July 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

U.S. Navy Living Marine Resource Program Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by LMR Program 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

The U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals pertaining to five need topics. The FY22 need topics include: 1) demonstrate and validate the ability of existing sparse acoustic array technology to address Navy marine species monitoring goals, 2) demonstrate existing marine mammal tag technologies, 3) improve the ability to identify calling individual from acoustic tags. Details regarding the need topics mentioned above and what information is required in a pre-proposal can be found at https://www.navfac.navy.mil/lmr/proposals. All pre-proposals should be submitted via email to exwc_lmr_program(a)navy.mil. Pre-proposals pertaining to these need topics will be accepted until 11:59 PM PST on 02 December 2021. If invited, offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal.

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Shining light on dolphin physiology
by Andreas Fahlman 16 Nov '23

16 Nov '23

Dear MarMamers We would like to share our new open-access publication that investigated the use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy as a non-invasive tool to study physiology in the bottlenose dolphin. We report preliminary data which indicate that this technology allows us to measure blood flow and tissue and blood oxygenation in this dolphins. The details about the paper can be found below, and please send me or Alex Ruesch (aruesch(a)andrew.cmu.edu) an email if you have any questions. Sincerely, Andreas Title: Evaluating feasibility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in dolphins Authors: Ruesch, A., Acharya, D., Bulger, E., Cao, J., McKnight, J. C., Manley, M., Fahlman, A., Shinn-Cunningham, B. G. and Kainerstorfer, J. M. Journal: Journal of Biomedical Optics doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.28.7.075001 Abstract: Significance: Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) could help to understand how echolocating animals perceive their environment and how they focus on specific auditory objects, such as fish, in noisy marine settings. Aim: To test the feasibility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in medium-sized marine mammals, such as dolphins, we modeled the light propagation with computational tools to determine the wavelengths, optode locations, and separation distances that maximize sensitivity to brain tissue. Approach: Using frequency-domain NIRS, we measured the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient of dolphin sculp. We assigned muscle, bone, and brain optical properties from the literature and modeled light propagation in a spatially accurate and biologically relevant model of a dolphin head, using finite-element modeling. We assessed tissue sensitivities for a range of wavelengths (600 to 1700 nm), source-detector distances (50 to 120 mm), and animal sizes (juvenile model 25% smaller than adult). Results: We found that the wavelengths most suitable for imaging the brain fell into two ranges: 700 to 900 nm and 1100 to 1150 nm. The optimal location for brain sensing positioned the center point between source and detector 30 to 50 mm caudal of the blowhole and at an angle 45 deg to 90 deg lateral off the midsagittal plane. Brain tissue sensitivity comparable to human measurements appears achievable only for smaller animals, such as juvenile bottlenose dolphins or smaller species of cetaceans, such as porpoises, or with source-detector separations ≫100 mm in adult dolphins. Conclusions: Brain measurements in juvenile or subadult dolphins, or smaller dolphin species, may be possible using specialized fNIRS devices that support optode separations of >100 mm. We speculate that many measurement repetitions will be required to overcome hemodynamic signals originating predominantly from the muscle layer above the skull. NIRS measurements of muscle tissue are feasible today with source-detector separations of 50 mm, or even less..

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Florida Manatee Management Job Opportunity
by Pasawicz, Michelle 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

Greetings everyone, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV to aid the Imperiled Species Management Section with rule development and related permits and variances associated with species and their habitat under the responsibility of the Section. This position will have a focus on rules associated with the Florida manatee, but it will also act as subject matter expert and provide administrative guidance for rule related tasks for the Section's other species (marine turtles, Florida panthers, and Florida black bears). Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-F-&-W-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-IV-77… Sincerely, Michelle R. Pasawicz Biological Administrator Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/> Michelle.Pasawicz(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Michelle.Pasawicz@MyFWC.com>

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New paper: Far-Field Effects of Impulsive Noise on Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins
by Fernandez, Oihane 15 Sep '23

