May 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Bone mineral density and microarchitecture change during skeletal growth in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the German coast
by Britta Müller 10 May '23

10 May '23

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new publication in Scientific Reports:Bone mineral density and microarchitecture change during skeletal growth in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the German coast we analyzed aBMD by DXA and lumbar vertebrae by HR-pQCT in neonate, juvenile, and adult harbor seals.The paper can be found here: DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33911-8 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33911-8> Abstract: Across species, the skeletal system shares mutual functions, including the protection of inner organs, structural basis for locomotion, and acting as an endocrine organ, thus being of pivotal importance for survival. However, insights into skeletal characteristics of marine mammals are limited, especially in the growing skeleton. Harbor seals (*Phoca vitulina*) are common marine mammals in the North and Baltic Seas and are suitable indicators of the condition of their ecosystem. Here, we analyzed whole-body areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and lumbar vertebrae by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in neonate, juvenile, and adult harbor seals. Along skeletal growth, an increase in two-dimensional aBMD by DXA was paralleled by three-dimensional volumetric BMD by HR-pQCT, which could be attributed to an increasing trabecular thickness while trabecular number remained constant. Strong associations were observed between body dimensions (weight and length) and aBMD and trabecular microarchitecture (R2 = 0.71–0.92, all p < 0.001). To validate the results of the DXA measurement (i.e., the standard method used worldwide to diagnose osteoporosis in humans), we performed linear regression analyses with the three-dimensional measurements from the HR-pQCT method, which revealed strong associations between the two imaging techniques (e.g., aBMD and Tb.Th: R2 = 0.96, p < 0.0001). Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of systematic skeletal investigations in marine mammals during growth, illustrating the high accuracy of DXA in this context. Regardless of the limited sample size, the observed trabecular thickening is likely to represent a distinct pattern of vertebral bone maturation. As differences in nutritional status, among other factors, are likely to affect skeletal health, it appears essential to routinely perform skeletal assessments in marine mammals. Placing the results in the context of environmental exposures may allow effective measures to protect their populations. Please do not hesitate to contact me (britta.schmidt(a)tiho-hannover.de) for a copy of the article or to discuss our findings. Best wishes, Britta

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New Publication: Macronutrient composition of sea otter diet with respect to recolonization, life history, and season in southern Southeast Alaska
by Nicole LaRoche 09 May '23

09 May '23

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to share our new publication in Ecology and Evolution on the macronutrient content of sea otter diets in Southeast Alaska. LaRoche, N. L., King, S. L., Fergusson, E. A., Eckert, G. L., & Pearson, H. C. (2023). Macronutrient composition of sea otter diet with respect to recolonization, life history, and season in southern Southeast Alaska. Ecology and Evolution, 13, e10042. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10042 Available via open access online: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10042 Abstract: The sea otter (*Enhydra lutris*) population of Southeast Alaska has been growing at a higher rate than other regions along the Pacific coast. While good for the recovery of this endangered species, rapid population growth of this apex predator can create a human-wildlife conflict, negatively impacting commercial and subsistence fishing. Previous foraging studies throughout the sea otter range have shown they will reduce invertebrate prey biomass when recolonizing an area. The goal of this study was to examine and quantify the energy content of sea otter diets through direct foraging observations and prey collection. Our study area, Prince of Wales Island in southern Southeast Alaska, exhibits a gradient of sea otter recolonization, thus providing a natural experiment to test diet change in regions with different recolonization histories. Sea otter prey items were collected in three seasons (spring, summer, and winter) to measure caloric value and lipid and protein content. We observed 3523 sea otter dives during the spring and summer. A majority of the sea otter diet consisted of clams. Sea otters in newly recolonized areas had lower diet diversity, higher energetic intake rates (EIR, kcal/min), and prey had higher energy content (kcal/g). Females with pups had the highest diet diversity and the lowest EIR. Sea otter EIR were higher in the fall and winter vs. spring and summer. Sea cucumber energy and lipid content appeared to correspond with times when sea otters consumed the highest proportion of sea cucumbers. These caloric variations are an important component of understanding ecosystem-level effects sea otters have in the nearshore environment.

