January 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Multi-scale relationships between humpback whales and forage species hotspots within a large marine ecosystem
by Angela Szesciorka 09 Jan '23

09 Jan '23

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce our recent publication in Ecological Applications: Szesciorka, A. R., Demer, D., Santora, J. A., Forney, K. A., Moore, J. 2022. Multi-scale relationships between humpback whales and forage species hotspots within a large marine ecosystem. Ecological Applications e2794. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2794 Article link: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eap.2794 Abstract: Fluctuations in prey abundance, composition, and distribution can impact predators, and when predators and fisheries target the same species, predators become essential to ecosystem-based management. Because of the difficulty in collecting concomitant predator–prey data at appropriate scales in patchy environments, few studies have identified strong linkages between cetaceans and prey, especially across large geographic areas. During summer 2018, a line-transect survey for cetaceans and coastal pelagic species was conducted over the continental shelf and slope of British Columbia, Canada, and the US West Coast, allowing for a large-scale investigation of predator–prey spatial relationships. We report on a case study of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and their primary prey—Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), and krill—using generalized additive models to explore the relationships between whale abundance on 10-km transect segments and prey metrics. Prey metrics included direct measures of biomass densities on segments and an original hotspot metric. For each prey species, segments in the upper fifth percentile for biomass density (across all segments) were designated hotspots, and whale counts on a segment were evaluated for their relationship to number of hotspot segments (species-specific and multispecies) within 25, 50, or 100 km. Whale abundance was not strongly related to direct measures of biomass densities, whereas models using hotspot metrics were more effective at describing variation in whale abundance, underscoring that evaluating prey at relevant and measurable scales is critical in patchy, dynamic marine environments. Our analysis highlighted differences in the distribution and prey availability for three humpback whale distinct population segments (DPSs) as defined under the US Endangered Species Act, including threatened and endangered DPSs that forage within the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem. These linkages provide insights into which prey species whales may be targeting in different regions and across multiple scales and, consequently, how climatic variability and anthropogenic risks may differentially impact these distinct predator–prey assemblages. By identifying scale-appropriate prey hotspots that co-occur with humpback whale aggregations, and with targeted, consistent prey sampling and estimations of potential consumption rates by whales, these findings can help inform the conservation and management of humpback whales within an ecosystem-based management framework. Feel free to reach out to me at angela(a)szesciorka.com if you would like a PDF of the paper or if you have any questions. Best, Angela Szesciorka, Ph.D. Research Associate Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University

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Hiring: Communications Support Contractor (Alaska Whale Foundation)
by Andy Szabo 09 Jan '23

09 Jan '23

Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is seeking a Communications Support Contractor to develop and maintain relations between the organization and its stakeholders, including donors, colleagues, and the public, through email campaigns, website content, social media, print media, and public relations. The purpose of the work is to expand public awareness of AWF’s research and conservation program and establish and maintain regular fundraising efforts. Duties may include: • Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement a communication strategy. • Work with the Executive Director to produce an Annual Report. • Manage website and work with Staff and Field Team to generate new content. • Manage social media accounts. • Produce monthly email campaigns for donors and other stakeholders. • Prepare and distribute press releases for AWF events and major research accomplishments. • Create print and electronic media to promote annual fundraising event. Experience and Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have: • A degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field OR relevant experience in one of these fields. • Experience implementing communications strategies. • Experience capturing, curating and editing photo and video media. • Basic graphic design and graphic design software skills. As well, successful candidates will be expected to: • Have an ability to manage time and meet deadlines without direct supervision. • Be a self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial. • Enjoy creating and sharing suggestions for new ideas and improvements to our communications. Location: Contractor will work remotely. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Although not a requirement, preference will be given to applicants based in Alaska or the Pacific Northwest. Contractor will have the opportunity to travel to AWF’s field station in Warm Springs Bay, Southeast Alaska (expenses paid by AWF) to work with the field team and develop communications content and capture media. Travel to Seattle (expenses paid by AWF) is also possible to assist with annual fundraising event. Application Deadline: January 23, 2023 Pay Rate: Approximately $1,500 per month Time Commitment: Approximately 60 hours per month Term: March 1 - December 31, 2023. Prospect for extension and additional commitment dependent on results and funding. Applicants should provide: • Cover letter, CV and references. • Samples of their work that demonstrate writing and editing skills and aesthetic instincts for digital layouts and publishing. To apply, please visit www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/communications. For more information, visit alaskawhalefoundation.org or contact us at info(a)alaskawhalefoundation.org

