January 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on beaked and sperm whale nomenclature published online
by Thomas Jefferson 26 Jan '23

26 Jan '23

Dear MARMAM,My co-authors and I are very pleased to report the publication ofNomenclature of the Larger Toothed Whales (Odontocetes): A Historical Review, in Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology,no. 655. The official date of issue is: Wednesday, 25 January 2023. The Smithsonian’s online publishing portal/archive on Figshare.com now features the monograph. This site allows visitors to access and download the searchable PDF at no cost. Here is the official digital object identifier (DOI): https://doi.org/10.5479/si.21954029 And here is the direct link, if needed: https://smithsonian.figshare.com/articles/book/Nomenclature_of_the_Larger_T… Thanks, and we hope that you find this monograph useful.Best wishes,Thomas A. Jefferson, Ph.D.sclymene(a)aol.com

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3D Skull Ecomorphology of Odontoceti
by Deborah Vicari 25 Jan '23

25 Jan '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new open access publication: “Ecomorphology of toothed whales (Cetacea, Odontoceti) as revealed by 3D skull geometry". Scripts of the analyses can be found at https://github.com/VicariD/Macro-Data.Vicari-et-al.git. They also include PCA 3D skull model deformation as seen in Fig 3. Vicari, D., McGowen, M.R., Lambert, O. et al. Ecomorphology of toothed whales (Cetacea, Odontoceti) as revealed by 3D skull geometry. J Mammal Evol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10914-022-09642-4 Abstract Extant odontocetes (toothed whales) exhibit differences in body size and brain mass, biosonar mode, feeding strategies, and diving and habitat adaptations. Strong selective pressures associated with these factors have likely contributed to the morphological diversification of their skull. Here, we used 3D landmark geometric morphometric data from the skulls of 60 out of ~ 72 extant odontocete species and a well-supported phylogenetic tree to test whether size and shape variation are associated with ecological adaptations at an interspecific scale. Odontocete skull morphology exhibited a significant phylogenetic signal, with skull size showing stronger signal than shape. After accounting for phylogeny, significant associations were detected between skull size and biosonar mode, body length, brain and body mass, maximum and minimum prey size, and maximum peak frequency. Brain mass was also strongly correlated with skull shape together with surface temperature and average and minimum prey size. When asymmetric and symmetric components of shape were analysed separately, a significant correlation was detected between sea surface temperature and both symmetric and asymmetric components of skull shape, and between diving ecology and the asymmetric component. Skull shape variation of odontocetes was strongly influenced by evolutionary allometry but most of the associations with ecological variables were not supported after phylogenetic correction. This suggests that ecomorphological feeding adaptations vary more between, rather than within, odontocete families, and functional anatomical patterns across odontocete clades are canalised by size constraints. The full open access article can be downloaded at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10914-022-09642-4 Sincerely, Deborah Vicari, PhD

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Internship opportunity in the Azores
by Nova Atlantis 25 Jan '23

25 Jan '23

*I**nternship opportunity in the Azores* The Nova Atlantis Foundation is preparing its 24rd fieldwork season, dedicated to studying the social ecology of the Risso´s dolphin around Pico island. Next to the continuation of the Risso project we will conduct cetacean monitoring surveys, focusing on the deep diving species such as pilot whales and beaked whales. Pico island is an excellent area to learn and gain experience at sea and to observe over 15 species of cetaceans during the summer season. Special attention will be given to acoustics research using a hydrophone array. We are seeking interns for the period June to Mid-August Candidates should be available for at least 2 months. Interns must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly, and with a true interest in marine conservation and animal behaviour. The internship includes: - An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing - Sea-surveys (using photo-ID, a drone and hydrophones) and land based data collection - Data processing - Additional work e.g. boat cleaning and preparation, maintenance of the research station The 2-month internship requires a payment to cover running field work costs. Expenses for travelling to and from the fieldwork site, accommodation and food are not included in this fee. The Nova Atlantis Foundation offers accommodation in collaboration with a local family in Santa Cruz das Ribeiras. Interns are free to find their own accommodation in Ribeiras as well. Fieldwork is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive long days of work at sea and from land. On a typical field day, we split the team in a land crew and a sea crew and work in shifts allowing all to rotate and gain experience in several methodologies. We use rough weather days for data entry or as a day off. Application deadline is the 25rst of February 2023. To apply, and for further information, please send a short letter (state which period you prefer) and a short CV to: oceanwatch(a)gmail.com.

