June 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking Right Whale Aerial Observer
by Valerie Daniels 16 Jun '23

16 Jun '23

RIght Whale Aerial Observer needed by the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, MA. http:/centerforcoastalstudies.org Valerie Daniels Human Resources Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Avenue Provincetown, MA 02657

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New publication on southern right whales off Elephant Island, Antarctica
by Svenja Wöhle 15 Jun '23

15 Jun '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share the following open-access publication with you: Svenja Wöhle, Elke Burkhardt, Ilse van Opzeeland, Elena Schall; Exploring and verifying the acoustic presence of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) off Elephant Island, Antarctica. J Acoust Soc Am 1 June 2023; 153 (6): 3301–. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0019633 Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) can be used to monitor acoustic presence and behaviour of cetaceans, providing continuous, long-term, and seasonally unbiased data. The efficiency of PAM methods, however, depends on the ability to detect and correctly interpret acoustic signals. The upcall is the most prevalent vocalization of the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) and is commonly used as a basis for PAM studies on this species. However, previous studies report difficulties to distinguish between southern right whale upcalls and similar humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) vocalizations with certainty. Recently, vocalizations comparable to southern right whale upcalls were detected off Elephant Island, Antarctica. In this study, these vocalizations were structurally analyzed, and call characteristics were compared to (a) confirmed southern right whale vocalizations recorded off Argentina and (b) confirmed humpback whale vocalizations recorded in the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean. Based on call features, detected upcalls off Elephant Island could be successfully attributed to southern right whales. Measurements describing slope and bandwidth were identified as the main differences in call characteristics between species. With the newly gained knowledge from this study, additional data can be analyzed providing further insight into temporal occurrence and migratory behaviour of southern right whales in Antarctic waters. Please, feel free to contact us if you have any quesions regarding this work. Kind regards, Svenja (she/her) Svenja Wöhle|PhD student Ocean Acoustics Group, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research Klußmannstr. 3d, 27570 Bremerhaven mail: <svenja.woehle(a)awi.de> phone: 0471-4831-2212

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Roger Payne New York Times Obituary
by Diana L. Reiss 15 Jun '23

15 Jun '23

I would like to post the following: Our wonderful colleague Roger Payne passed away peacefully on June 10th surrounded by his family and music. Please use the link below like to access the fittingly impressive obituary that was published yesterday in the New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/14/science/roger-payne-dead.html?smid=nytco… Roger Payne, Biologist Who Heard Whales Singing, Dies at 88 Diana Reiss, PhD Professor & Director Animal Behavior & Conservation Program Dept. of Psychology, Hunter College Office: 212-650-3432 Lab: 212-772-4322

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NEW PUBLICATION: "Offshore construction using gravity-base foundations indicates no long-term impacts on dolphins and harbour porpoise"
by Kelsey Potlock 15 Jun '23

15 Jun '23

Dear MARMAM community, I am extremely happy to share with you our new publication in *Marine Biology*: "Offshore construction using gravity-base foundations indicates no long-term impacts on dolphins and harbour porpoise" Authors: Kelsey M. Potlock, Andrew J. Temple & Per Berggren The publication is open access and can be found at the following website: *https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-023-04240-1 <https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-023-04240-1>* Abstract: There are concerns about the short- and long-term effects on cetaceans from offshore construction using pile-driving. Gravity-base foundations and anchored floating turbines are alternative installation methods that may have less impact on cetaceans. In this study, we investigated the response of dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus *and *Lagenorhynchus albirostris*) and harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*) to the construction of wind turbines using gravity-base foundations off Blyth, Northumberland, United Kingdom using cetacean echolocation recorders (C-PODs). Data were collected at nine sites across 3 years (2016–2018) before, during and after construction. Generalised additive mixed models were used to investigate temporal, environmental, and anthropogenic drivers of dolphin and porpoise occurrence from 143,215 h (5967 days) of C-POD data. The models explained 27% and 30% of the deviance in dolphin and porpoise occurrence, respectively. Overall, the results showed no long-term effect on the dolphin occurrence from the construction of the gravity-base wind turbine array. In contrast, porpoise occurrence increased by 32% and 75%, respectively, in the years during and after construction, compared to the before-construction year. Other predictors of dolphin and porpoise occurrence included month, hour of day, tidal currents and vessel sonar activity. Our findings indicate that wind turbine installation using gravity-base foundations had no long-term effects on the occurrence of dolphins or porpoise and may represent an offshore construction methodology that is less impactful to dolphins and harbour porpoise than impact pile-driven turbine installation methods. These results are important for future offshore energy developments; however, further studies are recommended to investigate potential species and location variations. Thank you for your interest in this publication and if you have any questions, please reach out to Prof. Per Berggren at *per.berggren(a)ncl.ac.uk <per.berggren(a)ncl.ac.uk>*. Warmest regards, Kelsey, Andrew, and Per