15 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I would like to share our recent publication in Frontiers in Marine Science (open access): Fernandez-Betelu O, Graham IM, Brookes KL, Cheney BJ, Barton TR and Thompson PM (2021) Far-Field Effects of Impulsive Noise on Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:664230. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.664230 The paper was published as part of the Frontiers research topic "Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) Studies in the Ocean" and can be downloaded freely from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.664230/full Abstract Increasing levels of anthropogenic underwater noise have caused concern over their potential impacts on marine life. Offshore renewable energy developments and seismic exploration can produce impulsive noise which is especially hazardous for marine mammals because it can induce auditory damage at shorter distances and behavioral disturbance at longer distances. However, far-field effects of impulsive noise remain poorly understood, causing a high level of uncertainty when predicting the impacts of offshore energy developments on marine mammal populations. Here we used a 10-year dataset on the occurrence of coastal bottlenose dolphins over the period 2009-2019 to investigate far-field effects of impulsive noise from offshore activities undertaken in three different years. Activities included a 2D seismic survey and the pile installation at two offshore wind farms, 20-75 km from coastal waters known to be frequented by dolphins. We collected passive acoustic data in key coastal areas and used a Before-After Control-Impact design to investigate variation in dolphin detections in areas exposed to different levels of impulsive noise from these offshore activities. We compared dolphin detections at two temporal scales, comparing years and days with and without impulsive noise. Passive acoustic data confirmed that dolphins continued to use the impact area throughout each offshore activity period, but also provided evidence of short-term behavioral responses in this area. Unexpectedly, and only at the smallest temporal scale, a consistent increase in dolphin detections was observed at the impact sites during activities generating impulsive noise. We suggest that this increase in dolphin detections could be explained by changes in vocalization behavior. Marine mammal protection policies focus on the near-field effects of impulsive noise; however, our results emphasize the importance of investigating the far-field effects of anthropogenic disturbances to better understand the impacts of human activities on marine mammal populations. Please, do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding our work (oihane.fernandez(a)abdn.ac.uk) Kind regards, Dr Oihane Fernandez-Betelu Research Fellow Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty IV11 8YL. Tel: 01381600548 [Aberdeen_Uni_logo_big low res]<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/> [FB_FindUsOnFacebook-320] <https://www.facebook.com/lighthousefieldstation> [follow us on twitter logo] <https://twitter.com/cromartylh> The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas cl?raichte ann an Alba, ?ir. SC013683.

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Re: [MARMAM] Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL
by Greer, Bill 21 Aug '23

21 Aug '23

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery efforts of marine mammal carcasses for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) East Central Field Laboratory. The incumbent will serve as member of FWC’s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatee and other marine mammal carcasses, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will recover marine mammal carcasses for necropsy from the East Central region (coastal and inland waterways of southern Volusia County through Indian River County) of Florida and assist in manatee rescue and transport operations in the East Central region as well as assist with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. This position will be responsible for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. This position will be responsible for managing the East Central region’s intern and volunteer network which includes identifying candidates, interviewing, tracking their effort and training when needed. This position will be responsible for deployment, retrieval, maintenance and data collection of temperature probes throughout the winter months. This position will be responsible for assisting with other East Central regions projects such as photo identification and assisting with basic maintenance of vehicles, trailers and vessels as well purchasing needs and other tasks as assigned by supervisor. This position will assist with aerial surveys for manatees as needed. This position will have an assigned work schedule of Tuesday to Saturday (8:00 am-5:00 pm) and will be asked to respond to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. This position will serve in a rotation with other East Central staff members for the purpose of covering the East Central Region during state holidays. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques * Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses * Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques * Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26’ in length and smaller * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions * Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs, and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships * Be comfortable speaking to the public * Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver’s license within a month of employment Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management. **Preference may be given to candidates who have experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management; having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience; having photo-id collection experience in the field; or experience working alongside volunteers/interns. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers’ Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program – voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Nearest Major Market: Melbourne Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922 From: Greer, Bill Sent: Friday, October 18, 2019 7:44 PM To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Subject: Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922

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Call for submissions for LAJAM Special Issue on the Biology and Conservation of Manatees
by Meirelles, Carol 01 Aug '23

