December 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on killer whale site fidelity and movement (Tatiana Marchon)
by Tatiana Marchon 19 Dec '23

19 Dec '23

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share the publication of our paper about Icelandic killer whales site fidelity and movement around Iceland. Tatiana M. J. Marchon, Marianne H. Rasmussen, Charla J. Basran, Megan Whittaker, Chiara G. Bertulli, Cathy Harlow, Rob Lott, Oliver Boisseau, Frédéric Gendron, Luisa Guo, Tess Hudson, Hörður Jónsson, Alexa Kershaw, Joonas Kinni, Laetitia A. M. G. Lionnet, Marie Louis, Matt Messina, Hanna Michel, Barbara K. Neubarth, Belén G. Ovide, Annemieke E. Podt, Jonathan N. Rempel, Conor Ryan, Eddy Savage, Judith Scott, Ronald Smit, Hans Verdaat, Solvi R. Vignisson & Filipa I. P. Samarra (2023) Geographical movements, site fidelity and connectivity of killer whales within and outside herring grounds in Icelandic coastal waters. Marine Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04345-7 Abstract Investigating the movements and site fidelity of individuals enhances our understanding of population ecology and structure. Killer whales occur around the coast of Iceland; however, information on the connectivity between different regions is limited to herring grounds, where they are observed frequently. In this study, we used photo-identification data to investigate the movements and site fidelity of whales within (South and West) and outside (Southwest, Northwest, Northeast and East) Icelandic herring grounds. Additionally, we used a 10-year photo-identification dataset in the South to investigate long-term site fidelity patterns to a single location. Of the 440 individuals sighted more than once, nearly half (48%) moved between herring grounds and site fidelity was higher within, compared to outside, herring grounds. Outside herring grounds, individuals showed: more movement from Southwest to West compare to South, indicating this region is not exclusively a passage between herring grounds; low site fidelity to the Northeast with fewer photographic matches to other regions, suggesting individuals found here may be part of an offshore population that occasionally visits the area; and low proportion of matches to other regions in the Northwest and East, although small sample sizes precluded firm conclusions. Finally, long-term residency of killer whales in the South showed dynamic patterns, likely caused by prey availability and/or environmental changes. This study elucidates the complexities of killer whale occurrence and connectivity within the North Atlantic and suggests population structure that should be further investigated for appropriate regional conservation assessments. The pdf is available in view-only here: https://rdcu.be/dtyqa and can be downloaded from here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-023-04345-7<https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-023-04345-7?fbclid=IwAR33k…> Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. For the co-authors, Tatiana Marchon PhD Candidate Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Iceland

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin electroreception
by Tim Huettner 19 Dec '23

19 Dec '23

Dear MARMAN colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors I am pleased to share with you our newest publication on passive electroreception in bottlenose dolphins. Following our previous study published in 2022, we further investigated the bottlenose dolphin’s electroreceptive abilities and determined detection thresholds for DC and AC electric fields. Based on our findings we discuss not only the use of this electric sense during foraging but also its implications for large-scale orientation using the Earth’s magnetic field. Hüttner, T., Fersen, L. von, Miersch, L., & Dehnhardt, G. (2023). Passive electroreception in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Implication for micro- and large-scale orientation. *The Journal of Experimental Biology*, *226*(22). https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.245845 --------------------- ** Abstract ** For the two dolphin species *Sotalia guianensis* (Guiana dolphin) and *Tursiops truncatus* (bottlenose dolphin), previous research has shown that the vibrissal crypts located on the rostrum represent highly innervated, ampullary electroreceptors and that both species are correspondingly sensitive to weak electric fields. In the present study, for a comparative assessment of the sensitivity of the bottlenose dolphin's electroreceptive system, we determined detection thresholds for DC and AC electric fields with two bottlenose dolphins. In a psychophysical experiment, the animals were trained to respond to electric field stimuli using the go/no-go paradigm. We show that the two bottlenose dolphins are able to detect DC electric fields as low as 2.4 and 5.5 µV cm−1, respectively, a detection threshold in the same order of magnitude as those in the platypus and the Guiana dolphin. Detection thresholds for AC fields (1, 5 and 25 Hz) were generally higher than those for DC fields, and the sensitivity for AC fields decreased with increasing frequency. Although the electroreceptive sensitivity of dolphins is lower than that of elasmobranchs, it is suggested that it allows for both micro- and macro-scale orientation. In dolphins pursuing benthic foraging strategies, electroreception may facilitate short-range prey detection and target-oriented snapping of their prey. Furthermore, the ability to detect weak electric fields may enable dolphins to perceive the Earth's magnetic field through induction-based magnetoreception, thus allowing large-scale orientation. --------------------- The paper is open access and be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.245845 Please feel free to reach out with any questions (tim.huettner55(a)gmail.com) Best regards, Tim Hüttner

