September 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Seasonal song ontogeny in western North Atlantic humpback whales: drawing parallels with songbirds
by Katie Kowarski 19 Sep '22

19 Sep '22

We are pleased to announce our recent publication available online! https://doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2022.2122561 Katie Kowarski, Salvatore Cerchio, Hal Whitehead, Danielle Cholewiak & Hilary Moors-Murphy (2022): Seasonal song ontogeny in western North Atlantic humpback whales: drawing parallels with songbirds, Bioacoustics, DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2022.2122561 ABSTRACT The use of song as a reproductive display is common in the animal kingdom; however, for many taxa, little is known of song ontogeny. Male humpback whales produce elaborate songs on low latitude breeding grounds in winter and begin to sing on high latitude feeding grounds in late summer, yet songs from the two locations are rarely compared. Seasonal song ontogeny in western North Atlantic humpback whales was explored by comparing songs recorded in high latitude feeding grounds (Canada in spring 2016 and fall 2016 to winter 2017) with songs recorded in a low latitude breeding ground (Dominican Republic in winter and spring 2017). High-quality song samples were selected, and every phrase annotated. Song theme order, song duration, and number of phrase repetitions were compared across samples. The most variability in theme order was found between November and December in the Canadian recordings, a phase in song ontogeny that may be important for learning. Song duration gradually increased, via an increase in phrase repetitions, through the breeding season, before peaking in the Dominican Republic between January and March. A comparison to oscine bird seasonal song ontogeny revealed many similarities, highlighting potentially similar physiological processes between humpback whales and songbirds.

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2022 ACS Conference - Call for Poster Abstracts
by Uko Gorter 19 Sep '22

19 Sep '22

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the American Cetacean Society's 18th International Conference to be held November 4-6, 2022 in San Diego, California Whales in a Sea of Troubles For more information: https://www.acsonline.org/2022-conference ACS's International Conference is a highly respected gathering of scientists, educators, conservationists, students, hobbyists and anyone with an interest in cetaceans and their ocean environment. This conference will focus on the future of whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation. Activities will include speaker sessions with world-renowned experts, a poster session including a student research poster contest. We will also hold our traditional pre-conference all-day whale watching trip on Friday November 4th, on the famous sailing yacht 'America', owned and operated by Next Level Sailing. CALL FOR POSTER ABSTRACTS: Abstracts for the Poster Session and Student Research Poster Contest will be accepted through October 14, 2022. - Poster Session: This session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based out of educational institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations. It is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education. - Student Research Poster Contest: We invite graduate and undergraduate students to present their work in the ACS Conference Student Contest. The contest is for poster presenters, with unique prizes of the two runner-up winners. They will be recognized at the conference Sunday morning and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the ACS Spyhopper newsletter The student contest provides an opportunity for students at universities and institutions to gain presentation experience in a professional environment and provides a forum in which existing professionals and scientists may meet their rising peers. Abstract submissions will be accepted from current undergraduate or graduate students, student interns, and recently graduated students (within the past year) who conducted their work prior to graduation. Student authors must be from accredited institutions of higher education. For submission guidelines and details, please visit: https://acs.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/poster%20session%20guidelines%2020… Poster session-related inquiries can be sent to posters(a)acsonline.org See you in November! Sincerely, The American Cetacean Society Conference Poster Committee AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY P.O. Box 51691, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Uko Gorter, President American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 51691 Pacific Grove, CA 93950 1(310) 548-6279 uko(a)acsonline.org uko(a)ukogorter.com

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New Publication: Whiskers provide time-series of toxic and essential trace elements, Se:Hg molar ratios, and stable isotope values of an apex Antarctic predator, the leopard seal
by Charapata, Patrick 19 Sep '22