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Searching for literature for a systematic literature review
by Frida Rosshagen (Student) 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Hi all Marmamers! My name is Frida and I am a master student at SLU AQUA and I am investigating potential passive acoustic mitigation measures for reducing cetacean bycatch. One part of my thesis is to perform a systematic literature review to see what previously has been done in this field and evaluate the effectiveness of different mitigation methods. For this study, passive acoustic mitigation measures is defined as any change or possible modification to fishing gear with the purpose to enhance the acoustic visibility of the gear and thereby increasing the possibility for cetaceans to detect the fishing gear when echolocating. The mitigation measure needs to be passive, for example not emitting any sounds. To answer the question "Is passive acoustic modifications of fishing gear effective in reducing cetacean bycatch?", I have performed a literature search on a selected number of databases and collected the result in an attached excel file. As a step in my literature review I will now reach out to the scientific community for help to fill any holes in my search - I am looking for any type of literature (published or unpublished) that I might have missed to cover as much as possible regarding passive acoustic mitigation measures. Maybe you have or know of some research lying around on this topic that was never published? It would be very helpful if you could send me any type of literature based on primary data, as an attached document or a link to the full text, which you think is relevant for my research question. The attached excel file contains my current database, please look if the literature you have in mind is already included, then you do not need to send it to me. Please respond on this email address: farn0001(a)stud.slu.se<mailto:farn0001@stud.slu.se> Thank you in advance, Frida Rosshagen MSc student at SLU AQUA --- N?r du skickar e-post till SLU s? inneb?r detta att SLU behandlar dina personuppgifter. F?r att l?sa mer om hur detta g?r till, klicka h?r <https://www.slu.se/om-slu/kontakta-slu/personuppgifter/> E-mailing SLU will result in SLU processing your personal data. For more information on how this is done, click here <https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/contact-slu/personal-data/>

