March 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New article on a human-in-the-loop AI approach to detecting cetaceans in large aerial datasets
by Raina Fan 10 Mar '23

10 Mar '23

Dear colleagues, We're super excited to share our recent publication with you, titled "Scaling whale monitoring using deep learning: A human-in-the-loop solution for analyzing aerial datasets" published in Frontiers in Marine Science. The paper describes our approach to AI-assisted cetacean detection in detail, shows high agreement with human labellers, and demonstrates a time savings of up to 97% compared to full manual annotation. Check out the full article: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1099479 And the related press release on our website: https://www.whaleseeker.com/mobius-press-release Abstract: To ensure effective cetacean management and conservation policies, it is necessary to collect and rigorously analyze data about these populations. Remote sensing allows the acquisition of images over large observation areas, but due to the lack of reliable automatic analysis techniques, biologists usually analyze all images by hand. In this paper, we propose a human-in-the-loop approach to couple the power of deep learning-based automation with the expertise of biologists to develop a reliable artificial intelligence assisted annotation tool for cetacean monitoring. We tested this approach to analyze a dataset of 5334 aerial images acquired in 2017 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to monitor belugas (*Delphinapterus leucas*) from the threatened Cumberland Sound population in Clearwater Fjord, Canada. First, we used a test subset of photographs to compare predictions obtained by the fine-tuned model to manual annotations made by three Observers, expert marine mammal biologists. With only 100 annotated images for training, the model obtained between 90% and 91.4% mutual agreement with the three Observers, exceeding the minimum inter-observer agreement of 88.6% obtained between the experts themselves. Second, this model was applied to the full dataset. The predictions were then verified by an Observer and compared to annotations made completely manually and independently by another Observer. The annotating Observer and the human-in-the-loop pipeline detected 4051 belugas in common, out of a total of 4572 detections for the Observer and 4298 for our pipeline. This experiment shows that the proposed human-in-the-loop approach is suitable for processing novel aerial datasets for beluga counting and can be used to scale cetacean monitoring. It also highlights that human observers, even experienced ones, have varied detection bias, underlining the need to discuss standardization of annotation protocols. Cheers, Raina on behalf of the Whale Seeker team -- *Raina Fan* Head of Science Communication and Outreach Whale Seeker, Inc. www.whaleseeker.com

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NEW 2023 Glacier Bay, Alaska humpback whale report available
by Neilson, Janet L 10 Mar '23

10 Mar '23

The following report summarizing humpback whale monitoring results from 2022 is now available: Neilson, J.L., C.M. Gabriele, and L.E. McCaslin. 2023. Glacier Bay & Icy Strait Humpback Whale Population Monitoring: 2022 Update. National Park Service Resource Brief, Gustavus, Alaska. Glacier Bay & Icy Strait Humpback Whale Population Monitoring: 2022 Update (nps.gov)<https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/682953> [1.7 MB, 8 pages] The 2023 field season (our 39th year of monitoring) will be underway soon! KEY FINDINGS FROM 2022: * The total number of whales in Glacier Bay-Icy Strait (GB-IS) was similar to 2021. In Glacier Bay, abundance increased compared to 2021, while in Icy Strait, abundance decreased. * Thirty-one of 66 adult whales (47%) with a history of strong site fidelity to GB-IS were missing and most are presumed to have died during or after the 2014-2016 Northeast Pacific marine heatwave (PMH). * We documented six mother/calf pairs and a declining crude birth rate (CBR) since 2020 (2020: 7.4%; 2021: 6.5%, 2022: 3.6%). Although calf production appeared to be rebounding in 2020 following sharp declines during and after the PMH, it remains far below the pre-PMH mean CBR of 9.1%. * Juvenile survival appears to be increasing after an abrupt decline during and after the PMH. * Relatively high residency and low transience rates in 2019-2022 presumably reflect favorable feeding conditions in GB-IS in contrast to PMH years. * The rate of emaciation (16%) appeared to be lower in 2022 than in recent years and reverses a pattern of increasing emaciation. * In February 2022, adult female #235/”Spot” (age ≥49) was found dead near Angoon and a necropsy revealed that she likely died after being hit by a large vessel. * We opportunistically documented forage fish, especially sand lance, but annual forage fish monitoring is needed to systematically assess whale prey trends. -- Janet Neilson Humpback Whale Monitoring Program Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve PO Box 140 Gustavus, AK 99826 907-697-2658 Xunaa Káawu Aaní áwé yéi xat yatee ka ax’ yéi jixané I live and work in Huna Tlingit Homeland.

