June 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Protected Species Observer Certification Course on July 22-23
by Angela Bostwick 28 Jun '23

28 Jun '23

MPSC is offering an online training course that provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on July 22-23. 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 Paper: Bottlenose dolphin mothers modify signature whistles in the presence of their own calves (Nicole El Haddad)
by Nicole El Haddad 27 Jun '23

27 Jun '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of the authors and co-authors, we are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: Sayigh L.*, El Haddad N.*, Peter L. Tyack, Vincent M. Janik, Randall S. Wells, and Frants H. Jensen. (2023). Bottlenose dolphin mothers modify signature whistles in the presence of their own calves. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300262120 <https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300262120>. Abstract: Human caregivers interacting with children typically modify their speech in ways that promote attention, bonding, and language acquisition. Although this “motherese,” or child-directed communication (CDC), occurs in a variety of human cultures, evidence among nonhuman species is very rare. We looked for its occurrence in a nonhuman mammalian species with long-term mother–offspring bonds that is capable of vocal production learning, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Dolphin signature whistles provide a unique opportunity to test for CDC in nonhuman animals, because we are able to quantify changes in the same vocalizations produced in the presence or absence of calves. We analyzed recordings made during brief catch-and-release events of wild bottlenose dolphins in waters near Sarasota Bay, Florida, United States, and found that females produced signature whistles with significantly higher maximum frequencies and wider frequency ranges when they were recorded with their own dependent calves vs. not with them. These differences align with the higher fundamental frequencies and wider pitch ranges seen in human CDC. Our results provide evidence in a nonhuman mammal for changes in the same vocalizations when produced in the presence vs. absence of offspring, and thus strongly support convergent evolution of motherese, or CDC, in bottlenose dolphins. CDC may function to enhance attention, bonding, and vocal learning in dolphin calves, as it does in human children. Our data add to the growing body of evidence that dolphins provide a powerful animal model for studying the evolution of vocal learning and language. Please feel free to get in touch to receive a pdf copy. Link to article: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2300262120 <https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2300262120> Sincerely, Nicole El Haddad c +39 366 155 6004 w n.elhaddad(a)campus.unimib.it <mailto:n.elhaddad@campus.unimib.it> or nicole.eh6(a)gmail.com <mailto:nicole.eh6@gmail.com>

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NEW PAPER: The most southerly occurrence of humpback whales in the western Weddell Sea
by Angus Henderson 26 Jun '23

26 Jun '23

NEW PAPER: The most southerly occurrence of humpback whales in the western Weddell Sea Available free here: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13033 Globally, warming oceans are causing marine species to shift poleward (Melbourne-Thomas et al., 2022 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0036>). The Antarctic Peninsula is a global hotspot for human-induced warming (Jones et al., 2019 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0030>; Turner et al., 2020 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0051>), evidenced by lessening sea ice conditions (Kumar et al., 2021 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0034>), warming oceans, and the collapse of ice shelves (Etourneau et al., 2019 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0020>). Here, we detail two new record-breaking sightings of humpback whales in the western WS. Both sightings were made from ice-breaker class tourist vessels, which were able to access southerly regions of the western WS during a summer with a new record low in sea ice extent (February 23, 2022; Raphael & Handcock, 2022 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0043>) and the now regular breakup of the Larsen A & B ice shelves (Wang et al., 2022 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0052>). The novel humpback whale sightings were made on December 8 at 1230 UTC (ship's position: 64.83°S, 59.15°W) and on January 26 at 0944 UTC (ship's position: 65.31°S, 58.98°W) 30 and 90 nmi (56 and 167 km) further south than any previously reported humpback whale sighting in the western WS (Figure 1 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-fig-0001>). Humpback whales respond to dynamic environmental features (Thiele et al., 2004 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0050>) which likely drive preferred prey aggregations (Herr et al., 2016 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0026>; Santora et al., 2010 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0047>) and thus will likely be able to continue to respond to new extremes in sea ice conditions like the more regular opening of the western WS (Jena et al., 2022 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.13033#mms13033-bib-0029>).