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Sharing new paper on "Emerging Contaminants and New POPs (PFAS and HBCDD) in Endangered Southern Resident and Bigg’s (Transient) Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): In Utero Maternal Transfer and Pollution Management Implications"
by jj_alava＠yahoo.com 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Dear Marman collagues, I trust everyone is doing well. Happy New Year! I am very pleased to share our new paper on "Emerging Contaminants and New POPs (PFAS and HBCDD) in Endangered Southern Resident and Bigg’s (Transient) Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): In Utero Maternal Transfer and Pollution Management Implications" led by former OPRU undergraduate student/alumna, Kiah Lee, and I at the Ocean Pollution Research Unit (OPRU), Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF), University of British Columbia, as well as Dr. Stephen Raverty (Animal Health Centre, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries) in close collaboration and joint effort with Paul Cottrell and Lauren Cotrell (Marine Mammal Response, Fisheries, and Oceans Canada-DFO). This research was an incredible amount of work and an outstanding milestone by all involved to look at past British Columbia's marine mammal response efforts and killer whale necropsy results for the screening and detection of emerging contaminants of concern (alkylphenols and triclosan) and new Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or "Forever Chemicals" and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), along with the first preliminary assessment of in utero maternal transfer of these contaminants between J32 (Mom) and her calf J32. A novel finding was the first-ever detection of 7:3-fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (7:3 FTCA) as the primary PFAS (median 66.35 ng/g wet weight) in the tissue samples of southern resident killer whales and Bigg’s killer whales in British Columbia Canada. The paper was just published in Environmental Science & Technologyhttps://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.2c04126 Abstract: Killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been deemed one of the most contaminated cetacean species in the world. However, concentrations and potential health implications of selected ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ (CECs) and new persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in endangered Southern Resident and threatened Bigg’s (Transient) killer whales in the Northeastern Pacific (NEP) have not yet been documented. Here, we quantify CECs [alkylphenols (APs), triclosan, methyl triclosan, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and new POPs [hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS] in skeletal muscle and liver samples of these sentinel species and investigate in utero transfer of these contaminants. Samples were collected from necropsied individuals from 2006 to 2018 and analyzed by LC–MS/MS or HRBC/HRMS. AP and PFAS contaminants were the most prevalent compounds; 4-nonylphenol (4NP) was the predominant AP (median 40.84 ng/g ww), and interestingly, 7:3-fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (7:3 FTCA) was the primary PFAS (median 66.35 ng/g ww). Maternal transfer ratios indicated 4NP as the most transferred contaminant from the dam to the fetus, with maternal transfer rates as high as 95.1%. Although too few killer whales have been screened for CECs and new POPs to infer the magnitude of contamination impact, these results raise concerns regarding pathological implications and potential impacts on fetal development and production of a viable neonate. This study outlines CEC and new POP concentrations in killer whales of the NEP and provides scientifically derived evidence to support and inform regulation to mitigate pollutant sources and contamination of Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat and other marine ecosystems. Lee, K., Alava, J.J., Cottrell, P., Cottrell, L., Grace, R., Zysk, I., Raverty, S. (2023). Emerging Contaminants and New POPs (PFAS and HBCDD) in Endangered Southern Resident and Bigg’s (Transient) Killer Whales (Orcinus orca): In Utero Maternal Transfer and Pollution Management Implications. Environmental Science & Technology 2023 57 (1), 360-374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04126 Best wishes, Juan Jose ---------------------------------------- Juan Jose Alava, Ph.D. (he/el/him/his) Honorary Research Associate Principal Investigator, Ocean Pollution Research Unit (OPRU) Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia AERL 2202 Main Mall | Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canada OPRU: https://oceanpollution.oceans.ubc.ca http://oceans.ubc.ca/juan-jose-alava/ https://twitter.com/UBC_OPRU https://www.facebook.com/ubcoceanpollutionE-mail: j.alava(a)oceans.ubc.ca I acknowledge being grateful and humble located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

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Passive acoustic monitoring program for the Northern Gulf of Mexico: project report
by Glenn, Tre W 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Dear Colleagues, BOEM is pleased to announce the following paper and can be found at link below. HDR (Athens, AL). 2022. Passive acoustic monitoring program for the Northern Gulf of Mexico: project report. New Orleans (LA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 337 p. Contract No.: M17PC00001. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM: 2022-074. https://espis.boem.gov/final%20reports/BOEM_2022-074.pdf<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fespis.boe…> Abstract The program objective was to design and field test implementation of a large-scale, multi-year, underwater passive acoustic monitoring in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Underwater acoustic data were collected within a defined study area over an approximately 24-month period using a mix of stationary and mobile platforms. Data were analyzed to characterize the existing soundscape (including sounds contributed by both natural and anthropogenic sources). A site-specific three-dimensional (3D) underwater sound propagation numerical model was setup and used to assess sound focusing and defocusing effects caused by 3D variations in underwater bathymetry. Conclusions Dominant sound sources recorded during this study varied seasonally and primarily consisted of seismic surveys, shipping, storms, and marine mammal calls. The 3D underwater sound propagation model provided valuable data for capturing and understanding focusing and defocusing effects due to 3D variations in bathymetry. These effects can meaningfully intensify or reduce received levels anthropogenic noise, potentially influencing localized impacts to marine mammals. Biological sounds (dolphin whistles, sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) clicks, Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) clicks, and beaked whale clicks) were present throughout all deployments. Thanks, Tre Donald (Tre) W. Glenn, III, Ph.D., P.E., CFM Protected Species Biologist Consultation Specialist Professional Environmental Engineer Contracting Officer's Representative III Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) GOMRO, Office of Environment Mail Stop GM 673E 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana 70123