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Paid Internship at the International Whaling Commission
by Iain Staniland 10 Mar '23

10 Mar '23

Dear Marmamers, The International Whaling Commission is advertising for a paid summer internship position Managing and backdating the digital archives of IWC historical documents and institutional knowledge. The intern will audit and collate current and historical document holdings to ensure a smooth and complete transition from paper to digital format. Tasks will involve a combination of scanning, collation, meta data-entry and referencing. The intern will have exposure to sensitive internal documentation and historical documentation from a broad range of topics in the Marine Biology field and will gain experience in digitisation methods. Further details, including hourly rate and person specification are available here<https://iwc.int/public/downloads/xrv_P/Job%20description%20Summer%202023%20…>. The closing date for applications is 17:00 UK time on 27 March 2023 - please send your CV and cover-letter application to secretariat(a)iwc.int<mailto:secretariat@iwc.int> for consideration. Regards Iain Staniland Dr. Iain Staniland Head of Science, Conservation and Management INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION The Red House, 135 Station Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9NP, UK t. +44 (0) 1223 233971 d. +44 (0) 1223 606128 m. +44 (0) 7910658003 www.iwc.int<http://www.iwc.int/> Working hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday [A picture containing table Description automatically generated] This e-mail and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the named addressee you should delete the email and notify the sender immediately. E-mails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Any opinion and other statement contained in this message and any attachment are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the International Whaling Commission.

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FWC Southwest Field Lab Marine Mammal Internship
by Schubert, Molly 10 Mar '23

10 Mar '23

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Mammals section at the Charlotte Harbor Field Lab in Port Charlotte, FL is accepting applications for an intern to start in May 2023. The Southwest Field Lab is offering two internships to driven, self-motivated individuals for the Summer 2023 season. The expected start date for the internship is the beginning of May, however, start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically four to five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some additional night and weekend hours may be required. The position is located in Port Charlotte on the west coast of Florida, just north of Fort Myers. The intern's duties would include assisting with manatee and cetacean carcass salvage, necropsies, research projects (temperature monitoring, Photo ID, etc.), public outreach, and occasional rescues. The intern will also assist with office duties including mortality reports, upkeep of databases, and other office work as needed. To perform the tasks mentioned, interns will operate FWC trucks and dependent upon experience, trailers and boats up to 22' in length. At the end of the internship, interns are required to complete a project and a 10-15 minute presentation on a marine mammal topic of their choosing. Qualifications: * College juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students are eligible * Interns must have some research field experience * Interns must be comfortable operating large trucks and speaking to the public * Familiarity with digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters is preferred, but can be trained * Computer literacy * Previous animal handling experience is desirable but not necessary * Ability to trailer and operate watercrafts up to 22' in length and experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable, but not necessary * Interns must be able to lift 50 lbs., swim, and possess a valid US driver's license * Interns should understand that this job will require them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods of time Application Process: If you are interested in applying for an internship with FWRI, please provide the following information: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A resume describing training and experience * Names and contact information for at least three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator 585 Prineville Street Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Molly R. Schubert Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Southwest Field Lab 585 Prineville St Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Office: (941) 249-6559 Molly.Schubert(a)myFWC.com Manatee Hotline: 1-888-404-3922

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Job openings: Two Deputy Secretaries
by NAMMCO, Jana Djukaric 10 Mar '23

