January 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Video management software
by Philip Hamilton 30 Jan '23

30 Jan '23

Dear Marmam Community, As managers of the North Atlantic right whale photo-identification Catalog, we want to better integrate video into our customized, server-based matching system. We are researching software options, preferably open source, to manage video. Specific requirements are to 1) be able to mark a section of video, associate data with that section to allow you to search for, and return to, that part of the video, 2) be able to export screen shots and automatically store the pathway to that exported image in the database, 3) has basic video viewing options (slow down, adjust brightness and contrast, zoom in and out), and 4) be able to draw an arrow to point to a specific area on the screen. That annotation could be a separate stored data layer with x/y coordinates. In addition, we aim to have an automated system to create optimized copies of all videos for seamless viewing over the Internet. If you are currently doing something similar, or have knowledge about any of these specific requirements, we would be interested in hearing from you. We will be happy to consolidate all feedback and provide that, as well as whatever final solution we land, to interested parties. Thank you. Philip Philip Hamilton Senior Scientist and Acting Chair Kraus Marine Mammal Conservation Program Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 (617) 973-5253 [cid:image001.png@01D53503.A3683FF0] This electronic message contains information from the New England Aquarium which may be privileged and confidential. The information is intended to be for the use of the addressee only. If you have received this communication in error, do not read or circulate it. Please delete it from your system without copying it or saving any attachments and notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.

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Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships - $3000 stipend, application deadline Feb 11th
by Katie McHugh 30 Jan '23

30 Jan '23

*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships* The Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world’s longest-running study of a dolphin population. The program’s primary goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Naples/Marco Island, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit:<http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>www.sarasotadolphin.org <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>. The SDRP is now selecting volunteer interns through the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) for our summer 2023 season.**These positions will start in late May or early June and run into August.*Completed applications are due to CZS by February 11th. * *New for 2023: Interns will be provided a $3000 stipend to help offset the cost of travel, housing and personal/incidental expenses associated with relocating for the term of the internship. *Interns will receive no remuneration for any duties or assignments they may perform during the internship.* * All internships must be a minimum of 10 weeks of participation, but ideally will run for 12-16 weeks. Please note that we typically only seek 2-4 interns for each session and that we receive many more applications than we have openings – the selection process is very competitive.Successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1)*Dolphin population monitoring project**:*(/YEAR ROUND/) This study monitors the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay and vicinity. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups during one to two weeks per month. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group, and additional data related to human-dolphin interactions will also be collected in conjunction with this project. While in the lab (at least 2 weeks per month), work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, computer data entry and double-checking, logging of videos into database and archives, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog updates, boat and field equipment maintenance, and other duties. 2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT ONLY/) This study uses the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques and collection of other environmental data. Interns typically participate in this project 2-3 days per month. 3)*Other projects* (/TBD/) Interns may participate in other research projects, depending on availability and timing of grant funding for specific projects.Interns may also be asked to assist with dolphin rescues. Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field, and about 80% of their time in the lab working with data, or performing equipment maintenance. There is no financial compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available. Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate or graduate studies; * A background or degree in marine biology, biology, ecology, zoology, wildlife, fisheries, or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); * Excellent verbal communication skills, fluent in English; * Must be physically fit and able to swim; * Must be able to work effectively as part of a team; * Some prior field research experience preferred but not required; * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full time as a volunteer with our program. Please note that CZS requires all interns to be fully COVID-vaccinated and boosted.* * *To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should:* 1) Fill out an application form on the Chicago Zoological Society’s internship website (https://www.czs.org/SDRPinternships) 2) Complete and provide to CZS all required application materials including: an application form, statement of interest, resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and a current college transcript/. /Materials should be submitted via clicking "Apply Now!" at the bottom of the CZS Application Page: https://www.czs.org/internappdetails (*incomplete applications will not be considered*) 3) Send an email to SDRP Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, _kmchugh(a)mote.org_) stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship opportunity (/e.g. /Mote, SDRP, Chicago Zoological Society, MARMAM, etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to the CZS intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline will be given first priority. Applicants may contact Dr. Katie McHugh (kmchugh(a)mote.org <mailto:TUkmchugh@mote.orgUT>) in the SDRP with any questions. Applicants applying because of an interest in engaging in graduate studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with Program Director Randall Wells, PhD, upon acceptance into the program.There is no assurance that participation as an intern with the SDRP will lead to graduate research program opportunities. -- ************************************ Katherine McHugh Senior Scientist/Deputy Program Director Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 (650) 400-2776 cell kmchugh(a)mote.org ************************************

