February 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: Blue whale foraging and reproductive effort are related to environmental conditions
by Barlow, Dawn Renee 27 Feb '23

27 Feb '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am excited to share our recent publication in Ecology and Evolution: Barlow, D. R., Klinck, H., Ponirakis, D., Branch, T. A., & Torres, L. G. (2023). Environmental conditions and marine heatwaves influence blue whale foraging and reproductive effort. Ecology and Evolution, 13, e9770. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9770 Abstract: Animal behavior is motivated by the fundamental need to feed and reproduce, and these behaviors can be inferred from spatiotemporal variations in biological signals such as vocalizations. Yet, linking foraging and reproductive effort to environmental drivers can be challenging for wide-ranging predator species. Blue whales are acoustically active marine predators that produce two distinct vocalizations: song and D calls. We examined environmental correlates of these vocalizations using continuous recordings from five hydrophones in the South Taranaki Bight region of Aotearoa New Zealand to investigate call behavior relative to ocean conditions and infer life history patterns. D calls were strongly correlated with oceanographic drivers of upwelling in spring and summer, indicating associations with foraging effort. In contrast, song displayed a highly seasonal pattern with peak intensity in fall, which aligned with the timing of conception inferred from whaling records. Finally, during a marine heatwave, reduced foraging (inferred from D calls) was followed by lower reproductive effort (inferred from song intensity). The full article is open access, and available online: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.9770 Please do not hesitate to contact me 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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Recent Publication on Ice Seal Metabolism
by Nicole Thometz 27 Feb '23

27 Feb '23

Dear MarMam Community, Myself and coauthors would like to announce our most recent publication in the Journal of Experimental Biology ( https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article-abstract/226/1/jeb244862/286602…) This research considers the energetic consequences of molt in spotted, ringed, and bearded seals — by comparing metabolic costs of individuals resting calmly in water versus during haul out, both inside and outside of molt. Details for the paper are below. *Title*: Maintaining control: metabolism of molting Arctic seals in water and when hauled out *Authors*: Nicole M. Thometz, David A. S. Rosen, Holly Hermann-Sorensen, Madeline Meranda, Madilyn Pardini, and Colleen Reichmuth *Abstract*: Seals haul out of water for extended periods during the annual molt, when they shed and regrow their pelage. This behavior is believed to limit heat loss to the environment given increased peripheral blood flow to support tissue regeneration. The degree to which time in water, particularly during the molt, may affect thermoregulatory costs is poorly understood. We measured the resting metabolism of three spotted seals (Phoca largha), one ringed seal (Pusa hispida) and one bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) during and outside the molting period, while resting in water and when hauled out. Metabolic rates were elevated in spotted and ringed seals during molt, but comparable in water and air for individuals of all species, regardless of molt status. Our data indicate that elevated metabolism during molt primarily reflects the cost of tissue regeneration, while increased haul out behavior is driven by the need to maintain elevated skin temperatures to support tissue regeneration. Please email nthometz(a)usfca.edu if you have any questions or need access to the paper. Best, -- Nicole M. Thometz, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Biology University of San Francisco 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117 Office: Harney 219H Website: https://thometzlab.wixsite.com/thometzlab

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Request for Proposals-Incidental Take Authorization
by Gumbleton, Sarah 27 Feb '23

27 Feb '23

Hi all, The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is seeking a qualified vendor to research, conduct surveys, produce, and complete the application and necessary documentation to obtain a Letter of Authorization from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The application is specific to incidental takes of the common bottlenose dolphin associated with all fisheries-independent monitoring survey work conducted by staff of DCNR’s Marine Resources Division. More information on the Request for Proposals can be found here: https://www.outdooralabama.com/request-proposals. Please direct any questions or comments to Mr. Chase Katechis, Chase.Katechis(a)dcnr.alabama.gov<mailto:Chase.Katechis@dcnr.alabama.gov>, with a carbon copy to Mr. Craig Newton, Craig.Newton(a)dcnr.alabama.gov<mailto:Craig.Newton@dcnr.alabama.gov>. Best, Sarah Gumbleton Biologist II Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources P.O. Drawer 458 Gulf Shores, AL 36547 (251) 968-9715 (Office) (251) 257-9981 (Cell)

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New publication: female orca and pilot whale calf
by Marie Mk 27 Feb '23

