March 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Tactile responses to environmental enrichment in captive Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus)
by Karen Lucchini 21 Mar '23

21 Mar '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that the following paper on Antillean manatees’ tactile responses to environmental enrichment is now available online: Lucchini, K., Umeed, R., dos Santos, P. J. P., Attademo, F. L. N., de Oliveira Luna, F., & Bezerra, B. (2023). Tactile responses to environmental enrichment in captive Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 105879. Link to paper: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1gn5icF2Ooip3 <https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1gn5icF2Ooip3> - temporarily available in open access https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105879 <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105879> Abstract: Tactile signals are essential for Antillean manatee communication and survival because they facilitate interactions with conspecifics and the environment. Nevertheless, relatively little is known about tactile signal usage. This study aimed to assess captive Antillean manatee tactile and social responses to two stimuli presented as environmental enrichment (i.e., an infant model and a simple floating device). We also investigated the influence of sex in response to the stimuli. We investigated nine adult Antillean manatees (four males and five females aged 9–33 yrs). We found that exploratory behaviours directed towards the pool were reduced during the presentation of both stimuli. However, the manatees directed exploratory behaviours towards the stimuli. The presence of the infant model reduced social behaviours among the other animals in the oceanarium. The floating device caused no alteration in the performance of social behaviours. Females performed more “infant lifting” (i.e., a parental care-related behaviour) directed towards the infant model than males. Our results show that it is possible to stimulate natural tactile and social behaviours in captive individuals using environmental enrichment practices. We recommend continuously monitoring Antillean manatee behaviours in captivity and developing environmental enrichment practices to stimulate different communication modalities, especially tactile and vocal communication. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Best regards, Karen Lucchini, MSc (she/her) PhD student in Animal Biology/Animal Behaviour - Laboratório de Ecologia, Comportamento e Conservação | Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (LECC/UFPE) Associate Researcher - Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade | Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (ICMBio/CMA) http://lattes.cnpq.br/0466847532755310 <http://lattes.cnpq.br/0466847532755310> https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-lucchini-041371174/ <https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-lucchini-041371174/>

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New publication: Fall distribution and diversity of cetaceans along the southern and eastern coasts of Hokkaido, Japan
by Shiho Furumaki 21 Mar '23

21 Mar '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to inform you about a new publication titled “Fall distribution and diversity of cetaceans along the southern and eastern coasts of Hokkaido, Japan” recently published in Regional Studies in Marine Science. Furumaki, S., Shigematsu, S., Iwahara, Y., & Mitani, Y. (2023). Fall distribution and diversity of cetaceans along the southern and eastern coasts of Hokkaido, Japan. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 102913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.102913 Abstract The southern and eastern coasts of Hokkaido, part of the western North Pacific and the southern Sea of Okhotsk, are productive regions with a high degree of biodiversity and human activity. This area is an important habitat for cetaceans. However, only a few studies have been conducted on comprehensive species co-inhabiting the study area at the same time. Information regarding cetacean distribution patterns is necessary for ecosystem management and marine conservation. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution patterns and environmental variables affecting the distribution of cetaceans in coastal Hokkaido using sighting surveys. Five baleen and seven toothed whale species were observed during the study period. The maximum entropy model used to map the distribution of 11 selected cetacean species showed a heterogeneous distribution, which may reflect a potentially suitable habitat for each species. In the North Pacific region, there are differences in water temperature between east and west of Cape Erimo, which is possibly the reason why some species are only distributed in the eastern side. In the Nemuro Strait, the distribution differs from north to south, likely influenced by seafloor topography. Our results will help to clarify the habitat of various cetacean species in coastal Hokkaido and provide essential information for their conservation. The paper can be freely accessed until 5 May via the publisher ShareLink: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1glub8MvAty0wy Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Best regards, Shiho Furumaki -- Shiho FURUMAKI Doctoral student, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University Mail: shiho-96(a)eis.hokudai.ac.jp

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Plastic pollution within a marine protected area identifies threats for endangered northern bottlenose whales
by Laura Joan Feyrer 20 Mar '23