10 Mar '23

NAMMCO is recruiting two highly motivated, outcome-focused Deputy Secretaries to support its work on studying and conserving marine mammals in the North Atlantic. Do you want to help turn research into management policies, where both biodiversity and cultural diversity coexist? Or are you a science communicator concerned with the challenges of the changing Arctic? Would you like to apply your knowledge and skills for reconciliating conservation and use? Then the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission has a job for you. Closing date for applications: 15 April 2023, 23:59 CET time. Starting date: Summer-Fall 2023 Location: Tromsø, Norway Basic salary: Between NOK 750k and 830k/year You: Minimum master level, PhD preferred / Background in natural sciences and marine wildlife management and/or science communication and dissemination / An understanding of the marine environment from an ecosystem perspective / At least five years relevant professional experience / Excellent level of spoken and written English / Motivated to live in the Arctic / Team player and a good sense of humour. NAMMCO: Intergovernmental Organisation / Provides Parties with management advice on sustainable and responsible use of marine mammals / Contributes to a sustainable North and fulfilling UN SDGs / Reconciliate hunting and use / Conserves biodiversity and livelihoods / Has a holistic approach to conservation. Your new team and work: Support the Commission in developing and implementing its objectives and priorities / Small, international, and engaged Secretariat / Good teamwork and sparring / Demanding and sometimes hectic work but filled with many interesting and rewarding moments and encounters / Situated in the Arctic in an area known for its beautiful outdoors. For a complete job description and instructions on how to apply please consult the NAMMCO website: www.nammco.org<http://www.nammco.org>. Jana Djukarić Intern NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission POB 6453, Sykehusveien 21-23 N-9294 Tromsø, Norway E-mail: intern(a)nammco.no<mailto:intern@nammco.no> [X]

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New article examining link between foraging success and fitness
by Keith Hernandez 09 Mar '23

09 Mar '23

Hi MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors I am excited to share our new publication in Ecology Letters, available Open Access at the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ele.14193 Beltran R. S., Hernandez K. M., Condit R., Robinson P. W., Crocker D. E., Goetsch C., Kilpatrick A. M., Costa D. P. (2023) Physiological tipping points in the relationship between foraging success and lifetime fitness of a long-lived mammal. Ecology Letters Abstract: Although anthropogenic change is often gradual, the impacts on animal populations may be precipitous if physiological processes create tipping points between energy gain, reproduction or survival. We use 25 years of behavioural, diet and demographic data from elephant seals to characterise their relationships with lifetime fitness. Survival and reproduction increased with mass gain during long foraging trips preceding the pupping seasons, and there was a threshold where individuals that gained an additional 4.8% of their body mass (26 kg, from 206 to 232 kg) increased lifetime reproductive success three-fold (from 1.8 to 4.9 pups). This was due to a two-fold increase in pupping probability (30% to 76%) and a 7% increase in reproductive lifespan (6.0 to 6.4 years). The sharp threshold between mass gain and reproduction may explain reproductive failure observed in many species and demonstrates how small, gradual reductions in prey from anthropogenic disturbance could have profound implications for animal populations. Sincerely, Keith & Roxanne -- Keith M. Hernandez, PhD | he/him/his Postdoctoral Scholar, Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University Newport, OR 97365 Google Scholar <https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&view_op=list_works&authuser=2&gm…> | ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Keith_Hernandez2>

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New publication on long-term bottlenose dolphin associations with a fish farm
by Annette Harnish 09 Mar '23