01 Aug '23

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the Guest Editors, I am pleased to announce that the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM/) will publish a *Special Issue on the Biology and Conservation of Manatees* by the end of 2023. LAJAM is published twice a year by Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos/Sociedade Latino-Americana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Aquáticos (SOLAMAC). The journal publishes articles concerning research, management, and conservation biology of aquatic mammals in Latin America. Articles on theory or techniques broadly applicable to the study of aquatic mammals are also considered. For this Special Issue, we encourage submissions dealing with the distribution, population status, biology and ecology of manatees, as well as dealing with human conflicts, population genetics, ex-situ conservation, and sampling methods. For this issue, LAJAM will publish three types of contributed manuscripts: Articles, Notes and Protocols. Manuscripts must be written in English. All submitted manuscripts will be reviewed by at least 3 anonymous referees for scientific content. Guest Editors of the special issue are Drs. Carol Meirelles, João Carlos G. Borges, Rodrigo S. Amaral, and Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez. We invite you to submit your article prior to or by the 31st of July, 2023. The final decision will be communicated by 30 November 2023. The Guidelines for Authors are available here https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/about/submissions. Manuscripts can be submitted online here https://lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/login?source=%2Findex.php%2Flajam%…, and to do so, at least one author will need to register as a user. Please, declare in your cover letter that you wish to submit your manuscript to the *Special Issue on the Biology and Conservation of Manatees*. Please direct any enquiries to Dr Carol Meirelles: c.meirelles(a)oceans.ubc.ca<mailto:c.meirelles@oceans.ubc.ca> Sincerely, Carol. Carol Meirelles, PhD (she/her) Marine Mammal Research Unit Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada

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New publication: The first long-term data on the smallest baleen whale - the enigmatic pygmy right whale
by Adelaide Dedden 31 Jul '23

31 Jul '23

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce the publication of our new research paper in Frontiers in Marine Science, where we found that pygmy right whales are homebodies, forgoing long-distance migrations like many of their larger relatives. Dedden AV, Kemper CM, Truong G, McCurry MR, van Ruth PD and Rogers TL (2023) Stable isotopes infer the diet and habitat of the enigmatic pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata) off southern Australia. Front. Mar. Sci. 10:1190623. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1190623 Abstract: In the Southern Hemisphere, baleen whales generally undertake migrations between productive feeding grounds at high latitudes and breeding grounds at lower latitudes. Pygmy right whales (Caperea marginata) (PRW) are the smallest and most enigmatic baleen whale, that likely forgo long-distance migrations, and instead inhabit temperate and subantarctic waters year-round. Previous research has relied on limited data from sighting and stranding records to infer the habitat use and diet of PRWs, however the absence of long-term and consistent data has left uncertainty surrounding these parameters. We utilized bulk stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in baleen from Australian PRWs (n = 14) to infer their diet and habitat use. Stable isotope values from 1980–2019 were then matched to remote sensed data from known upwelling regions (where they likely feed) to examine if their dietary patterns are related to changes in food web dynamics. We found that PRWs remained in mid-latitude waters year-round and showed no evidence of feeding in Antarctic waters. Rather, their isotopic record suggests they remain between coastal waters off southern Australia and the Subtropical Convergence, feeding on krill and copepods. Additionally, there was a weak positive relationship between PRW nitrogen stable isotope values and sea surface temperature (SST) from the eastern Great Australian Bight (GAB) and Bonney Upwelling. This suggests seasonal changes in their diet is possibly correlated to oceanographic changes which drive food-web dynamics in these regions. Unlike larger species of baleen whales that migrate further to highly productive waters in the Southern Ocean to meet their energetic demands, the small PRW, who only reach 6.5m, may sustain both feeding and breeding requirements at mid-latitudes. This is the first study to analyze long-term dietary and movement patterns of the PRW, providing an important contribution to our understanding of the species. Open access paper available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1190623/full All the best, Adelaide Dedden

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Ocean Sciences Meeting 2024 session announcement
by Kerri J. Smith 31 Jul '23