20 Mar '23

> > For those tracking trends in microplastic pollution and the impacts on marine mammals, our latest collaborative publication: "Long term trends in floating plastic pollution within a marine protected area identifies threats for endangered northern bottlenose whales" is now available online and is open access at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.115686 Kelly, N.E., Feyrer, L., Gavel, H., Trela, O., Ledwell, W., Breeze, H., Marotte, E.C., McConney, L. and Whitehead, H., 2023. Long term trends in floating plastic pollution within a marine protected area identifies threats for endangered northern bottlenose whales. Environmental Research, p.115686. *Highlights* • Plastics from multiple sources pollute an offshore marine protected area. • The amount of large plastics decreased while small plastics increased over time. • Oceanographic features may trap plastics increasing encounter rates for whales. • Whales are ingesting plastics consistent with the types found in surface waters. • Plastic ingestion should be considered in recovery plans for endangered whales. *Abstract* “The Gully”, situated off Nova Scotia, Canada, is the largest submarine canyon in the western North Atlantic. This unique oceanographic feature, which became a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2004, is rich in marine biodiversity and is part of the critical habitat of Endangered northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus). To understand the potential impact of plastic pollution in the MPA and on this endangered cetacean, we evaluated trends over time in the abundance and composition of plastics and compared these to the stomach contents of recently stranded northern bottlenose whales. From the 1990s–2010s, the median abundance of micro-sized (<5 mm) and small plastics (5 mm–2.5 cm) increased significantly, while the median abundance of large plastics (>2.5 cm) decreased significantly. Plastic abundance from the 2010s for micro-sized and small plastics varied from 5586–438 196 particles km−2, higher than previously measured estimates for surrounding offshore areas. Polymers identified using FTIR spectroscopy included polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate polyester, nylon, alkyds (paint), and natural and semi-synthetic cellulosic fibers. The abundance of large debris ranged from 0 to 108.6 items km−2 and consisted of plastic sheets and bags, food wrappers and containers, rope, fishing buoys, and small plastic fragments. Whale stomach contents contained fragments of fishing nets, ropes, bottle caps, cups, food wrappers, smaller plastic fragments, fibers, and paint flakes, consistent with the composition and character of items collected from their critical habitat. Despite being far from centres of human population, the unique oceanographic features of The Gully (i.e., currents and bathymetric complexity) may concentrate plastic debris, increasing exposure rates of whales to plastic pollution. The increase in micro-sized and small plastics over time suggests associated health and welfare impacts of ingested plastics should be accounted for in future recovery plans for this endangered species.

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New publication: modelling rorqual whale entanglement risk
by Derville, Solene 20 Mar '23

20 Mar '23

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new study assessing spatio-temporal patterns and drivers of entanglement risk off the coast of Oregon, USA: Derville, S., Buell, T. V., Corbett, K. C., Hayslip, C., & Torres, L. G. (2023). Exposure of whales to entanglement risk in Dungeness crab fishing gear in Oregon, USA, reveals distinctive spatio-temporal and climatic patterns. Biological Conservation, 281, 109989, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109989 Abstract: Entanglement in fishing gear presents a major threat to marine mammals worldwide and a pressing concern for distinct populations of whales off the US West Coast. The lack of understanding of their fine-scale distribution in relation to fishing activity limits management efforts, specifically in Oregon. Based on year-round predictions of rorqual whale densities and fishing effort compiled from logbooks, we assess co-occurrence between commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear and whales over a decade (2011-2020) as an indicator of exposure to entanglement risk. Generalized Additive Models including temporal, climatic, and ocean upwelling predictors were used to investigate variations in exposure. Exposure peaked in April, at the onset of the upwelling season when whales were predicted to occur in greater numbers and closer to shore. Exposure remained constant until the end of the crab season in nearshore waters <40 fathoms (73 m) and decreased past these depths. Across years, exposure was lower during the marine heatwave (2014-2016) when fishing was more active nearshore and whales were predicted to be less abundant. Exposure was higher before (2011-2013) and after (2017-2020) the heatwave, which correspond to negative phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation associated with stronger upwelling, indicating more productive conditions favorable to whales. A recent increase in exposure was also due to a slight shift in fishing effort towards deeper waters. These findings illustrate the use of fine-scale species distribution models to assess space-use conflicts in dynamic marine ecosystems and can be used to guide fisheries management to reduce entanglement risk in Oregon. The article is available online in open access but please feel free to get in touch for any further information (solene.derville(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:solene.derville@oregonstate.edu>). Best, Solène Derville, PhD (she/her) Postdoctoral Scholar - Marine Ecology 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>

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Two public datasets on dolphins
by Rosalia Maglietta 20 Mar '23

