February 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Cuvier's beaked whale mass stranding in Cyprus, Mediterranean Sea
by Arda M. Tonay 23 Feb '23

23 Feb '23

Dear All, We would like to inform you that there have been Cuvier's beaked whale mass stranding in Cyprus, Mediterranean Sea in the past weeks. On February 9-13, 2023, a total of 12 beaked whales were stranded, seven in southern and five in northern part of Cyprus. Most were dead when they were found, but some were alive, however, despite all efforts, none of the stranded whales survived. According to the preliminary results of the gross necropsy made on five whales on the north, it is assumed that they had died due to gas embolism caused by acoustic trauma. According to NAVTEX data, there were planned navy exercises with firing across large areas in the eastern, southern and western parts of the island on the days when whales stranded. All countries should cease their planned/unplanned naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean, as there are concerns about the increase in stranding events. For more info, please find the report in the link: https://bit.ly/cuvierEN Best wishes Arda Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Kalenderhane Mah. Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2 Fatih 34134 İstanbul, Türkiye Tel: +90 212 440 0000/20159 Fax: +90 212 440 0232 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, 34820 İstanbul, Türkiye Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771 -- *Yasal Uyarı:* Bu elektronik posta, **buradan* <https://bilgiislem.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/e-posta-yasal-uyari-e-mail-dis…> *ulaşabileceğiniz Koşul ve Şartlara tabidir. *Disclaimer: *This email is subject to the Terms and Conditions available *here.* <https://bilgiislem.istanbul.edu.tr/tr/duyuru/e-posta-yasal-uyari-e-mail-dis…>

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Internship
by NAMMCO, Jana Djukaric 23 Feb '23

23 Feb '23

Do you want to be the next Intern at NAMMCO? The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission is looking for a new member to join the Secretariat, and the internship is a great way for students or early career individuals to enhance their skills while working for an Intergovernmental Organisation. The internship presents a potential to work on project(s) relevant to the work of NAMMCO. Currently we are particularly, but not only, seeking applicants interested in the topic of marine mammal-fisheries interactions and willing to participate in the assessment of the by-catch risk posed by different fisheries on marine mammals in the NAMMCO management areas. Depending on the activities, the intern may also get the opportunity of travelling for joining NAMMCO meetings in the Nordic countries. The preferred duration of the internship is between 9 and 12 months. Start of the next internship ~ 01.08.2023 (flexible) Application deadline = 01.04.2023 Find more information, including stipend and how to apply, here: https://nammco.no/nammco-internship/ Jana Djukarić Intern NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission POB 6453, Sykehusveien 21-23 N-9294 Tromsø, Norway Tel.: +45 93802710 E-mail: intern(a)nammco.no<mailto:intern@nammco.no> [X]

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Passive Acoustic Monitoring April 4 to 9. Ireland.
by Patrick Lyne 22 Feb '23

