September 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Rete mirabilia functional morphology
by Raverty, Stephen AF:EX 26 Sep '22

26 Sep '22

We are pleased to share the following study on the rete mirabilia which may be of interest to members of the list. Retia mirabilia: Protecting the cetacean brain from locomotion-generated blood pressure pulses M. A. LILLIE<https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn3315#con1>, A. W. VOGL<https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn3315#con2>, S. G. GERARD<https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn3315#con3>, S. <https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn3315#con4> RAVERTY<https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn3315#con4> AND R. E. SHADWICK<https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn3315#con5> SCIENCE 22 Sep 2022 Vol 377, Issue 6613 pp. 1452-1456 ABSTRACT Cetaceans have massive vascular plexuses (retia mirabilia) whose function is unknown. All cerebral blood flow passes through these retia, and we hypothesize that they protect cetacean brains from locomotion-generated pulsatile blood pressures. We propose that cetaceans have evolved a pulse-transfer mechanism that minimizes pulsatility in cerebral arterial-to-venous pressure differentials without dampening the pressure pulses themselves. We tested this hypothesis using a computational model based on morphology from 11 species and found that the large arterial capacitance in the retia, coupled with the small extravascular capacitance in the cranium and vertebral canal, could protect the cerebral vasculature from 97% of systemic pulsatility. Evolution of the retial complex in cetaceans-likely linked to the development of dorsoventral fluking-offers a distinctive solution to adverse locomotion-generated vascular pulsatility. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn3315#.YzEeqtZPtcs.mailto Stephen Raverty Veterinary Pathologist Animal Health Center 1767 Angus Campbell Road Abbotsford, BC Canada V3G2M3 Stephen.Raverty(a)gov.bc.ca Phone 778-666-0516 [cid:image001.png@01D8D172.C9C69020]

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Job opportunity: Marine Mammal Scientist (fur seals)
by Alastair Baylis 26 Sep '22

26 Sep '22

*Job vacancy: Marine Mammal Scientist (fur seals)* https://www.south-atlantic-research.org/jobs/ What: Pinniped tracking, isotopes and modelling. Where: Falkland Islands (South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute) Duration: 2 years Salary: starting at £38,288 Closing date: 3 October We are seeking a Marine Mammal Scientist to help study the movements of South American fur seals by deploying satellite tags, to assess diet using isotope and DNA analysis, and to help quantify interactions with fishing vessels. For a detailed job description or to apply, please visit*:* *https://www.south-atlantic-research.org/jobs/ <https://www.south-atlantic-research.org/jobs/>* Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

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DMAD is looking for a volunteer supervisor/researcher in Montenegro, South Adriatic
by Aylin Akkaya 26 Sep '22

26 Sep '22

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New paper: Cetaceans, Indian Ocean, Acoustics
by Kate Sprogis 26 Sep '22

