December 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Enhancing Interpretation of Bottlenose Dolphin Acoustic Monitoring in an Urbanized South Carolina Estuary
by Tribble, Caroline 08 Dec '23

08 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to announce our recent publication in Aquatic Mammals, titled "Enhancing Interpretation of Cetacean Acoustic Monitoring: Investigating Factors that Influence Vocalization Patterns of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in an Urbanized Estuary, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, USA." The paper is available in open-access at https://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/article/enhancing-interpretation-of-c… Tribble, C., Monczak, A., Transue, L., Marian, A., Fair, P., Balmer, B., Ballenger, J., Baker, H., Weinpress-Galipeau, M., Robertston, A., Strand, A., & Montie, E. W. (2023). Enhancing Interpretation of Cetacean Acoustic Monitoring: Investigating Factors that Influence Vocalization Patterns of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in an Urbanized Estuary, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, USA. *Aquat. Mamm*, *49*, 519-549. Abstract: The Charleston Harbor in South Carolina (SC) is a major port that experiences high levels of vessel traffic. Historical analyses of coastal bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*, now *Tursiops erebennus*) sightings identified multiple core use areas in the harbor that overlap with these anthropogenic activities. Informed by these long-term spatial data, passive acoustic monitoring, visual surveys, and prey sampling were conducted from December 2017 to June 2019 to assess the relationships and multivariate interactions that may influence dolphin vocalization patterns. Vocalizations varied spatially and temporally, peaking in fall and winter months coinciding with decreases in water temperature and daylight hours, following patterns previously reported in other SC estuaries. Dolphin prey and total fish abundance decreased with water temperature, which may indicate that dolphins echolocate and whistle more frequently in the winter months when prey are scarce and sound producing species are less soniferous. Dolphin sightings and vocalizations were highly correlated. Dolphin occurrence was highest in the areas surrounding the confluence of the Cooper and Wando Rivers, along the shipping channel, where vessel and sound-producing fish detections were greatest. When vessel noise occurred, dolphins increased their vocalizations, which suggests that this population may be modifying its acoustic repertoire in response to increased noise levels. Multivariate interactions indicate strong spatial and seasonal patterns in vocalization rates that may be associated with dolphin and prey abundance as well as noise-induced redundancy. Best regards, Caroline Tribble -- Caroline Tribble Faculty Research Assistant - Dolphin Specialist University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory ctribble(a)umces.edu +1(301) 938-0265

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New publication: A histological study of the facial hair follicles in the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps)
by ALEMAÑ POSADAS NURIA VICENTA 08 Dec '23

08 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our new publication “A histological study of the facial hair follicles in the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps)”. Advances in Marine Biology 96, 63-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2023.08.003 Abstract: In the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps, Blainville 1838), vibrissae are present in neonates, but within a few months the hairs are lost, and the structures remain as empty vibrissal crypts (VCs). In this work, we have studied histologically the facial vibrissal follicles of two juveniles and one adult specimens stranded dead. A few VCs with no visible hairs were found grouped in a row rostral to each eye. The follicular lumen, covered by a simple squamous epithelium, showed invaginations in the most superficial part. Beneath the epithelium, the follicle walls were made of loose connective tissue and were encircled by a thick capsule of dense connective tissue. In juveniles, a dermal papilla was found basally and, from it, a non-keratinized pseudo hair grew upwards but did not reach the skin surface. The VCs were richly innervated and irrigated. Many lamellated corpuscles were identified in the subluminal connective tissue of the crypt walls. A large venous cavernous plexus was located beneath and around the hair papilla. The main differences observed in the adult specimen were the degeneration and calcification of both the dermal papilla and the pseudo hair, and the absence of the venous cavernous plexus, albeit maintaining a rich vascularization and innervation. Our study revealed that VCs of the pygmy sperm whale possess features of fully functional sensory structures, with a microanatomy different from those described in other species. In addition, they undergo a postnatal morphological transformation, which implies functional differences between the VCs of neonates and adults. If you have any questions or are interested in a pdf copy, feel free to contact me at: nuria.alemany(a)usc.es Best regards, Nuria Alemañ Posadas, DVM, PhD Veterinary Anatomy and Embryology Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Campus Terra - Lugo (Spain)

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New publication on the springtime acoustic behavior of sei whales
by Dana Cusano 08 Dec '23