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Recent publication announcement: US budget riders compromise conservation
by Peter Corkeron 26 Jun '23

26 Jun '23

Greetings fellow Marmamers On behalf of my two coauthors, I’d like to make you aware of a short piece we published in the letters pages of Science a little while ago: US budget riders compromise conservation. There’s no Abstract as the article is only a few paragraphs, discussing some unfortunate developments regarding endangered species conservation in general, and conservation of North Atlantic right whales in particular. The piece is available at: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg6235 . If you don’t have access to Science, please contact me at peter.corkeron(a)gmail.com <peter.corkeorn(a)gmail.com> and I’ll help out. Sincerely Peter Corkeron Website: aduncus.net Twitter: @petercorkeron

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Right Whale Flight Coordinator / Aerial Observer (Correction)
by Christine Hudak 23 Jun '23

23 Jun '23

Below is the updated information for the Flight Coordinator position. Aerial Survey Flight Coordinator The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking an aerial survey coordinator and observer for our Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP). The CCS RWEP surveys Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters in Fall, Winter and Spring months to assess the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic Right Whales in Gulf of Maine waters. Start date for this position is on or near August 15, 2023. This is a full-time salaried position with benefits for one year, contingent upon funding for an extension. The position requires aerial survey fieldwork and the supervision of the department’s observers. Rate of pay is $50k-$60k and is commensurate with experience. Primary Responsibilities: * Participating in aerial surveys for right whales. Responsibilities include visually scanning for marine mammals, vessels, and gear from a small aircraft at low altitudes, recording sightings data on custom computer software, and photographing whales for individual identification using a digital SLR camera with a telephoto lens; * Managing flight hour budget and scheduling flight crew to survey within forecasted weather parameters; * Work closely with aircraft provider and CCS aerial survey team to schedule surveys and observer crews, respond to the needs of management agencies and colleagues; * Processing survey and photographic data. Data processing duties include QA/QC of aerial and shipboard sightings and effort data, accurate and timely completion of summary spreadsheets and survey reports, preliminary matching of right whale individual identification images, and maintenance of data processing programs and databases; * Supporting management needs: Duties include coordinating research activities with collaborating researchers, analyzing data and preparing presentations for funders, public, and at stakeholder meetings; * Additional duties may include assisting with whale carcass relocation and supporting disentanglement efforts; * Public outreach. Duties include assisting with public education and outreach activities and writing field notes for inclusion across CCS website and social media platforms. Qualifications and Skills: * Masters preferred or a B.A. or B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries Science or related field with 3-5 years of experience; * Minimum one-year experience working on right whale or related aerial survey projects; * Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals and matching individuals to a catalog; * Demonstrated skill in identifying North Atlantic marine mammals and familiarity with marine mammal visual survey data collection and processing methods; * Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and strict timelines. Must have a precise attention to detail; * Excellent verbal and written communication skills including preparing visual presentations for a variety of technical, scientific, and general public audiences; * Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; * US citizenship; * Aircraft underwater egress training is desired but not required; however, ditch training with the use of compressed air will be required to conduct the work and is a part of CCS Right Whale training; * SQL and R programming skills desired. Application process: Please submit cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references in a single pdf and attached along with copies of college transcripts via email to chudak(a)coastalstudies.org<mailto:chudak@coastalstudies.org>. Please use “RWEP Flight Coordinator” in the subject line of your email. The closing date for applications is June 30, 2023 however applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experience and backgrounds is a key asset.

