January 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Odontocete spatial patterns and temporal drivers of detection at sites in the Hawaiian Islands
by Morgan Ziegenhorn 11 Jan '23

11 Jan '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to announce the publication of the following article in Ecology and Evolution: "Odontocete spatial patterns and temporal drivers of detection at sites in the Hawaiian Islands" The full text of the article can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.9688 Authors: Morgan A. Ziegenhorn, John A. Hildebrand, Erin M. Oleson, Robin W. Baird, Sean M. Wiggins, Simone Baumann-Pickering Abstract: Successful conservation and management of marine top predators rely on detailed documentation of spatiotemporal behavior. For cetacean species, this information is key to defining stocks, habitat use, and mitigating harmful interactions. Research focused on this goal is employing methodologies such as visual observations, tag data, and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data. However, many studies are temporally limited or focus on only one or few species. In this study, we make use of an existing long-term (2009–2019), labeled PAM data set to examine spatiotemporal patterning of at least 10 odontocete (toothed whale) species in the Hawaiian Islands using compositional analyses and modeling techniques. Species composition differs among considered sites, and this difference is robust to seasonal movement patterns. Temporally, hour of day was the most significant predictor of detection across species and sites, followed by season, though patterns differed among species. We describe long-term trends in species detection at one site and note that they are markedly similar for many species. These trends may be related to long-term, underlying oceanographic cycles that will be the focus of future study. We demonstrate the variability of temporal patterns even at relatively close sites, which may imply that wide-ranging models of species presence are missing key fine-scale movement patterns. Documented seasonal differences in detection also highlights the importance of considering season in survey design both regionally and elsewhere. We emphasize the utility of long-term, continuous monitoring in highlighting temporal patterns that may relate to underlying climatic states and help us predict responses to climate change. We conclude that long-term PAM records are a valuable resource for documenting spatiotemporal patterns and can contribute many insights into the lives of top predators, even in highly studied regions such as the Hawaiian Islands. Please contact Morgan Ziegenhorn (maziegenhorn36(a)gmail.com) with any questions. All the best, Morgan Dr. Morgan Ziegenhorn she/they Postdoctoral Researcher, Scripps Acoustic Ecology Lab Scripps Institution of Oceanography "Say to them [...] ' Even if you are not ready for day, it cannot always be night.' " - Gwendolyn Brooks -- Dr. Morgan Ziegenhorn she/they Postdoctoral Researcher, Scripps Acoustic Ecology Lab Scripps Institution of Oceanography "Say to them [...] ' Even if you are not ready for day, it cannot always be night.' " - Gwendolyn Brooks

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Microplastics in scats of California sea lions on the Gulf of California
by José Ángel Ortega Borchardt 11 Jan '23

11 Jan '23

Dear all, Here I write again to remind you that our work was published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin: Ortega-Borchardt, J.A., Ramirez-Alvarez, N., Rios Mendoza, L.M., Gallo-Reynoso, J.P., Barba-Acuna, I.D., Garcia-Hernandez, J., Egido-Villarreal, J., Kubenik, T. (2023) Detection of microplastic particles in scats from different colonies of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in the Gulf of California, Mexico: A preliminary study. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114433 Abstract: Microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm in size) are highly bioavailable to many taxa within the marine ecosystem, either ingested directly or indirectly through trophic transfer from polluted prey. The ingestion analysis of these MPs from top predators, such as pinnipeds in Mexico, is relatively unexplored. Forty-eight scats from California sea lions were collected on six rookeries along the Gulf of California. From these scat samples, 294 suspected MPs particles were classified and chemically analyzed; 34% were synthetic and semi-synthetic, and 66% were non-synthetic. Blue-colored polyethylene terephthalate fibers were the most common type of MP registered. During laboratory work, multiple contamination control measures were implemented. Although the ingestion pathway is still unknown, our results support the other authors that suggest the potential trophic transfer of MPs to top predators and incidental ingestion while foraging. The particles documented here provide important baseline information for future MP research in the Gulf of California. You'll have free access to our article by clicking on this link before January 27, 2023: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1gDEB,asi2GiM All the best, M.C. Jose Angel Ortega Borchardt +52 (662) 137 6171 ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jose-Ortega-Borchardt> LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseangelortegaborchardt/>

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Last call! Internship opportunity: Research Assistant and Intern Coordinator
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 11 Jan '23