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New publication: Preliminary assessment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in tissues of Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) specimens stranded along the Italian coasts
by LORENZO MINOIA 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Dear community, My co-authors and I are very happy to share with you our research: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114470. Abstract: Ecotoxicological and pathological research on Grampus griseus (Cuvier, 1812) (Risso's dolphins) is scarce both globally and in the Mediterranean Sea. This species has been classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the Mediterranean Sea.To evaluate the presence of “persistent organic pollutants” (POPs), especially organochlorine compounds (OCs), in the animals, chemical analyses were performed on tissues and organs of Risso's dolphin stranded along the Italian coasts between 1998 and 2021. Toxic contaminants such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), poly- chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs) were examined in the blubber, liver, muscle, and brain of 20 animals, and data was correlated with sex, age, and stranding locations. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact the corresponding author: consales(a)student.unisi.it <mailto:consales@student.unisi.it> Best regards! Lorenzo Minoia Lorenzo Minoia, PhD Student Environmental, Geological and Polar Sciences and Technologies University of Siena - Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment (DSFTA) Website: www.dsfta.unisi.it <http://www.dsfta.unisi.it/> Genoa Marine Centre (GMC) Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI) Italian National Institute for Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology Website: www.szn.it <http://www.szn.it/> Mobile: +39 3403610850 PEC: lorenzo.minoia(a)biologo.onb.it Skype contact: lollo.ari

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New publication on the declining concentrations of chlorinated paraffins in the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population (Antoine Simond)
by Antoine Simond 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Dear Marmamers, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the recent publication of our paper "*Declining concentrations of chlorinated paraffins in endangered St. Lawrence Estuary belugas (Delphinapterus leucas): Response to regulations or a change in diet?*" in *Science of the Total Environment*. Simond, A.É.; Ross, P.S.; Cabrol, J.; Lesage, V.; Lair, S.; Woudneh, M.B.; Yang, D.; Peng, H.; Colbourne, K.; Brown, T.M. (2023) doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161488 <http://10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161488> . *ABSTRACT* Very high levels of industrial contaminants in St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) beluga whales represent one of the major threats to this population classified as endangered under the Species at Risk Act in Canada. Elevated concentrations of short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were recently reported in the blubber of adult male SLE belugas. Recent regulations for SCCPs in North America, combined with their replacement by medium- (MCCPs) and long-chained chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs), highlight the importance of tracking this toxic chemical class. The objectives of this study were to evaluate (1) levels and profiles of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in samples obtained from carcasses of adult male, adult female, juvenile, newborn, and fetus beluga, and (2) trends in adult male belugas between 1997 and 2018. Factors potentially influencing CP temporal trends such as age, feeding ecology and sampling year were also explored. SCCPs dominated (64 to 100%) total CP concentrations across all age and sex classes, MCCPs accounted for the remaining proportion of total CPs, and LCCPs were not detected in any sample. The chlorinated paraffin homolog that dominated the most in beluga blubber was C12Cl8. Adult male SCCP concentrations from this study were considerably lower (> 2000-fold) than those recently reported in Simond et al. (2020), likely reflecting a previously erroneous overestimate due to the lack of a suitable analytical method for SCCPs at the time. Both SCCPs and total CPs declined over time in adult males in our study (rate of 1.67 and 1.33% per year, respectively), presumably due in part to the implementation of regulations in 2012. However, there is a need to better understand the possible contribution of a changing diet to contaminant exposure, as stable isotopic ratios of carbon also changed over time. The paper can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161488 All the best, ****************************** *Antoine Simond, Ph.D.* Chercheur postdoctoral | Postdoctoral Research Fellow Simon Fraser University Resource & Environmental Management Pacific Science Enterprise Centre 4160 Marine Drive West Vancouver (BC), Canada V7V 1N6 Courriel | E-mail: asimond(a)sfu.ca <simond.antoine(a)courrier.uqam.ca> ****************************** *I live and work on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the šxʷməθkʷəy̓əmaɁɬ təməxʷ (Musqueam), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Stz’uminus, Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish), and Səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.* *« We feel fundamentally disconnected from nature and therefore not responsible for the ecological consequences of our actions. Once we learn that our very being, essence, health and happiness depend on Mother Earth, we have no choice but to radically shift the way we treat her. » - *David Suzuki.