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New publication - Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) total length estimation using laser photogrammetry off the southwest coast of Ireland
by Sean O'Callaghan 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce our recent publication on common dolphin laser photogrammetry detailed below. O'Callaghan, S.A., Daly, M. and Berrow, S. (2023). Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) total length estimation using laser photogrammetry off the southwest coast of Ireland. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 24(1):189-204. https://doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.v24i1.395 Abstract Measurements from 106 stranded short‐beaked common dolphins along the Irish coast were taken between March 2017 and March 2023. Data were collected from the Irish Necropsy Project and Irish Cetacean Stranding Scheme. Total length measurements were gathered from 103 individuals where the tail flukes were still attached. These ranged between 96–238cm, mean 185.7cm, SD 31.43cm. Males (n = 58) ranged from 96–238cm, averaging 189cm, SD 34.64cm. Females (n = 40) measured 117.5–231cm, averaging 181cm, SD 25.80cm. Scaled dorsal fin photos were taken from stranded dolphins to formulate an equation to estimate the total length of live dolphins. The total lengths of 29 live common dolphins were estimated off the southwest coast of Ireland using laser photogrammetry and dorsal fin dimensions between March 2018–April 2019. Total lengths for three stranded dolphins with amputated tail flukes were also estimated. Dorsal fin base lengths were the most accurate predictor of total length R2 = 0.78. Total length estimates ranged between 143.77–242.25cm, averaging 194.78cm, SD 20.05cm. The adoption of laser photogrammetry as a measurement tool warrants further exploration as a means to reduce potential disruption from aerial systems and enhance the utility of behavioural and photo‐ID images. This study describes a non‐invasive technique with a range of possible applications for understanding pod size structure and seasonality due to this species’ approachable behaviour and inquisitive nature. The study is freely available to download in the below link but if you you have any questions regarding this work feel free to get in touch with me on seanocallaghan212(a)gmail.com https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/395?fbclid=IwAR3onplj0U… Kind regards and happy holidays, Seán

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SEAMAMMS 2024 will be held at the Duke University Marine Laboratory at Beaufort, NC
by Andrew Read, Ph.D. 18 Dec '23

18 Dec '23

We are pleased to announce that the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will be held at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, NC April 26-28, 2024. SEAMAMMS is a long-standing, regional, scientific marine mammal meeting open to all, with an emphasis on presentations by undergraduate and graduate students. SEAMAMMS is intended to provide a platform for students to share their research and network with experts in the marine mammal field. Presenters will be able to present their work in regular oral talks, speed talks, and posters. Abstracts will be due on February 2 and authors will be notified of acceptance on February 16. We hope to have discussion panels on offshore wind development, the NMFS permit process, navigating graduate school, the Mid-Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Catalog, and marine mammal legislation and regulation. The early registration deadline will be on March 1. The website will be up in January. We hope to see you in Beaufort next April!