27 Feb '23

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce the following publication in Canadian Journal of Zoology: Marie-Thérèse Mrusczok, Elizabeth Zwamborn, Menja von Schmalensee, Sara Rodríguez Ramallo, and Robert A. Stefansson. *First account of apparent alloparental care of a long-finned pilot whale calf (Globicephala melas) by a female killer whale (Orcinus orca)*. Canadian Journal of Zoology. e-First https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2022-0161 Abstract: Interactions between killer whales (*Orcinus orca* (Linnaeus, 1758)) and long-finned pilot whales (*Globicephala melas* (Traill, 1809)) have been documented on numerous occasions, usually involving predation events and pursuits. Here, the first documented account of a long-finned pilot whale calf seen in echelon position with one killer whale in a group of three killer whales is described, along with one further interaction of the same killer whale group with other long-finned pilot whales. Behavioral, locational, and photographic data were recorded and analyzed for killer whales between 2011 and 2022 and for long-finned pilot whales between 2019 and 2022 off West Iceland. The data were used to obtain background information on the killer whale group involved in the apparent alloparental behavior. The described event also presents the first documented account of epimeletic behavior of a killer whale toward a non-conspecific. The movements of the same killer whale group in conjunction with other killer whales during a subsequent interaction with a group of long-finned pilot whales do not fit any previously observed behavioral patterns described for interactions between these species and may represent an active effort to obtain another long-finned pilot whale calf. Long-finned pilot whale and killer whale interactions might be more complex than previously thought and influenced by multiple drivers. The full article is now freely accessible at: https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/full/10.1139/cjz-2022-0161 Find our public education video on this topic here: https://youtu.be/d6iuEpK4Nvk Find more information on our research efforts at: www.orcaguardians.org www.pilotwhalesofcanada.com www.nsv.is For further inquiries please contact: info(a)orcaguardians.org All the best, Marie Mrusczok

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Funding opportunity for dugong researchers
by Helene Marsh 26 Feb '23

26 Feb '23

Funding opportunity for dugong researchers The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS Dugong MOU) announces its 2023 Small Grants Scheme which will support projects up to the value of USD 40,000 which support community-led dugong and seagrass conservation activities through one or more of the following priority approaches: * Participatory research and primary data collection, including monitoring; * Conservation actions, management frameworks and policies; * Development of business models in support of coastal communities and marine conservation. This opportunity is open to non-governmental organizations, governmental agencies and/or a small sized private sector entity in the country of project implementation. Applicants must have existing relationships with local stakeholders, including local communities. https://www.dugongseagrass.org/news/cms-dmou-small-grants-call-for-concept-…<https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dugon…> Helene Marsh Co-chair Sirenia Specialist Group

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New publication on right whales and other species off Angola
by Amy Whitt 26 Feb '23

26 Feb '23

On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce the recent publication of our paper on marine mammals and sea turtles off Angola. The paper is published as Open Access, so anyone can download the pdf and supplementary file using this link. https://www.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315422001084 *Citation:* Whitt, A.D., A.M. Warde, L. Blair, K.J.P. Deslarzes, and C.-H. Chaineau. 2023. Recent occurrence of marine mammals and sea turtles off Angola and first report of right whales since the whaling era. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 103:e9. *Abstract:* Marine megafauna occurrence was recorded in the deep-sea region bordering the abyssal plain ∼400 km north-west of Luanda, Angola. The survey took place during an Environmental Baseline Study (EBS), prior to drilling exploration activities, with the goal of characterizing the habitat and biodiversity of the region. Offshore shipboard surveys were conducted during September 2018 in water depths ranging from 2350–3850 m. We recorded daytime sightings of marine mammals and sea turtles and at night made audio recordings using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) methods focused on capturing the sounds of vocalizing marine mammals. A variety of species were visually detected, including the humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*), common dolphin ( *Delphinus* spp.), striped dolphin (*Stenella coeruleoalba*), Atlantic spotted dolphin (*S. frontalis*), and olive ridley turtle (*Lepidochelys olivacea*). Acoustic click bouts similar to those made by several odontocete species, possibly including beaked whales, were recorded within the 25–48 kHz range. The humpback whale was the most frequently sighted species, accounting for 56% of mammal sightings, indicating a potential far offshore migratory habitat in this region. Most notably, right whales (probable *Eubalaena australis*) were visually observed. This is the first confirmed record of right whales in Angolan waters since the early 1900s. As development expands in this offshore region, these data can usefully inform future monitoring and mitigation strategies focused on minimizing impacts to wildlife. -- *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* CEO, Senior Scientist Azura Consulting LLC WOSB | EDWOSB *c* 870-919-2636 *o* 972-905-1416 www.azuraco.com amy(a)azuraco.com