31 Jul '23

Dear colleagues, We enthusiastically invite you to submit an abstract to our Ocean Sciences Meeting 2024 session, “ME004 - Leveraging historical archives to reconstruct ecological processes across temporal and spatial scales”. https://agu.confex.com/agu/OSM24/prelim.cgi/Session/195406 Our session aims to highlight research using historical archives (broadly defined, but some examples are museum collections, isotopes, ancient DNA, oral histories, etc.) to study ecological and oceanographic processes across the full biological spectrum over decadal to millennial scales within the Holocene. Specifically, we invite researchers and studies that are exploring the past to better understand the future of ecosystems worldwide. Studies that include any aspect of marine mammal biology, including but not limited to, marine mammal behavior (broadly defined), their habitats, or their ecological roles, are encouraged to submit an abstract. *We are committed to amplifying diverse voices, practices, and lived experiences to develop a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive field*. To achieve this, we hope that you will share this announcement widely within your network. Abstract submissions are due September 13, 2023. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and thank you for your consideration! Cheers! Jonathan Cybulski, Kerri Smith, Matthew Ramirez, and Kelton McMahon *--Kerri J. Smith, Ph.D.* NSF Postdoctoral Fellow McMahon Ocean Ecogeochemistry Lab <http://keltonmcmahon.com/index.html#welcome> University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882

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Environmental Training Opportunities in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and Victoria, British Columbia
by Emily Welsh 31 Jul '23

31 Jul '23

Edgewise Environmental is offering a Seabird Observer (SBO) program from August 17th - September 7th. This course includes 4 weeks of online theory with an at-sea practical taking place on September 8th in Lunenburg, NS. We have an upcoming Canada - MMO Bridging Program delivered* fully online* from October 10th-31st with no practical session. This course is designed for observers who have already successfully completed another recognized marine mammal certification and have at least 12 weeks of experience. Great for professional development! We are also offering a Canada - Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) program from October 11th - November 1st, including 4 weeks of online theory with an at-sea practical taking place on November 9th in Victoria, BC. Click here <https://www.edgewiseenvironmental.com/events/> for more information or email info(a)edgewiseenvironmental.com <info(a)edgewiseenvironmntal.com>. -- Emily Welsh *Social Media and Marketing Coordinator* Edgewise Environmental Ltd. (709) 770-0492 St. John's, NL, Canada www.edgewiseenvironmental.com [image: Facebook icon] <https://www.facebook.com/edgewiseenvironmental> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/edgewise-environmental/> [image: Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/edgewiseNL> [image: Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/edgewiseenvironmental> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: *The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. *

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Social and community structure of striped dolphins
by Giovanni Bearzi 31 Jul '23

31 Jul '23

Dear colleagues, a recently-published article attempted to unveil the social structure of striped dolphins based on photo-identification records. The new study, published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, supports the current Red List classification of striped dolphins as Endangered in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. The study benefited from a time-space method to define associations, which was originally developed for bottlenose dolphins in the same area. You may email me, or the lead author Silvia Bonizzoni (silvia.bonizzoni(a)gmail.com) to request a pdf copy of this article. Cheers, Giovanni --- Bonizzoni, S., Santostasi, N. L., Eddy, L., Riley, M. A., Ferreira da Silveira, M., Würsig, B., & Bearzi, G. (2023). Social and community structure of striped dolphins in a semienclosed Mediterranean embayment. Marine Mammal Science, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13060 ABSTRACT - Descriptions of social structure of a species or population help to understand the processes that shaped its social system, and such knowledge can be valuable in terms of conservation planning. While striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba are among the most abundant cetacean species worldwide, and the most abundant in the Mediterranean Sea, their social and community structure is poorly known. This study investigates the association patterns of a population inhabiting the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. A total of 501 individuals were photo-identified across 7 years (2011-2017). Groups were significantly larger (M = 44.7, SD = 46.3) than those studied to date in other Mediterranean areas. Association analyses in SOCPROG relied on the time and position metadata of dorsal fin photographs. Results indicated a single community characterized by nonrandom associations and a loose clustering of individuals (best division into clusters corresponded to an association index of 0.02). The high degree of social cohesion may result in part from geographic isolation within a semienclosed basin. This information can inform management action to protect a demographically isolated population classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List, within a European Union Site of Community Importance regarded as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA). - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm

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