09 Mar '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are excited to announce the publication of our paper, “Long-term associations of common bottlenose dolphins with a fish farm in Hawaiʻi and impacts on other protected species”, in Marine Mammal Science. Harnish, A.E., R.W. Baird, E. Corsi, A.M. Gorgone, D. Perrine, A. Franco, C. Hankins, and E. Sepeta. 2023. Long-Term Associations of Common Bottlenose Dolphins with a Fish Farm in Hawaiʻi and Impacts on Other Protected Species. Marine Mammal Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13010 Abstract: The global expansion of mariculture offers numerous potential benefits but may also pose a threat to wildlife populations. There is currently only one commercial finfish mariculture facility in Hawaiʻi, a nearshore kanpachi (Seriola rivoliana) farm off the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island. This farm lies within the range of several resident odontocete species, and almost daily common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) associations with the farm have been reported since 2007. We analyzed photographs of 35 bottlenose dolphin groups at the farm sighted between 2008 and 2021 in the context of 20 years of survey effort and extensive community science contributions from Hawaiʻi Island. Thirty-six bottlenose dolphins were identified associated with the farm, representing almost one-quarter of the estimated total population size. The discovery rate of new individuals at the farm indicates this is a conservative estimate of the total number of individuals associating with the farm, and social network analysis suggests that associations may continue to spread within the population. We also found a high frequency of farm associated bottlenose dolphins showing aggression towards several other species of dolphins, demonstrating impacts to multiple protected species. Please feel free to request a PDF copy from us via email at aharnish(a)cascadiaresearch.org. You can find the abstract (both in English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi) at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13010 and you can also download a copy of the supplemental materials at https://cascadiaresearch.org/publications/harnish_etal_2023/ Annette Harnish Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective www.cascadiaresearch.org

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ECS Workshop: Current cetacean bycatch issues in European waters, 17 April 2023
by Jenny Renell 09 Mar '23

09 Mar '23

We are pleased to announce the upcoming ECS Workshop “ACCOBAMS-ASCOBANS Joint Bycatch Working Group (JBWG) - Current cetacean bycatch issues in European waters”, which will take place in O’ Grove, Galicia, Spain, on Monday afternoon, 17 April 2023, as part of the ECS 2023 conference<https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/34th-annual-conference-ga…>. The objective is to share information on the current status of bycatch issues identified as of greatest concern in European seas, and to discuss how we can mitigate such bycatch. Tentative programme includes Baltic harbour porpoise, Black Sea cetaceans, Bay of Biscay common dolphin, advances in potential mitigation measures, and discussion on task assignment of the JBWG Programme of Work<https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/programme-work-2021-2023-joint-bycatch…>. (More information on JBWG of ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS can be found here<https://www.ascobans.org/en/working_group/bycatch>.) If you are interested in attending this workshop, please register via this link<https://meetings.cms.int/meetings/ACC-ASC-JBWG-WS/registration> by 20 March 2023. (In case there are more registrations than seats available, priority would then be given to JBWG members.) Unfortunately, we won’t be able to cover travel costs. For any questions contact us at cleravallec(a)accobams.net<mailto:cleravallec@accobams.net> or jenny.renell(a)un.org<mailto:jenny.renell@un.org> . Kind regards, Celia Le Ravallec (ACCOBAMS) and Jenny Renell (ASCOBANS) Jenny Renell ASCOBANS Coordinator, CMS Aquatic Species Team Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas UNEP/ASCOBANS, UN Campus, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1 53113 Bonn, Germany Tel. +49 228 815 2418, email: jenny.renell(a)un.org<mailto:jenny.renell@un.org> www.ascobans.org<http://www.ascobans.org/> | www.cms.int<http://www.cms.int/> https://twitter.com/ascobans | www.facebook.com/ascobans<http://www.facebook.com/ascobans> [Shape, arrow Description automatically generated] Disclaimer: The information transmitted is intended only for use by the addressee and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination or other use of it, or the taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons and/or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please inform the sender and/or addressee immediately and delete the material. Thank you.

