September 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Paper: Sex-and age-specific migratory strategies of blue whales in the northeast Pacific Ocean (Busquets-Vass, Geraldine)
by Geraldine Busquets 02 Sep '22

02 Sep '22

Dear MARMAM recipients, New open access paper in Frontiers in Marine Science: Authors: Christina Blevins, Geraldine Busquets-Vass, Mario A. Pardo, Diane Gendron, Jeff Knut Jacobsen, Francisco Gómez-Díaz, Héctor Pérez-Puig, Christian Daniel Ortega-Ortiz, Gisela Heckel, Jorge Urbán R, Lorena Viloria-Gómora, Seth D. Newsome, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, section Marine Megafauna. Title: “Sex-and age-specific migratory strategies of blue whales in the northeast Pacific Ocean” Link: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2022.944918/full?&utm_… <http://links.email.frontiersin.org/ls/click?upn=Dpg5ochww630xh6EMvshS4k2vZe…> Abstract: Migration is a complex behavior that has evolved in multiple taxonomic groups as a means of accessing productive foraging grounds and environmentally stable areas suitable for reproduction. For migratory whales that forage throughout the year because of their high energetic demands, changes in the abundance of prey in different areas along their migratory route(s) can have serious implications for individual fitness and population viability. Thus, identifying the regions these species use to forage and breed while evaluating their migratory plasticity at the individual level can provide key information for their management and conservation. Serial stable isotope analysis of whale baleen, a continuously growing but metabolically inert tissue, has proven useful in generating individual migratory and foraging records over several years prior to death. We measured carbon (*δ*13C) and nitrogen (*δ*15N) isotope values along the length of baleen plates collected from thirteen blue whales of different sex and age classes, representing the largest collection analyzed to date in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Adult females exhibited relatively stable seasonal movements between temperate latitude foraging grounds and subtropical breeding grounds, although two skipped migration one year and subsequently moved to the same subtropical breeding ground near the Costa Rica Dome, potentially to give birth. Adult males exhibited two movement strategies with most remaining at temperate latitudes for 3-4 years before death, while two migrated to subtropical breeding grounds. In contrast, movement patterns in juveniles were erratic. These results are potentially driven by the energetic requirements during pregnancy and nursing in adult females, intra-specific competition among adult males, and inexperience in locating prey in juveniles. We also describe baleen *δ*15N patterns in recently weaned whales (<16.5m) that reflect switching from the consumption of milk to solid food (krill). In addition, baleen *δ*13C data suggest that weaned whales continue to use stored nutrients (blubber) acquired during the nursing period long after they are weaned. These results broaden our understanding of habitat selection in this species, highlight the importance of nursing for the critical period after weaning, and indicate that the Costa Rica Dome is an important calving region for this endangered population. Sincerely, Geraldine Busquets Vass *Research Scholar* University of New Mexico Biology Deparment Albuquerque, NM USA 87131 *Researcher* Laboratory of Marine Macroecology Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada, La Paz Unit (CICESE-ULP) La Paz, BCS, MEX 23050 [image: width=] <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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New review paper on the development and use of 3D models to study animal (e.g. marine mammal) form
by Fredrik Christiansen 02 Sep '22

02 Sep '22

Dear colleagues, On behalf of lead author Duncan Irschick, I am happy to announce the publication of a new review paper in iScience. The methods presented can be used to create 3D models of animals for outreach purposes, but also to study body condition/scaling, computational fluids dynamics and more. Irschick, D.J., Christiansen, F., Hammerschlag, N., Martin, J., Madsen, P.T., Wyneken, J., Brooks, A., Gleiss, A., Fossette, S., Siler, C., Gamble, T., Fish, F., Siebert, U., Patel, J., Kaleogerkis, V., Xu, Z., Medina, J., Mukherji, A., Mandica, M., Zotos, S., Detweiller, J., Perot, B. & Lauder, G. 2022. Re-imagining the Shape of Life: New 3D Visualization Processes for Recreating Organismal Form. iScience 25: 104867. Abstract: The study of biological form is a vital goal of evolutionary biology and functional morphology. We review an emerging set of methods that allow scientists to create and study accurate 3D models of living organisms and animate those models for biomechanical and fluid dynamic analyses. The methods for creating such models include 3D photogrammetry, laser and CT scanning, and 3D software. New multi-camera devices can be used to create accurate 3D models of living animals in the wild and captivity. New websites and virtual reality/augmented reality devices now enable the visualization and sharing of these data. We provide examples of these approaches for animals ranging from large whales to lizards and show applications for several areas: Natural history collections; body condition/scaling, bioinspired robotics, computational fluids dynamics (CFD), machine learning, and education. We provide two datasets to demonstrate the efficacy of CFD and machine learning approaches and conclude with a prospectus. The paper can be accessed and downloaded from the following link: https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01139-7 Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark f.christiansen(a)bio.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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New paper in PNAS - intergroup alliances in dolphins
by Stephanie King 01 Sep '22