20 Mar '23

Dear colleague, In the last years my research team has been conducting several studies on Artificial Intelligence applied to dolphins. We are strongly aware of the importance of Open Science and of sharing results of our studies with the aim of boosting advancement of knowledge on ecology and marine biology. For this, I would like to inform you that we have made public two datasets on dolphins. The first is the Risso’s dolphin dataset, containing images of cropped fins of Grampus griseus Risso’s dolphin. You can find information and download this dataset at this link: https://ieee-dataport.org/documents/risso%E2%80%99s-dolphin-dataset <https://ieee-dataport.org/documents/risso%E2%80%99s-dolphin-dataset> The second dataset collects sighting data of striped dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin and Risso’s dolphin, in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central-eastern Mediterranean Sea) during the period 2009–2021. Each sighting has been enriched by a panel of environmental descriptors extracted by the Copernicus Marine Service (https://marine.copernicus.eu/it <https://marine.copernicus.eu/it>) and EMODnet-bathymetry dataset (https://www.emodnet-bathymetry.eu/data-products <https://www.emodnet-bathymetry.eu/data-products>). Details on this dataset can be found at this link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29681-y <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29681-y> You can download this dataset at this link: https://github.com/datarepository1/Environmental-variables-and-machine-lear… <https://github.com/datarepository1/Environmental-variables-and-machine-lear…> If you prefer, you can request these datasets from me. If you will use it for your research, please cite our papers as suggested. Thank you for you kind attention. Best regards and happy days, Rosalia Maglietta ----------------------------------------------- Rosalia Maglietta PhD Senior Researcher Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Bari, Italy tel. +39.080-5929454 mobile: +39.339-6796401 Google scholar: https://scholar.google.it/citations?user=wSm74SkAAAAJ&hl=it <https://scholar.google.it/citations?user=wSm74SkAAAAJ&hl=it> Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=14619476500 <https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=14619476500> skypeID: magliettalia Rosalia Maglietta, PhD Researcher <https://www.stiima.cnr.it/> T: +39 080 592 9454 W: www.stiima.cnr.it <http://www.stiima.cnr.it/> CNR STIIMA | via Amendola 122 D/O | 70126 Bari, Italy

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JNCC-recognised MMO course, April 2023
by Carolyn Barton 20 Mar '23

20 Mar '23

JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters, 24 & 25 April 2023, 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). The cost of the course is £200 (200GBP) payable after the course (10% discount available for students or recent graduates). There is no cancellation fee. The course is limited to small numbers; each delegate gets individual feedback on their exercises and the exam. 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 or PAM operator in UK waters. For further details and for a registration form see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk . Carolyn Barton

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ECS WORKSHOP Crossing the trail of cetaceans (April 17th)
by a.servidio＠tritonresearch.it 20 Mar '23

20 Mar '23

Dear Marmam Community, In the framework of the up-coming ECS conference (O'Grove, April 18th - 21st) and thanks to the collaboration between the projects LIFE CONCEPTU MARIS and IMPEL EU MTT, Triton Research srl is organizing a networking workshop on the monitoring of cetaceans by ferries/large ships. The workshop intitle "Crossing the trail of cetaceans: harmonising and improving EU transborder monitoring of cetacean using ferries/large vessels as multidisciplinary research vessels to support the EU Nature Legislative framework" will be held on the April 17th, between 15:00 and 18:30. Large scale, international cooperation is a prerequisite for scientific programmes aiming at supporting the legislative requirements and enhance the conservation of cetacean species. Long term programmes were run in EU waters for the monitoring of cetacean species using operating ferries/cargo as research platform. During recent years, effort was put in place for networking among initiatives, fine tuning methodological approaches, supporting multidisciplinary procedures and advancing the use of new technologies. The workshop will explore all the phases, from protocol to data collection, data analysis, guideline, practicalities, and tools, and aims at advancing awareness on the state of the art of programmes and projects dealing with the interface between science and policy. Starting from the main advancements reached by two wide range projects, the IMPEL EU MTT and the LIFE CONCEPTU MARIS, the WS finally aims at improving the sharing of experiences with other projects and initiatives, delineating new perspectives for large scale international cooperation. The detailed program is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15vZwPShiBBe8WIpzhCkqNNgpN3STRRFA/view?usp=s hare_link In case of interest, please write an email to: <mailto:a.servidio@tritonresearch.it> a.servidio(a)tritonresearch.it (Antonella Servidio), <mailto:roberto.crosti@isprambiente.it> roberto.crosti(a)isprambiente.it (Roberto Crosti), <mailto:antonella.arcangeli@isprambiente.it> antonella.arcangeli(a)isprambiente.it (Antonella Arcangeli)

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Reminder: Discussion about Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammal for MSFD D1
by Mathilde MICHEL (STIC/SISO) 20 Mar '23

20 Mar '23

Dear Marman community, Reminder : On the occasion of the 34th annual conference of the European Cetacean Society, our team is pleased to organize a half-day workshop on April 17: "Prospective Discussion about Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammal for MSFD D1". The aim is to discuss with other EU Member States who are considering the use of acoustics as a monitoring method for cetaceans in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and how it could be integrated into the Good Ecological Status assessment. You can find more information on this link: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-ecs2023 If you are interested, we are looking for people who can present recent passive acoustic monitoring projects in Europe and elsewhere! Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and to register: Mathilde Michel / mathilde.michel(a)ensta-bretagne.org (ENSTA Bretagne, France) Best Regards Mathilde Michel [Logo ENSTA Bretagne]<https://www.ensta-bretagne.fr/>[Logo LabSTIC]<https://www.labsticc.fr/en/index/> Mathilde MICHEL Doctorante / PhD student +33 (0)2 21 09 58 89 / +33 (0)6 47 94 22 91 Lab-STICC – UMR CNRS 6285 www.labsticc.fr ENSTA Bretagne Grande école d'ingénieurs et centre de recherche French State Graduate, Post-Graduate and Research Institute 2 rue François Verny - 29806 Brest Cedex 9 - France www.ensta-bretagne.fr<https://www.ensta-bretagne.fr/>