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New publication- Life History Traits of Sperm Whales Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758 Stranded along Italian Coasts (Cetartiodactyla: Physeteridae)
by lucrezia latini 09 Jan '23

09 Jan '23

My colleagues and I are excited to announce the publication of the following article in Animals:” Life History Traits of Sperm Whales Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758 Stranded along Italian Coasts (Cetartiodactyla: Physeteridae)” The full text of the article can be found here: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010079 Authors: Nicola Maio, Tatiana Fioravanti,Lucrezia Latini , Agnese Petraccioli, Marcello Mezzasalma, Bruno Cozzi, Sandro Mazzariol, Michela Podestà, Gianni Insacco, Francesco Pollaro, Giuseppe Lucifora, Ida Ferrandino, Nicola Zizzo, Filippo Spadola, Fulvio Garibaldi, Fabio Maria Guarino, Andrea Splendiani and Vincenzo Caputo Barucchi. Abstract: We investigated the relationship between age and body length, and age at sexual maturity of Physeter macrocephalus individuals stranded along the Italian coast. Our molecular analysis shows that all our samples belong to the C.001.002 haplotype, shared between Atlantic and Mediterranean populations. We show that males attain sexual maturity at 10 years, similar to those from other marine areas. However, considering the same body length class, Mediterranean males are older than Atlantic ones. Our finding of a Mediterranean pregnant female of only 6.5 m in length and an assessed age of 24–26 years is particularly noteworthy, considering that females reach sexual maturity at about 9 years and 9 m of total length in other regions. Comparing our results with the literature data, we highlight the positive correlation between lifespan, adult body length and weight of males from the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. Regardless of whether the relatively small size of Mediterranean specimens is a consequence of an inbreeding depression or an adaptation to less favorable trophic conditions, we recommend to closely monitor this population from a conservation perspective. In fact, its low genetic diversity likely corresponds to a relatively limited ability to respond to environmental changes compared with other populations. Thanks for your attention! Dr. Lucrezia Latini Inviato da Posta<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> per Windows

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New publication on dolphin welfare in zoos: Cognitive (but not non-cognitive) enrichment improved dolphin welfare parameters
by Isabella Clegg 09 Jan '23

09 Jan '23

Dear MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are very pleased to announce our recent publication on how enrichment impacts dolphin welfare in zoos, with the following details: *Cognitive Foraging Enrichment (but Not Non-Cognitive Enrichment) Improved Several Longer-Term Welfare Indicators in Bottlenose Dolphins.* Isabella L. K. Clegg, Mariana Domingues, Elin Ström and Linda Berggren. *Animals*, *13*(2), 238 Abstract Bottlenose dolphins are the most common cetacean kept globally in zoos and aquaria (hereafter zoos), and are gregarious animals with a mostly opportunistic, generalist feeding strategy in the wild. In zoos, they have limited to no opportunities to express natural foraging behaviours as they receive their daily food ration of dead fish in a series of training sessions. Enrichment provision has increased in recent years, but items are still predominantly simple and floating in nature, and do not always target the animals’ problem-solving or food-acquisition behaviours. These discrepancies run concurrently with the intense debate about dolphin welfare in zoos and how to improve it. The current study used a within-subject design on 11 bottlenose dolphins at Kolmårdens Djurpark and measured how several welfare indicators differed between two treatments of “cognitive” and “non-cognitive” food-based enrichment. The treatments were provided on an alternating basis for eight consecutive weeks: during cognitive enrichment weeks, the animals received items which stimulated their problem-solving and foraging behaviours, and during non-cognitive enrichment weeks, they received simple items paired with fish (to eliminate bias due to food value). Data were taken related to several multidisciplinary welfare parameters during enrichment provision and training sessions, and to activity budget behaviours throughout the week. During the cognitive as opposed to non-cognitive enrichment weeks, the dolphins engaged more with the enrichment, were more motivated to participate in training sessions and performed less anticipatory and stereotypic behaviours, suggesting that cognitive enrichment improved several indicators of bottlenose dolphin welfare. Valuable lines of further investigation would be to understand how individual differences and different types of cognitive enrichment impact potential welfare benefits. Our results suggest that enrichment items promoting cognitive foraging behaviours may improve dolphin welfare, and therefore zoos might prioritise giving cognitive enrichment to this species as well as considering the same for other species with similar cognitive skills and foraging ecologies. The article is available open access at https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/2/238#, but please let me know if you have any issues and I can send a copy. All the best wishes for 2023, Isabella Dr. Isabella Clegg Director, Animal Welfare Expertise www.animalwelfareexpertise.com FB & IG: @AnimalWelfareExpertise, Twitter: @AnimWelfareExpt Patreon: patreon.com/animalwelfareexpertise UK: +44 7971 101 244 TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/sb_eEPDzgAg BBC report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-44273624