01 Sep '22

Dear colleagues, Greetings from Shark Bay! We are pleased to share our recent paper in PNAS on strategic intergroup alliances in male bottlenose dolphins: RC Connor, M Krützen, SJ Allen, WB Sherwin and SL King (2022). Strategic intergroup alliances increase access to a contested resource in male bottlenose dolphins. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences 119 (36), e2121723119. This research shows that male bottlenose dolphins form the largest known multi-level alliance network outside humans, and that dolphins benefit from intergroup cooperation. This is striking because intergroup cooperation was thought to be unique to humans and dependent upon two other features that distinguish us from our common ancestor with chimpanzees: the evolution of pair bonds and parental care by males. However, our work shows that intergroup cooperation can emerge without these features in a chimpanzee-like, promiscuous mating system. The paper is free to access and can be found here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2121723119. It was published 30 years to the month after the first paper on multi-level alliance formation in Shark Bay, also in PNAS: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.89.3.987 and this year we celebrate 40 years of Shark Bay Dolphin Research www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org>! A VERY big thank you to everyone who has supported this project and worked with us over the years! All the best, Richard, Michael, Simon, Bill and Stephanie ---------------------------------- Associate Professor (Reader) in Animal Behaviour School of Biological Sciences Life Sciences Building | 24 Tyndall Avenue University of Bristol | Bristol BS8 1TQ | U.K. +44 (0) 117 39 41191 Twitter: @_StephanieLKing<https://twitter.com/_stephanielking> website: www.cetaceancommcog.com<http://www.cetaceancommcog.com/> website: www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org> [signature_748184961] I am a friend of the BAME and LGBQT communities because I believe in equality for everyone

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CCS Right Whale Habitat Internship
by Christine Hudak 01 Sep '22

01 Sep '22

Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Right Whale Ecology Program – Habitat Internship Internship Announcement The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), a nonprofit institution dedicated to the understanding and protection of our coastal environment and marine ecosystems, is seeking a seasonal Right Whale Ecology Program intern from January 03 - May 26, 2023. This long-term project focuses on documenting the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales and their food resource in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent Massachusetts waters. The intern will assist the habitat research associate in the collection and processing of zooplankton in the field and lab. Fieldwork responsibilities include zooplankton collection through tow and pump techniques, marine observer, and environmental data collector. Lab responsibilities include zooplankton species identification and counts, plastics analysis, archiving samples, data entry and maintenance, and maintaining field equipment. Minimum Requirements * A college degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences * Good memorization skills and strong attention to details * Basic computer literacy and experience using Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Experience with database entry and management is preferred * Experience working on boats, ability to withstand harsh elements, and not be prone to serious seasickness * Must be able to live and work well in a team * Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab-based research methods * Ability to work well under pressure Preferred Qualifications: * Plankton identification * Microscopy and laboratory experience * Not prone to seasickness * A valid US driver’s license The successful applicant will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week and will need to be flexible for research cruises due to weather constrictions. The intern will often process zooplankton samples independently in the lab, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for the full five months and must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. Housing will be provided, as well as a small stipend to cover general living expenses. International applicants must secure their own visas or other required documentation. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale and Cape Cod Bay has been a major critical habitat for over 50% of the estimated population in recent years. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques and zooplankton analysis; and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world’s most endangered cetaceans. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in boat-based research, zooplankton and environmental collections, plankton identification, plastic analysis, and data entry and analysis. Details of our work can be found on our website: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/ How to Apply: The application package should include the following attachment(s): 1. A cover letter describing your specific interests in marine mammal science, internship qualifications, and how the experience would assist you in reaching career goals 2. CV/resume 3. College transcripts (unofficial are sufficient) 4. The names and contact information of two references Application materials must be e-mailed to: employment(a)coastalstudies.org with the following text in the subject line: 2023 RW habitat internship. Deadline for submissions: September 30th, 2022.

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Marmam Posting: New Publication
by jessica carvalho 01 Sep '22

01 Sep '22

Aloha Colleagues, On behalf of myself and my co-authors, Marc Lammers, Katherine Indeck, Adam Pack, and Rita Castilho, I am pleased to share our paper "Comparing the social signaling behavior of humpback whales in three group types on the Hawaiian breeding grounds using acoustic tags" just published in the journal *Frontiers in Remote Sensing*. Please find the abstract and the full citation for the article below. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at jcarvalho.dhs(a)gmail.com. Mahalo, Jess *Citation* Carvalho, J., M. O. Lammers, K. L. Indeck, A. A. Pack, and R. Castilho. 2022. Comparing the social signaling behavior of humpback whales in three group types on the Hawaiian breeding grounds using acoustic tags. Frontiers in Remote Sensing *3*. DOI: 10.3389/frsen.2022.910455 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsen.2022.910455 *Abstract* Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are exceptionally vocal among baleen whale species. While extensive research has been conducted on humpback whale songs, gaps remain in our understanding of other forms of communication, particularly non-song calls. Here, we compare the spectral features and temporal parameters of non-song calls recorded from Acousonde tagged humpback whales in three commonly observed group types in the breeding grounds: adult dyads (N = 3), singly escorted mother-calf pairs (N = 4), and competitive groups (N = 4). Recordings were collected off Maui, Hawai’i during the winter breeding seasons of 2019–2021. Individual calls were identified based on visual and aural inspection of spectrograms using Raven Pro 1.6 software, with a total of 842 calls isolated from 47.6 h of acoustic recordings. Competitive groups produced the most calls (N = 358); however, after adjusting for the differences in recording hours and the number of individuals, the call rate (calls/hour/whale) was not significantly different between group compositions. The temporal parameters and frequency measures of calls did not vary significantly across the groups. However, interesting patterns of calling behavior were observed (e.g., competitive groups had the shortest inter-call intervals and the highest frequency calls, and escorted mother-calf pairs had the longest inter-call intervals) and it is possible the lack of statistical significance could be attributed to the small sample size of tag deployments. This study provides new insights into humpback whale vocal communication behavior in the Hawaiian Islands breeding grounds.

