October 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Support requested for a South Atlantic Marine Sanctuary
by Nicola Hodgins 18 Oct '23

18 Oct '23

Dear Marmam’ers, The government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) is undertaking a five year review of its marine protected area (MPA). As part of that process, the Great Blue Ocean coalition (The Pew Trusts, the Blue Marine Foundation, the Zoological Society of London, Greenpeace UK, the Marine Conservation Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) alongside Whale and Dolphin Conservation is advocating that the UK significantly increases full protections of this global biodiversity hotspot. As detailed in the link below, although areas such as the waters surrounding the South Sandwich Islands are currently little exploited, only 23% of the EEZ is fully protected by law. We believe that due to increasing evidence of baleen whale recovery, the profound impacts of climate change in the region, and the growing and increasingly sophisticated and concentrated krill fishery operating within CCAMLR, the UK should take the opportunity provided by the review process to rachet up protections. A counter argument is that the unfished waters are de-facto protected, and that unilateral action would undermine ongoing processes in CCAMLR. Sadly, we believe that de-facto protections can easily be reversed, and that unfortunately, multi-lateral decision-making in CCAMLR has failed to deliver meaningful conservation outcomes for the Southern Ocean since 2016, even though climate impacts and commercial pressures make the need to act more pressing than ever before. For further information please visit: https://greatblueocean.org/sgssi/ We believe that an illustration of support from cetacean scientists will prove beneficial to the work over the coming months, so please consider adding your name and affiliation to this list - [docx icon] Sign on by scientists for SGSSI campaign.docx<https://whalesorg.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/GreenWhaleTeam/EThzfV6kcE1EvOo71GHLT…> Any questions please contact ed.goodall(a)whales.org<mailto:ed.goodall@whales.org> Thank for your support! WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Brookfield House 38 St. Paul Street Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LJ United Kingdom whales.org<https://whales.org/> [cid:image002.png@01DA01B6.A2A3F260]<https://uk.whales.org/our-4-goals/end-captivity/captivity-free-forever/> [cid:image003.png@01DA01B6.A2A3F260]<https://www.facebook.com/whalesorg> [cid:image004.png@01DA01B6.A2A3F260]<https://www.twitter.com/whalesorg> [cid:image005.png@01DA01B6.A2A3F260]<https://www.instagram.com/whalesorg> [cid:image006.png@01DA01B6.A2A3F260]<https://www.youtube.com/whalesorg> [cid:image007.png@01DA01B6.A2A3F260]<https://uk.whales.org/category/news/> [cid:image008.png@01DA01B6.A2A3F260]<https://uk.whales.org/newsletter> [cid:image009.png@01DA01B6.A2A3F260]<https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/> Whale and Dolphin Conservation (“WDC”) is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system.

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Florida Manatee Management Job Opportunity
by Pasawicz, Michelle 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

Greetings everyone, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV to aid the Imperiled Species Management Section with rule development and related permits and variances associated with species and their habitat under the responsibility of the Section. This position will have a focus on rules associated with the Florida manatee, but it will also act as subject matter expert and provide administrative guidance for rule related tasks for the Section's other species (marine turtles, Florida panthers, and Florida black bears). Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-F-&-W-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-IV-77… Sincerely, Michelle R. Pasawicz Biological Administrator Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/> Michelle.Pasawicz(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Michelle.Pasawicz@MyFWC.com>

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New publication - Bioaccumulation of organohalogen in kogiids
by Nara Oliveira 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