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New publication announcement: North Pacific Humpback Whale Photo-ID collaborative dataset
by Ted Cheeseman 23 Jun '23

23 Jun '23

Dear friends of whales and photo-ID automation, On behalf of my 68 co-authors(!!), I am pleased to announce the open access publication in Scientific Reports of the second paper to come from our broad collaboration: A collaborative and near-comprehensive North Pacific humpback whale photo-ID dataset Abstract We present an ocean-basin-scale dataset that includes tail fluke photographic identification (photo-ID) and encounter data for most living individual humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the North Pacific Ocean. The dataset was built through a broad collaboration combining 39 separate curated photo-ID catalogs, supplemented with community science data. Data from throughout the North Pacific were aggregated into 13 regions, including six breeding regions, six feeding regions, and one migratory corridor. All images were compared with minimal pre-processing using a recently developed image recognition algorithm based on machine learning through artificial intelligence; this system is capable of rapidly detecting matches between individuals with an estimated 97-99% accuracy. For the 2001 to 2021 study period, a total of 27,956 unique individuals were documented in 157,350 encounters. Each individual was encountered, on average, in 5.6 sampling periods (i.e., breeding and feeding seasons), with an annual average of 87% of whales encountered in more than one season. The combined dataset and image recognition tool represents a living and accessible resource for collaborative, basin-wide studies of a keystone marine mammal in a time of rapid ecological change. Available here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36928-1, or I’m happy to send a pdf Citation: Cheeseman, T., Southerland, K., Acebes, J.M. et al. A collaborative and near-comprehensive North Pacific humpback whale photo-ID dataset. Sci Rep 13, 10237 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36928-1 Yay whales! :) Ted — Ted Cheeseman ted(a)happywhale.com www.Happywhale.com https://www.facebook.com/happywhales/ Read our recent publications - humpback whale automated image recognition: https://rdcu.be/cCOtw and humpbacks of the North Pacific: https://rdcu.be/dfdPF ** know your whales :) ** — I live and play on unceded lands of the Ohlone.

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Humpback whales research in southern Tanzania – Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 22 Jun '23

22 Jun '23

*Humpback whales research in southern Tanzania – Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park* The project focuses on the monitoring of the migrating humpback whales in Tanzania waters, using variety of methods, including systematic small boat surveys with data collection on distribution, behaviour, group cohesion, photo identification and acoustics, in strategically selected areas. The Humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) - is a cosmopolitan species which undertake extensive annual migrations, and yearly arriving to Tanzania waters for breeding activities, and are observed around the Archipelago of Zanzibar from July to October. Tanzania is witnessing a remarkable recovery of this charismatic baleen whale after the severe depletion of the population by industrial whaling. Despite being the most studied species globally, there has been very limited research conducted in Tanzania, leaving a considerable data gap, which prevents a conservation status assessment. The current project aims to enhance information on species ecology, population structure, connectivity, abundance estimates, distribution, migration patterns, habitat use and breeding ecology by conducting pertinent research that began in 2018. By participating in the research, you’ll help to bridge a crucial data gap for better understanding of the conservation status of the subpopulation which will assist conservation strategy development in the region. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer a limited number of volunteering placements for the 2023 season, that will take place in southern Tanzania with the research base in the heart of the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP) – the most biodiverse seascape of the region and a cetacean hotspot. Selected volunteers will participate in the small boat surveys off MBREMP, where migration is taking place, and will assist collecting visual and acoustic data on humpback whales, gaining practical experience and theoretical knowledge from reputable cetacean experts. Placements are opened for the fixed period of 3 weeks starting mid-July 2023. REQUIREMENTS -Genuine interest in marine conservation, integrity, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Physical fitness and mental endurance enabling sustaining long hours out at sea in sometimes challenging conditions; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment in a remote location; -Respect for the project's rules and work ethics, willingness to adhere to the standards and protocols; -Fluency in English (both spoken and written) and good communications skills; -Willingness to learn new software applications and field techniques; -Ability to handle equipment responsibly and with due care; -Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage; FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Participating in small boat-based surveys daily (total number of surveys is contingent on weather, but +- 10 surveys should be expected). -Collecting whales sighting, behavioural, acoustic and photo identification data, alongside environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating various equipment including cameras, drone, hydrophone (commensurate with skills and experience) and managing respective software programs (Discovery, Pamguard, QGIS etc.); -Data entry and basic analysis; -Cataloguing and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; TRAINING The Nyangumi Tanzania team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -GIS mapping -Photo-identification; -Discovery, Darwin and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; PROJECT CONTRIBUTION The project contribution for the 3-week placement is $2,500. The contribution covers the cost of participation in the project and includes: -Accommodation in a tented camp in the heart of the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park; -Basic meals; -Training and lectures with a copy of the lecture on PDF; -Fieldwork (daily boat surveys, up to 10 surveys); -Use of the equipment (subject to respective skills). Applicants are responsible for their international flights to/from Tanzania and internal flights to Mtwara, extra meals nit included in the field work period, insurance (all participants must have health and/or travel insurance), visa and personal expenses. In the beautiful and remote location of the Mnazi Bay, you’ll have opportunity to: ● Encounter cetaceans including Risso’s and Spinner dolphins. There are chances to encounter the rarely seen in this region pelagic melon headed whales. ● Visit sand dunes. ● Snorkel/dive coral reefs (diving at extra cost). ● Visit historical sites in the area (at extra cost). HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to nyangumiznz(a)gmail.com, copying info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are a suitable asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us.