26 Sep '22

Dear Colleagues, The scientific article 'Occurrence of cetaceans and seabirds along the Indian Ocean 110°E meridian from temperate to tropical waters' is published in the journal Deep Sea Research (Part II, Topical Studies in Oceanography), Special issue- Revisiting 110°E. You can request on Research Gate or download the pdf from this link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2022.105184 Authors: Kate R. Sprogis, Alicia Sutton, Micheline Jenner, Rob McCauley, Curt Jenner. Abstract: The first extensive physical and biological observations of the Indian Ocean were made from 1959 to 1965, during a ship-based International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-1). Decades later in 2019, the 110°E meridian was revisited during the second International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-2). The aim of this study, as part of a large number of related studies, was to examine the occurrence of cetaceans and seabirds along the 110°E meridian from temperate to tropical waters (39.5 to 11.5°S). Cetaceans and seabirds were actively scanned for across a four-week period spanning austral autumn to winter. Acoustic recordings of vocalising cetaceans were made using directional and omnidirectional sonobuoys (n = 87 deployments). In total, seven cetacean sightings (six baleen whale, one toothed whale), 186 seabird sightings and 242 cetacean acoustic detections were recorded. The baleen whale species detected acoustically were assigned to Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia; Z-calls), pygmy blue whales (B. m. brevicauda; south east Indian Ocean 3-component calls, D-calls), fin whales (B. physalus; 20 Hz-pulses), southern right whales (Eubalaena australis; upcalls), Antarctic minke whales (B. bonaerensis; bio-duck calls) and an unknown signal; a "spot call". The toothed whale species detected acoustically were Kogia sperm whales (Kogia sp.) and delphinid whilstes. Pygmy blue whales were detected across Subantarctic to Tropical Surface Waters, and were the most commonly detected cetacean. There was some delineation in other cetaceans: the spot call was detected in Subantarctic and Subtropical Surface Water (south of 23°S); fin whales in Subtropical Surface Water (between 23° and 30.5°S); and Antarctic minke whales in Tropical Surface Water (between 14° and 23°S). Data were not collected on cetaceans during IIOE-1, so data here represent baseline occurrence along 110°E for future studies. A total of 22 seabird species were sighted, including, petrels, storm petrels, albatrosses, tropicbirds, terns, shearwaters, boobies, frigatebirds, gannets, gulls, skuas and prions. Soft-plumaged petrels (Pterodroma mollis) were observed across all water masses and were the most commonly sighted seabird. There was some delineation of seabird species; albatrosses were sighted south of the Subtropical Front (south of 32°S); flesh-footed shearwaters (Ardenna carneipes) in Subantarctic and Subtropical Surface Waters (south of 27°S); and tropicbirds in Tropical Surface Water (north of 20°S). The occurrence of highly mobile species is particularly important to investigate as the waters in the eastern Indian Ocean have been warming faster than in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Reference: Sprogis, K.R., Sutton, A.L., Jenner, M.-N., McCauley, R.D., Jenner, K.C.S., 2022. Occurrence of cetaceans and seabirds along the Indian Ocean 110°E meridian from temperate to tropical waters. Deep Sea Research (Part II, Topical Studies in Oceanography). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2022.105184 Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Kind regards, Kate, Alicia, Micheline, Rob and Curt. Kate Sprogis, PhD Research Fellow Great Southern Marine Research Facility Albany campus WA 6330 Australia kate.sprogis(a)uwa.edu.au [UWA on Twitter]<https://twitter.com/KateSprogis>[UWA on Instagram]<https://www.instagram.com/katesprogis/>[UWA on Linked In]<linkedin.com/in/kate-sprogis-23abb58b>[cid:image005.png@01D8D1C8.E9C3D760]<http://www.katesprogis.wordpress.com/> [cid:image006.png@01D8D1C8.E9C3D760] [cid:image007.jpg@01D8D1C8.E9C3D760] We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Noongar Country and pay our respects to the custodians of the land and sea on which we live and work. Recent publications: * Arranz, P., N. A. de Soto, P. T. Madsen, and K. R. Sprogis. 2021a. Whale-watch vessel noise levels with applications to whale-watching guidelines and conservation. Marine Policy 134:104776. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104776 * Arranz, P., M. Glarou, and K. R. Sprogis. 2021b. Decreased resting and nursing in short-finned pilot whales when exposed to louder petrol engine noise of a hybrid whale-watch vessel. Scientific Reports 11:21195. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00487-0

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Northern Elephant Seal opportunities on the Farallon Islands
by Garrett Duncan - SEA 24 Sep '22