Hello MARMAM Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new paper "The deep dive of organohalogen compounds: Bioaccumulation in the top predators of mesopelagic trophic webs, pygmy and dwarf sperm whales, from the Southwestern Atlantic ocean" recently published on Chemosphere! You can access it here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140456 *Abstract:* *Kogia sima* and *Kogia breviceps* are apex predators of mesopelagic trophic webs being far from most anthropogenic threats. However, chemical pollutants and naturally synthesized compounds may travel long distances. This study aimed to use kogiid whales as sentinels of mesopelagic trophic webs in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and metabolites, mirex, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) and hexabromobenzene (HBB), and the naturally produced methoxylated BDE (MeO-BDEs) were determined in the blubber of 16 *K. sima* and 15 *K. breviceps*. Among the organochlorine compounds, DDTs were the main group found in* K. sima* and in *K. breviceps* (1636.6 and 3983.3 ng g− 1 lw, respective medians), followed by PCBs (425.9 and 956.1 ng g− 1 lw, respectively), mirex (184.1 and 375.6 ng g− 1 lw, respectively), and HCB (132.4 and 340.3 ng g− 1 lw, respectively). As for the organobromine, the natural MeO-BDEs were predominant (1676.7 and 501.6 ng g− 1 lw, respectively), followed by PBDEs (13.6 and 10.3 ng g− 1 lw, respectively) and PBEB (2.2 and 2.9 ng g− 1 lw, respectively). In general, POPs concentration was higher in *K. breviceps* than in *K. sima*. Conversely, MeO-BDEs concentration was higher in *K. sima* than in *K. breviceps*. Differences in concentrations in these sympatric odontocetes were attributed to distinct species, sampling sites, and biological parameters and suggest some level of niche segregation. It is noteworthy the long-range reach and bioaccumulation of these synthetic compounds in an unexplored habitat, that present an increasing economic interest. Please, let me know if you have any comments! Kind regards, *MSc. Nara de Oliveira Ferreira* _____________________________________________________________ *Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA -UERJ)* Mestre em Ecologia e Evolução - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Doutoranda em Biofísica - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Contato: + 55 21 98585.9916

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New Report: Killer whale photographic-identification catalogue for the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and Cumberland Sound, 2009-2020
by Caila Kucheravy 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

Dear MARMAM community On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our technical report "Killer whale photographic-identification catalogue for the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and Cumberland Sound, 2009-2020”, which can be accessed at the following link: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/mpo-dfo/Fs97-6-3564-… Abstract: Photographic identification is an important tool for the study of many marine mammal species, and has been used to document populations of killer whales (Orcinus orca) around the globe since the 1970s. Distinct features on the dorsal fin and saddle patch allow for the identification of individual killer whales, leading to a better understanding of the species’ abundance, distribution, and ecology. In the eastern Canadian Arctic, killer whale presence appears to be increasing during the ice-free season. The number of killer whales seasonally present in the Northern Baffin Island region was estimated to be 163 ± 27 based on mark-recapture analysis of 63 individuals identified in photographs collected from 2009-2018. In this report, we provide an updated photo-identification catalogue of killer whales photographed between 2009- 2020 in and around the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (primarily in the waters surrounding northern Baffin Island) and Cumberland Sound, Nunavut. We identify 94 killer whales in and around the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area and eight individuals in Cumberland Sound, and report the photographic sightings history of each individual identified. Please feel free to contact myself or any of the other authors if you have questions. Best wishes, Caila Kucheravy MSc Student, University of Manitoba Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada kucherac(a)myumanitoba.ca<mailto:kucherac@myumanitoba.ca>

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Job Opening - Molecular Genetics Technician
by Amy Van Cise 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

Dear MARMAM, The University of Washington Whale and Dolphin Ecology lab <https://www.amyvancise.com/> and the Genetics and Evolution lab <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/genetics-and-evoluti…> at NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center are seeking to hire a Research Scientist/Engineer II - Molecular Genetics Technician <https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/ENG/candidates/default.cfm?szCategory=…> to support projects assessing marine mammal and fish population genetics using a wide variety of genetic lab techniques. The position will primarily support the genetic analysis of killer whale diets using fecal samples, with additional opportunities to work on various fish and marine mammal genetics projects expected. The position will require the use of a wide range of molecular genetic techniques, as well as bioinformatic sequence processing and some data summary analyses, with opportunities to contribute to reports and manuscripts. Maintaining an inventory of archived biological samples and generated data (and metadata) will require strong organizational skills, familiarity with relational databases and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team. This position is primarily laboratory based but may involve limited fieldwork. The desired start date is January 2024, and the position is funded for 12 months with additional time based on availability of funding, through the School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Washington. The successful candidate will work in Seattle, WA at NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center. Salary range: $5,772 - $6,642/month, depending on experience Location: Seattle, WA Time Period: Jan - Dec 2024, with option to renew dependent on funding Visit the job posting <https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/ENG/candidates/default.cfm?szCategory=…> at UW for more information and to apply. Feel free to contact me (avancise(a)uw.edu) or Kim Parsons ( kim.parsons(a)noaa.gov) with any questions about the position. Cheers, Amy <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy M. Van Cise, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor Whale and Dolphin Ecology Lab <http://amyvancise.com> University of Washington | School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences 1122 NE Boat St, Box 355020 Seattle, WA 98105 Office: SAFS 216B 206-221-6118 "My paper was one long gigantic blunder from beginning to end." -Charles Darwin