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New paper: Contributions of bioacoustics to the scientific knowledge of marine mammals in Latin America
by Mariana Chávez 28 Jan '23

28 Jan '23

Dear Marmamers, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the recent publication of our paper "Contributions of bioacoustics to the scientific knowledge of marine mammals in Latin America" in Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals. doi: https://doi.org/10.5597/%20lajam00302 Chávez-Andrade, M., de la Cueva, H., Luévano-Esparza, J., & Lavín Murcio, P. A. (2023). Contributions of bioacoustics to the scientific knowledge of marine mammals in Latin America. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 96-113. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00302 ABSTRACT We review and document scientific publications on marine mammal bioacoustics in Latin America between 1971 and 2021, showing early scarcity and an increase through time. Marine bioacoustic studies how marine fauna produce and receive sounds that facilitate their life functions. Bioacoustics explores the biology and ecology of marine mammals, difficult or impossible to carry out using only traditional visual methods. From the first published study on the free-living common bottlenose dolphin in the Gulf of Mexico in 1953, acoustic studies on marine mammals have increased; most of its growth occurred in the 2000s. The objective of this study was to document the history and development of marine mammal bioacoustics in Latin America. We conducted a systematic search of scientific peer-reviewed literature on the Web of Science from 1971 to 2021, using keywords involving 18 acoustic and 16 marine mammal terms. We reported the countries where studies were carried out, the focal species, and the research topics. The oldest paper found was published in Chile in 1971. The 2010s yielded the most publications (n= 10), compared to the 1970s (n = 4), 1980s (n = 8), 1990s (n = 12), and the 2000s (n = 49). The publication rate increase between 1971 and 2021 is likely due to the increased development and use of affordable autonomous recording devices. The countries with most publications were Brazil (n = 60), Mexico (n = 46), and Ecuador (n = 29). Those with the least studies were in the Caribbean region. The most studied species were the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) (n = 46), the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) (n = 43), and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (n = 40). These species are highly vocal, widely distributed, and accessible inseveral habitats, facilitating their study. The most analyzed research topics were inter- and intraspecific differences invocalizations (n = 104), acoustic signal descriptions (n = 74), and association of acoustic signals and behavior (n = 59). Theuse of bioacoustics in abundance, distribution, habitat use, and anthropogenic effects was scant in the list of publicationsreviewed for this study, but these topics are predicted to be pursued more often by researchers in the future as they areneeded to establish mitigation policies for the species and their habitat conservation. The paper can be accessed here: https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/article/view/1521 Please don´t hesitate to contact the corresponding author for a pdf copy: marianachaveza(a)gmail.com Best regards, M. Sc. Mariana Chávez-AndradePh. D. CandidateBioacoustics and Behavioral Ecology LabCIIDIR-OAXACA-IPN

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LAST CALL - Dolphin Research and Marine Conservation Internship Program in Sardinia island, Italy (MareTerra ERC)
by Mareterra Onlus 28 Jan '23