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New Publication: Incidence of shark-inflicted bite injuries on Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Australian humpback (Sousa sahulensis) dolphins in coastal waters off east Queensland, Australia
by Caitlin Nicholls 08 May '23

08 May '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are excited to share our recent publication on the incidence of shark-inflicted bite injuries on Australian humpback and snubfin dolphins published in Ecology and Evolution. Nicholls, C. R., Peters, K. J., Cagnazzi, D., Hanf, D., & Parra, G. J. (2023) Incidence of shark-inflicted bite injuries on Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Australian humpback (Sousa sahulensis) dolphins in coastal waters off east Queensland, Australia. Ecology and Evolution, 13, e10026. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10026 Abstract The ecology and evolution of prey populations are influenced by predation and predation risk. Our understanding of predator–prey relationships between sharks and dolphins is incomplete due to the difficulties in observing predatory events directly. Shark-inflicted wounds are often seen on dolphin bodies, which can provide an indirect measure of predation pressure. We used photographs of Australian humpback and snubfin dolphins from north, central, and south Queensland to assess the incidence of shark-inflicted bite injuries and to examine interspecific differences in bite injuries and their relationship with group sizes, habitat features, and geographical locations characteristic of where these individuals occurred. The incidence of shark-inflicted scarring did not differ between species (χ2 = 0.133, df = 1, p = .715), with 33.3% of snubfin and 24.1% of humpback dolphins showing evidence of shark bites when data were pooled across all three study sites. Generalized additive models indicated that dolphins closer to the coast, with greater photographic coverage, and in north Queensland were more likely to have a shark-inflicted bite injury. The similar incidence of shark-inflicted wounds found on snubfin and humpback dolphins suggests both are subject to comparable predation pressure from sharks in the study region. Results highlight the importance that habitat features such as distance to the coast and geographical location could have in predation risk of dolphins from sharks, as well as the importance of considering photographic coverage when assessing the incidence of shark-inflicted bites on dolphins or other marine animals. This study serves as a baseline for future studies on shark-dolphin interactions in Queensland and into how predation may influence dolphin habitat usage, group living, and behavior. This article is open access and freely available online via https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10026 Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions at caitlin.nicholls(a)flinders.edu.au Kind regards, Caitlin Nicholls

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Potential new lung nematode species found in two stranded orcas
by Boyi, Joy Ometere 08 May '23

08 May '23

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new publication in Ecology and Evolution: Potential new species of pseudaliid lung nematode (Metastrongyloidea) from two stranded neonatal orcas ( Orcinus orca ) characterized by ITS ‐2 and COI sequences. With the aid of two molecular markers, we identified the lungworm species found in two stranded orcas and compared this to those previously reported from other cetaceans and pinnipeds. The paper can be found here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10036 Abstract: Knowledge about parasite species of orcas, their prevalence, and impact on the health status is scarce. Only two records of lungworm infections in orca exist from male neonatal orcas stranded in Germany and Norway. The nematodes were identified as Halocercus sp. (Pseudaliidae), which have been described in the respiratory tract of multiple odontocete species, but morphological identification to species level remained impossible due to the fragile structure and ambiguous morphological features. Pseudaliid nematodes (Metastrongyloidea) are specific to the respiratory tract of toothed whales and are hypothesized to have become almost extinct in terrestrial mammals. Severe lungworm infections can cause secondary bacterial infections and bronchopneumonia and are a common cause of mortality in odontocetes. DNA isolations and subsequent sequencing of the rDNA ITS-2 and mtDNA COI revealed nucleotide differences between previously described Halocercus species from common dolphin (H. delphini) and harbor porpoises (H. invaginatus) that were comparatively analyzed, pointing toward a potentially new species of pseudaliid lungworm in orcas. New COI sequences of six additional metastrongyloid lungworms of seals and porpoises were derived to elucidate phylogenetic relationships and differences between nine species of Metastrongyloidea. Please do not hesitate to contact me (Joy.Ometere.Boyi(a)tiho-hannover.de) for a copy of the article or to discuss our findings. Best wishes, Joy ******************************************** Joy Ometere Boyi PhD Candidate Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6│25761 Buesum│Germany

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DMAD Joint JNCC and ACCOBAMS PAM/MMO Course
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 08 May '23