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Job Posting - National Environmental Compliance Coordinator
by Matthew Lettrich - NOAA Affiliate 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

ECS is seeking a National Environmental Compliance Coordinator to work remotely to support NOAA Fisheries aquaculture and fishery environmental compliance related projects. The Coordinator will play a key role in facilitating compliance with regulatory statutes including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other applicable laws, agreements, and executive orders. https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh02/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=ECS_FEDERAL… Feel free to contact me with any questions (matthew.lettrich(a)noaa.gov) Thank you! -Matt Lettrich -- Matt Lettrich Protected Species Climate Vulnerability Assessment Lead, Contractor with ECS in support of NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology | U.S. Department of Commerce Mobile: (860) 202-1400 www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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Publication on the estimation of detection probability of small cetaceans using a dual visual-acoustic platform
by Camille Ollier 16 Oct '23

16 Oct '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-auhtors, I am happy to share the publication of the following paper in Frontiers in Marine Science. "Matching visual and acoustic events to estimate detection probability for small cetaceans in the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative" Ollier C, Sinn I, Boisseau O, Ridoux V and Virgili A (2023) ABSTRACT Estimating the detection probability of small cetaceans using either visual or acoustic surveys is difficult because they do not surface or vocalise continuously and can be imperceptible to an observer or hydrophone. Animals seen at the surface may have lower vocalisation rates, while submerged individuals may be more vocally active. This study aims to estimate visual, acoustic and combined detection probability by using Mark-Recapture Distance Sampling (MRDS) methodology. We used vessel-based visual sightings and acoustic data (based on click identification) collected simultaneously during the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative in summer 2018 onboard the R/V Song of the Whale. This study focused on small cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea, including the most commonlyencountered species, the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). We identified duplicate events between visual and acoustic platforms using a decision tree based on time and distance thresholds to estimate g(0) (the detection probability on the trackline) for small cetaceans. A total of 30 duplicate events were identified from 107 and 109 events identified by the visual and acoustic platforms respectively. We tested the models with two key functions. With a hazard-rate key function, the g(0) was estimated at 0.52 (CV=21.0%) for both platforms combined, 0.29 (CV=25.6%) for the visual platform and 0.32 (CV=25.1%) for the acoustic platform. With a half-normal key function, g(0) was estimated at 0.51 (CV = 21.7%) for both platforms combined, 0.29 (CV = 25.6%) for the visual platform and 0.33 (CV = 23.2%) for the acoustic platform. Our results illustrate that passive acoustic monitoring can be used as an independent platform in MRDS to estimate the detection probability. Our estimate of g(0) was well below 1, far from the perfect detection commonly assumed for abundance estimation. Without correction for detection biases, total abundance would be underestimated by a factor of two when using both acoustic and visual data. This highlights the importance of using dual-platform surveys to estimate detection probability in order to improve abundance estimates and conservation efforts. Open Access the full research from here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1244474 Best regards --- Camille Ollier PhD Student La Rochelle University, France. Centre d'Etude Biologique de Chizé (UMR 7372) Observatoire PELAGIS (UAR 3462) camille.ollier(a)univ-lr.fr

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Protected Species Observer Training Course December 2-3, 2023
by Angela Bostwick 16 Oct '23

16 Oct '23

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on December 2-3, 2023. 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 which 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, how to quickly identify the animals, and the mitigation that is required to reduce impacts. The course will also include a discussion on different techniques for locating and identifying animals, and on the monitoring gear that is required to best document protected species presence and behavior. 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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New publication: Guiana dolphins use mangrove margins as a natural barrier to chase fish prey
by Julia Cavalli Pierry 14 Oct '23