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New paper: Humpback whale song cultural transmission
by Josephine Schulze 01 Sep '22

01 Sep '22

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper in Royal Society Open Science: Humpback whale song revolutions continue to spread from the central into the eastern South Pacific. Schulze JN, Denkinger J, Oña J, Poole MM, Garland EC. 2022 R. Soc. Open Sci. 9: 220158. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220158 <https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220158> Abstract: Cultural transmission of behaviour is an important aspect of many animal communities ranging from humans to birds. Male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) sing a repetitive, stereotyped, socially learnt and culturally transmitted song display that slowly evolves each year. Most males within a population sing the same, slow-evolving song type; but in the South Pacific, song ‘revolutions’ have led to rapid and complete replacement of one song type by another introduced from a neighbouring population. Songs spread eastwards, from eastern Australia to French Polynesia, but the easterly extent of this transmission was unknown. Here, we investigated whether song revolutions continue to spread from the central (French Polynesia) into the eastern (Ecuador) South Pacific region. Similarity analyses using three consecutive years of song data (2016–2018) revealed that song themes recorded in 2016–2018 French Polynesian song matched song themes sung in 2018 Ecuadorian song, suggesting continued easterly transmission of song to Ecuador, and vocal connectivity across the entire South Pacific Ocean basin. This study demonstrates songs first identified in western populations can be transmitted across the entire South Pacific, supporting the potential for a circumpolar Southern Hemisphere cultural transmission of song and a vocal culture rivalled in its extent only by our own. The paper is freely available here: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220158 <https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220158> Kind regards, Josephine

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New paper on Kotzebue Bay, Alaska, cetacean acoustic monitoring
by Manolo Castellote 31 Aug '22

31 Aug '22

Dear MARMAM recipients, New open access paper in Frontiers in Remote Sensing: Authors: Manuel Castellote, Robert J. Small, Kathleen M. Stafford, Alex Whiting, Kathryn J. Frost. Title: "Beluga (D. leucas), harbor porpoise (P. phocoena), and killer whale (O. orca) acoustic presence in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska: Silence speaks volumes" Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frsen.2022.940247/full Abstract: Prior to 1984, belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) were seen in large numbers during spring and summer in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska, and provided an important subsistence resource to coastal residents. Sightings and harvest declined sharply beginning in 1984: the average annual harvest dropped from 84/yr (1977-1983) to 16/yr (1984-2021). To examine the current seasonal and spatial occurrence of belugas in Kotzebue Sound, passive acoustic moorings were deployed in summer 2013 and year-round in 2014-2016. Three moorings were deployed off Cape Krusenstern, northwestern Kotzebue Sound, to monitor cetaceans traveling nearshore. A mooring was also deployed near Chamisso Island, southeastern Kotzebue Sound. We used automatic detectors to process the recordings for echolocation and tonal signals, and all detections were manually validated. Belugas, harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), and transient killer whales (Orcinus orca) were detected in both areas, primarily from June to November. Detections extended into early winter for belugas, and sporadic detections were confirmed for porpoises from January to March. Belugas were detected on a total of 20 days, killer whales on 96 days, and porpoises on 179 days. All beluga detections were echolocation signals; the absence of social signals likely reflects an anti-predator response to transient killer whales and possibly to subsistence hunters. Killer whale detections were composed of echolocation signals, limited to very short click trains, double clicks, and single clicks, a known cryptic acoustic behavior used when targeting prey. Killer whales also emitted high frequency whistles (17-51 kHz) providing the first evidence of these types of signals for transients. Our results suggest transient killer whales in predation mode scouting harbor porpoise and beluga habitat, concurrent with belugas in silent anti-predation mode. This anti-predation acoustic behavior by belugas was also evident when killer whales were not present, conveying a continued perception of predation risk for this habitat. The combined natural and anthropogenic predation pressure in Kotzebue Sound could be playing an important role in the continued low occurrence of belugas. Sincerely, Manuel Castellote Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Washington & Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program, Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way N.E. F/AKC3 Seattle, WA 98115-6349 email: manuel.castellote(a)noaa.gov Voice: (206) 526-6866

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