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Fifth Marine Mammal Student Symposium
by NAMMCO, Jana Djukaric 09 Jan '23

09 Jan '23

Dear all, the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea and the Arctic Biology Department of the Arctic University are excited to announce the fifth Marine Mammal Student Symposium with this year's theme: "Marine mammals in a changing Arctic: Finding a pathway for users, scientists, and policymakers to navigate new challenges". It will be held the 24th of February as a hybrid event: Online & Auditorium 2, Teorifagbygget hus 1, UiT (Tromsø). Climate change poses an immense threat to Arctic ecosystems with a warming rate 3 to 4 times faster compared to the rest of the world. Its overall impacts are very difficult to predict, and particularly in the Arctic. Climate change will have both direct (for example warmer sea temperature, loss of sea ice) and indirect effects (increased human activities like ship traffic and oil drilling in areas not accessible until now) and will interplay with many other factors. This calls for action and collaboration among policymakers, scientists and users to navigate the new reality for animals and humans in the Arctic region through interdisciplinary and interconnected research and communication. The symposium represents an opportunity for students with common interests from various fields in natural, social, and legal sciences to share their ideas, knowledge, and experience. Students interested in presenting their research and projects are highly encouraged to do so. There is no expectation that students present finished work or results. Research at all stages of development is welcome, which includes ideas in development, research plans, and methodological challenges. Additionally, students focussing on research which is not directly on marine mammals but connected to the topic are encouraged to present their work. Questions can be sent to intern(a)nammco.org<mailto:intern@nammco.org> To register for the event click here<https://forms.gle/dPUNpZ1g8ZQHw8Df6> or follow: https://forms.gle/dPUNpZ1g8ZQHw8Df6 Sincerely, Jana Djukaric Intern NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission POB 6453, Sykehusveien 21-23 N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Tel.: +45 93802710 E-mail: intern(a)nammco.no<mailto:intern@nammco.no> [X]

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PSO Certification Course on February 25-26, 2023
by Angela Bostwick 08 Jan '23

08 Jan '23

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on February 25-26. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and the certification is often accepted in many other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is needed for reducing impacts to protected species. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides that will be yours to keep. This course will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, how to locate and identify the animals, and objective reporting for regulatory agencies. After discussing regulatory requirements, we will examine key identifying traits and behaviors of protected species found in the region. The course will also include a discussion on the different techniques for locating animals, estimating distance, and the monitoring gear that is required. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Publication - Recovery of the Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale: a case study
by Reamer, Marcus 08 Jan '23