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Support for coordinated ecosystem science on potential impacts of offshore wind energy
by Colleen Weiler 21 Jun '23

21 Jun '23

Dear MARMAM Community, The Monterey Bay Aquarium is engaging scientists with expertise in marine mammals of the California Current Ecosystem to review and add your name to this letter<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBDHot1g3bYlxrWXbH4DKQVQALYPNAz0h…> by June 30, 2023, in support of establishing a collaborative, multi-sector science entity designed to coordinate comprehensive research and monitoring of the environmental effects of offshore wind energy (OWE) off the U.S. West Coast. Adding your signature to this letter would not qualify as a lobbying activity, and it will be made clear that you would be signing as an individual and not on behalf of your institution. The development of offshore wind facilities off the West Coast introduces a new use of ocean waters and the effects of this development on marine life and ecosystems, including marine mammals and the environmental processes and features that support them, are largely unknown. Coordinated and collaborative research to identify, understand, and assess these effects is needed inform current planning and future decision-making on offshore wind energy. An independent, free-standing regional science entity that engages marine mammal scientists and other taxa experts will build research connections, establish trust in the information collected, and ensure transparency. Thank you in advance. Please reach out to Eleanore Humphries (ehumphries(a)mbayaq.org<mailto:ehumphries@mbayaq.org>) and Colleen Weiler (cweiler(a)mbayaq.org<mailto:cweiler@mbayaq.org>) with any questions. And feel free to share this letter<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBDHot1g3bYlxrWXbH4DKQVQALYPNAz0h…> with others in the science community. Sincerely, Margaret Spring Chief Conservation and Science Officer, Monterey Bay Aquarium Background & Context There is a need to establish robust baseline information and understand the environmental impacts of offshore wind energy (OWE) development on marine mammals and other marine life to improve management and mitigation and ensure that strong, science-based environmental protections are included in decision-making. An independent institution created to coordinate and guide wildlife and ecosystem science will build trust in the information collected, ensure transparency and equal access to science, and enhance efficiency in existing and new studies. The creation of a West Coast Science Entity could advance wildlife and ecosystem research and monitoring of OWE off the U.S. West Coast. Such a science entity would build on the significant body of existing science and regional knowledge on the West Coast, establish clear communication between federal and state agencies that use best available science, and develop a systematic approach for developing new research and monitoring. An example already exists on the East Coast. The Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind (RWSC)<https://rwsc.org/> was established in 2021 to focus on research and monitoring needs associated with OWE on the U.S. Atlantic Coast. The Science Plan being created by the RWSC compiles information about ongoing and planned offshore wind and wildlife data collection and research sourced from states and federal agencies, environmental NGOs, offshore wind companies, and the research community. From this information and with these experts, RWSC identifies research and monitoring gaps and needs, and develops opportunities for collaboration. Information is available in a publicly accessible data portal and cataloged for analyses on various spatial and temporal scales. A West Coast Science Entity can be modeled on the RWSC with the appropriate adjustments to fit West Coast needs and priorities. The RWSC is supported by taxa-based subcommittees, including a marine mammal group, composed of subject-matter and technical experts working to align data standardization and protocols, improve efficiency in the design of multi-sector studies, ensure that information is transparent and publicly available, and support the collection of compatible data that can be used for cumulative and long-term analyses. Preliminary work accomplished by the RWSC has been used by state and federal agencies to review and prioritize environmental offshore wind studies. Offshore wind developers have committed ongoing funds to be managed and distributed by the RWSC in support of recommendations in the Science Plan. The vision for a West Coast Science Entity, like its East Coast counterpart, will be to engage state and federal agencies, environmental groups, independent researchers, offshore wind developers, Tribal representatives, issue experts, and traditional knowledge holders in the development of a Science Plan and associated research and monitoring needs and priorities for U.S. West Coast waters. For more information on the RWSC, offshore wind planning, and the potential effects on marine mammals, please refer to the following: Background Information * Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative (East Coast)<https://rwsc.org/> * Bureau of Ocean Energy Management - California activities<https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/california>; Oregon activities<https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/Oregon> * Maxwell et al. 2022<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479722001505> - Potential Impacts of Floating Offshore Wind; Farr et al. 2021<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096456912100096X> - Potential environmental effects of deepwater floating offshore wind energy facilities; Raghukumar<https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-00780-y> et al. 2023 Projected cross-shore changes in upwelling induced by offshore wind farm development along the California coast. Colleen Weiler (Pronouns:<https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/pronouns> she/her/hers) Ocean Conservation Policy Analyst P 831-648-7995 [cid:image001.png@01D9A467.7C0A8030] Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/> Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.