08 May '23

Joint Course on ACCOBAMS Highly Qualified Marine Mammals Observers (MMO) and Operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring Systems (PAM) and JNCC Certifications Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) under the agreement signed with ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area) will be running a brand-new training course to qualify individuals as Marine Mammal Observers and operators of Passive Acoustic Monitoring systems with ACCOBAMS and JNCC certifications. There will be a limited number of subsidised positions for Turkish students and early-career researchers, and these will be offered on a first come, first served basis. When: 17th to 25th June 2023/ Where: Fethiye, Turkey/ Price*: €550-900 (Table 1)* The Qualification: The ACCOBAMS qualification qualifies people to work as MMOs/PAM operators throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 24 countries, where it is the agreed course requirement for such work. After the course, The ACCOBAMS highly qualified MMO/PAM operators will be able to work to minimize the impact of noise on cetaceans, by applying the knowledge, expertise and skills acquired during the training course, and to use the standard procedures, forms and manuals, in accordance with the ACCOBAMS principles. Speakers and Presenters: MMO&PAM operator Patrick Lyne, DMAD founder and director Dr. Aylin Akkaya Requirements: - Graduated/current student in biology or ecology or have experience that demonstrates a commitment to the environment and its conservation. - Minimum 30 days-at-sea as a marine observer (with references/records ) - Basic knowledge to recognize the different species and understand the behaviour of animals at sea - Basic knowledge on sound - Ability to communicate in English Topics Covered in the Training Course: - Introduction to underwater acoustics - Introduction to marine mammals and acoustics - Introduction to human activities generating underwater noise and impacts on marine mammals - Introduction to existing regulations, mitigation procedures and ACCOBAMS Guidelines - Introduction to the role of MMO/PAM - Introduction to the “life style” onboard - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the acoustic and visual sightings. - Using PAM for survey and research - Introduction to hardware used for PAM - Hands on training with PAMGUARD - Tips and troubleshooting. For more information or to apply e-mail: info(a)dmad.org.tr Table 1. Price List for different course options Course category Price (Euro) ACCOBAMS and JNCC certification (7 days) 900 ACCOBAMS certification only (6 days) 800 ACCOBAMS certification for the experienced MMO/PAM (6 days, no boat surveys) 650 MMO members (6 days, no boat surveys) 600 *Price covers the training and certificates *Accommodation and transportation cost belongs to the participant *There will be one day of boat-based training where there is a strong chance of sperm whales’ encounters that allows you to practice your learned skills during the course. The Application Steps and The Deadlines; - First Step: Application deadline 15.05.2023 - Second Step: Assessment of the Applicants between 16.05.2023-21.05.2023 - Third Step: Informing Successful Applicant 22.05.2023 (Due to the workload we will only inform the successful candidates, if you not sure please don’t hesitate to contact us) - Payment of the Course Fee by 01.06.2023 - Start of the Course 17.06.2023 - End of the Course 25.06.2023 Please contact us at info(a)dmad.org.tr expressing your interest or and we will send you an application form. Or if you have any further questions you can contact us on this address too.

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PSO (new), JNCC MMO and PAM eLearning Training Courses
by Alison Gill 08 May '23