08 Jan '23

Happy new year MarMam community, "Recovery of the Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale: a case study" is now available in the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy. The gray whale was the first marine mammal and one of the first of any species to be removed from the Endangered Species List due to recovery rather than extinction and this case study follows its historic decline, recovery, and delisting. The article includes analyses of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, international treaties, aboriginal and subsistence whaling, and the successful rescue, rehabilitation, and release of a gray whale calf by a zoological institution. Implications and considerations for future species protection efforts and environmental justice are discussed. The article<https://www.tandfonline.com/share/YDW4AXGKKADPGHYWZFWI?target=10.1080/13880…> is available on the journal's website<https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/uwlp20/25/3> as part of its most recent issue, which includes several other cetacean-focused works that may be of interest. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/cover-img/10.1080/uwlp20.v025.i03]<https://www.tandfonline.com/share/YDW4AXGKKADPGHYWZFWI?target=10.1080/13880…> Recovery of the Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale: A Case Study<https://www.tandfonline.com/share/YDW4AXGKKADPGHYWZFWI?target=10.1080/13880…> In 1994, the United States government removed the Eastern North Pacific gray whale from the Endangered Species List due to its recovery rather than extinction. This notable action also marked the f... www.tandfonline.com  Abstract: In 1994, the United States government removed the Eastern North Pacific gray whale from the Endangered Species List due to its recovery rather than extinction. This notable action also marked the first removal of a marine mammal from the List due to population recovery since its enactment in 1973. The gray whale case study is well documented, in large part due to the charismatic nature of whales, a deep regard for marine mammal species, multiple federal laws and international treaties involved in their management and recovery, and a series of legal cases involving the Makah tribe in its pursuit to resume cultural subsistence whaling. The events leading up to the gray whale’s listing as endangered, the actions taken by both the US and the international community, and some of the events since the species’ delisting creates a unique and comprehensive case study that provides space for reflection on the future use of environmental laws to protect and preserve species, including, but certainly not limited to, large cetaceans in the Anthropocene. Citation: Reamer, M.B. (2022). ‘Recovery of the Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale: A case study’. Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, 25(3), 201-240. DOI: 10.1080/13880292.2022.2146850<https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/PRZIE9ENUTIFXTHNTZ4C/full?target=10.1080…> Happy reading! Marcus Reamer University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science Department of Environmental Science and Policy <http://linkedin.com/in/mreamer> <http://linkedin.com/in/mreamer> <http://linkedin.com/in/mreamer> <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QlbomIMAAAAJ&hl=en&authuser=1>

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SMM Editors' Select Series on January 19th: Investigating how humpback whales work together while bubble-net feeding with Ms. Natalie Mastick
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 08 Jan '23

08 Jan '23

Greetings MARMAM! Join us on Thursday, 19 January 2023 at 3 PM PST / 6 PM EST / 11 PM GMT for the next SMM Editors’ Select Series: Investigating how humpback whales work together while bubble-net feeding with Ms. Natalie Mastick of the University of Washington. This event is free to attend and presented online via Zoom, but registration is required. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kNoCxVnBTFmrXO0uO_nBAg Space on Zoom is limited to the first 500 attendees. The talk will also be streamed live on the SMM Facebook page. About this talk: In this study, Natalie and her co-authors tagged 26 bubble-net feeding whales and assessed differences in dive patterns between groups of various sizes. They found that whales participating in bubble-net dives adopted one of six dive strategies. More complicated dives were usually used in small groups. One dive type, the upward spiral, was malleable (it could have different numbers of rotations,) and was used across all group sizes. The authors also looked at whether the dive strategies changed based on the number of whales in the group. There were no differences in the strategies based on group size except when whales used an upward spiral strategy. The upward spiral technique changed based on how many whales were feeding together, suggesting that whales needed to maneuver less, and potentially work less, to effectively herd the prey to the surface. This finding shows that working together may benefit the whales by decreasing the amount of energy they expend to feed. About the presenter: Natalie is a marine ecologist with a research focus on marine mammal behavior, foraging ecology, and parasite ecology. She is a PhD Candidate in the Wood Lab in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington, and a Graduate Research Fellow with Oceans Initiative. For her PhD, she is studying the change in risk of parasite infections in marine mammals. Natalie is also a founding member and Research Associate with Sound Science Research Collective, where she researches humpback whale behavior in Southeast Alaska. Natalie received her B.S. in Marine Biology and B.A. in Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her M.Sc. in Wildlife Science at Oregon State University. Open access to this article is made temporarily available in the weeks around the presentation and can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12905 Current SMM members have access to all Marine Mammal Science papers. Missed a presentation or want to share this series with a friend? All previous Editors' Select presentations are recorded and archived on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUc78IynQlubS2DVS1VZoplf_t42-yZOO All the best, *Ayça Eleman, Ph.D. Candidate* *Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Candidate* *Student Members-at-Large* Society for Marine Mammalogy

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2023 INTERNSHIP POSITION IN ITALY
by Delfini del ponente APS 08 Jan '23