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New paper: Caspian seal disease surveillance
by Simon Goodman 21 Jun '23

21 Jun '23

Dear MARMAMers, We are happy to share our new open access paper: "Exposure of wild Caspian seals (Pusa caspica) to parasites, bacterial and viral pathogens, evaluated via molecular and serological assays", Published in Frontiers in Marine Science, available here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1087997/full Disease surveillance of marine mammal populations is essential to understand the causes of strandings, identify potential threats to animal health, and to support development of conservation strategies. Here we report the first large multi-pathogen screening of prevalence for viruses, bacteria and parasites in a sample of 177 live, healthy, wild Caspian seals (Pusa caspica), captured and released during satellite telemetry studies 2007-2017. Employing molecular and serological assays we assess prevalence of pathogens known to be of significance for marine mammal health worldwide, and evaluate the results in relation to Caspian seal health and conservation. RT-PCR, and PCR assays find evidence for infection by Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Phocine herpes virus, phocine adenovirus and Influenza A at prevalences of 5%, 6.4%, 21.7%, and 4% respectively. The genomes of CDV isolates collected in 2008 showed 99.59% identity with the 2000 Caspian seal CDV epizootic strain. A partial coding sequence for the Us2 gene from the Caspian seal herpes virus was identical to PhHV-1 isolate PB84, previously reported from a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), while amplicon sequences for the adenovirus polymerase gene indicated a novel strain. ELISA assays detected exposure to Influenza A (55% of tested samples), adenovirus (25%), coronavirus (6%), CDV (8%), herpes virus (94%), Toxoplasma gondii (2.6%) and heartworm (1%). Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests detected exposure to Influenza B at a prevalence of 20%, and Leptospira microscopic agglutination tests detected suspected exposure to Leptospira serovars in 9% of tested samples. Overall, the risks, profile and prevalence of pathogens in Caspian seals appear comparable to other wild phocid seal populations. Our results suggest Caspian seals have exposure pathways to pathogens with epizootic potential or ability to cause significant morbidity, and that disease impacts could reduce the resilience of the population to other conservation threats. Caspian seals are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and we recommend that resources are invested to support further surveillance programs and to understand how anthropogenic pressures may influence future disease risks. Citation: Kydyrmanov A, Karamendin K, Kassymbekov Y, Kumar M, Mazkirat S, Suleimenova S, Baimukanov M, Carr IM and Goodman SJ (2023) Exposure of wild Caspian seals (Pusa caspica) to parasites, bacterial and viral pathogens, evaluated via molecular and serological assays. Front. Mar. Sci. 10:1087997. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1087997<https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1087997> ============================================================ Dr Simon Goodman School of Biology Manton Building University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK Tel: +44-(0)113-3432561, Fax: +44-(0)113-3432835 Email: s.j.goodman(a)leeds.ac.uk<mailto:s.j.goodman@leeds.ac.uk> Web: http://www.goodmanlab.org/ Twitter: @DrSimon_Goodman Sustainable Ecosystems and Adaptation Research Pillar Lead Ecology & Evolution Research Group Lead, School of Biology Director of PGR Studies, School of Biology ============================================================

