April 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opening: IWDG recruiting Celtic Mist Field Biologist Deadline Extended
by Sibeal regan 18 Apr '23

18 Apr '23

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is Ireland's premier eNGO working in the marine environment. Established in 1990, the IWDG has built a credible reputation for advocating cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and their habitats. The IWDG currently has three full-time staff and eight service providers. We wish to recruit a seasonal part-time Field Biologist to research surveys onboard IWDG's research vessel Celtic Mist. Research surveys onboard Celtic Mist will run for seven days, departing from various locations throughout Ireland from April - September 2023. The Field Biologist will work closely with IWDG's Science Officer to manage and deliver a *new data collection programme* onboard Celtic Mist, collecting vital information on cetaceans in Irish waters. They will be responsible for training members in marine mammal survey techniques, managing the data collection and communicating the project through our social media channels. *Essential qualifications, skills, and Experience:* ? Degree in a scientific or environmental discipline or over two years of Experience in marine mammal surveying. ? Knowledge and experience of marine mammal survey techniques, including visual data collection methods. ? Cetacean ID skills ? Offshore sailing/ boating experience (formal qualifications not essential but desirable). ? Provable Experience in working with databases (Access, excel). ? Experience in photo identification techniques of marine mammals. ? Medical certificate *Desirable skills and Experience:* ? A postgraduate degree in marine/cetacean science. ? Experience delivering citizen science projects and volunteer management. ? Demonstrable Experience in developing training material and delivering training programmes. ? Knowledge of and Experience using IFAW LOGGER. ? Photography skills ? Experience assisting with educational programmes. ? Experience using a variety of social media platforms. ? Full valid and clean driving license. *Terms of Employment:* *Salary: *This position is part-time and will be compensated with a gross a daily rate of 120 (60 for half a day) for a minimum of 66 days. *Contract: *This part-time role runs from May to September, averaging 14 days a month. You will be required to work weekends and bank holidays. Full working hours and schedule details will be provided before starting the role. *Place of Work:* The role will take place onboard IWDG's research vessel Celtic Mist which will sail from various locations along the coast of Ireland. This will involve staying on board with other members of the IWDG crew and IWDG members for seven days at a time. Travel to and from Each departure and arrival port will be required, although expenses will be provided. *Application procedure: *Send a CV and letter of interest to rebecca.dudley(a)iwdg.ie. Enquiries can also be made to Rebecca Dudley at (+353) 659051763. Your letter of interest should be in pdf format and a maximum of one page. In your letter, please outline your motivation for this position and why you feel you have the skills and Experience to succeed in the role. Please put ?*Celtic Mist Field Biologist*? In the email subject line. **Application closing date extended: 5 pm on 24th April 2023*.* Interviews will take place online the following week. Please note the successful candidate will be required to start at the beginning of May 2023, although a later start date can be negotiated for the right candidate. Please note that candidates will only be contacted if short-listed.

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Cetacean Sessions episode 14: Bowhead whales in the Canadian Arctic
by Anaïs Remili 17 Apr '23

17 Apr '23

Dear members of the MARMAM community, Join us on Crowdcast for episode 14 of Cetacean Sessions: This year, Bay Cetology <https://baycetology.org/> is partnering with Whale Scientists <https://whalescientists.com/>. This season is all about new cetacean research generated by passionate early-career researchers. Cetacean Sessions is a free seasonal bi-weekly webinar series where we discuss impactful cetacean science with those conducting it around the world. It is informal, educational, interactive, and geared towards those studying or interested in cetaceans. Cetacean Sessions was created by Bay Cetology and is being hosted by Anaïs and Naomi, the co-founders of Whale Scientists. Cetacean Sessions #14 <https://www.crowdcast.io/e/cetacean-session-14> will happen on Thursday, April 20th, at 1 pm Pacific Time. In this session, we are extremely happy to introduce Tommy Pontbriand, who works at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canada) and recently published a paper on the intraspecific variation in bowhead whales feeding ecology in *Marine Ecology and Progress Series* <https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v706/p109-123/>. Tommy will also present some unpublished results about the variation in the feeding of these whales throughout their life. The presentation and discussion will be followed by a live Q&A. Please visit our Crowdcast channel to register and for more information on our upcoming sessions: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/cetacean-session-14/ <https://www.crowdcast.io/e/cetacean-session-13/> Thanks, and stay tuned for the next episode's announcement! Anaïs from Whale Scientists

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New paper on vessel noise exposures of harbour seals from the Wadden Sea
by Dominik Nachtsheim 17 Apr '23