22 Feb '23

· The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) with assistance from Vanishing Point (VP) is pleased to announce that we will be holding a Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course from April 4 to 9 inclusive on the Beara Peninsula. Classes will be held on the pier in Castletownbere and practical recording sessions will include a short towed array, a drifting hydrophone and a drop down hydrophone with 20 to 24 hours of boat sessions. The object of the course is to learn to detect and record harbour porpoise Very High Frequency (VHF) species, short-beaked common dolphin High Frequency (HF) species and minke whales Low Frequency (LF) species. Topics will be covered in class and classroom session schedule will change depending on weather to avail of best weather windows for boat sessions. Accommodation is not included but assistance will be given where required. Topics to be covered will include 1. Introduction to the vocalisations of marine mammals with an emphasis on Ireland. 2. Introduction to anthropogenic noise sources. 3. PAM deployment and setup 4. Setting up a basic PAMguard configuration to monitor for marine mammals. This will include: a) Setting up a spectrogram and Radar display b) Using Whistle and Moan Detector c) Decimator d) Click detector e) Storage options f) Localisation and distance determination 5. PAMguard Viewer Mode and triggered recording will be introduced but extensive use will not be examined at this time. 6. Species identification will look at species recorded on boat surveys and will also look at other commonly seen species and discuss how these may be detected and possibly identified to species or species group level. The Beara area regularly sees aggregations of minke whales in April and low frequency pulse trains associated with these aggregations have been regularly detected in April the last two years, as well as some other vocalisations which while very probably from minke whales have not all been reliably linked to minke whales in the field yet. The minke whales appear to be feeding on sandeels which attract large numbers of common dolphin and harbour porpoise are frequently seen also. While it is difficult to guarantee cetaceans, Risso’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales may also be present. Every effort will be made to concentrate gathering acoustics on as many different species as possible and it is hoped that one night time to dawn survey will take place. The area currently appears a very good location to detect and listen to minke whale vocalisations at around this time of year and offers a potentially good opportunity to those who wish to become familiar with minke whale vocalisations, which may be useful for informing future baseline work. The course is aimed at those involved in mitigation for industry though may be useful to anyone wishing to identify species typically found in inshore waters of the Irish coast in acoustic recordings. Course Location: Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland. https://goo.gl/maps/5KBqPNhM5naJUY4s6 Cost for the course (5 days over a 6 day period with a rest day to be decided) will be : €800 (€750 for IWDG members). Payment will be arranged in due course. Numbers are limited to 10 due to boat passenger limits. If you have any questions or wish to register interest for the course please contact Patrick Lyne – Patrick.lyne(a)iwdg.ie Patrick Lyne - Chartered Marine Scientist

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PAM & R Ocean Science Training Course Sessions
by Elizabeth Ferguson 22 Feb '23

22 Feb '23

Greetings Everyone, Just sending along a note regarding the training sessions for our online technical training courses in case you are interested in joining! Our courses allow the flexibility of learning in your own time while providing support and guidance regarding your work from an experienced instructor. PAM: Software Basics <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/pam-software-basics> - we are in the final week of time to join this course, with the next offering being in April! You gain *30 days of access* (as with other courses) from the date of registration so a start date at the end of February gives you access through the 28th of March. If you are interested in gaining experience in the fundamentals of Ishmael and PAMGuard, this is the course for you! R for Ocean Science Data Analysis <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/r-ocean-data-analysis> - this course also ends in Feb and starts up again in April. If you are a novice R user and interested in gaining hands-on experience in this programming language for ocean science analytical purposes, this is the course for you! Using Posit Cloud, guided videos and scaffolded activities, we offer a bespoke approach to learning how to conduct data analysis with this tool. PAM: Large Dataset Analysis <https://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com/pam-large-dataset-analysis> - the next training session for our new course in processing large acoustic marine or terrestrial datasets starts in March. We provide a start to end workflow approach to tackling multiple species annotations and analyses of large datasets. Questions? Feel free to reach out to Liz Ferguson at eferguson(a)oceanscienceanalytics.com. We hope to see you online soon! Regards, Liz Ferguson *CEO and Founder* *Ocean Science Analytics* *www.oceanscienceanalytics.com <http://www.oceanscienceanalytics.com>*

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Manatee Internship
by Faucett, Blake 22 Feb '23

22 Feb '23

Manatee Internships-Blake Faucett The southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one Summer/Fall 2023 internship! Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship: one 6-month term from June 2023-December 2023. The expected start date for the internship is flexible if an earlier/later start date is needed. Duration of the internship is flexible if it does not work with availability, but 6 months is preferred. Working hours are typically 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 40 hours a week, with some nights and weekends required. The position is in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality/rescue reports, assist with other computer work, and participate in public outreach as needed. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras. Previous animal-handling experience is preferred. Some previous trailering experience is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This internship is unpaid. Housing is not provided, but options can be discussed. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: § A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability § A résumé describing training and experience § A list of three references § An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 https://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships/se-fl-intern/