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New sea otter insulation publication
by Kate Riordan 16 Dec '23

16 Dec '23

On behalf of my co-authors and I, we are pleased to announce our recent publication in Conservation Physiology: Riordan K, Thometz NM, Batac FI, Nicholson TE, Liwanag HEM (2023) Effects of ontogeny and oiling on the thermal function of southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) fur. Conserv Physiol 11(1): coad095; doi:10.1093/conphys/coad095. Abstract During the evolution of most marine mammals, fur as an insulator has been replaced with more buoyant, energy storing and streamlining blubber. By contrast, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) relies on insulation from its dense, air-trapping pelage, which differs morphologically between natal and adult stages. In this study, we investigated the ontogenetic changes in thermal function of southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) pelts in air, in water, and when saturated with crude oil. Pelt thermal conductivity, thickness, and thermal resistance were measured for six age classes: neonate (<1 month), small pup (1–2 months), large pup (3–5 months), juvenile (6 months–1 year), subadult (1–3 years), and adult (4–9 years). Thermal conductivity was significantly higher for pelts in air than in water, with oiled pelts exhibiting the highest values (P < 0.001). Oiled pelts had the lowest thermal resistance, which suggests that regardless of age, all sea otters are vulnerable to the effects of oiling (P < 0.001). To scale up our laboratory findings, we used a volume specific geometric model of conductive heat transfer for a simplified sea otter body, representing all tested age classes and treatments. Neonates, small pups, and large pups are more vulnerable to the effects of oiling compared with older age classes (P < 0.0001) due to a higher surface area-to-volume ratio. These results are consistent with the known thermal conductance values for adult sea otter pelts, yet this is the first time such thermal differences have been demonstrated in young otters. Overall, body size and age play a more important role in the thermal abilities of sea otters than previously thought. The article can be found here: https://academic.oup.com/conphys/article/11/1/coad095/7473695 Kate Riordan M.S. in Biological Sciences Biologist/Environmental Scientist www.seaottersavvy.org/consultation-services (805) 235-0760

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Summer Internship - Marine Mammal Wildlife Response
by Savannah Costner 15 Dec '23

15 Dec '23

Hello MARMAMers, We are hiring interns for our 2024 summer internship! Please see the internship description below and click the link below to apply! Alaska SeaLife Center Summer Internship - Marine Mammal Wildlife Response *Summary:* The Alaska SeaLife Center is dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, and public education. All internships are unpaid with a minimum 12-16 week commitment required. Housing is provided. The position is scheduled for five days and 40 hours each week. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule, as hours may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Interns will be exposed to and gain experience in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of Alaska’s stranded wild marine mammals and birds. In addition to learning animal restraint and husbandry skills, interns are expected to work with the public in person and over the phone in a professional and courteous manner. *Education/Training Requirements:* The internship is intended for adults over 18 years of age. Applicants with a background in biology and wildlife rescue preferred. Experience with Google Suite and Zims360 preferred. *Applicants for this position are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) due to the potential for working closely with highly susceptible species.* *Essential Duties:* Under the guidance of Wildlife Response staff, the Intern will be trained and expected to perform the following duties: 1. Make daily animal diet preparations and perform routine cleaning of quarantine and work areas. 2. Assist in the care of the Center’s rehabilitating animals and maintenance of the facility. 3. Assist in pool cleanings and water quality testing. 4. Assist with the Stranded Animal Hotline and interact with the public professionally. 5. Assist with the rescue and release of stranded animals as opportunities present. Please note, due to the remote nature of Alaska, most animal recovery in the field happens with local authorities and the animal is transferred to the Center. Rarely do staff pick up animals directly. 6. Participate in educational talks or tours, and assist in the creation of computerized learning modules. 7. Maintain and update computerized medical records. 8. Help ensure that the rehabilitation clinic and quarantine area are stocked and prepared to receive animals. 9. Comply with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs. 10. Perform other duties relating to the Center’s goals and mission statement as required. *Other Skills and Abilities:* Skill in written and verbal communication, experience giving public presentations and/or working with various age groups in an educational setting. Ability to be organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and possess a strong desire to see to the completion of projects is highly desired. *Physical Requirements:* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and be able to get on hands and knees to restrain marine mammal patients. Applicants should be able to work outside in the sun, wind, rain, or a combination of all three. Ability to see and hear; stand and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds. *Internship Dates: May 2024 through August 2024* *Unpaid Internship: *Housing Available *Please submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation.* *A background check will be conducted on any potential intern.* Accredited by Association of Zoos & Aquariums In compliance with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, non-job related disability, or any other protected group status. Apply Here! <https://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/job/861121?source=aslc&jobFeedCode=aslc&ret…> -- <https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter> <https://twitter.com/alaskasealife> <http://instagram.com/alaskasealifecenter> <https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaska-sealife-center> *Savannah Costner**(pronouns:she-her <https://www.mypronouns.org/>)* *Animal Care Specialist II *Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 <https://maps.google.com/?q=1329%C2%A0%E2%80%A2+301+Railway+Ave%C2%A0%E2%80%…> Direct: 907-224-6399 *ASLC 24-hour Stranded Animal Hotline* 1-888-774-7325 (SEAL) www.alaskasealife.org