17 Apr '23

Dear MARMAM readers, my co-authors and I are excited to announce the publication of the following article in Scientific Reports: Nachtsheim DA, Johnson M, Schaffeld T, van Neer A, Madsen PT, Findlay CR, Rojano-Doñate L, Teilmann J, Mikkelsen L, Baltzer J, Ruser A, Siebert U, Schnitzler JG (2023) Vessel noise exposures of harbour seals from the Wadden Sea. Scientific Reports 13: 6187. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-33283-z Abstract The North Sea faces intense ship traffic owing to increasing human activities at sea. As harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) are abundant top predators in the North Sea, it is hypothesised that they experience repeated, high-amplitude vessel exposures. Here, we test this hypothesis by quantifying vessel noise exposures from deployments of long-term sound and movement tags (DTAGs) on nine harbour seals from the Wadden Sea. An automated tool was developed to detect intervals of elevated noise in the sound recordings. An assessment by multiple raters was performed to classify the source as either vessels or other sounds. A total of 133 vessel passes were identified with received levels >97 dB re 1µPa RMS in the 2 kHz decidecade band and with ambient noise >6 dB below this detection threshold. Tagged seals spent most of their time within Marine Protected Areas (89 ± 13%, mean ± SD) and were exposed to high-amplitude vessel passes 4.3 ± 1.6 times per day. Only 32% of vessel passes were plausibly associated with an AIS-registered vessel. We conclude that seals in industrialized waters are exposed repeatedly to vessel noise, even in areas designated as protected, and that exposures are poorly predicted by AIS data. The open access article can be accessed under this link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33283-z . Do not hesitate do contact me (Dominik.Nachtsheim(a)tiho-hannover.de) in case of further questions! All the best Dominik ----------------------------------------- Dr. Dominik A. Nachtsheim University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 25761 Büsum Germany Dominik.Nachtsheim(a)tiho-hannover.de Tel: +49 511 856-8159 Fax: +49 511 856-8181 ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dominik_Nachtsheim

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New publication: Tissue-specific stable isotope results for humpback whale diet
by Jasmin Gross 16 Apr '23

16 Apr '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to share the following open-access publication with you: Eggebo J, Groß J, Bengtson Nash S (2023) Interpretation of southern hemisphere humpback whale diet via stable isotopes; implications of tissue-specific analysis. PLoS ONE 18(4): e0283330. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283330 Abstract Blubber and skin are commonly used tissues in stable isotope analysis for the purpose of investigating cetacean diet. Critical comparison of tissue-specific isotopic signals is, however, lacking resulting in uncertainty surrounding the representativeness and therefore utility of different tissues for accurate determination of recent foraging. This study used remotely biopsied blubber and skin tissues from southern hemisphere humpback whales for strategic comparison of δ13C and δ15N values. Samples were collected between 2008–2018 as part of long-term monitoring under the Humpback Whale Sentinel Program. Blubber tissues were lipid-extracted prior to analysis, whilst mathematical lipid-correction was performed on skin samples. Isotopic values from paired blubber and skin samples from the same individuals were compared to assess whether tissues could be used interchangeably for isotope analysis and dietary interpretation. Significant differences were observed for both δ13C and δ15N, flagging previously undocumented methodological considerations, and the need for method validation and standardisation in application of these approaches. This study therefore advances methodological aspects of cetacean dietary analysis. This is of elevated importance in the context of rapidly changing ocean ecosystems. Feel free to email one of the authors if you have any questions regarding this work. All the best, Jasmin — — Dr Jasmin Groß (she/her) Postdoctoral Research Fellow Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity | Ammerländer Heerstraße 231, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany Fulbright Alumna I SOPOPP Alumna | ANZSCSMM Chapter Head Email: jasmin.gross(a)hifmb.de <mailto:jasmin.gross@hifmb.de> Phone: +49 (0)471 4831 2519 Twitter: @jasmin4689 <https://twitter.com/jasmin4689> Google Scholar: Dr Jasmin Groß <https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=UGOcQRcAAAAJ&hl=en>

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 16 Apr '23

16 Apr '23

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor, hiking, kayaking, surf classes and others. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 15tg April to 30th November 2023. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions. The field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; - Access and collect environmental data; - Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; - Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos; - Measure water visibility with the Secchi disk methodology; - Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals; - Land base monitoring of marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2023 season, please contact: interns(a)aimmportugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in the research house; - Transportation to/from the marina; - Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); - Fieldwork in the research vessel. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants and snacks; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * You can apply on AIMM website here <http://www.aimmportugal.org/opportunities/dolphin-research-internship/>*.* *or * Send us an e-mail to: interns(a)aimmportugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*” with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmation email with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be accepted during all season. However, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow links are a shorts videos about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: http://bit.ly/aimm-movie <https://bit.ly/AIMM-movie> https://youtu.be/hTJJQPHBdI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns(a)aimmportugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/>