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Guiding Opportunity in a Responsible Whale Watching Company in the Azores
by Sanne Bakkers 22 Feb '23

22 Feb '23

Dear MARMAM community, TERRA AZUL Azores Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours would like to share the following opportunity for students, recent graduates, and other ocean-lovers who would like to get started in the whale watching and wildlife tourism industry: TERRA AZUL is a relatively small but vibrant ecotourism company based in São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal), providing tourists unique and unforgettable experiences to discover the world of whales and dolphins. We are looking for two candidates to join our team on a full-time basis with the following profiles* **: • Candidate 1: fluent in German, to join our Wildlife Volunteer Programme; • Candidate 2: able to participate in the ESTAGIAR L programme. For more information about the requirements and offer, visit https://empregojovem.azores.gov.pt/estagiar-l and https://pt.indeed.com/cmp/Azores-Whale-Watching-Terra-Azul/jobs?jk=616c55dd… . * Fluency in English is mandatory - other languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, are a plus. ** Boat licence (e.g. Marinheiro, Patrão Local, RYA Powerboat Lvl 2) required by law. In case of doubt, feel free to contact us for more information. For candidate profile 1, TERRA AZUL offers: • Free housing (private room) at a ~10-minute walk from our office; • 350 €/month; • 50% off flight tickets. The responsibilities include: • Guiding whale watching and other tours; • Office duties (data processing, social media & blog updates, bookings & information support, and other team-supporting tasks); • For more information about role description, see: https://pt.indeed.com/cmp/Azores-Whale-Watching-Terra-Azul/jobs?jk=5d77a8c6… (link to Indeed). DURATION: MARCH TO OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023 (minimum 2 months). To apply, please send your CV specifying any relevant experiences and languages, and a short introduction detailing why you would like to join the team as a wildlife guide, to: info(a)azoreswhalewatch.com Warm regards / Com os melhores cumprimentos, Sanne Bakkers Head Guide / Scientific-Technical Director TERRA AZUL Azores Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours Address: Marina de Vila Franca do Campo, Loja 4 9680 - Vila Franca do Campo São Miguel – Açores www.azoreswhalewatch.com

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New article - Effects of dolphin-swim activities on the behaviour of an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population off the south coast of Mozambique.
by Dolphin Encountours Research Center 22 Feb '23

22 Feb '23

Dear MARMAM Subscribers . My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the article titled - The article can be accessed here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320723000496 Authors: Diana Rocha, Sarah A. Marley, Benjamin Drakeford, Jonathan Potts, Angie Gullan Abstract Swim-with-dolphin (SWD) activities are popular but can negatively impact target populations. It is important to consider the behavioural responses of dolphins, and quantify the impact on individuals and populations, as well as maximise opportunities for sustainable tourism that benefits socio-economic growth while encouraging pro-environmental behaviour. This is of relevance in `developing countries, where ecological studies are scarce and tourism industries may have developed before science-based management measures were implemented. This study aimed to determine the effects of SWD tourism on the behaviour of resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) in the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR), Mozambique. Markov-chain models were used to describe dolphin behaviour transition probabilities in different tourism contexts between 2007 and 2009 (low tourism) and 2017–2019 (high tourism). Results detected significant short-term changes in the behaviours of dolphins. In the early years (2007–2009), dolphins were likely to remain in their preceding behaviour if they were resting, travelling, and foraging. However, for later years (2017–2019) this only occurred if they were travelling. Overall, after tourist swims, and under both tourism contexts, dolphins were more likely to travel and less likely to socialise, rest, or forage. The findings raise concerns that, despite current management measures, SWD activities still affect dolphin behaviour and impose short-term negative effects to their activity budget. Our study recommends time- and area-closures, speed restrictions, and mandatory training programmes to all SWD staff. Given that SWD and whale-watching activities take place along the coast of Mozambique, national regulations are urgently needed to minimise potential long-term negative effects on cetacean populations. Pdf requests can be made here: angie(a)dolphincare.org Angie Gullan: +258 84 330-3859 Dolphin Encountours Research Center, Main Beach, Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique www.dolphinencountours.org | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/dolphinresearchcentermoz/>