08 Jan '23

*DELFINI DEL PONENTE ASSOCIATION, IMPERIA, ITALY* *Cetaceans and Marine Fauna research project* *Delfini del Ponente is currently looking for and accepting interns to join our research project on bottlenose dolphins and other marine fauna in the Western Ligurian Sea, Imperia (Italy) from March to October**.* *The project* The dolphin research project “Delfini del Ponente”, started in 2018, is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) occurrence and distribution in the Western Ligurian Sea. The project is structured on an annual basis, to obtain data not only on the distribution during the Summer, but also on changes during the different seasons. The study is already providing very interesting information about this community inside the study area, especially about its social organization, abundance of individuals, distribution, and movements also outside the region. Moreover, our dataset includes data on several cetacean species and also about other marine fauna such as Mediterranean shearwaters (*Puffinus yelkouan)*, Scopoli’s shearwaters (*Calonectris diomedea*), Northern gannets (*Morus bassanus*), Sandwich terns (*Thalasseus sandvicensis*), sunfish (*Mola mola*) among others. Surveys are carried out in coastal waters onboard a dedicated zodiac (6 m inflatable boat) around 10 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photos for photo-ID purposes, environmental, marine traffic, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Land-based surveys take place in Imperia, in 2 different locations with the aim of collecting data on the presence/absence of dolphins, fishing boats in activity and marine birds. Fieldwork is a great opportunity to get involved and improve skills on cetaceans’ and marine biodiversity’s research. Both land-based and zodiac surveys are weather-dependent, and their number can change each month. Office work (6 hours per day) includes training and lessons to the interns and supervision of all the activities (photo-id work, transcription of data, data entry, QGIS work, etc...) *Where:* Imperia, Italy *When:* 1 March-30 October 2022 (minimum 30 days) Number of interns for month: 2 /3 Activities: • boat-based surveys monitoring the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins • data collection of other cetaceans, fishes, seabirds, turtles • classwork, database updating • photo-id matching and analysis • land-based surveys /opportunistic surveys • lessons and training about cetacean ecology, biology and research techniques This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, encounter marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travel and explore the beautiful Liguria region and support cetacean research and conservation . Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or lab work) During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visiting museums, sailing. *Skills/qualification:* · Minimum age of 18 · Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required · Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) · Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research · Speak, read and write in fluent English · Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent · Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun, be able to swim and work in harsh weather conditions both in nearshore and offshore waters · Be prepared to spend many hours in the office (generally 6 hours/day) · Be sociable and with a positive attitude as he/she is expected to live and work in an international team *Internship fee* Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this program requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips, insurance). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy) and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. *How to apply: * Send your CV with a letter of interest to *i <delfinidelponente(a)gmail.com>nfo(a)delfinidelponente.it <nfo(a)delfinidelponente.it>* For any further inquiries and details, please send an email to i <delfinidelponente(a)gmail.com>nfo(a)delfinidelponente.it - *Delfini Del Ponente APS* Via Regione Bussi, 18100 Imperia (Italy) C.F. 91048910086 pec: delfinidelponente(a)pec.it https://delfinidelponente.it/

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Open Marine Wildlife Analyst positions at APEM
by Jessie Behr 07 Jan '23

07 Jan '23

There are open Marine Wildlife Analyst positions available at APEM: Job Title: Marine Wildlife Analyst Salary: Competitive + health insurance + benefits Hours: 37.5 Location: Home based Successful applicants should preferably have a degree in biology / environmental science / remote sensing or relevant experience in bird identification or other ornithology or marine mammal related work. You will be self-motivated, enthusiastic and able to work to tight deadlines. You will be an active team player. Understanding of MS Office packages such as Excel and some experience of GIS software packages is essential. Previous experience undertaking ornithology fieldwork surveys would be desirable. You must be able to record data carefully and systematically, and write clearly. Flexibility and reliability are key requirements in this role and a good attention to detail is required. Key Responsibilities Image processing Data handling Image analysis Careful and systematic recording of data to a high standard This is the link to see all details of the position: https://jobs.apemltd.co.uk/vacancies/57/marine-wildlife-analyst.html If you are interested in the role or wish to apply, please follow the link above or contact recruitment(a)apemltd.co.uk <mailto:recruitment@apemltd.co.uk>. If you apply, please explain in your cover letter how you heard about the role and mention you were referred by myself. Best of luck! Jessie Behr Marine Wildlife Survey Consultant MSc Marine Conservation | BSc Biological Sciences

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