11 Jan '23

***Deadline for applications is the 15th January 2023*** The Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) is looking for a Research Assistant and Intern Coordinator to assist with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in the picturesque town of New Quay, West Wales, and supports the conservation management of one of only two semi-resident bottlenose dolphin populations in the UK. The Research Assistant will gain experience in the following areas: *Daily land-based surveys *Full day boat surveys *Opportunistic data collection from wildlife tour boats *Training and supervising interns *Assisting in all stages of photo-identification and matching *Assisting and supervising data entry and processing *Public speaking and raising public awareness *Organising and planning environmental education initiatives and events *Assisting with the running adult cetacean surveying training courses *Opportunity to undertake a personal research project In addition to these tasks, we have some specialist equipment: a hydrophone, a polecam, and an aerial drone to opportunistically collect acoustic, video and aerial data during boat-based surveys. This is an unpaid internship but accommodation is provided for the Research Assistant free of charge. The Research Assistant will be trained in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins but the following skills are advantageous: Strong team player with a sense of humour with previous experience supervising volunteers as you’ll be living and working with a small team in the changeable Welsh weather! Excellent organisational and time management skills Ability to work independently a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar, prior fieldwork experience is beneficial, particularly photo-identification Good IT skills Good written and verbal communication skills, experience with public speaking is also desirable If you are interested in this position, please visit the Sea Watch Foundation website for more information and how to apply: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/ or email katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Deadline for applications is the 15th January 2023. Decisions will be made by 21st February 2023 For a snapshot of what to expect, why not check out our social media profiles! Facebook: shorturl.at/QS568 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seawatchfoundation/

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Assistant Professor Position Advertisement -- Texas A&M University at Galveston
by Bernd Wuersig 10 Jan '23

10 Jan '23

Assistant Professor in Marine Mammal Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston Campus The Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston invites applications for a full time, tenure-track position with a 9-month academic appointment beginning August 1, 2023. Applicants will be considered for the faculty title of Assistant Professor in marine mammal biology, with an emphasis on their ecology, physiology, behavior, and/or evolution. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values. We are particularly interested in recruiting someone who has developed innovative research and will develop multidisciplinary partnerships across the University, including projects within the Blue Economy framework (https://www.tamug.edu/AcademicAffairs/StrategicPlan.html) (as stated in TAMUGs 2020-2025 Strategic Plan). Individuals with strong quantitative skills and experience in acoustics and telemetry are encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities will include an existing undergraduate course on the biology of marine mammals and contributing to advanced classes offered at the graduate level. The successful applicant will establish and sustain a vigorous externally funded research program and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Department of Marine Biology occupies space in the Ocean and Coastal Studies Building, a LEED-certified facility home to over 20 research laboratories, two teaching laboratories, and a Sea Life Center with running seawater systems. More information on the Department and the campus can be found at http://www.tamug.edu. The Department members participate in their PhD and MS program, but can also consider graduate appointments in other departments on the Galveston and College Station campuses. Texas A&M University at Galveston is the ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University which educates more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students in a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts, and transportation. It is driving the development of the blue economy in the Gulf Coast Region and is a critical contributor to Texas A&M's sea-grant portion of Texas A&M's land-, sea-, space-grant mission with more than $20 million in research expenditures. Texas A&M University Galveston is also home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, one of seven in the U.S. and the only academy integrated into a Tier 1 academic institution, which trains over 400 cadets annually for maritime service and employment around the world. Texas A&M University Galveston is ideally located in Galveston, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, surrounded by the industrial, environmental, and other programs essential to fulfilling its special-purpose mission. Aggies are known for their deep commitment to the success of each other and their strong desire to serve. Qualifications We seek an individual with a Ph.D. whose research complements and enhances that of faculty in the Department of Marine Biology (www.tamug.edu/marb) and other departments of the University. The Ph.D. should be in biology, marine biology, marine science, biological oceanography or related fields. Preferred qualifications: postdoctoral or other related job experience; and a strong publication record. Application Instructions Applicants must submit electronic PDF copies of 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) statement on research experience, 4) statement on teaching philosophy and interests, 5) a diversity statement detailing professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to support campus inclusion, diversity, and equity efforts and 6) a list of three references with contact information by applying online at: apply.interfolio.com/114816. For more information on the position, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Antonietta Quigg, at quigga(a)tamug.edu. The review of applications will begin on February 15, 2023. While preference will be given to applications received by this date, the position will remain open until filled. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.

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Environmental Training Opportunities in Vancouver, British Columbia and Online
by Emily Ricketts 10 Jan '23

10 Jan '23

Edgewise Environmental is offering a Canada - Marine Mammal Observer program from February 7th - February 28th with an at-sea practical taking place on March 13th in Vancouver, BC. We are also offering a Passive Acoustic Monitoring program from February 21 - March 7th with at-sea practicals taking place on March 14th, and 15th in Vancouver, BC. Both courses will have theory delivered online. Edgewise Environmental is also offering a fully online Canada - Marine Mammal Observer Bridging program scheduled for January 25th - February 15th. This course will consist of 3 weeks of online theory. Trainees must have already successfully completed another recognized marine mammal certification and have offshore experience. Click here <https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/training/> for more information or email info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com. -- *Emily Ricketts* *Marketing and Business Development Support/Logistics Coordinator* Edgewise Environmental Ltd. St. John's, NL, Canada www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited.*