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New publication on the social benefits of delphinid mixed-species groups
by Jonathan Syme 15 Apr '23

15 Apr '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper on the social benefits of delphinid mixed-species groups in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. Syme J, Kiszka JJ, Parra GJ (2023) Multiple social benefits drive the formation of mixed-species groups of Australian humpback and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 77:43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-023-03320-y Abstract: Mixed-species groups are common amongst diverse taxa including fishes, birds, and mammals. Antipredator, foraging, and social benefits have been proposed as functional explanations for mixed-species group formation. Amongst delphinids, mixed-species groups are widespread, but little is known about their function. To investigate the potential benefits of delphinid mixed-species groups, we compared the number of individuals, the age composition, and the behaviour of single- and mixed-species sightings of Australian humpback (Sousa sahulensis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) observed around the North West Cape, Western Australia. We found no difference in the number of individuals or the age composition of humpback dolphins present in single- and mixed-species sightings, whereas bottlenose dolphins were present in larger numbers in single-species sightings than in mixed-species sightings due to a higher number of adults. Socialising was the initial observed behavioural state of 36.1% of mixed-species sightings, compared to only 5.1% and 10.3% of humpback and bottlenose dolphin single-species sightings, respectively. Furthermore, both species travelled and foraged less frequently when in mixed-species groups. Of 93 mixed-species groups observed during a focal follow of ≥10 minutes, 32 (34.4%) involved aggressive and/or sexual behaviours typically initiated by bottlenose dolphins towards humpback dolphins while the remaining 61 (65.6%) involved only neutral and affiliative behaviours. The results of this study suggest that the observed mixed-species groups provide multiple social benefits, particularly those pertaining to socio-sexual behaviours and the development and care of young. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jonathan.syme(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:jonathan.syme@flinders.edu.au> Kind regards, Jonathan Jonathan Syme, PhD Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia

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2 year postdoc in statistics/quantitative ecology at Duke University
by Dr Robert Schick, Ph.D. 15 Apr '23

15 Apr '23

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on a US Office of Naval Research-funded project related to spatio-temporal data fusion in marine mammal science. Together our group, comprised of Rob Schick (Duke, Nicholas School of the Environment), Alan Gelfand (Duke, Statistical Science) and Erin Schliep (NCSU, Statistics), builds hierarchical Bayesian models to better understand the impacts of anthropogenic stressors on the marine environment. We focus on fusing the multiple types of data that are often collected in the field, from short term biotelemetry tags, to passive acoustic monitoring data, to aerial and vessel line transect data. In this project, we have a particular interest in fusing acoustic detection data from calling whales, together with in situ sampling of zooplankton and aerial and vessel-based sightings of whales to provide inference on spatially and temporally explicit distribution and abundance. With continuing evolution of the marine environment, we also have interest in developing data collection design to effectively characterize and monitor distribution. Postdoctoral researchers are expected to contribute to participate in mentoring of junior laboratory members, laboratory meetings including journal clubs, and presentation of results at ecological and statistical conferences. The successful applicant will join a thriving community of statisticians and quantitative ecologists at the Nicholas School of the Environment along with the Department of Statistical Science at Duke and the Department of Statistics at NC State University. TERM: 2 years. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should hold a PhD in statistics or quantitative ecology. We seek applicants with a solid foundation in Bayesian statistics and demonstrated ability to fit hierarchical models. Experience with spatial statistics and an interest in ecology are ideal, as is effective communication with non-statisticians. PROJECTED START DATE: The position is available immediately. Start date is flexible for doctoral candidates completing degrees in summer of 2023. WORK LOCATION: Work takes place in Durham, NC TO APPLY: Interested individuals should include the following materials * CV * Names and email addresses of 3 references * A short cover letter describing your background and career goals * A one-page statement of research interests and methodological skills * A sample research paper * A demonstration of statistical coding expertise (e.g., a github repository, or supplementary code submitted with a publication) Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the USA. Visa sponsorship is not available. Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions should be emailed to Corrie Curtice (corrie.curtice(a)duke.edu<mailto:corrie.curtice@duke.edu>) Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

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New publication
by Janet Mann 14 Apr '23