14 Oct '23

Dear MARMAM community On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our Behavioural Note titled: Guiana dolphins use mangrove margins as a natural barrier to chase fish prey. Links to access and download the paper:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eth.13411 https://doi.org/10.1111/eth.13411 Abstract The behavioral plasticity among and within cetacean species can be driven by their prey sources, local adaptations to environmental features, and/or interactions with human activities. One of the tactics displayed by cetaceans is the barrier feeding, in which individuals or groups herd fish schools against natural and non-natural barriers to restrict movements of their prey. Coastal odontocetes, for example, are known for using shorelines and underwater slopes to trap their prey. Here, we documented two distinct populations of Guiana dolphin using the mangrove margins as a natural barrier to herd and capture fish. The observations took place in the Cananéia estuary, São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil, and in the Paranaguá estuary, Paraná State, southern Brazil. A total of 63 dolphins over eight encounters were observed performing six different events using mangroves as a natural barrier, summing both study areas. These findings not only expand our understanding of the behavior plasticity of the species but also call attention to the importance of the mangrove ecosystem directly to Guiana dolphins and indirectly to the components of their food web. We hope you enjoy the reading. Please feel free to contact me to request a PDF version or for any question or comment regarding our work at: juliapierry(a)yahoo.com.br Best wishes Julia Cavalli Pierry PhD Student Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil.

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Call for Papers: Special Research topic in Frontiers in Conservation Science: Rebounding Marine Mammal Species and Conservation Recovery Challenges
by andrea bogomolni 13 Oct '23

13 Oct '23

Dear Marmam Community, We are excited for this special research topic in Frontiers in Conservation Science; Human-Wildlife Interactions on "*Rebounding Marine Mammal Species and Conservation Recovery Challenges*." Topic Editors are Andrea Bogomolni,Kristina Cammen andJennifer Jackman. For More information go to: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/58906/rebounding-marine-mammal-… ------ Marine mammals have been valued for millennia for their cultural significance and more often, their exploitative resource value. Many large whale species remain imperilled or are only recently returning from the brink of extinction. In contrast, recent conservation measures have allowed for the successful rebound and recovery of many cetaceans and pinniped species, some to the point of perceived “overabundance”, whether referring to 1,200 Hawaiian monk seals or 7 million harp seals. In addition to their continued intrinsic value alive and thriving, today we also appreciate the value of marine mammal species to ecosystem health. Yet, as we grapple with a lack of historical baselines, and uncertain ecological and social carrying capacities, several conflicts are emerging at the growing interface between humans and marine mammals. These conflicts include ship strikes, depredation, bycatch, impacts of ecotourism, competition for resources, changing cultural values and political challenges to marine mammal conservation. Despite the emergence of theory and application of human dimensions of wildlife in the terrestrial realm, the rebound of marine mammals and how we address these conflicts in the coastal and ocean environment are often overlooked when discussing human-wildlife conflict issues and solutions. This Research Topic aims to increase awareness of these issues to advance the discussion on how we can address these challenges in ocean systems. How do we address these emerging, complex socio-ecological problems related to marine mammals? Who defines the problems, and how are the problems defined? How do we consider often-opposing values and interests in the development of solutions, and how do we engage diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes that shape how we will manage and coexist with marine mammal populations for generations to come? How can different disciplines help build the knowledge foundation and strategies necessary to address these challenges? This Research Topic welcomes case studies, original research, methods, perspectives, reviews, and policy briefs, on themes such as: • Case studies of rebounding marine mammals from around the world. • Examples of community outreach, education, and engagement related to rebounding populations. • Human dimensions of wildlife research studies, which specifically address the ocean system or the lack of human dimensions research on marine species and their interactions with humans. • Ecological studies, which quantify the impact of growing marine mammal populations or estimate ecological carrying capacity. • Sociological studies, which consider differing stakeholder values, the social carrying capacity of marine mammals, and how increasing human populations are a factor in these conflicts. • Marine policy, politics, and economic analyses, such as evaluation of how resources are distributed for marine mammal management. • Studies of the impacts of current politics, policy and management on marine mammals. • Environmental ethics studies, for example, of moral obligations to exploited populations of marine mammals. **Manuscript Summary Submission Deadline 31 October 2023 **Manuscript Submission Deadline 29 February 2024 [image: Frontiers_rebounding Marine mammal challenges.png]

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