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New publication on fin whales in Svalbard Islands
by Elena Papale 20 Mar '23

20 Mar '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that the following paper on fin whales in Svalbard Islands is now available online: Papale, E., Pelagatti, M., Pedrazzi, G., Buscaino, G. Occurrence and patterns of fin whale songs reveal alternative migration strategies in Svalbard Islands, Norway. Sci Rep 13, 4436 (2023). Abstract: The Arctic marine environment is highly affected by global warming with notable changes in habitat conditions, which have great consequences on migrating species. For example, the timing of their migration can be altered leading to changes in their occurrence in suitable areas, which are critical for their survival. In this study, seven years of acoustic data were analysed in Svalbard Islands from 2014 to 2020, revealing that the occurrence of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) happened all year-round. The sea surface temperature recorded reveals conditions which could be favorable for these species to persist until the Polar Night. The occurrence of songs indicated that certain individuals did not undertake the migratory journey through the southern breeding grounds, possibly using the area for mating purposes. The analyses of the Inter-Note-Interval (INI) demonstrated that over the years songs with different patterns were found. This suggests that either the fin whales are able to switch their INI patterns or that populations with different INIs are visiting during the Winter. Therefore, this study unveils the undertaking of an alternative strategy to migration movements, and the possible potential origin of the fin whales overwintering in Svalbard. A PDF copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31665-x Please, do not hesitate to contact me for any question. Best Regards, Elena Papale -- Elena Papale, PhD Institute for the Study of Anthropogenic Impacts and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (IAS), National Research Council, Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP) and Department of Life Science and Systems Biology University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino Italy elena.papale(a)ias.cnr.it elena.papale(a)unito.it

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New Summer Course - MARE 298 Marine Animal Response - University of Hawai'i at Hilo
by Jason Turner 20 Mar '23

20 Mar '23

Aloha all, I am pleased to announce that I will be offering the following class at the *University of Hawai'i at Hilo* in Summer 2023. The lab for this class hands-on techniques as the students participate in mock trainings for stranding response, animal recovery, and field and lab data collection procedures. Please forward to anyone who might be interested: *Summer Session 1: May 22 – June 30 2023* *MARE 298 – Marine Animal Response/Lab* *MARE 380 - Natural History of Sharks and Rays/Lab* *Registration starts April 3, 2023!* Visit the link below for more information and to register https://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/ *MARE 298 – Marine Animal Response, **3 Credits - Dr. Jason Turner* This course is an introduction to marine animal strandings and the procedures and techniques of marine animal response. Students will investigate decision making, specimen and data collection, and relevant laws, regulations, and agencies of marine animal response. Topics include the natural history of and the specifics of responding to sea turtles, pinnipeds, cetaceans, manatees, and sea otters. Lectures will include an in-depth investigation of the structure and function of stranding networks and programs, along with guest lectures from professionals working in the field. Pre: C- or better in MARE 171 or instructor's consent, Concurrent enrollment in MARE 298L. *This course will require a registration approval so please contact me directly for permit before you go to register* *MARE 298L – Marine Animal Response Lab**, 1 Credit - Dr. Jason Turner* This course will further examine marine animal response using a hands-on approach to complement the work done in Lecture using both laboratory and field-based activities. Laboratory sessions will involve detailed natural history investigations and response practices for sea turtles, pinnipeds, cetaceans, manatees, and sea otters. Students will also participate in mock trainings for stranding response, animal recovery, and field and lab data collection procedures. Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 298. $50 lab fee payable upon registration. This class will meet Face-to-Face. *Tuition and Fees* *Tuition and fees for the 2023 Summer Session are:* Undergraduate Resident $306 per credit Undergraduate Non-resident $441 per credit Undergraduate WUE* $373.50 per credit Graduate Resident $489 per credit Graduate Non-resident $641 per credit Student Life Center fee: $ 35 Lab and Other Fees Varies *Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and for Pacific Island students *Registration on April 3, 2023!* Visit the link below for more information and to register https://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/ *Please email me directly if you have any questions at:* *jpturner(a)hawaii.edu* <jpturner(a)hawaii.edu>

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