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New paper: Stakeholder perspectives on illegal fishing and marine mammal bycatch
by Simon Goodman 21 Jun '23

21 Jun '23

Dear MARMAMers, We are happy to share our new open access paper: "Stakeholder consensus suggests strategies to promote sustainability in an artisanal fishery with high rates of poaching and marine mammal bycatch" Published in the journal People & Nature, available here: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.10490 Abstract 1. Illegal fishing for high value species in artisanal fisheries drives incidental catch and declines of marine mammals and other large vertebrates of conservation importance around the world. Engaging with stakeholders is essential to understand which strategies will be effective in motivating the development of more sustainable practices, and disengagement from illegal fisheries. 2. Here we present the results of a Q study carried out in autumn 2018 with 50 stakeholders from the Caspian Sea coast of Dagestan (Russian Federation), including fishers illegally targeting sturgeon (Acipenseridae) and Caspian seals Pusa caspica, traders and fisheries managers. We assess viewpoints on biodiversity governance; illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and conservation. 3. Three distinct viewpoint groups emerged from a factor analysis, which we designated as 'Nostalgists', 'Optimists' and 'Pessimists'. Nostalgists were concerned with decline in environmental quality, and emphasised a need for increased centralised involvement of authorities reminiscent of the old Soviet system. Optimists expressed support for a well-regulated legal fisheries sector, while Pessimists were very aware of the negative impact of illegal fisheries and IWT, but felt they could not be controlled. 4. Among all groups we found a strong desire for alternative livelihoods (ALs), improved sustainability and agreement on the potential effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) and increased regulation, even if some stakeholders felt they were not achievable goals. 5. We used our results to inform three workshops in which Dagestani fishers and fishery experts discussed potential conservation interventions, and the barriers to their implementation. Six action types were identified including enhanced law enforcement, increased regulation, protected areas, alternative livelihoods, reducing demand for sturgeon and seal products and the need for further research to guide policy development. 6. This consensus suggests that communities are willing to reduce participation in illegal fishing given appropriate support. The socioeconomic factors driving illegal fisheries and bycatch for Caspian seals parallel those for other endangered marine mammals such as Vaquita Phocoena sinus and suggest that Q studies could be applied in other artisanal fisheries with high rates of marine mammal bycatch to help identify policy interventions supported by involved communities. Citation: Svolkinas, L., Holmes, G., Dmitrieva, L., Ermolin, I., Suvorkov, P., & Goodman, S. J. (2023). Stakeholder consensus suggests strategies to promote sustainability in an artisanal fishery with high rates of poaching and marine mammal bycatch. People and Nature, 00, 1- 20. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10490 ============================================================ Dr Simon Goodman School of Biology Manton Building University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK Tel: +44-(0)113-3432561, Fax: +44-(0)113-3432835 Email: s.j.goodman(a)leeds.ac.uk<mailto:s.j.goodman@leeds.ac.uk> Web: http://www.goodmanlab.org/ Twitter: @DrSimon_Goodman Sustainable Ecosystems and Adaptation Research Pillar Lead Ecology & Evolution Research Group Lead, School of Biology Director of PGR Studies, School of Biology ============================================================

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