March 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

PSO Training Course April 29-30 Online
by Angela Bostwick 19 Mar '23

19 Mar '23

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on April 29-30. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in coordination with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Protected Species Observer Certification for geological and geophysical surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, and the certification is often accepted in many other regions or industries where monitoring and mitigation is needed for reducing impacts to protected species. Course cost includes the instruction, advice on applying to PSO positions, the professional certification, and the provision of various regulatory documents and supplementary identification guides which will be yours to keep. This course will examine the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals, sea turtles, and protected fish, how to locate and identify the animals, and objective reporting for regulatory agencies. After discussing regulatory requirements, we will examine key identifying traits and behaviors of protected species found in the region. The course will also include a discussion on the different techniques for locating animals, estimating distance, and the monitoring gear that is required. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting me at ABostwick(a)psocertifications.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project - Aug-Dec 2023 Research Assistant Opportunity for Recent Post-baccalaureates
by Meredith MacQueeney 17 Mar '23

17 Mar '23

*Application:* https://forms.gle/9vHGtYgrXs3csAZG6 *Eligibility: *graduating Seniors (2023 grads) or recent post-baccalaureates *Background:* The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project (SBDRP) is seeking several dedicated research assistants for the upcoming field season (late July/early August through mid-December 2023) in Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia. The SBDRP is a long-term research project run in collaboration between Georgetown University and the University of Queensland, and is one of the longest running marine mammal research projects in the world. The SBDRP has been collecting behavioral, life-history, ecological, and genetic data on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins since the mid 1980s. This field season will focus on continuing our research on maternal investment and social learning, in addition to our routine long-term population monitoring efforts. If you are interested in working for the lab long-term, particularly if you are interested in graduate research at Georgetown with Dr. Janet Mann please clearly indicate this in your interest statement. Field work is demanding and requires long hours both on and off the water, but the dolphin research is both fun and rewarding. Field assistants will gain valuable research experience and may have the opportunity to contribute to co-authored publications. We particularly encourage applications from those interested in pursuing graduate school in behavioral ecology or marine mammalogy. *Timeframe:* ~5 months *Field site:* Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Monkey Mia is approximately 850 km north of Perth and is part of the largest World Heritage site in Western Australia. Our field site is beautiful, and includes incredible wildlife such as sharks, rays, turtles, dugongs, whales, and of course, resident bottlenose dolphins. Monkey Mia is remote, but we do have amenities including electricity and running water, reliable cell phone service, and limited internet. Housing will be provided, and the research team will share cooking responsibilities in a communal kitchen and other domestic chores. *Job responsibilities:* Research assistants will help collect extensive behavioral data from the boat, including surveys and focal follows on individual dolphins. Boat work is dependent on weather, but even on windy days we need to be ready to pack up and quickly get out on the water if the wind drops. Days on the water can be consecutive, long, and tiring in variable environmental conditions. Days on land require extensive, and tedious, data entry and processing. If you are interested in an independent research project, we will work with you to develop one. It may be helpful to review our recent publications <https://www.monkeymiadolphins.org/publications-2/> to get a feel for our lab's work. *Most of your time will be spent:* -Searching for and spotting dolphins -Photographing dolphins -Driving the boat -Scribing data during surveys and focal follows -Entering dolphin sightings and environmental data into the computer -Doing basic maintenance and equipment prep and cleaning *Qualifications:* The ideal candidate will be a graduating senior or post-baccalaureate with a science background and a genuine interest in marine mammal science and behavior. This position is well suited for students of marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, ecology, genetics, or similar fields looking to gain additional analytical and in-field experience. Applicants must be able to work closely with a small team (3-6 people). We not only work together, but also live, cook, and eat together, so maturity, sense of humor, a positive attitude and a collaborative nature are critical. *The candidate must:* -Possess basic computer skills -Be detail oriented, flexible, level headed, and patient -Possess excellent verbal and communication skills -Work well both independently and in a team -Be fluent in English -Be comfortable on a boat and working in a remote location -Be prepared to work long, consecutive days, including weekends The most essential qualifications are that you are flexible, conscientious, and hard-working, and are excited about the research. *Salary:* This is a paid position. All travel and living expenses (flights, visas, housing and food) will also be covered by the project. We particularly want to encourage candidates from groups that are underrepresented in STEM fields to apply. If interested, please apply through our google form: https://forms.gle/9vHGtYgrXs3csAZG6 The form will be open from March 20th-27th 2023 and will close at 11:59pm EST on the 27th. Any questions can be directed to mem505(a)georgetown.edu. -- Meredith MacQueeney (She/Her) PhD Student, Department of Biology Georgetown University 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20097 *** Please know that I honor and respect boundaries around personal time, well-being, caretaking, and rest. If this email finds you at a time when you are engaging in any of the above, please protect your time and wait to respond until you are next working.***