08 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Dana A. Cusano, David Wiley, Julia M. Zeh, Iain Kerr, Alicia Pensarosa, Chris Zadra, K. Alex Shorter, Susan E. Parks; Acoustic recording tags provide insight into the springtime acoustic behavior of sei whales in Massachusetts Bay. J. Acoust. Soc. Am.; 154 (6): 3543–3555. The paper is Open Access and available to download here: https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0022570 Abstract The acoustic ecology of sei whales (*Balaenoptera borealis*) is poorly understood due to limited direct observation of the behavioral context of sound production and individual behavior. Suction cup–attached acoustic recording tags were deployed on sei whales to unambiguously assign call types and explore the acoustic behavior of this endangered species. Twelve tag deployments resulted in ∼173 h of acoustic data and 1030 calls. Sound types included *downsweeps* and three previously undescribed call types. *Knocks* were short duration (<1 s), with an average peak frequency of 330 Hz. *Pulse type 1* and *pulse type 2 calls*, typically produced in sequences, were short in duration (0.08 and 0.28 s) and low in average peak frequency (50 and 26 Hz), with relatively high received levels. Average call rates for all call types combined were three calls per hour, but increased during twilight. Sex differences in call type usage included a higher use of *pulses* by females and *knocks* by males. Calls were almost exclusively produced at depths <10 m, although whales rarely dove deeper in this study. These data provide a more comprehensive picture of the acoustic and behavioral ecology of sei whales than previously possible, which can inform future conservation efforts for this endangered species. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at danacusano(a)gmail.com. Thanks, Dana Cusano, PhD National Post Doctorate Fellow, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Sponsored Associate, Syracuse University

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New Job Announcement: North Atlantic Right Whale Acoustics Tech/Res. Fish Biologist ZP3/4 - NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center
by Mridula Srinivasan - NOAA Federal 07 Dec '23

07 Dec '23

Hello: Here's a vacancy announcement for a full-time permanent Federal employee ZP3/4 North Atlantic Right Whale Acoustics Tech/Research Fish Biologist with expertise in oceanography and acoustics to support the NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division - Passive Acoustic Ecology program activities. The 14-day Direct Hire Authority announcement for the Research Fish Biologist, ZP-3/4 position has been posted. *The announcement will open on 12/7/2023 and close on 12/21/2023. * Job Announcement#(DHA): NMFS-SEFSC-24-12204723-DHA https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/764383000 Please share with your networks. Thank you, Mridula -- *_________________* *Mridula Srinivasan (Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Special Advisor* *Office of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction (ASEOP)* *National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce* *+1202.308.3440 (Work Cell)* *----------------------------------------------------------* *Director, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/marine-mammal-and-turtle-division-sout…>)* *Atlantic IACUC Chair* *Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida* *NOAA Fisheries, Department of Commerce* *+1305.814.4526 (Google Voice)* Executive Board Member NOAA AAPI ERG <https://sites.google.com/noaa.gov/oicr-erg-asian/home?pli=1&authuser=1> ****** I support flexible working arrangements and I am sending this email now because it suits the hours I am working today. Please do not feel obliged to reply right away as I understand and expect you to respond during your work hours. Thank you.

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New publication: Variation in blue whale morphology across three productive coastal ecosystems
by Barlow, Dawn Renee 07 Dec '23