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New publication on studying marine mammals with environmental DNA in the North Atlantic
by Dóra Székely 10 Jan '23

10 Jan '23

Dear MARMAM community, I’m excited to present and share our review on the use of environmental DNA for marine mammals in the North Atlantic. Happy reading! Székely, D., Cammen, K. M., & Olsen, M. T. (2022). Needles in an ocean haystack: using environmental DNA to study marine mammals in the North Atlantic. NAMMCO Scientific Publications, 12. https://doi.org/10.7557/3.6482 Abstract Marine mammals in the North Atlantic have experienced severe depletions due to overexploitation. While some species and populations have now recovered, there are numerous other anthropogenic activities impacting their North Atlantic ecosystem. Studying marine mammals is often associated with logistical challenges, and many species have an elusive nature, resulting in substantial knowledge gaps on the distribution, abundance and diversity of marine mammals in the North Atlantic. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging tool in biodiversity monitoring and has successfully been demonstrated to complement traditional monitoring methods for a wide range of marine taxonomic groups. The promising potential of seawater eDNA is owe to advances within an array of molecular methods used to extract, detect and/or sequence the genetic material of marine organisms from a single seawater sample. We present a literature review of eDNA studies of marine mammals and discuss the potential applications and practical challenges of eDNA in marine mammal research, management and conservation. Environmental DNA has already been introduced to a wide range of applications within marine mammal science, from detection of endangered species to population genetic assessments. Furthermore, eDNA has the power to capture other biologically important species in the marine ecosystem and food web, which could facilitate insight into the spatiotemporal variation of different marine communities in a changing environment. With methodological and technological standardization, eDNA based approaches have a promising potential to be integrated into regular monitoring practices and management strategies. Kind regards, Dóra Székely, PhD Postdoctoral researcher University of Copenhagen Globe Institute Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution Marine Mammal Ecology and Evolution Group dora.szekely(a)sund.ku.dk

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new paper on head and neck lesions in stranded seals in Belgium
by Brasseur, Sophie 10 Jan '23

10 Jan '23

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Haelters, Kerkhof & Brasseur 2022, High prevalence of head and neck lesions in stranded seals: cause of death? Lutra 65(2):271- 283. Abstract: In 2021 Belgian beaches witnessed 101 deceased, washed ashore seals. This number is extremely high compared to the one in previous decades, with figures never exceeding 50. Of these animals, 21 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), 13 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and 2 unidentified seals were collected for necropsy, and photographs were available for an additional 49 seals. Of the 90 animals that were necropsied or for which information was available, such as clear photographs, 58 (64%) presented severe head and neck lesions, which in 27 cases we described as a circular lesion around the neck, known in forensic medicine as ligature marks. Most of the animals with circular neck lesions were juveniles. We suspected that bycatch was the most probable cause of death in these 27 cases, though the characteristic lesions often seemed to have occurred post-mortem. Due to the nature of the lesions, we could exclude other possible backgrounds such as knife cuts or predation marks left by grey seals. We hypothesize that the animals were caught in nets and died due to asphyxia, while the hauling of the net caused the typical lesions. Some seals, however, survived: three live seals with similar neck lesions were found, still bearing parts of a nylon monofilament fishing net. The observations warrant a further investigation of the phenomenon, including of the system of bycatch, the spatial and temporal extent, the number of seals bycaught and the type of fishing vessel involved. You can request a PDF via Jan Haelters jhaelters(a)naturalsciences.be<mailto:jhaelters@naturalsciences.be> or Sophie Brasseur sophie.brasseur(a)wur.nl<mailto:sophie.brasseur@wur.nl> On behalf of my co-authors Jan Healters and Francis Kerckhof Sophie Brasseur

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(2nd announcement) 3rd Humpback Whale World Congress in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (6-10 March 2023)
by olivier.adam＠sorbonne-universite.fr 09 Jan '23

09 Jan '23

Dear MARMAM Community, Some news about the 3rd Humpback Whale World Congress (https://www.hwwc.mg/) 1. The congress will take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 2. Four workshops will be organized on Thursday afternoon on a) Carimam, b) Blue Economy, c) Port activities and marine environment and d) Student meeting. 3. Due to requests from colleagues, we decide to postpone the deadline for abstract submission to Jan 20, 2023. To submit your abstract, please go directly on line: https://www.hwwc.mg/call-abstracts/ 4. You can also proceed now to your early registration: https://www.hwwc.mg/registration/ If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to: hwwc(a)cetamada.org <mailto:hwwc@cetamada.org> We can't wait to see you in Dominican Republic from the 6 to 10th of March 2023! All the best, Olivier

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MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTERNSHIP
by Gabbie Nicoletta 09 Jan '23