19 Sep '22

Dear MARMAM Community, On behalf of my colleagues and myself, I am excited to share with you all our new research article: “Whiskers provide time-series of toxic and essential trace elements, Se:Hg molar ratios, and stable isotope values of an apex Antarctic predator, the leopard seal”, now available in Science of the Total Environment. The article can be obtained Open Access by following this specific link<https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fauthors.e…> for the next 50 days. Charapata, P., Clark, C. T., Miller, N., Kienle, S. S., Costa, D. P., Goebel, M. E., Gunn, H., Sperou, E. S., Kanatous, S. B., Crocker, D. E., Borras-Chavez, R., & Trumble, S. J. (2023). Whiskers provide time-series of toxic and essential trace elements, Se:Hg molar ratios, and stable isotope values of an apex Antarctic predator, the leopard seal. Science of The Total Environment, 854, 158651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158651<https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fauthors.e…> Abstract In an era of rapid environmental change and increasing human presence, researchers need efficient tools for tracking contaminants to monitor the health of Antarctic flora and fauna. Here, we examined the utility of leopard seal whiskers as a biomonitoring tool that reconstructs time-series of significant ecological and physiological biomarkers. Leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) are a sentinel species in the Western Antarctic Peninsula due to their apex predator status and top-down effects on several Antarctic species. However, there are few data on their contaminant loads. We analyzed leopard seal whiskers (n = 18 individuals, n = 981 segments) collected during 2018–2019 field seasons to acquire longitudinal profiles of non-essential (Hg, Pb, and Cd) and essential (Se, Cu, and Zn) trace elements, stable isotope (ẟ15N and ẟ13C) values and to assess Hg risk with Se:Hg molar ratios. Whiskers provided between 46 and 286 cumulative days of growth with a mean ~ 125 days per whisker (n = 18). Adult whiskers showed variability in non-essential trace elements over time that could partly be explained by changes in diet. Whisker Hg levels were insufficient (<20 ppm) to consider most seals being at “high” risk for Hg toxicity. Nevertheless, maximum Hg concentrations observed in this study were greater than that of leopard seal hair measured two decades ago. However, variation in the Se:Hg molar ratios over time suggest that Se may detoxify Hg burden in leopard seals. Overall, we provide evidence that the analysis of leopard seal whiskers allows for the reconstruction of time-series ecological and physiological data and can be valuable for opportunistically monitoring the health of the leopard seal population and their Antarctic ecosystem during climate change. Please email me (Patrick_charapata1(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Patrick_charapata1@baylor.edu>) with any questions on the paper. Additionally, I will happily send over a PDF copy if anyone requests it! Thank you!! Cheers, Patrick Charapata, PhD – Baylor University Postdoctoral Researcher – NWFSC/NOAA

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New Publication: Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Pulsed Calls in the Eastern Canadian Arctic
by Jessica Sportelli 19 Sep '22

19 Sep '22

Hello MARMAM community, I am excited to share my recent publication in Arctic. Please email me at jjsportelli(a)gmail.com with any questions or if you would like a pdf copy. Sportelli, J.J., Jones, J.M., Frasier, K.E., Westdal, K.H., Ootoowak, A.J, Higdon, J.W., Hildebrand, J.A. (2022). Killer Whale (*Orcinus orca*) Pulsed Calls in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. *Arctic*. 75(3) 344 - 363. https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic75350 Abstract Killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) produce a variety of acoustic signal types used for communication: clicks, whistles, and pulsed calls. Discrete pulsed calls are highly stereotyped, repetitive, and unique to individual pods found around the world. Discriminating amongst pod specific calls can help determine population structure in killer whales and is used to track pod movements around oceans. Killer whale presence in the Canadian Arctic has increased substantially, but we have limited understanding of their ecology, movements, and stock identity. Two autonomous passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) hydrophones were deployed in the waters of Eclipse Sound and Milne Inlet, in northern Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada, in August and September 2017. Eleven killer whale pulsed call types, three multiphonic and eight monophonic, are proposed and described using manual whistle contour extraction and feature normalization. Automated detection of echolocation clicks between 20 and 48 kHz demonstrated little to no overlap between killer whale calls and echolocation presumed to be narwhal, which suggests that narwhal remain audibly inconspicuous when killer whales are present. Describing the acoustic repertoire of killer whales seasonally present in the Canadian Arctic will aid in understanding their acoustic behaviour, seasonal movements, and ecological impacts. The calls described here provide a basis for future acoustic comparisons across the North Atlantic and aid in characterizing killer whale demographics and ecology, particularly for pods making seasonal incursions into Arctic waters. Cheers, Jessica Sportelli -- Jessica Sportelli Research Associate National Marine Mammal Foundation