28 Jan '23

MareTerra Environmental Research and Conservation is accepting interns to join research projects on the conservation of bottlenose dolphins and the marine environment from May to October 2023 in Alghero (Sardinia island - Italy). MareTerra is a non-profit organization created by passionate people committed to promoting the conservation of nature and sustainable development. Our internship is a unique opportunity for students and graduates to learn research methods (photo-ID, Bioacoustics, GIS) for the conservation of the marine environment in Sardinia island, the hotspot of biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. Working in an international context, our interns will play an active role in environmental education to develop awareness and respect for marine conservation among tourists and locals. We strongly believe we can make a difference! Please have a look at our websites: - www.mareterra-erc.org; - www.progettonaturasardegna.com. Required skills: - Ability to communicate fluently in English (English level > B2); - Self-confidence; - Flexibility, adaptability to an international work environment and punctuality; - Good public relations skills; - Confidence on board a motorboat and the ability to swim properly; We look for people who are highly motivated, responsible and willing to work long hours in the field. To receive the internship rules, the application form and more details, please, contact us: info(a)mareterra-erc.org Gabriella La Manna, PhD -- MareTerra Onlus Regione Salondra 9 07041 Alghero (SS) - Italy www.mareterra-erc.blogspot.it mareterra web site <http://www.progettonaturasardegna.com/it/chi-siamo.html>

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New paper on humpback whales across the Hawaiian archipelago
by Marc Lammers - NOAA Federal 27 Jan '23

27 Jan '23

Aloha colleagues, My coauthors and I would like to share with you a paper recently published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science titled "The occurrence of humpback whales across the Hawaiian archipelago revealed by fixed and mobile acoustic monitoring." The paper is open access and presents new findings about humpback whale presence across the archipelago. Lammers MO, Goodwin B, Kügler A, Zang EJ, Harvey M, Margolina T, Martinez JA, Merkens K and Hatch LT (2023) The occurrence of humpback whales across the Hawaiian archipelago revealed by fixed and mobile acoustic monitoring. Front. Mar. Sci. 10:1083583. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1083583 The occurrence of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae) *across the 2600 km of Hawaiian archipelago, which include the remote atolls, banks, and seamounts of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), remains poorly understood. Previous surveys for humpback whales beyond the main Hawaiian Islands have been scarce due to limited access and the challenging winter conditions typically found in PMNM when whales are present. To overcome these limitations, a combination of moored acoustic recorders and a Wave Glider autonomous surface vehicle were used to acoustically monitor eight locations and survey approximately 1500 km of the Hawaiian archipelago for the occurrence of humpback whale song during the 2019-2020 breeding season. Relative song prevalence was established using a machine learning tool and by quantifying the level of song chorusing. A generalized additive model framework was applied to understand the associations between habitat variables and humpback whale song occurrence, and sound propagation modeling was performed to examine whether acoustic propagation influenced observed patterns. Whale song was recorded at all monitored and surveyed locations across the archipelago, albeit in varying amounts. Among the locations monitored with moored recorders, the highest and most sustained seasonal chorusing levels were measured off Maui followed by French Frigate Shoals (Kānemilohaʻi), Hawaiʻi Island, Middle Bank, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Gardner Pinnacles (Pūhāhonu) and Pearl and Hermes Reef (Holoikauaua), respectively. The Wave Glider mission to PMNM revealed that song prevalence was highest at Middle Bank and gradually decreased further to the northwest, reaching a minimum at Gardner Pinnacles (Pūhāhonu). However, song occurrence increased again at Raita Bank, remaining high between Raita Bank and the Northampton Seamounts. The results reveal that nearly the entire Hawaiian archipelago is exploited by humpback whales during the winter and early spring months. Moreover, song occurrence patterns suggest that there may be more structure in the distribution of whales in PMNM than previously known and raises questions about whether multiple subpopulations occur across the archipelago. Best wishes, Marc -- *Marc O. Lammers, PhD* Research Ecologist | Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary 726 S. Kihei Rd. | Kihei, HI 96753 | Ph: +1-808-419-7211 Fax: +1-808-874-3815 | marc.lammers(a)noaa.gov

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New publication on historical whaling in Ireland
by Conor Ryan 27 Jan '23