24 Sep '22

Point Blue Conservation Science is looking for Volunteer Elephant Seal Research Assistants for our winter 2022-2023 program. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a long term study of Northern Elephant Seals on the Farallon Islands. Positions are available December 3rd, 2022 to March 25th, 2023 with strong preference given to applicants able to commit to the full season. About Point Blue Conservation Science (Point Blue) Located in Petaluma, CA, Point Blue is a growing and internationally renowned nonprofit with over 160 staff and seasonal scientists. Our highest priority is to reduce the impacts of accelerating changes in climate, land-use and the ocean while promoting climate-smart conservation for a healthy future. Point Blue advances conservation for wildlife and people through science, partnerships and outreach. Our scientists work closely with wildlife and habitat managers, private land owners, ranchers, farmers, other scientists, major conservation groups, and federal, state, and local government agencies and officials. We understand that real solutions come from working together. The Farallon Islands Since 1968, Point Blue has been studying the wildlife on the Farallon Islands. Located 27 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Southeast Farallon Islands are 96 acres of rocky terrain just a few miles from the edge of the continental shelf. Our studies examine upper trophic marine predators as bio-indicators of natural and anthropogenic variation in the marine ecosystem. The islands host the largest seabird breeding colony in the contiguous United States (over 300,000 seabirds of 13 species), are an important haul-out and breeding site for 5 species of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), as well as a unique feeding location for white sharks. In addition, the islands host other unique populations (plants, salamanders, insects, etc.) as well as being a stopover site for hundreds of species of migrant and vagrant landbirds. Position Summary The Research Assistants (RA) primary responsibility is censusing and monitoring the colony of Northern Elephant seals utilizing flipper tags. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, resighting tagged California and Steller’s Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and Northern Fur Seals, and surveying for salamanders, crickets, songbirds, seabirds, gulls, burrowing owls, and whales. (Sorry, white sharks are unlikely during the winter months) RAs also contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station and help prepare dinners. The ability to coexist on a small, isolated island is important. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: · Enthusiasm for intense field work in windy, cold conditions is essential · Knowledge of pinniped colony monitoring or other wildlife survey techniques · Experience with bird ID is a plus but not required · Must collect accurate data entry to input field information into system · Able to work with a group and independently · Able to work with a high level of responsibility in field work · Safety oriented and communicative Certifications and/or Licenses: · None required, however please declare if CPR/AED, WFA/WFR, or MOCC certified Preferred Education and Experience: · This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a degree in biology or related field and prior ecological research experience. Work Environment & Physical Requirements: · Outdoor work that may require rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing · Indoor work consists of data entry and proofing, equipment maintenance, group food preparation and house upkeep · Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, twist and turn over rocky terrain · Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally · Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Housing · This is a temporary volunteer position (unpaid) · Positions are from December 3rd, 2022 to March 25th, 2023 with strong preference for applicants who can commit to the entire season · Food is provided at no cost while working on the Islands · Housing is provided at no cost while working on the Islands · You will be expected to work 7 days a week but given days off periodically · Some occasional night work is also required · Travel to and from the Islands is provided. Transportation to Point Blue headquarters is not included How to Apply Please email a single pdf file in the following format: lastname_firstname_2022winterassistant.pdf to Garrett Duncan (gduncan(a)pointblue.org<mailto:gduncan@pointblue.org>). This document should contain your cover letter explaining your interests, your resume, dates of availability, and 3 professional references. Applications accepted until October 2nd, 2022 but applications will be evaluated as they are received.

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New publication: Underwater noise and whales in South African waters
by Fannie Shabangu 24 Sep '22

24 Sep '22

Dear MARMAM Colleagues On behalf on my co-authors, I am excited to announce the publication of our latest paper that investigated the sources of underwater noise and the effects of underwater noise on the probability of detecting whale calls off the west coast of South Africa: Shabangu FW, Yemane D, Best G, and Estabrook BJ (2022). Acoustic detectability of whales amidst underwater noise off the west coast of South Africa. Marine Pollution Bulletin 184: 114122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114122 Abstract Anthropogenic underwater noise has been shown to negatively affect marine organisms globally; yet little to no noise research has been conducted in most African waters including South Africa's. This study aimed to quantitatively describe sources of underwater noise and effects of underwater noise on the acoustic detectability of Antarctic blue, fin, minke, humpback, and sperm whales off South Africa's west coast. Noise from vessel traffic (<35 km to the location of recorders) dominated the soundscape below 500 Hz while wind-generated noise increased with wind speed above 5 m s-1 and dominated the soundscape above 500 Hz. Acoustic detectability of humpback, minke and sperm whales decreased with increasing ambient noise levels whereas blue and fin whale acoustic detectability increased with the ambient noise levels. We provide baseline information on underwater noise sources and the effects of underwater noise on whale acoustic detectability off the west coast of South Africa. This paper is open access and can be freely downloaded at: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0025-326X(22)00804-9. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments on the paper. Kind regards,Fannie _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Fannie W. Shabangu, PhD (he/him) Marine BiologistDepartment of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Cape Town, South Africa Mobile: +27 74 220 0210 Tel: +27 21 402 3553E-mail addresses: fshabangu(a)dffe.gov.za; fannie.shabangu(a)yahoo.com Research Fellow Mammal Research InstituteWhale Unit University of PretoriaHatfield, South Africa