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New Publication: Non-linear phenomena: a common acoustic feature of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) signature whistles
by Jessica Sportelli 19 Sep '22

19 Sep '22

Hello everyone! My team and I are excited to share our new publication with you in Bioacoustics: Sportelli, J.J, Jones, B.L, Ridgway S.H. (2022). Non-linear phenomena: a common acoustic feature of bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) signature whistles. *Bioacoustics*. https://doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2022.2106306 *Abstract* Biphonation, deterministic chaos, sidebands and subharmonics are four non-linear phenomena (NLP) that have been identified as common additions in the phonations of animals. NLP have been hypothesised to communicate urgency, caller identification, fitness and arousal/valence states for a variety of species but have yet to be studied in detail for bottlenose dolphins. For this study, the signature whistles of nine bottlenose dolphins residing at the US Navy Marine Mammal Program (MMP) were opportunistically recorded during routine periods of separation from conspecifics. NLP were found to be common additions onto the spectral structure of signature whistles, occurring in 53% of recorded whistles (340/642). Sidebands were the most common NLP type produced. Although less frequently emitted, biphonations were characterised by a significantly longer persistence than the other NLP types. Age had a negative correlation with overall NLP presence, and more specifically, sideband presence. Individual differences in NLP use existed between dolphins; however, all dolphins were recorded producing a minimum of two NLP types. We describe NLP prevalence in dolphin whistles in order to provide a useful baseline for continued research to further identify changes in NLP across behavioural and/or health conditions. Please reach out to me at jessica.sportelli(a)nmmpfoundation.org with any questions, or for a pdf copy of the manuscript. Cheers, Jessica Sportelli -- Jessica Sportelli Research Associate National Marine Mammal Foundation

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New publication: Large whale socio-sexual behavior in the New York Bight
by Rickard, Meghan E (DEC) 19 Sep '22

19 Sep '22

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to share our recently published paper "Evidence of Large Whale Socio-Sexual Behavior in the New York Bight" in Aquatic Mammals. https://aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article… Authors: Meghan E. Rickard, Kate S. Lomac-MacNair, Darren S. Ireland, Sarah M. Leiter, Mitchell D. Poster, and Ann M. Zoidis Abstract: Large whales, including the endangered sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), and North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), are known to occur in the New York Bight. However, relatively little data exist on social behavior typical of these species in the area. The U.S. Mid-Atlantic has tradition-ally been considered a large whale migratory corridor with few surveys documenting social dynamics of whale presence in these waters. To better understand the occurrence, distribution, abundance, and behavior of these species for management and conservation planning, monthly line-transect aerial surveys were conducted over a 3-year period from March 2017 to February 2020. During these surveys, three noteworthy socio-sexual behavior events were observed and photo-graphed within groups of sei whales (April 2019), sperm whales (September 2019), and right whales (December 2019). Events included what could be either non-reproductive sexual behavior (socio-sexual behavior) or sexual behavior (copulation) among conspecifics, including mirror pair swimming, lateral and vertical presenting, and belly to belly contact. During all three events, groups were highly active at the surface, frequently and quickly changing speed and direction, and animals were predominantly less than one body length apart from other conspecifics in the group. All species were recorded rolling onto their sides and/or back while at or near the surface. Open mouth display occurred in the North Atlantic right whale event. Though copulation is unlikely to have transpired during the sperm whale event and could not have occurred during the right whale event due to the identification of same-sex individuals, it cannot be ruled out as the impetus for the sei whale event. These observations begin to describe the relative importance of the New York Bight as more than a migratory corridor and suggest that additional behaviorally focused data collection be incorporated into future surveys. Please feel free to reach out for a copy of the paper or with any questions: meghan.rickard(a)dec.ny.gov<mailto:meghan.rickard@dec.ny.gov>. Best, Meghan -- Meghan Rickard Marine Zoologist New York Natural Heritage Program & Division of Marine Resources New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754 (p) 631-444-0446 | meghan.rickard(a)dec.ny.gov<mailto:meghan.rickard@dec.ny.gov>