14 Apr '23

We are excited to announce our new publication on barnacle attachment in cetaceans that many of you contributed data to!: "*Some like it hot: Temperature and hydrodynamic factors influence Xenobalanus globicipitis attachment to cetaceans*" by Milan M. Dolezal, Vivienne Foroughirad, Frank E. Fish, Ann-Marie Jacoby, Melissa A. Collier, Colin J. Murphy, Keith A. Rittmaster, Janet Mann https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13022 Abstract Barnacles can reveal much about the physiology, health, and spatial ecology of their cetacean hosts. Here, we examine how temperature and hydrodynamic factors impact presence of *Xenobalanus globicipitis*, a pseudo-stalked barnacle that attaches exclusively to cetaceans. We hypothesized that temperature is a key environmental factor (i.e., water temperature) and physiological factor, in that *X. globicipitis* prefers the warmest skin temperature for attachment, possibly as a mechanism for survival in colder waters. First, we demonstrate a global relationship between spatial ecology of host species and presence of X. globicipitis. Notably, *X. globicipitis* is absent in the four species occupying waters with the lowest sea surface temperature (SST) year-round, but present in migratory species that likely acquire the barnacle in waters with higher SST. Second, barnacle attachment location on common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus)* dorsal fins corresponds with fin temperature and hydrodynamics. Although body temperature may influence attachment location on the body of the animal, hydrodynamic forces, as previously proposed, determine how well barnacles can remain attached during the adult stage. *X. globicipitis* prevalence likely provides important bioindicator, ecological, and physiological information about its host. As parasitic infestation has some cost, these results have implications for cetacean health in warming seas. Janet Mann, Ph.D. website <https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014RY0bAAG/janet-mann> Distinguished University Professor Department of Biology Department of Psychology Georgetown University pcdolphinproject.org monkeymiadolphins.org

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New killer whale research: North Atlantic killer whale diets revealed in unprecedented detail
by Anaïs Remili 14 Apr '23

14 Apr '23

Dear members of the MARMAM community, My fifteen co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent open-access publication in the Journal of Animal Ecology: *Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis reveals a high level of dietary specialization in killer whales across the North Atlantic*. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13920 You can find a recap of our main findings aimed at the public, as well as an infographic recap of the paper here: https://whalescientists.com/killer-whales-north-atlantic-diets/. We also created a video abstract here: https://youtu.be/qJh-1XRxTq8 Here is the abstract of the paper: 1- Quantifying the diet composition of apex marine predators such as killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) is critical to assessing their food web impacts. Yet, with few exceptions, the feeding ecology of these apex predators remains poorly understood. 2- Here, we use our newly validated quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) approach on nearly 200 killer whales and 900 potential prey to model their diets across the 5,000 km span of the North Atlantic. 3- Diet estimates show that killer whales mainly consume other whales in the western North Atlantic (Canadian Arctic, Eastern Canada), seals in the mid-North Atlantic (Greenland), and fish in the eastern North Atlantic (Iceland, Faroe Islands, Norway). Nonetheless, diet estimates also varied widely among individuals within most regions. This level of inter-individual feeding variation should be considered for future ecological studies focusing on North Atlantic killer whales. 4- These estimates reveal remarkable population- and individual-level variation in the trophic ecology of these killer whales, which can help to assess how their predation impacts community and ecosystem dynamics in changing North Atlantic marine ecosystems. 5- This new approach provides researchers with an invaluable tool to study the feeding ecology of oceanic top predators. Please reach out to me if you have questions/comments. I am also available to collaborate if you wish to test or validate QFASA on other cetacean species or other killer whale populations. You can reach me at anais.remili(a)mail.mcgill.ca. Cheers, Anais Remili, PhD candidate at McGill University Editor-in-chief of Whale Scientists

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Grant Opportunity - Support Capacity Building for Reducing Marine Mammal Bycatch
by Mary Means 13 Apr '23

13 Apr '23

For the MARMAM Community, Ocean Associates, Inc., in collaboration with the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction and with funding from the National Marine Fisheries Service Office of International Affairs Trade and Commerce, is pleased to announce the availability of grants to support capacity building for reducing marine mammal bycatch. The kinds of projects eligible for support can include: Evaluation of potential marine mammal bycatch reduction techniques; Developing and Implementing bycatch monitoring programs Establishing estimates of bycatch and calculating bycatch limits in fisheries that interact with marine mammals; and Advancing measures to prohibit intentional killing or serious injury to marine mammals associated with fishing operations. For 2023, US$250,000 is available to support projects. We anticipate granting approximately six awards. We will consider a maximum request of $32,000, and a minimum of $10,000. Priority will be given to applications from developing countries, which can focus on national initiatives or projects within particular fisheries, with preference given to ones that export seafood to the United States. For projects not in developing countries, proposals should outline how the results would have application in developing country fisheries. There is no matching fund requirement, but projects with matching funds will be favorably reviewed. Proposals will be accepted up to May 15, 2023, and should end by September 1, 2024. Proposals of longer duration will be eligible for support, though not encouraged. A rationale for project timing should be submitted for all applications. For more information and to apply, please visit the Global Bycatch Exchange at www.bycatch.org <http://www.bycatch.org/>. Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDdJghbBMCNfO4LziKwLltFya_QPTpRyM… <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDdJghbBMCNfO4LziKwLltFya_QPTpRyM…>

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