08 May '23

Intelligent Ocean Ltd is pleased to offer three eLearning courses which can be started at any time. First, we would like to announce the launch of an updated course: * BOEM/BSEE Protected Species Observer (PSO) eLearning Training Course for the U.S. Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico (GBP 200 per person) We also offer the following courses: * JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per person) * Passive Acoustic Monitoring and PAMGUARD Software eLearning Training Course (GBP 150 per person) The BOEM/BSEE PSO course is required for you to work as a Protected Species Observer (PSO) in the U.S. Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico and covers an in-depth explanation of mitigation principles and example mitigation measures for a range of project types (geophysical surveys, piling, explosives (introduction to the PROP program) and vessel strike avoidance). Additionally, there is an in-depth section on dredging operations and the role of the PSO for monitoring and collection of specific data and tissue sampling (aim as a pre-runner course to further specialised training). Further details can be found at this link https://www.intelligentocean.com/pso-elearning/ The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) MMO registered course is required for you to work as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) in UK Continental Shelf waters during offshore projects such as seismic surveys, pile-driving and projects involving the use of explosives. This course has been approved by the JNCC as a valid alternative to the usual classroom taught course. Alternatively, project managers or interested parties may wish to complete this course for awareness of how MMOs work or for Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Further details can be found at this link <https://www.intelligentocean.com/jncc-mmo-elearning/> https://www.intelligentocean.com/jncc-mmo-elearning/ The Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course is designed to introduce this technique of monitoring for marine mammals to MMOs, researchers, project managers or any other interested parties. It covers basic acoustic theory, the use of a spectrogram to view example marine mammal vocalisation types and other ocean noise, PAM equipment components, assembly and deployment and finally an exercise in configuring the industry standard PAM software - PAMGUARD. This course has received recognition as an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Further details can be found at this link <https://www.intelligentocean.com/pam-elearning/> https://www.intelligentocean.com/pam-elearning/ To complete the eLearning courses you simply log in, read, learn and then pass assessments based on the course content. You set the pace of your learning. You will have access to the course for 3 years with the option to renew after this for another 3 years for a small fee if you would like continuous access to the course material and any updates that may occur. The JNCC MMO and PAM courses usually take between 1 to 2 full days to complete. The BOEM/BSEE PSO course is a much more detailed and extensive course and will take 4 to 5 days to complete. Companies wishing to sign up members of their staff please email <mailto:support@intelligentocean.com> support(a)intelligentocean.com for registration and invoicing. Intelligent Ocean's staff have extensive experience of working offshore as MMOs and PAM operators in addition to marine mammal survey work and nature guiding. We have been offering training courses since 2009 and have trained over 2000 persons working in marine mammal mitigation. Regards Alison Gill Director and Trainer Intelligent Ocean Ltd <https://www.intelligentocean.com/> www.intelligentocean.com <https://contactmonkey.com/api/v1/tracker?cm_session=40baf146-bdc0-4c9f-a569… cm_type=open&cm_user_email=alisongill2009(a)gmail.com>

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***SPAM Suspected*** PSO Training Course June 24-25
by Angela Bostwick 07 May '23

07 May '23

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on June 24th-25th. 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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New Publication: Environmental Enrichment Devices Are Safe and Effective at Reducing Undesirable Behaviors in California Sea Lions and Northern Elephant Seals during Rehabilitation
by Kirsten Donald 04 May '23

04 May '23

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, we are pleased to share our recently published paper on the benefits of environmental enrichment devices (EEDs) in the rehabilitation of stranded California sea lions and Northern elephant seals in the journal Animals as part of a special issue on the Advances in Marine Mammal Cognition and Cognitive Welfare. We had expected the sea lions to enjoy the EEDs, but were surprised and very impressed with how much enjoyment the elephant seal patients got out of them too! Kirsten Donald 1,*, Amanda Benedetti 1 , Vinícius Donisete Lima Rodrigues Goulart 2 , Alissa Deming 1 , Hendrik Nollens 1,3 , Grey Stafford 4 and Sabrina Brando 5. 2023. Environmental Enrichment Devices Are Safe and Effective at Reducing Undesirable Behaviors in California Sea Lions and Northern Elephant Seals during Rehabilitation. Animals 2023, 13(7), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071222 This is available via open access online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/7/1222 Abstract: Environmental enrichment devices (EEDs) have been proven to promote positive wellbeing in zoos and aquariums, and support animals' reintroduction success; however, their use in rehabilitation centers is still limited. This pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of three EEDs, Artificial Kelp, Horse KONG(tm) and Wubba Kong(tm), and their ability to decrease and/or eliminate undesired stereotypic behaviors or looking at staff/staff areas in seven wild California sea lions (CSLs) and eight northern elephant seals (NESs) undergoing rehabilitation in Southern California. Observers conducted instantaneous sampling once a minute during a 30-min baseline, followed by a 30-min EED implementation on one focal animal at a time. The data were analyzed with generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). All three EEDs were found to be durable and safe throughout the study. Our results show a significant reduction in stereotypical behaviors compared to no EED treatments in CSLs, with the most significant effect being with the Horse KONG(tm). The Wubba KONG(tm) and Artificial Kelp provisions also reduced the undesired behavior in both species of being focused on human caretakers. Individual preferences for specific EEDs were found within species and between species, with the NESs using EEDs more than the CSLs. This study highlights the beneficial aspect of EEDs for pinnipeds in rehabilitation centers for improving their quality of life. Should you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact to contact me at kdonald(a)pacificmmc.org<mailto:kdonald@pacificmmc.org> Kind regards, [cid:image001.jpg@01D97E9E.45925210]<http://www.pacificmmc.org/> www.pacificmmc.org<http://www.pacificmmc.org/> Kirsten Donald Vice President of Education & Ocean Advocacy Marine Mammal Biologist MSc Marine Mammal Science She/her/hers (949) 494-3050 20612 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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New publication: Bottlenose dolphin prey selection relating to depredation
by Maria Garagouni 04 May '23