07 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent paper in Integrative Organismal Biology: D R Barlow, K C Bierlich, W K Oestreich, G Chiang, J W Durban, J A Goldbogen, D W Johnston, M S Leslie, M J Moore, J P Ryan, L G Torres, Shaped by Their Environment: Variation in Blue Whale Morphology across Three Productive Coastal Ecosystems, Integrative Organismal Biology, Volume 5, Issue 1, 2023, obad039, https://doi.org/10.1093/iob/obad039 ABSTRACT: Species ecology and life history patterns are often reflected in animal morphology. Blue whales are globally distributed, with distinct populations that feed in different productive coastal regions worldwide. Thus, they provide an opportunity to investigate how regional ecosystem characteristics may drive morphological differences within a species. Here, we compare physical and biological oceanography of three different blue whale foraging grounds: (1) Monterey Bay, California, USA; (2) the South Taranaki Bight (STB), Aotearoa New Zealand; and (3) the Corcovado Gulf, Chile. Additionally, we compare the morphology of blue whales from these regions using unoccupied aircraft imagery. Monterey Bay and the Corcovado Gulf are seasonally productive and support the migratory life history strategy of the Eastern North Pacific (ENP) and Chilean blue whale populations, respectively. In contrast, the New Zealand blue whale population remains in the less productive STB year-round. All three populations were indistinguishable in total body length. However, New Zealand blue whales were in significantly higher body condition despite lower regional productivity, potentially attributable to their non-migratory strategy that facilitates lower risk of spatiotemporal misalignment with more consistently available foraging opportunities. Alternatively, the migratory strategy of the ENP and Chilean populations may be successful when their presence on the foraging grounds temporally aligns with abundant prey availability. We document differences in skull and fluke morphology between populations, which may relate to different feeding behaviors adapted to region-specific prey and habitat characteristics. These morphological features may represent a trade-off between maneuverability for prey capture and efficient long-distance migration. As oceanographic patterns shift relative to long-term means under climate change, these blue whale populations may show different vulnerabilities due to differences in migratory phenology and feeding behavior between regions. The full article is open access, and available online: https://academic.oup.com/iob/advance-article/doi/10.1093/iob/obad039/743886… Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or to request a PDF copy. Cheers, Dawn Dawn Barlow, PhD (she/her) Postdoctoral Scholar Marine Mammal Institute | Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Oregon State University | Hatfield Marine Science Center Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab> dawn.barlow(a)oregonstate.edu

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New publication - Study of repertoire use reveals unexpected context‑dependent vocalizations in bottlenose dolphins
by Alice Lima 07 Dec '23

07 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM members, I am happy to share with you the exciting results of our publication in The Science of Nature: Gallo A, Lima ADM, Böye M, Hausberger M, Lemasson A. Study of repertoire use reveals unexpected context ‑ dependent vocalizations in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Sci Nat. 2023; 1–13. doi:10.1007/s00114-023-01884-3 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00114-023-01884-3 Dolphins are known for their complex vocal communication, not least because of their capacity for acoustic plasticity. Paradoxically, we know little about their capacity for flexible vocal use. The difficulty in describing the behaviours performed underwater while vocalizing makes it difficult to analyse the contexts of emissions. Dolphins’ main vocal categories are typically considered to be used for scanning the environment (clicks), agonistic encounters (burst pulses) and socio-affiliative interactions (whistles). Dolphins can also combine these categories in mixed vocal emissions, whose use remains unclear. To better understand how vocalizations are used, we simultaneously recorded vocal production and the associated behaviours by conducting underwater observations (N = 479 events) on a group of 7 bottlenose dolphins under human care. Our results showed a non-random association between vocal categories and behavioural contexts. Precisely, clicks were preferentially emitted during affiliative interactions and not during other social/solitary contexts, supporting a possible complementary communicative function. Burst pulses were associated with high arousal contexts (agonistic and social play), pinpointing on their use as an “emotively charged” signal. Whistles were related to solitary swimming and not preferentially produced in any social context. This questions whistles’ functions and supports their potential role as a distant contact call. Finally, mixed vocalizations were especially found associated with sexual (bust pulse-whistle-click), solitary play (burst pulse-whistle) and affiliative (click-whistle) behaviours. Depending on the case, their emission seems to confirm, modify or refine the functions of their simple counterparts. These results open up new avenues of research into the contextual use of dolphin acoustic signals. Feel free to contact us if you want to exchange information about the paper. Happy holidays! Alice -- Dr. Alice Lima Sócia administradora - Ecosul Turismo Bióloga | Pós-doutoranda Programa de Pós-graduação em Sistemas Aquáticos Tropicais - PPGSAT Grupo de Pesquisa em Mamíferos Aquáticos de Ilhéus - GPMAI

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AMEMR 2024
by Luz Rodríguez-Vargas 07 Dec '23