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New publication: Environmental DNA (eDNA) for monitoring marine mammals: Challenges and opportunities.
by Camilo Saavedra 24 Sep '22

24 Sep '22

Dear all, We are pleased to share with you our recently published review on environmental DNA (eDNA) for monitoring marine mammals. It has been published, in open access, in Frontiers in Marine Sciences, so you can freely access it through the following link: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2022.987774/full?&utm_… <http://links.email.frontiersin.org/ls/click?upn=Dpg5ochww630xh6EMvshS4k2vZe…> Citation: Suarez-Bregua P, Álvarez-González M, Parsons KM, Rotllant J, Pierce GJ and Saavedra C (2022) Environmental DNA (eDNA) for monitoring marine mammals: Challenges and opportunities. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:987774. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.987774 Abstract: Monitoring marine mammal populations is essential to permit assessment of population status as required by both national and international legislation. Traditional monitoring methods often rely on visual and/or acoustic detections from vessels and aircraft, but limitations including cost, errors in the detection of some species and dependence on taxonomic expertise, as well as good weather and visibility conditions often limit the temporal and spatial scale of effective, long-term monitoring programs. In recent years, environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a revolutionary tool for cost-effective, sensitive, non-invasive species monitoring in both terrestrial and aquatic realms. eDNA is a rapidly developing field and a growing number of studies have successfully implemented this approach for the detection and identification of marine mammals. Here, we review 21 studies published between 2012 and 2021 that employed eDNA for marine mammal monitoring including single species detection, biodiversity assessment and genetic characterization. eDNA has successfully been used to infer species presence (especially useful for rare, elusive or threatened species) and to characterize the population genetic structure, although additional research is needed to support the interpretation of non-detections. Finally, we discuss the challenges and the opportunities that eDNA could bring to marine mammal monitoring as a complementary tool to support visual and acoustic methods. Please, do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any question or suggestion. Best wishes, Camilo sp. (on behalf of all co-authors) --- Dr. Camilo Saavedra Penas Camilo.Saavedra(a)ieo.csic.es Head of the Marine Mammals and Ecosystem team Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO)

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Job Opportunity: FWC FTE Biological Scientist II (Florida Manatee Photo-identification)
by Johnson, Jennifer 23 Sep '22

23 Sep '22

FTE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Working Title: Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II Position #: 77073234 Section: Wildlife Research Subsection: Marine Mammals Location: St. Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) Salary: $35,745.84 Closing Date: October 20, 2022 Job Description: This position provides technical support for the manatee photo-identification project. The successful candidate will be responsible for matching images to known manatees; facilitating matching manatees between partner organizations and regions of the state; entering, editing, and verifying data; developing and maintaining project databases; sketching manatee scar patterns from images; labeling, sorting, and tagging (categorizing) images; creating and updating written procedures; managing, organizing, and archiving slide, print, and digital manatee photo-identification records and associated datasheets; providing summary information and data to managers as needed; and assisting with the implementation of an integrated multi-agency Manatee Individual Photo-identification (MIPS) database. Additional responsibilities include independently collecting manatee-related photographic, spatial, environmental, genetic, and behavioral data from shore, in-water, and from watercraft; assisting with field and lab equipment, vehicle, and vessel, purchasing, organization, and maintenance; training others in field and lab-based manatee photo-identification procedures; and other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. This position is primarily lab-based but does include field work. Travel may be state-wide. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences and one year of professional biological experience in a field or laboratory program; or a master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the biological sciences. Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities: * Knowledge of wildlife ecology, biology, and natural systems * Experience in photo-identification techniques (data collection and management of photo-identification data) * Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, scanning software, and image management software * Skilled in the safe operation and trailering of small watercraft (up to 24ft.) * Skilled in the use and maintenance of scientific field equipment, including digital SLR cameras * Skilled in problem-solving and visual spatial reasoning * Ability to record data independently and accurately in a sometimes-harsh field environment * Ability to perform detail-oriented work in an organized manner * Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing * Ability to work independently and as part of a team; establish and maintain effective working relationships * Ability to effectively train and supervise others * Ability to swim with sufficient skill to perform in-water research * Ability to maintain a U.S. driver's license Application Requirements: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77073234 in the keyword search field) or https://career4.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareerpvt?jobId=742422&co…. Applicants should also upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email and phone) for three references with their People First application by the closing date, but these do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida application form. Applicants are required to complete the additional application questions. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: State of Florida employees enjoy top-tier benefits offerings including comprehensive health coverage to meet the needs of you and your family while maintaining low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions. State employees also enjoy the option of selecting between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement. As an additional benefit, state employment affords you the opportunity to take part in the tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems. * Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly * No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance * Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year * 4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrual each biweekly For a more complete list of benefits, visit https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/. Additional Requirements: The Commission expects its employees to be courteous and respectful while assisting Commission customers and stakeholders, ensuring each encounter is as positive as possible. Employees should promptly resolve questions or problems relating to the Commission, its programs and/or fish and wildlife resources. Employees should seek to gain public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner and by listening to what the customer wants and striving to meet their needs. When appropriate, employees will explain the reasons for agency actions or decisions while communicating a consistent Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) point-of-view. Work at FWC is cross-functional meaning duties may cross division/office lines. The Commission expects employees to function across FWC's organizational structure by providing their skills and expertise wherever needed through work on teams or as directed. Responsible for following the provisions and requirements in Section 215.422, Florida Statutes, related to the Department of Financial Services rules and FWC's invoice processing and warrant distribution procedures. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