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Extreme diving by Bottlenose dolphins
by Andreas Fahlman 14 Jun '23

14 Jun '23

Dear MarMamers We would like to share our new open-access publication that investigated the dive behavior of bottlenose dolphins in Bermuda. We report the deepest dive recorded for a bottlenose dolphin of 1000 meter. The details about the paper can be found below, and please send me an email if you have any questions. Sincerely, Andreas Title: Deep diving by offshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) Authors: Fahlman, A., Tyson Moore, R. B., Stone, R., Sweeney, J., Faulkner Trainor, R., Barleycorn, A.A., McHugh, K., Allen, J.B., Wells, R.S. Journal: Marine Mammal Science: doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13045 Abstract: We used satellite-linked tags to evaluate dive behavior in offshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) near the island of Bermuda. The data provide evidence that bottlenose dolphins commonly perform both long (>272 s) and deep (>199 m) dives, with the deepest and longest dives being to 1,000 m and 826 s (13.8 min), respectively. The data show a relationship between dive duration and dive depth for dives longer than about 272 s. There was a diurnal pattern to dive behavior, with most dives deeper than 50 m being performed at night; deep diving began at sunset and varied throughout the night. We used the cumulative frequency of dive duration to estimate a behavioral aerobic dive limit (bADL) of around 560-666 s (9.3-11.1 min) in adult dolphins in this population. Dives exceeding the bADL spent significantly longer time in the upper-most 50 m following a dive as compared with dives less than the bADL. We conclude that the offshore ecotype off Bermuda, unlike the shallow-diving near-shore bottlenose dolphin, is a deep diving ecotype, and may provide a useful animal model to study extreme diving behavior and adaptations.

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Postdoctoral Research Position: Dolphin Biopsy and Photo-Id
by Dara Orbach 14 Jun '23

14 Jun '23

*P**ostdoctoral Research Position: Dolphin Biopsy and Photo-Id* A two-year competitively funded postdoc position is available in Dara Orbach’s Functional Anatomy and Behavioral Ecology of Marine Mammals laboratory at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). A collaborative and productive colleague is sought with extensive boat-based remote biopsy and photo-identification experience with dolphins. Fieldwork will primarily be focused on collecting biopsy tissue samples and dorsal fin photographs of bottlenose dolphins in South Texas. The position is an opportunity to use the data collected to develop independent lab-based project(s) aligned with the postdoc’s research interests and expertise (e.g., genomics, proteomics, isotopes, contaminants, hormones, etc.). TAMU-CC facilities include a genomics core lab and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometer for various in-house sample analyses. The postdoc will help generate, organize, analyze, and disseminate various types of datasets, mentor and train students, and assist with community outreach projects. For more information about the lab or department, visit https://daraorbach.weebly.com/, https://jrich40.wixsite.com/tcbdolphinproject <https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjrich40.w…>, and https://www.tamucc.edu/science/departments/life-sciences/index.php. Please e-mail: 1) a cover letter describing research interests and relevant experiences, 2) a document (one page max) outlining project ideas to implement using the data collected on the boat, 3) a comprehensive *curriculum vitae*, and 4) the contact details of three references. For best consideration, e-mail materials or inquiries to Dara Orbach ( dara.orbach(a)tamucc.edu) by July 15, 2023. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. The expected start date is September 2023 and is negotiable. *Required Qualifications* · PhD in Marine Biology or related discipline (degree obtained prior to start date) · Excellent written and verbal communication, teamwork, leadership, and organizational skills · Extensive field experience in remote biopsy sampling AND photo-identification of dolphins from vessels, including authorizations on a federal permit · Expertise in small vessel operation and basic maintenance · Strong evidence of scholarly accomplishments (peer-reviewed journal publications, grants) · Previous mentorship experience *Preferred Qualifications* · Programming/statistical experience using R · GIS spatial mapping experience · Population abundance estimate experience · Extensive laboratory skills Dara Orbach, PhD Assistant Professor of Marine Biology Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi -- Dara Orbach, PhD Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi

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Hiring: Research Associate I, II, III or Senior
by Landrau Giovannetti, Nelmarie 13 Jun '23