07 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM members, Plymouth Marine Laboratory is organising the next Advances in Marine Ecosystem Modelling Research Conference (AMEMR) 2024 in Plymouth, UK (8-11th July 2024). Abstract submission and Registration are now open, and we would be delighted to receive contributions related to modelling in marine mammal research and conservation. Please find the details below and feel free to share with others interested. Many thanks, Luz H Rodriguez [cid:image001.png@01DA290D.54DC0530]<https://www.amemr.com/about.html> AMEMR Conference 2024 8-11 July 2024, Plymouth UK Abstract Submission is now open: Submit an Abstract<https://www.amemr.com/abstract-submission.html> Submission deadline 15 December 2023 Full details https://www.amemr.com/ Welcome to the 7th AMEMR conference, we are pleased to announce Abstract Submission is now open. AMEMR (Advances in Marine Ecosystem Modelling Research) Symposium series provides an opportunity to present, discuss and learn about a wide variety of marine modelling challenges, methods, applications and outcomes. Over the years AMEMR has grown into the forum to present and absorb the latest developments in marine (eco)system modelling and discuss new challenges and opportunities. It is a great place to develop networks and we encourage Early Career Researcher involvement. Check out the Themes and sessions for AMEMR 2024 here<https://www.amemr.com/themes-and-sessions.html> AMEMR is the place to showcase your work, share ideas and develop new networks. For more details check the website at AMEMR.com<https://pml.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=36e5123a6de6e70cf75505410&id=…> Follow us on Twitter @amemr_updates<https://pml.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=36e5123a6de6e70cf75505410&id=…> Luz H Rodriguez Research and Impact Services Officer Plymouth Marine Laboratory [https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/53/tools/email-signature-generator/icons/pho…] +44 (0) 1752 633163 [https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/53/tools/email-signature-generator/icons/ema…] lro(a)pml.ac.uk<mailto:lro@pml.ac.uk> [https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/53/tools/email-signature-generator/icons/lin…] www.pml.ac.uk<https://www.pml.ac.uk/> [https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/53/tools/email-signature-generator/icons/add…] Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH UK MSPACE: Marine Spatial Planning Addressing Climate Effects<https://pml.ac.uk/science/projects/MSPACE-Marine-Spatial-Planning-Addressin…> Visit our website www.pml.ac.uk and follow us on Twitter @PlymouthMarine This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and remove it from your system. You are reminded that e-mail communications are not secure and may contain viruses; PML accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may be caused by viruses. Our Privacy Notice is available at http://www.pml.ac.uk/System-pages/Privacy_Notice . Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales, company number 4178503. Registered Charity No. 1091222. Registered Office: Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK. PML Applications Ltd, www.pml-applications.co.uk , is the wholly owned subsidiary of PML, registered as a company in England & Wales, company number 4232750.

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Dolphin Research Internship in Sardinia 2024
by Fabio Ronchetti 06 Dec '23

06 Dec '23

MareTerra Onlus (www.mareterra-erc.org) is offering internships to join research projects on the conservation of the bottlenose dolphins and marine environment from May to October 2024 in Sardinia island, a hotspot of biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. MareTerra is a non-profit organization created in 2012 by experienced researchers promoting the conservation of nature and sustainable development. On board our boats, interns will join dolphin-watching activities and learn research methods to monitor the habitat use, abundance and distribution of the bottlenose dolphins logging data into our database. Interns will collect georeferenced data on dolphins, fishing activities and boat traffic that impact their behaviour. Our research projects aim to implement measures for marine ecosystem conservation and promote a sustainable and responsible management of fishing and tourism activities. Working in an international and multicultural context, our interns will play an active role in environmental education to develop awareness and respect for the marine environment among tourists and locals. Required skills: - Ability to communicate fluently in English (English level > B2). - Self-confidence. - Flexibility, adaptability to an international work environment and punctuality. - Good public relations skills. - Confidence on board a motorboat and ability to swim properly. We look for people who are highly motivated, responsible and willing to work long hours in the field. For any questions and to receive detailed information for applying, please send email to: info(a)mareterra-erc.org Gabriella La Manna, PhD --- Dr Fabio Ronchetti www.mareterragroup.net www.progettonaturasardegna.com www.instagram.com/progetto_natura_ecoturismo www.facebook.com/progettonaturasardegna progettonatura(a)mareterragroup.net.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069 Research associate *MareTerra ERC* www.mareterra-erc.org ronchettifabio(a)gmail.com Via P. Enrico 42 07041 Alghero (SS) Tel: +393921404069

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Shannon Dolphin Project Internship: Applications open for 2024 Field Season Internship
by Mags Daly 06 Dec '23

