a tight turnaround time and can be flexible with start and end dates. * Internship positions are non-compensatory, and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. * The intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8:00am-4:30pm. Some weekend and holiday coverage is expected. * Sydney Lundquist, MPhil Stranding & Research Scientist: Field Response & Volunteer Manager Phone: (757) 385-6484 SLundqui(a)VirginiaAquarium.com<mailto:Email@VirginiaAquarium.com> Stranding Response Hotline: (757) 385-7575 Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center<http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/> 717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 [cid:48f8dc7c-8aa6-4b5d-9e86-5cfce9f83db7]

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New article: "Insights into sustainable tourism policy : Identikit of the whale watchers and their economic contribution in Tarifa (Strait of Gibraltar)"
by Alessia Scuderi 02 Aug '22

02 Aug '22

Dear MARMAM list subscribers, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to share with you our recent publications: Scuderi, A., García, J., Vighi, M., Merino, L., & Cardoso Martins, F. (2022). Insights into sustainable tourism policy : Identikit of the whale watchers and their economic contribution in Tarifa (Strait of Gibraltar). Ocean and Coastal Management, 227(August), 106293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106293 Abstract: Globally, whale watching (WW) is the greatest economic activity that is based on cetaceans, and in mainland Spain the town of Tarifa (Strait of Gibraltar) is the main WW port. Despite it being such an economically relevant sector, little is being done to monitor and guarantee its sustainability. Dedicated questionnaires were designed and delivered to WW customers of Turmares Tarifa during the summers 2017 and 2018, to delineate the socio- economic profile of WW customers, evaluate their economic contribution to the local economy and assess their level of satisfaction with WW activities. Results obtained from the 380 questionnaires analysed showed that whale watchers generally had a university level education and a high purchasing capacity. Most came from Spain and showed signs of touristic loyalty to WW and of being in favour of conservation. Their satisfaction was influenced by the time spent with cetaceans and the education provided prior to and during the WW trip. The average daily expenditure of WW customers was €97, and their total expenditure in the period considered was €855,604, of which 51% contributed directly to the economy of Tarifa. We advocate the improvement of edu- cation, a national publicity campaign addressed to whale watchers, and the implementation of administrative facilities for WW companies, as actions to improve the management of WW towards a sustainability. The full article can be downloaded: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964569122002691 50 days of free access: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1fWRy3RKK-uDS3 Please, feel free to contact me for further details. Sincerely, Alessia Scuderi -- Alessia Scuderi PhD candidate in Marine Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Research Group on ICZM Marine and Environmental Science Faculty University of Cádiz - Universidad de Cádiz Apdo. 40, 11510- Puerto Real (Cádiz) Spain (España) Phone: +34 692 606 564 Skype: alessia.scuderi82

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