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New article on fin whale breaching behaviour in the Mediterranean Sea
by antonella.arcangeli＠isprambiente.it 08 Mar '23

08 Mar '23

Dear Marmam community, we are very please to share with you the new pubblication on 'Analysis of environmental, social, and anthropogenic factors as potential drivers of breaching behavior in the Mediterranean fin whale' of Campana, I., Farace, I., Paraboschi, M., & Arcangeli, A. (2023). Marine Mammal Science. Abstract: Breaching is frequently reported for many large cetacean species, but this behavior is considered very rare in fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Fin whales are regularly observed in the Mediterranean Sea, and they perform seasonal concentration/dispersal movements throughout this basin. This study aimed to investigate the influence that environmental parameters, social factors, and anthropogenic disturbance may have on breaching behavior in fin whales to deepen the understanding of these displays. Fin whale sightings were collected between 2012 and 2020 within the Fixed Line Transect Monitoring Network along the ferry route from Italy to Spain, crossing the mid‐latitudes of the western Mediterranean Sea. Breaching events were analyzed with respect to season, chlorophyll concentration, sea state, group size, fin whale frequency, distance between a breaching event and the closest whales, distance from the observation platform, and maritime traffic. During the study, breaching events were recorded 27 times over 721 fin whale sightings (3.74%), with a higher frequency during summer and fall (>4.96%) compared to spring (1.77%); no events were observed during winter. The most significant variables were distance from the observation platform as an inhibitory factor and distance between whales, possibly related to socialization and communication. The publication is available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13000 or upon request on researchgate. All the best, antonella (on behaf of the authors)

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How to age bottlenose dolphins...
by Ashley Barratclough 08 Mar '23

08 Mar '23

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share a new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science entitled: Barratclough, A., McFee, W. E., Stolen, M., Hohn, A., Lovewell, G., Gomez, F. M., Smith CR, Garcia-Parraga D., Wells, R., Parry C., Daniels., Ridgway, S., & Schwacke, L. How to estimate age of old bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus); by tooth or pectoral flipper?. Frontiers in Marine Science, 10, 364. Abstract: Multiple techniques have been used for estimating age in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The longest established technique is via counts of growth later groups (GLGs) in the longitudinal section of an extracted mandibular tooth. Previous studies to validate GLGs have primarily used younger dolphins (less than 16yrs old) due to the limited number of known age older animals. This study assessed the accuracy of age estimates for bottlenose dolphins using both GLG analysis and a newer technique, pectoral flipper radiography (PFR) for dolphins ranging from 0 to 58yrs, with a majority of samples (70%) over 16yrs. GLGs were assessed by two expert independent readers on tooth sections from 52 different dolphins (85% over 16yrs, maximum age 58yrs), and assessments of PFRs were performed by two experienced veterinarians on 37 dolphins (54% over 16yrs, maximum age 54yrs). Results demonstrated both techniques became less accurate in older dolphins, particularly those > 30yrs, with errors as large as 37yrs for GLG estimates. The root mean squared error (RMSE) for age estimation using GLGs for dolphins ≤15 years of age was 1.46yrs compared to 1.58yrs using PFRs demonstrating the accuracy of both techniques in this age bracket. For dolphins >30yrs, RMSE increased to 17yrs in GLG aging and 8.25yrs in PFR. Challenges in obtaining accurate age estimates in GLGs were primarily due to sectioning and staining difficulties in visualizing the newest GLG layers, in the very old animals. Complications in reading the layers included obtaining a good section, the presence of accessory layers, GLG compression, and tooth curvature or wear removing the neonatal line influencing aging biases. In pectoral flipper aging, the primary challenge was obtaining a true dorsoventral radiograph in a live dolphin during a health assessment, as well as the subjective assessment of scoring and reliance on degenerative changes accurately estimate age in geriatric dolphins. While access to the radiography equipment can be a limiting factor, the improved accuracy for age estimation in adult dolphins, the less invasive nature, and reduced processing time to results make pectoral radiography a preferred alternative technique for estimating age in live dolphins. This article is available online open access thanks to the Jeanette Fuller Ridgway Scientific Writing Fund: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1135521/full <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1135521/full> Please feel free to contact me at ashley.barratclough(a)nmmf.org <mailto:ashley.barratclough@nmmf.org> for a copy of the PDF or if you have any questions. Cheers, Ashley Barratclough BVetMed MSc WAH MS MRCVS Conservation Medicine Veterinarian National Marine Mammal Foundation San Diego

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