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New publication: Biologically Important Areas II - Updates and Application of a new scoring system
by Jolie Harrison - NOAA Federal 17 Mar '23

17 Mar '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication: “Biologically Important Areas II for cetaceans within U.S. and adjacent waters - Updates and the application of a new scoring system” in Frontiers in Marine Science, part of a nation-wide initiative led by NOAA that builds upon the 2015 effort. In this paper, we describe a new methodology used to identify, score, and update Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for cetaceans, and summarize the results of the effort from seven U.S regions. Jolie Harrison, Megan C. Ferguson, Leslie New, Jesse Cleary, Corrie Curtice, Sarah DeLand, Ei Fujioka, Patrick N. Halpin, Reny B. Tyson Moore, and Sofie M. Van Parijs doi: 10:3389/fmars2023.1081893. Link to paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1081893/full Abstract: Building on earlier work identifying Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) for cetaceans in U.S. waters (BIA I), we describe the methodology and structured expert elicitation principles used in the “BIA II” effort to update existing BIAs, identify and delineate new BIAs, and score BIAs for 25 cetacean species, stocks, or populations in seven U.S. regions. BIAs represent areas and times in which cetaceans are known to concentrate for activities related to reproduction, feeding, and migration, as well as known ranges of small and resident populations. In this BIA II effort, regional cetacean experts identified the full extent of any BIAs in or adjacent to U.S. waters, based on scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, local knowledge, and community science. The new BIA scoring and labeling system improves the utility and interpretability of the BIAs by designating an overall Importance Score that considers both (1) the intensity and characteristics underlying an area’s identification as a BIA; and (2) the quantity, quality, and type of information, and associated uncertainties upon which the BIA delineation and scoring depend. Each BIA is also scored for boundary uncertainty and spatiotemporal variability (dynamic, ephemeral, or static). BIAs are region-, species-, and time-specific, and may be hierarchically structured where detailed information is available to support different scores across a BIA. BIAs are compilations of the best available science and have no inherent regulatory authority. BIAs may be used by international, federal, state, local, or Tribal entities and the public to support planning and marine mammal impact assessments, and to inform the development of conservation and mitigation measures, where appropriate under existing authorities. Information provided online for each BIA includes: (1) a BIA map; (2) BIA scores and label; (3) a metadata table detailing the data, assumptions, and logic used to delineate, score, and label the BIA; and (4) a list of references used in the assessment. Regional manuscripts present maps and scores for the BIAs, by region, and narratives summarizing the rationale and information upon which several representative BIAs are based. We conclude with a comparison of BIA II to similar international efforts and recommendations for improving future BIA assessments. Please contact Jolie Harrison (jolie.harrison(a)noaa.gov) if you have any questions. Thank you, -- Jolie Harrison Chief, Permits and Conservation Division Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Office: (301) 427-8401

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New Publication
by Valeria D'Agostino 17 Mar '23