06 Dec '23

The Shannon Dolphin Project (SDP) is offering several volunteer internship positions during the 2024 field season. The internship runs from May - September 2023 and the minimum duration for successful applicants is 10 weeks. *Background* The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is a registered charity and NGO in the West of Ireland. The group has been running the SDP photo ID catalogue since 1993, focused on monitoring Ireland’s only resident population of bottlenose dolphins. The internship is based in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. *Successful applicants will gain experience in* *Field skills: *Collecting photo, environmental and behavioural data at sea during dedicated dolphin surveys on IWDG’s RIB. The internship will also include a one-week survey on the IWDG’s research vessel, Celtic Mist. Multiple land watches per month from local headlands. *Photo- ID techniques.* Recording dolphins and collecting photo ID data at sea and on land. Processing photo data, matching images collected to the known Shannon Dolphin catalogue. Processing historical data and updating databases. *Education and Outreach: *Providing free tours to the public of our visitor centre. Assisting with public events. *Miscellaneous:* Assisting SDP Officer with occasional post-mortems or sampling of stranded cetaceans. Responding to local strandings. *Requirements* *Applicants must have completed a BSc. in biology, ecology, or marine science program. * Applicants should also have a strong work ethic and the ability to work well with others, especially when working in close quarters at sea The following experience or skills may be an advantage when applying for this internship · Previous data collection experience in any research setting. · Education and outreach experience. · Knowledge of marine mammals. · Small power boat handling. · Photography · Driver’s License: Several of the headlands for watches are not within walking distance of the office therefore, some intern positions require a full, clean driver's license, valid in the Republic of Ireland, and applicants who are over 26 years of age, to be covered under our motor insurance policy. *Expenses and housing* This is an unpaid internship. Successful applicants are responsible for their living expenses. However, the IWDG will help organise accommodation. Rent and expenses for the 2023 season were ~ €400 per month. There will be no fee for Celtic Mist surveys, your food onboard will be covered. Any food purchased while on land will be at the intern's own expense. *Start Dates:* 1st of May or 1st of June 2024. *To apply: *Please send a letter of interest and CV in pdf format to luisa.lopez(a)iwdg.ie <mags.daly(a)iwdg.ie> with Shannon Dolphin Project Intern as the subject line. Please also advise for provisional dates you are available for an online interview and if your preferred start date is 1st May or 1st June 2024. *The closing date is close business on the 29th of February 2024* Mags Daly Shannon Dolphin Project Officer Irish Whale & Dolphin Group Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co. Clare Tel: +353 (0) 838401102 Website:www.iwdg.ie

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New publication- Abrupt change in humpback whale song from Brazil suggests cultural revolutions may occur in the South Atlantic
by Divna Djokic 06 Dec '23

06 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM members, I am happy to share the exciting data we are bringing in our lattes publication for MMS journal:Gonçalves, M.I., Djokic, D., Baumgarten, J., Marcondes, M.C.C., Padovese, L.R., Eugênio, L.D.S., Sousa-Lima, R. Abrupt change in humpback whale song from Brazil suggests cultural revolutions may occur in the South Atlantic. Marine Mammal Science, 2023. - DOI: - 10.1111/mms.13093 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376072322_Abrupt_change_in_humpbac… Five decades after the first description of the humpback whale song in the Northern Hemisphere, and two decades after the first description of a cultural revolution in the eastern Australian population, this Note provides evidence of an abrupt change (leastways) of the song occurred in 2018 season, in breeding stock A. This intense song change measured by simplified Levenshtein distance implies cultural revolutions could be happening in the Atlantic ocean as well, further stressing the possibility of Southern Hemisphere Cultural Exchange (SHCE) phenomenon.This work also revisited standard definitions of humpback whale song, its structure, culture and common methodology. Please get in touch for a copy of the manuscript (as the Open access option is not so open when funds are restricted):divna.divna@yahoo.com If interested in Dynamics of humpback whale song of South America, make sure to explore our other papers from the area: De Weerdt, J., Djokic, D., Sousa-Lima, R., Pace, F. First song description of the humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae (Balaenopteridae: Artiodactyla), breeding off Nicaragua, Revista de Biología Tropical, 2023 Schall, E., Djokic, D., Ross-Marsh, E.C., Oña, J., Denkinger, J., Sousa-Lima, R. et al. Song recordings suggest feeding ground sharing in Southern Hemisphere humpback whales. Scientific Reports, 2022 Malige, F., Djokic, D., Patris, J., Sousa-Lima, R. , Glotin, H. Use of recurrence plots for identification and extraction of patterns in humpback whale song recordings. Bioacoustics, 2020 Happy holidays!Divna --Divna DjokicPhD at Laboratory of Bioacoustics (LaB)Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazilhttps://www.lab.bio.br/ Skype: divna.djthedivna(a)gmail.com

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