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New Publication: Commercial whale-watching reduces vessel incidents in the vicinity of killer whales in Washington State
by Monika Wieland 23 Sep '22

23 Sep '22

Dear MARMAM Community, I'm pleased to announce the publication of a new study in the journal Marine Policy: "Commercial whale-watching reduces vessel incidents in the vicinity of killer whales in Washington State". Abstract: There is increasing focus on the impacts of whale-watching on marine mammal species around the world. In the inland waters of Washington State and British Columbia, a region known as the Salish Sea, killer whales (Orcinus orca) are protected by regulations to help mitigate the acoustic and physical disturbance from small vessels. Most recently, the State of Washington implemented a commercial whale-watching licensing program that restricts viewing hours of whale-watching vessels within one-half nautical mile of endangered Southern Resident killer whales to four hours a day during three months of the year. During the development of these regulations, an identified data gap was regarding the “sentinel effect”, a question of whether the presence of commercial whale-watching vessels can help mitigate speed and distance incidents by private vessels via modeling correct viewing behavior and/or by directly contacting vessels to prevent such incidents from occurring. This pilot study conducted five months of boat-based and shore-based data collection on vessel incidents in the proximity of two killer whale populations in the Salish Sea. A negative binomial model predicts a significant decrease in mean estimated incidents per hour by private vessels in the presence of commercial whale-watching vessels, while there was no significant difference in the presence of boater education vessels. This study provides the first quantitative support for the sentinel effect, a finding that should be analyzed further in ongoing studies and incorporated into the adaptive management of vessel regulations, especially those that restrict only commercial whale-watching vessels. The full paper is available open access here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105290 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105290> Best, Monika Wieland Shields Director, Orca Behavior Institute Friday Harbor, WA

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Alaska Dept Fish & Game Biometrician
by Polasek, Lori K (DFG) 23 Sep '22

23 Sep '22

Reposting due to broken job announcement link. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is searching for an individual with an interest in marine mammal research and conservation who aspires to solve scientific problems and address conservation issues as part of an innovative and skilled research team. This position provides biometric assistance to mid- and upper-level wildlife biologists (Wildlife Biologists II, III, and IV) to support statewide Marine Mammal Program projects and to consult on management level issues. This position offers a rare opportunity to provide biometric support to a diverse array of marine mammal projects on species such as ice seals (ringed, bearded, spotted and ribbon), polar bears, Steller sea lions, walruses, sea otters, and bowhead and beluga whales in remote areas of Alaska. The successful applicant can also participate in wildlife field work. The posting is for PCN 11-2285 on Workplace Alaska https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/alaska/jobs/3514436/biometrician-1-2… Contact Information For specific information in reference to the position please contact the hiring manager: Lori Polasek, Marine Mammal Program Coordinator. 907-465-6167. lori.polasek(a)alaska.gov<mailto:lori.polasek@alaska.gov>

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