04 May '23

Dear MARMAMers, Very pleased to share with you our latest article on bottlenose dolphins interacting with gillnets in the Aegean Sea. Garagouni M, Ganias K (2023) Prey selection patterns of bottlenose dolphins depredating bottom-set gillnets in the northern Aegean Sea. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 710:125-135. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14302 ABSTRACT Understanding the foraging strategies of marine megafauna that interact with fisheries is key to conflict mitigation. Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the northern Aegean Sea frequently depredate bottom-set nets, but whether they exhibit prey selection within depredation events remains unknown. We conducted 80 fishing trials over 2 seasons (2020 and 2021) using gillnets in the Thermaikos Gulf, and investigated patterns in the catch and gear damage to determine whether bottlenose dolphins target certain genera over others. A high preference index was calculated for demersal fish like Mullus and Trachurus, as well as less frequently occurring pelagic fishes like Sphyraena. We also found a strong indication that dolphins target certain sizes of fish in certain genera, namely the shorter specimens of larger fishes and the larger specimens of shorter fishes. In conjunction with the patterns in the vertical position of holes torn in the nets, our findings suggest that bottlenose dolphins take advantage of whichever fish are seasonally prevalent. Please don't hesitate to contact me (garagouni.m(a)gmail.com) for a copy of the article or any questions. Best fishes, Maria -- Dr Maria Garagouni Postdoctoral Researcher Marine Living Resources Group School of Biology Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece

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New publication: Nonlinear features in whistles produced by the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) off southeastern Brazil
by Israel Maciel 03 May '23

03 May '23

Dear all, We are happy to announce this publication in the Journal of The Acoustical Society of America. For the first time in the world deterministic chaos was tested on dolphins. Abstract: Animal vocalizations have nonlinear characteristics responsible for features such as subharmonics, frequency jumps, biphonation, and deterministic chaos. This study describes the whistle repertoire of a short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) group at Brazilian coast and quantifies the nonlinear features of these whistles. Dolphins were recorded for a total of 67 min in Cabo Frio, Brazil. We identify 10 basic categories of whistle, with 75 different types, classified according to their contour shape. Most (45) of these 75 types had not been reported previously for the species. The duration of the whistles ranged from 0.04 s to 3.67 s, with frequencies of 3.05–29.75 kHz. Overall, the whistle repertoire presented here has one of the widest frequency ranges and the greatest level of frequency modulation recorded in any study of D. delphis. All the nonlinear features sought during the study were confirmed, with at least one feature occurring in 38.4% of the whistles. The frequency jump was the most common feature (29.75% of the whistles) and the nonlinear time series analyses confirmed the deterministic chaos in the chaotic-like segments. These results indicate that nonlinearities are a relevant characteristic of these whistles, being important in acoustic communication. Luciana Duarte de Figueiredo, Israel Maciel, Flavio M. Viola, Marcelo A. Savi, Sheila M. Simão; Nonlinear features in whistles produced by the short-beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*) off southeastern Brazil. *J Acoust Soc Am* 1 April 2023; 153 (4): 2436–. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0017883 Do not hesitate to contact us (oceanmaciel(a)gmail.com / luciana.figueiredo(a)ifrj.edu.br) in case of further questions or requirements. Kind regards, Israel Maciel Dr. Israel Maciel Pós-doutorando - Departamento de Ecologia - UERJ Laboratório de Ecologia de Aves e Comportamento Animal Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação Marinha (ECoMAR) - UFRJ ------- Post-doctoral fellow - Ecology department - UERJ (RJ, Brazil) Ecology of Birds and Animal Behavior Lab Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab - UFRJ (RJ, Brazil) http://lattes.cnpq.br/6836446340258869 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1744-2721 https://lablbec.wixsite.com/lbec https://labecoavesuerj.wixsite.com/labecoaves

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