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New publication - Histomorphological stratification of blubber of three dolphin species from sub-tropical waters
by Natasha Roussouw 19 Sep '22

19 Sep '22

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication on the ‘Histomorphological stratification of blubber of three dolphin species from subtropical waters of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa”: Roussouw, N., van Vliet, T., Naidoo, K., Rossouw, G., Plön, S. (2022). Histomorphological stratification of blubber of three dolphin species from sub-tropical waters. *Journal of Morphology*. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21511 *Abstract* Blubber is a highly specialized and dynamic tissue unique to marine mammals and presents a reflection of the individuals' nutrition, environment, and life history traits. Few studies have investigated the histomorphology of cetacean blubber in subtropical environments. The aim of this study was to investigate the blubber histomorphology of three different dolphin species off the subtropical KwaZulu‐Natal coast, South Africa, using adipocyte cell size, number, and density. Blubber tissue samples from the saddle area of 43 incidentally bycaught animals (four *Sousa plumbea*, 36 *Tursiops aduncus*, and three *Delphinus delphis*) were used to compare cell parameters between blubber layers. Samples were divided into the upper third (corresponding to the superficial layer closest to the epidermis), middle third, and lower third (corresponding to the deep layer). For *T. aduncus*, factors potentially affecting blubber histomorphology, such as sex, age class, and season, were also assessed. Our results showed that no stratification was present in *S. plumbea*, which could be ascribed to the species' warmer inshore habitat, large body size, and apparent lower mobility. For *T. aduncus* and *D. capensis*, however, blubber stratification was determined, characterized by a gradual transition of cell size, number, and density between layers rather than clearly defined layers. Significant differences in adipocyte cell number and density were found for different sexes and age classes of *T. aduncus*. However, there were no significant differences between seasons, which was attributed to the small temperature differences between seasons. This study represents the first investigation of odontocete blubber histomorphology in subtropical waters. It is recommended that future studies investigate blubber lipid content, while also taking into consideration the reproductive status of the females and the temperature range of their study area. It is hoped that our results, in conjunction with histopathology and other health indicators, could assist in assessing health and body condition. You can access the full-text (read online only) for free at the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jmor.21511 Alternatively, please feel free to e-mail me for a pdf copy or if you have any queries. Kind regards, Natasha Roussouw (MSc) Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE) Port Elizabeth South Africa

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Job Posting - Marine Mammal Stranding Center New Jersey
by Stranding Tech 18 Sep '22