27 Jan '23

Dear Colleagues, I would like to inform you of a new publication in the Irish Naturalists' Journal (published in December 2022, details below). Please email me with any questions or enquiries. Best wishes, Conor Ryan Ryan, C. (2022) Insights into the biology and ecology of whales in Ireland 100 years ago from archived whaling data. Irish Naturalists’ Journal 39: 24-35. https://irishnaturalistsjournal.org/whats-new-in-the-inj/ Abstract: Whaling in Ireland began in the 14th century and ended in 1976. This paper focuses on industrial shore-based whaling carried out from two stations in Co. Mayo (Iniskea and Blacksod) from 1908 to 1922. Archive landing records (n = 894) were analysed providing coarse but important baseline information on diet, sex ratios, pregnancy rates, and seasonal occurrences of Blue, Fin, Humpback, Northern Right, Sei and Sperm Whales. Catches were skewed in favour of females in Blue Whales and males for Sei and Sperm Whales. Right and Sei Whales arrived in the whaling ground in May-June followed by Blue and Fin Whales in July-August. Right Whales appear to have been driven locally extinct by whaling, while Humpback Whales were apparently already scarce by 1908. Whaling had a profound and enduring impact on the numbers of Blue, Right and Sei Whales in the former whaling ground.

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New Publication: Drone-enabled quantification of skin disease in Arabian Sea humpback whales
by Matt Leslie 27 Jan '23

27 Jan '23

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to present our recently published paper entitled: Remote and non‑invasive quantification of ‘Tattoo Skin Disease‑Like' dermatopathy in endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales using drone photography. The view-only version is available here: https://rdcu.be/c3pb0. A pdf version can be found here: https://www.matthewsleslie.com/publications-1 Abstract: Arabian Sea humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae; ASHW) are listed as Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The long-term presence and increased prevalence of tattoo skin disease-like (TSD-L) dermatopathy is a concern for this small non-migratory population. Characterized by irregular or rounded, light gray or whitish cutaneous lesions, this condition resembles tattoo skin disease, caused by cetacean poxviruses. Although the etiological agent and pathogenicity of TSD-L dermatopathy are unknown, previous studies have suggested that it is an indicator of population health. Until now, disease diagnosis had been based on photographs collected from survey vessels. In this study, we describe a novel method of identifying and quantifying TSD-L lesions in ASHW, using drone aerial photography. Aerial photos of the entire dorsum were selected for 18 whales with the same criteria applied for assessing body condition to quantify the percent coverage for each individual. We effectively diagnosed this condition from close-up aerial photos or good-quality photos of the lateral body surface taken from the research vessel in 13 whales. TSD-L dermatopathy coverage ranged from 2.34 to 57.00% and measurements were consistent between photographs of the same whale (SD=1.86%). Drone aerial photography provided a useful and complementary approach to identify and quantify TSD-L lesions. Continued monitoring using this non-invasive method should be combined with other population and health monitoring tools to increase our understanding of the characteristics and epidemiology of this condition, and to provide critical information for conservation efforts that ensure the recovery of this endangered population. Citation: Leslie MS, Kant L, Perkins-Taylor C, Van Bressem MF, Minton G, MacDonald D, Christiansen F, Willson MS, Collins T, Baldwin R, Al Harthi S. 2023. Remote and non‑invasive quantification of ‘Tattoo Skin Disease‑Like’ dermatopathy in endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales using drone photography. Mammalian Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-022-00337-0 Many thanks to all involved and those who provided support. Please reach out if you have questions. Sincerely, Matt ==================== Matthew S. Leslie, Ph.D.