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JNCC-recognised MMO course
by Carolyn Barton 15 Dec '23

15 Dec '23

There will be a JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters on 15th and 16th January 2024, remote delivery by Zoom. This course will cover all the information needed for work as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in UK waters. Taught by an instructor with over 25 years experience, the course content includes: 1) Impacts of noise on marine mammals 2) Introduction to activities that require mitigation 3) Legislation protecting marine mammals and marine licensing 4) Detailed examination of the JNCC guidelines for geophysical surveys, pile driving and explosives 5) Data recording and reporting requirements 6) Visual monitoring and distance estimation 7) Overview of passive acoustic monitoring 8) Working as an MMO/ PAM operator 9) Identification of marine mammals Zoom sessions will be a mixture of lectures and exercises, over 1.5 days. Any exercises not completed during the sessions can be completed in your own time. There is also an online multiple choice exam to be done at your convenience after the Zoom sessions (re-sits are possible if you don't pass first time). Each delegate gets individual feedback on their exercises and the exam. The cost of the course is £180 (180GBP). On successful completion of the course (including the exercises and exam) you will receive JNCC-recognised certification, which is required for work as an MMO in UK waters. For further details and for a registration form see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk .

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Position Opening at The Marine Mammal Center
by Sarah Tatum 14 Dec '23

14 Dec '23

Greetings All, The Marine Mammal Center is Hiring! Marine Science Educator Location of Position: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California Reports to: High School Programs Manager Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel: This is a full-time hourly, non-exempt position. * This is a full-time position, working five consecutive days per week including at least one weekend day. * Consistent weekend work is required. * Regular onsite work is required. * The work schedule is generally eight hours per day, Tuesday through Saturday, hours vary depending on the schedule for the day. * Evening and Holiday work may be required as job duties demand. * Occasional travel to satellite facilities and/or field work is for this position within California. Compensation Range: $25.92/hr. Full Benefits: * Holidays * Sick Time * Vacation * Medical, Dental, and Vision * Life Insurance * 401k Retirement Plan * The Marine Mammal Center offers benefits to support the emotional wellbeing of you and your loved ones (Employee Assistance Program) Job Summary: The Marine Science Educator serves a key role in the delivery of school tours and youth programs and is instrumental in the development and preparation of high school programs. With direction from their supervisor and collaboration with a variety of team members, this role will support the growth of the program and department to meet our mission outcomes by providing a high-quality and lasting education experience. To read the entire position posting and how to apply visit this link: Link<https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2118582/Marine-Mam…>. ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org<https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/what-we-do> Thank you! [Icon Description automatically generated with low confidence] Sarah Tatum (she-her) Human Resources Operations Coordinator TatumS(a)tmmc.org<mailto:tatums@tmmc.org> | T: 415.858.7103 | MarineMammalCenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/> The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

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Research and Intern Assistant - Sea Watch Foundation
by Elan Jones 14 Dec '23