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Short communication: New records of sperm whale social units in the Pelagos Sanctuary, Mediterranean Sea
by Davide Ascheri 21 Feb '23

21 Feb '23

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to share our recent publication: Short communication: New records of sperm whale social units in the Pelagos Sanctuary, Mediterranean Sea, published in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. Abstract: In the Ligurian Sea, the northern part of the Western Mediterranean Sea, sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758) are historically sighted as solitary individuals or loose aggregations of males, while social units are extremely occasional. On 21 August 2020, two diﬀerent social units were recorded in this area with an estimate of 21 individuals in total (12 in the ﬁrst and nine in the second). The Mediterranean sperm whale subpopulation is considered Endangered under the IUCN Red List and an understanding of its movements and social structure is lacking. These observations increase our knowledge on its conservation biology and possible threats. You can find the article here: https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/352 Many thanks and best wishes, Davide Ascheri and Elena Fontanesi -- Dott. Davide Ascheri tel. 3389287180 Presidente *DELFINI DEL PONENTE APS* Via Regione Bussi 27, 1800 Imperia *C.F. *91048910086* E-mail: info(a)delfinidelponente.it <info(a)delfinidelponente.it>*

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New publication - Elemental concentrations in muscle tissue of dolphins from South Africa
by Natasha Roussouw 21 Feb '23

21 Feb '23

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication on "Elements in muscle tissue of three dolphin species from the east coast of South Africa”: Plön, S., Roussouw, N., Uren, R., Naidoo, K., Siebert, U., Cliff, G., Bouwman, H. 2023. Elements in muscle tissue of three dolphin species from the east coast of South Africa. *Marine Pollution Bulletin* 188, 114707. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114707 *Abstract* Elemental concentrations in dolphins from South Africa were investigated using a comparative approach of examining muscle tissue from three bycaught species off the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. A total of 36 major, minor and trace elements were determined from 76 muscle samples from the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin *Sousa plumbea* (n=36), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin *Tursiops aduncus* (n=32) and the Common dolphin *Delphinus delphis* (n=8). Significant differences in concentration between the three species were observed for 11 major and trace elements including cadmium, iron, manganese, sodium, platinum, antimony, selenium, strontium, uranium, vanadium and zinc. Mercury concentrations (maximum 29 mg/kg dry mass) were generally higher than those reported for similar species elsewhere. Our results likely reflect a combination of differing habitat, feeding ecology, age, and possibly species physiology and exposure to pollution levels. Together with very high organic pollutant concentrations documented previously for dolphins from the same location, our study provides a well-founded cause for concern, and highlights the requirement for long-term monitoring and the reduction of pollutant sources. You can access and download the full-text for free until 8 April 2023 at the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1gcEl,asi62Si Alternatively, please feel free to email me for a pdf copy or any queries. Kind regards, Natasha Roussouw Research assistant Port Elizabeth South Africa

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CALL FOR CONCEPT NOTES LAUNCHED BY THE CMS DUGONG MOU
by CmsOffice.ae 20 Feb '23

20 Feb '23

The CMS Dugong MOU is excited to announce a new call for project concepts that aim to support community-led activities that address key threats to dugongs and seagrass. 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) aims to promote internationally coordinated actions to ensure the long-term survival of dugongs and their seagrass habitats throughout their extensive range. This 2023 Small Grants Scheme 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. Eligible organizations are invited to submit a concept note using the attached application form by 15 March 2023 with a view to launching the projects in May 2023. All projects must be delivered by 30 November 2023. Further details, including eligibility requirements and selection criteria, can be on the Dugong & Seagrass Hub: https://www.dugongseagrass.org/news/cms-dmou-small-grants-call-for-concept-… For any questions, contact: cmsoffice.ae(a)cms.int<mailto:cmsoffice.ae@cms.int>

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