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Special Issue for the 20 years of LAJAM
by Eduardo Morteo 27 Jan '23

27 Jan '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of the Editorial board of the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM), led by our Editor-in-Chief Dr. Miriam Marmontiel and our Managing Editor Dr. Daniel González-Socoloske, I would like to announce the publication of a Special Issue for the 20th anniversary of the Journal. As many of you may already know, LAJAM is an open access peer-reviewed scientific electronic journal that publishes articles on research, management and conservation biology of aquatic mammals in Latin America. To celebrate our 20-year milestone, a new special issue of the journal was conceived with the idea of publishing a series of review papers focusing on major topics related to the aquatic mammals of Latin America. A call for proposals was sent to aquatic mammal scientists that work in the area. We received over 30 proposals, which were carefully reviewed and the authors of 15 of these proposals were invited to submit reviews. The Editor-in-Chief along with four associate editors (Nataly Castelblanco-Martinez, Daniel Gonzalez-Socoloske, Carolina Loch, and Aldo S. Pacheco) were selected as guest editors for this special issue. In the end, 10 review articles passed the peer-review process, and these are: Huesca-Domínguez, I., Morteo, E., Hernández-Candelario, I., Delfín-Alfonso, C. A., Abarca-Arenas, L. G., Marmontel, M., & Palacios, D.M. (2023). Two decades of the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM): A bibliometric review for the period 2002 – 2022. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 5-20. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00294 Borobia, M., Vail, C., Pusineri, C., & Conruyt, G. (2023). Review of threats and implementation of the Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Marine Mammals in the Wider Caribbean Region. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 21-38. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00300 Escobar-Lazcano, M. J., Morteo, E., Delfin-Alfonso, C. A., Hernández-Candelario, I. C., & Abarca-Arenas, L. G. (2023). Trends and gaps in marine mammal research from Mexico during 1998 - 2021. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 39-49. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00299 Viglino, M., Valenzuela-Toro, A. M., Benites-Palomino, A., Hernández-Cisneros, A. E., Gutstein, C. S., Aguirre-Fernández, G., Vélez-Juarbe, J., Cozzuol, M. A., Buono, M. R., & Loch, C. (2023). Aquatic mammal fossils in Latin America – a review of records, advances and challenges in research in the last 30 years. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00295 Loizaga, R., Caballero, S., Cunha, H. A., Gravena, W., Herrerra-Trujillo, O., Lopes, F., Milmann, L., Ott, P. H., Pérez-Alvarez, M. J., Túnez, J. I., Durante, C. A., & Oliveira, L. R. (2023). South American aquatic mammals: an overview of 20 years focusing on molecular techniques applied to conservation. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 66-95. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00303 Chávez-Andrade, M., de la Cueva, H., Luévano-Esparza, J., & Lavín Murcio, P. A. (2023). Contributions of bioacoustics to the scientific knowledge of marine mammals in Latin America.Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 96-113. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00302 Gonzalez-Socoloske, D., & Olivera-Gómez, L. D. (2023). Seeing in the dark: A review of the use of side-scan sonar to detect and study manatees, with an emphasis on Latin America. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 114-124. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00301 Amaral, R. S., Marmontel, M., Souza, D. A., Carvalho, C. C., Valdevino, G. C. M., Guterres-Pazin, M. G., Mello, D. M. D., Lima, D. S., Chávez-Pérez, H. I., & da Silva, V. M. F. (2023). Advances in the knowledge of the biology and conservation of the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 125-138. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00296da Silva, V. M. F., Brum, S. M., Mello, D. M. D., Amaral, R. S., Gravena, W., Campbell, E., Gonçalves, R. S., & Mintzer, V. J. (2023). The Amazon River dolphin, Inia geoffrensis: What have we learned in the last two decades of research? Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 139-157. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00298 Castelblanco-Martínez, D. N., Gonzalez-Socoloske, D., Cabrias, L., Garcés-Cuartas, N., Arévalo-González, G. K., Borges, J. C. G., & Marmontel, M. (2023). Accomplishments and challenges of research on the Antillean manatee: A bibliometric analysis. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 18(1), 158-166. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00297 Please click the following link to have full access to the publications: https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/issue/view/49 We hope you enjoy reading these contributions, and we also invite you to consider our journal to submit your next manuscripts: https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/about/submissions Kind regards, Dr. Eduardo Morteo Director Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Universidad Veracruzana Calle Dr. Castelazo Ayala S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas CP 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, México. Ph/Tel: +52 (228) 841 89 00 E-mail: emorteo(a)uv.mx http://www.uv.mx/personal/emorteo/ http://uv-mx.academia.edu/EMorteo https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo_Morteo/?ev=hdr_xprf http://scholar.google.com.mx/citations?user=fDUl-IIAAAAJ