14 Dec '23

We are now recruiting a Research and Intern Assistant to join Sea Watch Foundation's (SWF) new project 'Wellbeing for our Seas', which aims to better understand top predators and habitats of Southwest Anglesey and Caernarfon Bay in an exciting new citizen science initiative. The project is based on the picturesque island of Anglesey, North Wales, which due to its natural beauty receives large numbers of visitors during the summer. This position will suit a volunteer who has strong leadership skills, and an interest in marine conservation, and recognises the importance of raising awareness of the marine environment by involving the public from all age groups. This position can be very varied, so applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to deal with varied tasks from overseeing other interns to data management and survey work. They will be encouraged to take the lead to support the Project Manager and Outreach Officer in all aspects of the project. They will be in charge of a group of up to six Research Interns at a time with support from project staff. The assistant will gain experience in the following areas: -Conducting land-based surveys for marine mammals -Conducting boat-based line transect and photo ID surveys for marine mammals -Performing photo-identification matching -Data entry -Raising Sea Watch Foundation’s profile locally (organising events, talking to the public, liaising with local stakeholders) -Attending training courses -Creating educational and promotional materials for outreach events and activities Our Research and Intern Assistant will ideally stay the whole season and will be based on the Bodorgan Estate, Anglesey. Accommodation will be provided rent-free in a house shared with the Research Interns. The Research and Intern Assistant is responsible for their own travel and living costs (travel costs for project purposes will be reimbursed). Utility bills for this post will be covered by the project. The assistant will be trained in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of marine mammals but the following skills are advantageous: -Ability to delegate, and get on well with others in a small team and within shared accommodation -Ability to work independently -A strong interest in marine conservation and education -Some experience working with children and young people -Good IT skills -Good written and verbal communication skills -Willingness to work long hours in very changeable Welsh weather Interns will be based in Bodorgan Estate, Anglesey, North Wales. Accommodation is provided by a private landlord through the rental of a house that interns share at a rate of around £40 per person per week. If you are interested in this position, please contact Jenny Bond at jenny.bond(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk with your CV and a cover letter, citing 'Research and Intern Assistant Application' as your subject. Applications close on the 28th of January 2024. More information on our Internship Website Page https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/anglesey-internships-4/ For a snapshot of what to expect, why not check out our social media profiles! Facebook: Sea Watch Foundation Anglesey Instagram: @seawatchmon TTwitter (X): @seawatchmon --- Swyddog Allgymorth Er Llesiant ein Môr Wellbeing for our Seas Outreach Officer In partnership with the Bodorgan Estate, part funded by Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, administered by WCVA.

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Research Internship Opportunity - Sea Watch Foundation
by Elan Jones 14 Dec '23

14 Dec '23

Interns are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation's (SWF) new project 'Wellbeing for our Seas', which aims to better understand top predators and habitats of Southwest Anglesey and Caernarfon Bay in an exciting new citizen science initiative. The project is based on the picturesque island of Anglesey, North Wales, which due to its natural beauty receives large numbers of visitors during the summer. Interns will gain experience in the following areas: -Conducting land-based surveys for marine mammals -Conducting boat-based line transect and photo ID surveys for marine mammals -Performing photo-identification matching -Data entry -Raising Sea Watch Foundation’s profile locally (organising events, talking to the public, liaising with local stakeholders) -Attending training courses -Creating educational and promotional materials for outreach events and activities Interns are required from early April until the start of November 2024. The season is split into five separate periods lasting 5 and a half weeks. The research periods for the 2024 season are: Period 1: April 10 - May 19   Period 2: May 22- June 30 Period 3: July 3 - August 11   Period 4: August 14 - September 22 Period 5: September 23 - November 1 Interns will be trained in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of marine mammals but the following skills are advantageous: -Ability to get on well with others in a small team and within shared accommodation in a rural area -Ability to work independently -A strong interest in marine conservation and education -Good IT skills -Good written and verbal communication skills -Willingness to work long hours in very changeable Welsh weather Interns will be based in Bodorgan Estate, Anglesey, North Wales. Accommodation is provided by a private landlord through the rental of a house that interns share at a rate of around £40 per person per week. If you are interested in this position, please contact Jenny Bond at jenny.bond(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk with your CV and a cover letter, citing Anglesey Research Intern Application' as your subject. Decisions will be made by 25th February 2024. More information on our Internship Website Page https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/anglesey-internships-4/ For a snapshot of what to expect, why not check out our social media profiles! Facebook: Sea Watch Foundation Anglesey Instagram: @seawatchmon TTwitter (X): @seawatchmon --- Swyddog Allgymorth Er Llesiant ein Môr Wellbeing for our Seas Outreach Officer In partnership with the Bodorgan Estate, part funded by Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, administered by WCVA.

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