18 Sep '22

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC), located in New Jersey, is currently accepting applications for a Stranding Technician position. Job Description Field Stranding Technicians are responsible for all aspects of stranding response and animal care at Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in Brigantine, New Jersey. Technicians are also responsible for coordinating the efforts of volunteers as well as local, state and federal authorities during stranding responses in the field. This position's responsibilities will be based initially on the experience of the applicant hired and additional training will be provided where necessary. Responsibilities * Coordinate stranding response, recovery and reports of cetaceans, seals, and sea turtles within the designated response area. * Organize and oversee the daily operations of the stranding program including, but not limited to monitoring and response to stranding calls and adhering to local and national laws and policies regarding protected species and habitats. * Collect data and complete required documentations (e.g. 24-hour report, Level A Data, Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network Report (STSSN) for all stranded animals and complete required reporting to databases. * Coordinate and conduct or assist veterinarian in necropsies both in the field and at MMSC, including coordinating the disposal of carcasses and waste materials. * Maintain inventory database for all samples and marine mammal parts in conjunction with MMSC staff and proper NMFS, USFWS, and NJFW permitting regulations. * Maintain equipment, vehicles, and vessels. * Develop and maintain a volunteer, partner, and public outreach network to assist in stranding response, public support, and necropsy. * Conduct workshops and training for stranding program volunteers. * Ensure adequate safety training and PPE for all volunteers and staff for all procedures involved in stranding response and necropsy, including hazardous and biological waste training, boating safety, animal handling, and zoonotic disease prevention. Qualifications * This position requires a high level of commitment and flexibility with regards to scheduling to accommodate the unpredictable nature of stranding response and requirement of 24/7 on-call status. * High level interpersonal communication skills. * Proficient in Microsoft software programs. * Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Relevant experience in marine mammal stranding and necropsy (may be a combination of paid and unpaid work). * Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted after proper training. * Ability to drive a large truck and boat including ability to trailer and tow vessel. * Ability to work under harsh weather conditions. * Bachelor's degree in appropriate area of specialization and experience with stranding work (Cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sea turtles). * Experience in stranding program(s) and procedures (2 year minimum). Team based work ethic and leadership capabilities. To apply, Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Stranding(a)mmsc.org by Septmeber 30th, 2022. For more information, visit https://mmsc.org<https://mmsc.org/meet-our-pod> . [https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/15804f85-838e-4870-bd16-aa383f37bd63/Harbo…]<https://mmsc.org/meet-our-pod> Meet Our Pod - Marine Mammal Stranding Center<https://mmsc.org/meet-our-pod> Together we can make a difference. Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release, Preserve. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is dedicated to responding to marine mammals and sea turtles in distress along all of New Jersey's waterways and to the rehabilitation of these animals for release back into the wild. mmsc.org

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"Gaze Following" in Dolphins
by Johnson, Christine 17 Sep '22

17 Sep '22

Greetings all! My colleagues and I are happy to announce the publication of a new paper on "Conspecific "gaze following" in bottlenose dolphins", just out in Animal Cognition. Below is the abstract and link. ABSTRACT "Gaze following"—when one individual witnesses another shift its orientation, and then re-orients in the same direction—has been observed in a wide range of species. Related work with dolphins has to date focused on human–dolphin interactions. In this conspecific study, we examined a group of dolphins orienting, in passing, to gateways between their pools, as opportunities for witnesses to demonstrate "gaze following". Seven bottlenose dolphins were synchronously videotaped on six underwater cameras, for 21 h over three days, and the recordings analyzed by trained observers. The identities of all animals present, their partner state, and whether and to what degree they had altered their access to the gate (e.g., from Monocular to Binocular, or Binocular to Visio-Echoic) was recorded. Compared to animals that did not witness such a change, witnesses of an increase in access by another dolphin were significantly more likely to also act to increase their own access. We observed 460 such cases of "gaze following" in these animals. Dolphins who were partnered (showed sustained swimming within 1 body length) were significantly more likely, than non-partnered animals, to "gaze follow". Dolphins also showed a significant tendency toward matching the kind of access they observed. No significant difference was found in the presence of animals in the back pools, during changes in orientation that were followed, versus in those that were not. These findings support adding bottlenose dolphins to the growing list of species that display conspecific "gaze following". This paper is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-022-01665-x<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-022-01665-x__;!!…> or contact the lead author for a pdf. All the best, CMJ Christine M. Johnson PhD Director, Dolphin Cognition Lab Dept. of Cognitive Science University of California, San Diego

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2022 American Cetacean Society Conference, San Diego (Nov 4-6)
by Uko Gorter 2 17 Sep '22

17 Sep '22

18th International Conference of the American Cetacean Society Kona Kai Resort & Spa, California, November 4-6, 2022 "Whales in a Sea of Troubles" Dear MARMAM community, The Early Bird registration for our 2022 ACS Conference has been extended to October 1. Please register for your in-person or virtual conference. To register for our conference CLICK HERE or go to our ACS Conference webpage for more information (acsonline.org/2022-conference) To book your hotel room at the Kona Kai Resort & Spa at the conference rate CLICK HERE Attached here is our ACS Conference Schedule (subject to changes), as well as list of all our invited Speakers and Panelists. To find nice conference swag, go to our bonfire store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-acs-shop/ We're close to ready, we are just waiting for you. We hope to see you in San Diego! –The 2022 ACS Conference Committee–

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