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New publication on the first evidence of grey seal predation on marine mammals in the Baltic Sea
by Westphal Linda 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Dear colleagues, together with my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our recent publication in the Journal of Sea Research: Westphal L, Klemens L, Reif F, van Neer A, & Dähne M (2023). First evidence of grey seal predation on marine mammals in the German Baltic Sea. Journal of Sea Research, 102350. doi: 10.1016/j.seares.2023.102350 This paper describes the first cases of grey seal predation on marine mammals in the Baltic Sea, a behaviour which was not documented in the Baltic subspecies until now. The investigated carcasses were retrieved at the German Baltic coastline. The open access pdf is available here: doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2023.102350<https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2023.102350> Abstract: Grey seal predation on marine mammals has been reported throughout the northern hemisphere except for the Baltic Sea. After the Baltic subspecies (Halichoerus grypus grypus) was on the brink of extinction in the early 1990s, numbers increased steadily during the past three decades from a few thousands to > 40,000 in 2020. In recent years, grey seals were observed more frequently in the southern and western Baltic Sea, areas where the subspecies was a rare guest for many decades. Nevertheless, <10% of the Baltic grey seals are counted in the southern Baltic Sea. A standing stranding monitoring programme investigates carcasses of marine mammals washed up in Mecklenburg- Western Pomerania, Germany. In August 2021 a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) carcass was found with lesions typical for grey seal predation: amongst others the typical “cork-screw”, helical and cut like lesions with smooth wound margins. The juvenile harbour seal showed 9 of 10 parameters indicating grey seal predation according to van Neer et al., 2021. Earlier suspicious cases in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) suggest that the presented case may not be an isolated one. Rather, it is a so far rare observation of a behaviour that may become more common with the ongoing recovery of grey seals in the southern Baltic Sea in an area of overlapping habitats with harbour porpoise and harbour seals. In this region harbour seals and harbour porpoise are more abundant than in the Northern Baltic Sea where, as of yet, grey seals are more numerous. Best regards Linda Westphal FB Wissenschaft / Scientifc departement Deutsches Meeresmuseum / German Oceanographic Museum Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei ∙ Aquarium Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts Tel.: +49 3831 2650 396 Fax: +49 3831 2650 309 Mobil: +49 173 9688 286 linda.westphal(a)meeresmuseum.de<mailto:linda.westphal@meeresmuseum.de> www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de<http://www.deutsches-meeresmuseum.de/> Director Prof. Dr. Burkard Baschek Andreas Tanschus Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/126/00068 Postanschrift: Katharinenberg 14 - 20 18439 Stralsund Dienstsitz: Neue Badenstraße 4 18439 Stralsund

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MMO, PSO & PAM Training Course 2022
by Tabbi McGhee 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is offering its next Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)-approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEst)-approved Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses. JNCC-certified MMOs comply with UK regulations, and PSOs comply with USA regulations, to minimise the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from various offshore operations. OSC’s MMO course comprises theory and practice, including binocular and range estimation, and role-play sessions. The PAM course comprises theory and practice using PAM equipment in OSC's workshop facilities and/or onboard OSC’s survey vessel (subject to weather). The intention is to run the following course in-person near Edinburgh at OSC’s Dunbar headquarters: 14th to 17th November 2022 Prices are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate. A discounted package price of £700 is offered for participants who wish to attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Course participants will also receive a discount for purchases of marine binoculars or tripod mounts from Opticron – these should be ordered in advance of the course to ensure availability. For further details: https://www.osc.co.uk/training For course registration: https://www.osc.co.uk/jncc-registration Best wishes, OSC training team [cid:image001.png@01D8D963.D28AA180] Admin Team Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road , Dunbar , East Lothian , EH42 1RR , Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7368 866 235<tel:M:%20+44%20(0)7368%20866%20235> T: +44 (0)1368 865 722<tel:T:%20+44%20(0)1368%20865%20722%E2%80%8B> W: www.osc.co.uk<http://www.osc.co.uk/> . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com<http://www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com/> Tabbi McGhee PA to Directors & Office Administrator Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7368 866 235 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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