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new publication about terrestrial versus marine debris
by Gabriele Meyer 25 Feb '23

25 Feb '23

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New publication: Rare record of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis Desmoulins, 1822) with calf in Ilhéus, Bahia, northeastern Brazil
by Alice Lima 25 Feb '23

25 Feb '23

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following publication on the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) is now available online: Foucart T, De Moura Lima A. Short Communication: Rare record of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis Desmoulins, 1822) with calf in Ilhéus, Bahia, northeastern Brazil. JCRM [Internet]. 2023 Feb. 21 [cited 2023 Feb. 22];24(1):7-11. Available from: https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/367 This note reports an unusual observation of a mother and calf pair of southern right whales on 27 July 2021 oﬀ the coast of Ilhéus, Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. The sighting was made from a 29ft cruiser boat (brand Cabrasmar), with a 225HP inboard engine, during a whale watching tour in a humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) breeding area. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions regarding our work. Best regards, Alice Lima -- Dr. Alice Lima Sócia administradora - Ecosul Turismo Analista Ambiental - Projeto Baleias na Serra Parque Científico e Tecnológico do Sul da Bahia (PCTSul) Laboratório de Ecologia Aplicada a Conservação (LEAC) Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, Bahia

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Faculty Position Accepting Applications for 10 days
by Jennifer Miksis-Olds 24 Feb '23

24 Feb '23

Hello, The University of New Hampshire is advertising for an Assistant Professor in Marine Bioacoustics. The job advertisement will be live for 10 days. Please share the below link with all marine mammal friends and colleagues you think may be interested. https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/54197 Jennifer L. Miksis-Olds, PhD. Director, Center for Acoustics Research and Education Research Professor School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping University of New Hampshire 24 Colovos Rd. Durham, NH 03824 603-862-5147, j.miksisolds(a)unh.edu<mailto:j.miksisolds@unh.edu> https://eos.unh.edu/center-acoustics-research-education

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MSc Position at University of Alaska Anchorage
by Amy Bishop 24 Feb '23

24 Feb '23

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage seeks a Masters of Science (MSc) candidate to work on a project examining the diving constraints and adaptive capacity of Alaskan pinnipeds. The position would begin in fall 2023, and is based in Anchorage, Alaska. The successful candidate will be part of a team that is looking at marine mammal physiology and ecology. The student will utilize archived animal telemetry data and apply quantitative statistical analyses to generate metrics on diving capacity and foraging efficacy for a suite of pinnipeds across several Alaskan marine ecosystems. Student research projects will reflect the program needs, but can be tailored to student interest. Results from this research will contribute to an understanding of physiological and behavioral adaptive capacity, and how closely individuals or species are approaching their limits in the face of climate change. Preference will be given to highly motivated candidates with a Bachelor of Science in biology or a closely related field and that enjoy, or have a desire to learn about, working with complex datasets. Prior experience with conducting statistical and mathematical analyses in R or MATLAB and/or field research in biotelemetry/physiological ecology of mammals is a plus but not required. While the majority of the work will be analytical, the team will facilitate opportunities for the successful applicant to network with agency collaborators, and pursue additional field and laboratory skills related to marine mammal ecology, physiology, and management. Student stipend and tuition, academic year and summer, are provided for up to 2 years; students will be expected to work as a teaching assistant for at least one semester. The Bishop Lab <https://abishoplab.wixsite.com/bishoplab> strives to create a supportive, diverse, and inclusive mentoring environment for all undergraduate and graduate students. Past team members have gone on to pursue PhD programs, and careers in science education, natural resource management, and conservation non-profits. Here are links for more details on the graduate program at UAA <https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/admissions/apply/graduate.cshtml> (including admission criteria), and the graduate program in the Department of Biological Sciences <https://sites.google.com/alaska.edu/mnssciencesacademicsupport/graduate-stu…>. For additional information or to be considered for this position, please email your CV and a cover letter to Dr. Amy Bishop (ambishop2(a)alaska.edu) The position is open until filled -- Dr. Amy Bishop Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of Alaska Anchorage 907-786-1754 | ambishop2(a)alaska.edu Pronouns: she/her UAA Bishop <https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/departmen…> Bishop Lab Website <https://abishoplab.wixsite.com/bishoplab>

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