13 Jun '23

Dear MARMAM community, The Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security has a Research Associate position open in Gulfport, MS (Harrison County). The position is posted on the MSU website at Details - Research Associate I, II, III or Senior <https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/job/506258/research-associate-…> . Position Function: A research associate position is available to support marine animal health research at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The research associate position will be located in Gulfport, Mississippi or Starkville, MS depending upon the qualifications of the candidate with periodic trips between the two locations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The research associate will work on funded research projects to support the health of marine mammals and sea turtles in the Mississippi Sound. Research will involve sample collection and analysis to support health of rehabilitating sea turtles or to investigate cause of death in dolphins or sea turtles. Research will also involve population and habitat analysis of dolphins in the Mississippi Sound to support the health of wild dolphins and sea turtles. Best wishes ------------------------------------------------------ Nelmarie Landrau Giovannetti, PhD Postdoctoral Associate Global Center for Aquatic Health & Food Security Department of Pathobiology & Population Medicine nelmarie.landrau(a)msstate.edu gcahfs.msstate.edu<https://www.gcahfs.msstate.edu/> cvm.msstate.edu<https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/> [cid:ffdbaae3-bb99-451d-9cc8-3c938075531a]

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Research Topics in Frontiers in Marine Science (Marine Megafauna)
by FrontiersMarSci_MarMam 13 Jun '23

13 Jun '23

Dear All, Several new thematic collections are being currently considered in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science (section: Marine Megafauna). We list below some of them and invite expressions of interest, so that we can gauge the level of interest they may receive. Topic 1: Conservation ecology of marine mammals in southeast Asia and western Pacific Topic 2: Behavioural ecology of island-associated cetaceans Topic 3: Population processes of apex marine predators We would like to hear from anyone interested in contributing a manuscript to any of the above topics. Please send us your tentative title, let us know email address of the lead or corresponding author, and indicate which topic you are interested in participating. Please send this brief info to: FrontiersMarSci.MarMam(a)gmail.com Note please that as Frontiers is an Open Access platform, standard manuscript processing fee will apply to all accepted articles. Many thanks to all for your interest. Bill Richards Assistant to Guest Editorial Team

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Registration closes 21Jun23, introductory distance sampling training workshop
by Eric Rexstad 13 Jun '23

13 Jun '23

Distance sampling, commonly used in the assessment of marine mammal populations, has a long history of theoretical and software development. Training is available to understand the principles as well as conduct analyses. More importantly, this training describes indicators of analyses that suggest inference from analyses might be threatened. Consequently, this training is of value not only to those conducting distance sampling surveys, but also those making use of estimates derived from distance sampling surveys. Workshop dates: 10-21 July 2023, registration closes 21 June 2023. Full details and registration instructions at the link below. https://workshops.distancesampling.org/intro-jul-2023.html I am happy to answer questions you might have about the workshop. Eric Rexstad Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Registered Charity in Scotland SC013532

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Registration is now open for The Whale Museum's 2023 Summer Marine Naturalist Training Program
by tracie merrill 12 Jun '23

12 Jun '23

The Whale Museum in Friday Harbor, WA, has been training marine naturalists since 1994. Our 2023 summer marine naturalist training program (MNTP) is fully in-person here on San Juan Island, WA. Dates for this session are: July 27-August 2, with an evening welcome reception on July 26 and a day off on July 30. Our marine naturalist training course is an intensive 6-day overview of the natural history of the San Juan Islands and the marine waters of Washington and Southern British Columbia (known as the Salish Sea). These will be mostly full days, usually running from around 9:00 am-5:00 pm Pacific Time with a mixture of classroom lectures and field trips. This course includes an in-depth treatment of the ecology and conservation of local marine species, including cetaceans (especially Southern Resident killer whales), pinnipeds, mustelids, and marine invertebrates and birds. Not only will participants learn identification and biology of species but also about TWM's marine mammal research (San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Marine Mammals Sighting Network/Database, Be Whale Wise laws and guidelines and Soundwatch Boater Education Program, and collaboration in shore based observation/acoustic research at Lime Kiln Point State Park). Presentations will be given by highly trained local naturalists, environmental educators, and scientists. The upcoming summer session will be a dynamic, high-quality in-person experience that leaves graduates qualified as a regional professional or volunteer naturalist after completing 10 practicum hours. Clock hours are available. Hands-on learning and field identification will be emphasized. The price is $650 for TWM/SSAMN members and $700 for non-members. Price includes lectures, field trips, all class materials, transportation to field trip locations from classroom venue, an opening reception, light breakfast fare and snacks, and a graduation lunch. Please note: participants are responsible for their own accommodations and travel to SJI if needed as well as meals outside of what is being provided. There are only 29 spots available. More information as well as course registration can be found at https://whalemuseum.org/pages/marine-naturalist-training . You can email Tracie Merrill, Education Curator at TWM, at tracie(a)whalemuseum.org with any questions. Sent from Outlook<http://aka.ms/weboutlook>

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