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Florida Wildlife Job Opportunity
by Pasawicz, Michelle 26 Jan '23

26 Jan '23

Greetings everyone, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a full-time Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV to aid the Imperiled Species Management Section with project-specific manatee conservation efforts. This management position is responsible for the coordinating with federal and county partners during periodic reviews of existing County-wide Manatee Protection Plans (MPPs) and the development of new Manatee Protection Plans. This position will assist with coordinating manatee management data collection efforts, analyses of available data for implementation of MPPs and setting up state-wide MPP coordination meetings with county representatives. Responsibilities will also include oversight of the Section's Water-Control Structure and Navigational Locks program to reduce manatee deaths due to the operation of these structures. Coordination with agency representatives during manatee incident reviews as necessary and organizing the annual meeting of the Interagency Water-Control Structure Working Group will be duties of this position. Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-FISHERIES-&-WILDLIFE-BIO-SCIENTI… Sincerely, Michelle R. Pasawicz Manatee Management Program Coordinator Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/> 620 South Meridian Street - 6A Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 922-4330 Michelle.Pasawicz(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Michelle.Pasawicz@MyFWC.com>

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New publication: Biologically Important Areas II - Hawaiʻi Region
by Michaela Kratofil 26 Jan '23

26 Jan '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication: “Biologically Important Areas II for cetaceans within U.S. and adjacent waters – Hawaiʻi Region” in Frontiers in Marine Science, part of a nation-wide initiative led by NOAA that builds upon the 2015 effort. Kratofil, M.A, Harnish, A.E., Mahaffy, S.D., Henderson, E.E., Bradford, A.L., Martin, S.W., Lagerquist, B.A., Palacios, D.M., Oleson, E.M., Baird, R.W. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1053581 Link to paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1053581/full Abstract: In this assessment we incorporated published and unpublished information to delineate and score Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for cetaceans in the Hawaiʻi region following standardized criteria. Twenty-six cetacean species have been documented in Hawaiʻi. Eleven odontocete species have distinct small populations resident to one or more island areas: rough-toothed dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, short-finned pilot whales, false killer whales, pygmy killer whales, melon-headed whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, and dwarf sperm whales. Eight species of mysticetes have been documented, although their occurrence and behavior are poorly understood, with the exception of breeding humpback whales and, more recently, common minke whales. Thirty-five BIAs were delineated or revised from the initial 2015 effort: 33 for small and resident odontocete populations and two for humpback whale reproductive areas. Hierarchical BIAs reflecting core areas of use or population-specific ranges were delineated for nine species. Reproductive watch list areas were designated for common minke whales in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and humpback whales in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI); these areas did not meet the criteria for a BIA due to limited supporting information. All but three BIAs were in the MHI, reflecting the disparities in research effort between this region and the NWHI. Spatial extents of BIA boundaries ranged from 457 km2 to 138,001 km2 (median = 8,299 km2). Scores (range: 1-3) for Data Support and Boundary Certainty were moderate to high (mean = 2.40 and 2.43, respectively), while Intensity and Importance scores were slightly lower (mean = 1.94 and 1.89, respectively). Many of the Hawaiʻi species have been extensively studied over several decades; accordingly, this region ranks among the highest in terms of Data Support relative to other regions. BIAs presented here describe known ranges of small resident populations, intensities of use, and uncertainties in important areas for cetaceans in Hawaiʻi based on the best available data, and have also revealed knowledge gaps to guide future research efforts. Best, Michaela Kratofil Research Biologist, Cascadia Research Collective PhD Student, Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute

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