09 Jan '23

MARINE ANIMAL REHABILITATION & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTERNSHIP The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) is now accepting applications for the Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Internship for Summer 2023. The application deadline is March 1, 2023. The internship session will run from the third week of May 2023 through the fourth week of August 2023. Animal Care Responsibilities: Depending on need, case load, and time of year, interns may assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including seals, sea turtles, and a variety of native turtle species. Animal Care duties may include animal restraint; cleaning; disinfecting tanks, equipment, and environmental enrichment devices; diet preparation; administering feeds (including tube feeding); record keeping; facility maintenance; and water quality testing. Interns may also assist animal care staff with medical procedures, admission exams, animal necropsies, and release events. Education Responsibilities: Interns may assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, fairs, and festivals. Programs will focus on marine animals, rehabilitation practices, conservation, and STEM activities. Interns may learn how to effectively interpret and educate guests of NMLC on marine animals and conservation. Interns may be asked to work in the gift shop and assist with various office projects such as fundraising and data entry. There may be opportunities to create different educational materials needed that are aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and Ocean Literacy Principles. Please note that the summer internship session offers the most opportunity for education experience. Fall and Spring sessions offer less opportunity given the time of year, so the focus may shift to operations or administrative tasks. Other Responsibilities: Each intern is assigned to multiple projects in different areas of the organization, e.g. research, fundraising, rehabilitation, marketing, social media or education. A weekly chore will be delegated to each intern to assist with the upkeep of the facility and equipment. Each intern is required to attend regularly scheduled meetings throughout their time at NMLC. At the end of the internship, the intern will deliver a presentation about their experience and projects to staff and volunteers. Positions are unpaid. Interns must have their own transportation. Housing is not provided, but NMLC will offer suggestions. Qualifications * Must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university; preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or other related fields. * Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. * Must be adaptable, responsible, hardworking, willing to learn, and have attention to detail. * Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. * Must be willing to engage in a positive and informative manner with members of the public on a regular basis. * Must be willing to participate in and receive constructive feedback. * Must expect to work approximately 40 hours per week, which can include early morning and/or late-night seal feedings depending on the season. * Interns may be required to work some holidays. * Interns may be required to participate in fundraisers held by NMLC, which may occur outside of normally scheduled hours * International applicants are responsible for their own VISA arrangements, etc. * If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted. Physical Requirements: * Must be able to endure some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as medical equipment and boxes of medical supplies. * The work may require specific but common physical characteristics and abilities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, above-average agility, and dexterity. To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of recommendation to internship(a)nmlc.org<mailto:internship@nmlc.org> or P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532. Due to the high number of applications, only qualified candidates will be contacted. Gabriella Nicoletta Animal Care, Necropsy, & Operations Coordinator National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 Office: (508)-743-9888 Cell: (585)-775-5354 Email: gnicoletta(a)nmlc.org www.nmlc.org

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Article on Detection Methods of the African manatee
by Clinton Factheu 09 Jan '23

09 Jan '23

Dear Marine Mammal Community, We are happy to share our recently published open access article in Frontiers in Marine Science: Factheu C, Rycyk AM, Keith-Diagne LW, Kekeunou S, Ramos EA, Kikuchi M and Takoukam Kamla A (2023) Acoustic methods improve the detection of the endangered African manatee. Front. Mar. Sci. 9:1032464. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.1032464 Abstract: The African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is an elusive, data-deficient, and endangered species which inhabits marine and freshwater systems throughout Western and Central Africa. A major challenge in understanding the species ecology and distribution is the difficulty in detecting it using traditional visual surveys. The recent invasion of Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) at the most important site for the species in Cameroon further limits their detectability and may restrict their movements and habitat use. To investigate methods’ effectiveness in detecting African manatees, we conducted monthly vessel surveys from which visual point scans, 360° sonar scans, and passive acoustic monitoring were conducted simultaneously at ten locations and over 12 months in Lake Ossa, Cameroon. Manatee detection frequency was calculated for each method and the influence of some environmental conditions on the methods’ effectiveness and manatee detection likelihood was assessed by fitting a binary logistic regression to our data. Detection frequencies were significantly different between methods (p < 0.01) with passive acoustics being the most successful (24.17%; n = 120), followed by the 360° sonar scan (11.67%; n = 120), and the visual point scan (3.33%; n = 120). The likelihood of detecting manatees in Lake Ossa was significantly influenced by water depth (p = 0.02) and transparency (p < 0.01). It was more likely to detect manatees in shallower water depths and higher water transparency. Passive acoustic detections were more effective in uninvaded areas of the Lake. We recommend using passive acoustics to enhance African manatee detections in future surveys. Best regards, Clinton. -- Clinton Factheu, Msc. PhD Student, University of Yaoundé 1, Cameroon. Address: BP 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Phone: +237 676601221 / +237 690853505 Twitter: @factheu

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