17 Mar '23

New publication on southern right whale feeding behavior at Península Valdés (Valeria C. D’Agostino) Dear Marmam Community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new paper: ““Long-term monitoring of southern right whale feeding behavior indicates that Península Valdés is more than a calving ground” by Valeria C. D’Agostino, Federico M. Heredia, Enrique A. Crespo, Alexis Fioramonti, Pablo Fioramonti, Ángel Vélez and Mariana Degrati. Publication link: https://rdcu.be/c7DMe Abstract Península Valdés, Patagonia, Argentina, is recognized as a calving ground for the southern right whale (SRW, Eubalaena australis) population from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Previous studies have reported that SRWs feed during their calving season but little is known about their foraging ecology in this area. Here, we collected photo data of SRWs at Península Valdés from 2007 to 2019 to monitor and investigate the SRW feeding frequency and to know whether calves also feed on zooplankton (i.e., the diet composed of both milk and solid food). In addition, we systematically reviewed studies on the composition and abundance of zooplankton to assess the available prey for SRWs in the area. Finally, we examined satellite-derived chlorophyll-a (chl-a) in order to study if the chl-a variability shows any relationship with SRW feeding. Observations show that at Península Valdés SRWs feed at and below the surface, primarily on calanoid copepods. We also found evidence that SRWs feed near-bottom. In addition, we report calves feeding at surface including the first ever photographs documentation. Whales feed mainly during austral spring, with a higher mean frequency in November. A time lag of 1 month was found between highest chl-a levels and the highest number of feeding events observed. Over the twelve-year study period, we observed that whales were foraging yearly, which indicates that feeding in this calving area is more frequent than prior studies suggested. These data reveal the importance of the waters off Península Valdés as a multi-use habitat for SRW. Keywords: Right whale; Feeding ecology; Copepods; Habitat use; Patagonia Best regards, Valeria C. D’Agostino -- Dra. Valeria C. D'Agostino Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) Centro Nacional Patagónico (CCT CENPAT-CONICET) Blvd. Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina. Tel: (54-280) 4883184 - int. 1247 www.lamama.com.ar *https://bit.ly/3hzFQuK <https://bit.ly/3hzFQuK>*

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Assessment of the bycatch level for the Black Sea harbour porpoise
by Pavel Gol'din 17 Mar '23

17 Mar '23

Dear colleagues, Here we inform you that our paper came out and share the link to the open access publication. This is the first basin wide estimate which has been published as a journal paper and it is quite high. All the comments and responses will be greatly appreciated. Best, Pavel Gol'din Popov D, Meshkova G, Vishnyakova K, Ivanchikova J, Paiu M, Timofte C, Amaha Öztürk A, Tonay AM, Dede A, Panayotova M, Düzgünes¸ E and Gol’din P (2023) Assessment of the bycatch level for the Black Sea harbour porpoise in the light of new data on population abundance. Front. Mar. Sci. 10:1119983. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1119983 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1119983/full Incidental catch in fishing gear (often known as bycatch) is a major mortality factor for the Black Sea harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta), an endemic subspecies listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. The primary gear, responsible for porpoise bycatch in the Black Sea are bottom gillnets and trammel nets targeting turbot (Scophthalmus spp.), the most valuable commercial fish species in the Black Sea. From 2019 to 2021, a study was conducted in Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye and Ukraine, to estimate the bycatch level in light of new information on porpoise distribution and abundance obtained from aerial surveys (CeNoBS). Bycatch data were collected by independent observers onboard turbot fishing boats (Bulgaria and Romania), complemented by questionnaire surveys and examination of stranded carcasses (in all countries). The total annual bycatch of harbour porpoises in the Black Sea was roughly estimated as between 11 826 and 16 200 individuals. Given the new estimates of porpoise abundance based on the CeNoBS survey of 2019 and reconciling abundance and bycatch estimates, harbour porpoise bycatch in the Black Sea represents between 4.6% - 17.2% of the estimated total population, depending on assumptions used. Even the most conservative estimate is among the highest worldwide and far exceeds the probable sustainable levels of around 1.0-1.7%. This study confirms that bycatch poses the most serious threat to the Black Sea harbour porpoises and that all riparian countries engaged in turbot fisheries must implement urgent measures to reduce it immediately, if the population is to survive in the long-term.

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Jonian Dolphin Conservation Expeditions 2023
by Stefano Bellomo 17 Mar '23

17 Mar '23

*JDC EXPEDITION 2023* *Our 3-day research Expeditions are an incredible opportunity to experience the world of marine biology in South Italy, working on a boat in close contact with experts and enthusiasts from all over the world and observing and studying wild and free cetaceans and other marine biodiversity. You will acquire valuable practical field skills and, at the same time, meet people from all over the world.* * Join us! More info at:* *https://www.joniandolphin.it/jdc-research-expeditions/?lang=en <https://www.joniandolphin.it/jdc-research-expeditions/?lang=en>* *or write to:* *stefano(a)joniandolphin.it <stefano(a)joniandolphin.it>* *+39 3385343214* [image: Mailtrack] <https://mailtrack.io?utm_source=gmail&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=sig…> Sender notified by Mailtrack <https://mailtrack.io?utm_source=gmail&utm_medium=signature&utm_campaign=sig…> 17/03/23, 10:38:02 <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Privo di virus.www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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ACS-LA Announces of RFP for Research Grants for Marine Mammal Research
by Christina Tombach Wright 16 Mar '23

16 Mar '23

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of the request for proposals (RFP) for its 2023 Research Grants The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. The Los Angeles Chapter of ACS is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants, in the amount of $1,000.00 each, to researchers whose study focuses on marine mammals in California or to researchers & students who are attending an accredited university in California or are affiliated with a California-based research organization that is studying marine mammals anywhere in the world. · The John E. Heyning Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000. · The William F. Samaras Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000.00. Eligibility: For the John E. Heyning or the William F. Samaras Awards, the applicant should be a researcher or a student living and/or attending school in California OR if Applicant resides outside of California, The applicant’s research focus should be on Marine Mammals in California. For information on how to apply please the “Grants & Awards” tab on our website: acs-la.org/grants-and-awards <https://acs-la.org/grants-and-awards/> Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 15th April 2023, midnight PDT Awards will be announced by 15th May 2023 Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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Job opening San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network Jessica Farrer
by jessica＠whalemuseum.org 16 Mar '23

16 Mar '23

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MMO, PSO & PAM Training Course 2023
by Tabbi McGhee 16 Mar '23

16 Mar '23

Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is offering its next Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)-approved Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEst)-approved Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses. JNCC-certified MMOs comply with UK regulations, and PSOs comply with USA regulations, to minimise the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from various offshore operations. OSC's MMO course comprises theory and practice, including binocular and range estimation, and role-play sessions. The PAM course comprises theory and practice using PAM equipment in OSC's workshop facilities and/or onboard OSC's survey vessel (subject to weather). The intention is to run the following course in-person near Edinburgh at OSC's Dunbar headquarters: 30th May to 2nd June 2023 Prices are exclusive of VAT, which is charged at the current rate. A discounted package price of £700 is offered for participants who wish to attend all three courses (MMO, PSO, and PAM). Course participants will also receive a discount for purchases of marine binoculars or tripod mounts from Opticron - these should be ordered in advance of the course to ensure availability. For further details: https://www.osc.co.uk/training For course registration: https://www.osc.co.uk/jncc-registration Best wishes, OSC training team Tabbi McGhee PA to Directors & Office Manager Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7368 866 235 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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New publication on Caribbean orcas
by Jaime 16 Mar '23

16 Mar '23

Dear MARMAMers, on behalf of all coauthors, I am very pleaseD to announce the publication in Aquatic Mammals of our (Caribbean-Wide Orca Project, CWOP) new review of the presence of orcas in the Caribbean Sea. The pdf is available upon request (megapterax(a)yahoo.com) Abstract below. Abstract: The killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a cosmopolitan cetacean distributed worldwide. Extensive studies have described its ecology and behavior across multiple polar and temperate regions. On the other hand, there is limited information on the distribution, ecological roles, and abundance of killer whales in tropical and subtropical regions. Herein, we build on previous work to update information on the spatiotemporal distribution, exploitation, and natural history of killer whales in the Caribbean Sea. We also document new records on their interaction with other species and human activities. We collated 385 records from the literature, online biodiversity information systems, the Internet (social networks and video-hosting websites), and citizen science-based initiatives. Records included sightings (87.3%), intentional captures (10.6%), bycatch (0.3%), and strandings (1.8%). Data primarily originated from research projects/activities (57%) and citizen science-based initiatives (43%). Records were distributed in the eastern Caribbean (39.5%), the southern Caribbean (19.7%), the Greater Antilles (19.2%), the Bahamian Region (13.0%), Central America (6.8%), and eastern Florida (1.8%). Killer whales were recorded year-round, but most data were reported between March and August (59.6%). The scarcity of records in Central America could reflect true lower densities in the region, lower observation effort, or a combination of the two. Because of the paucity of data, this study supports the growing importance of citizen-science initiatives to document the occurrence and ecology of this species in the Caribbean. Our dataset also confirms the occasional and widespread occurrence of killer whales throughout the Caribbean Sea. Potential low densities and limited predictability of their occurrence hinder dedicated research on this species. Key Words: western tropical Atlantic, occurrence, feeding ecology, exploitation, bycatch, killer whales, Orcinus orca DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.49.2.2023.184 Page Numbers: 184-194 Vol. 49, Iss. 2

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