August 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Registration now open: introductory distance sampling workshop, October 2023
by Eric Rexstad 15 Aug '23

15 Aug '23

Interactive introductory distance sampling training The University of St Andrews has been training ecologists and statisticians in design and analysis of distance sampling studies for decades. Distance sampling methods are widely used in population assessment of many different taxonomic groups. This method is particularly useful in assessment of cetacean populations. Perhaps you've wanted to attend a previous workshop, but schedules conflicted with your field work. We are offering the training workshop in 10 2.5-hour blocks in October 2023. You will be invited to interact in short lectures on distance sampling principles. Exercises analysing data sets in R will reinforce those principles and the lecturer will be available to assist during the practical session via screen sharing. The session will conclude with a summary of the exercise and question/answer session for both lecture and exercise. You can participate in polls during the workshop to assess your comprehension of topics discussed. In addition to questions at any time during the lectures and practicals, an optional additional half hour will be set aside each session for discussion of topics arising. The workshop will be delivered using Zoom web conferencing software along with R-Studio "in the cloud". You will need (free) accounts for both pieces of software. I encourage you to experiment with Zoom (at https://zoom.us) and https://posit.cloud before the workshop begins. There will be an internet connection testing and general orientation session the week of 29 Sept - 03 Oct 2023. [https://posit.cloud/images/posit-cloud.jpg]<https://posit.cloud/> Posit Cloud - Do, share, teach, and learn data science<https://posit.cloud/> posit.cloud Important details - Workshop dates and time: 09-20 October 2023; 1400-1630 British Summer Time. - For the time of day in your time zone, consult world clock link<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Introductory+dist…> [https://www.timeanddate.com/scripts/worldclock_og.php?h1=World%20Clock&h2=L…]<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Introductory+dist…> Event Time Announcer<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Introductory+dist…> Event Time Announcer shows time for an event in locations all over the world. In St Andrews it happens on Monday, October 9, 2023 at 2:00:00 pm. www.timeanddate.com - Registration deadline: 22 Sept 2023 - Enrolment limit: 14 - Cost: 225 British pounds - What is included: Lectures, exercises, code, data all available online Widening participation scholarship One place will have the registration fee waived, for participants from under-represented groups. Details of eligibility and application process at http://workshops.distancesampling.org/widening-participation. Deadline for scholarship application for the October 2023 introductory workshop is 21 August 2023. What they are saying I would like to say I really liked RStudio Cloud and it is working just fine and I am really enjoying using it as a student. I'm looking forward to using it as an instructor too. I really liked the first half of the course. I love distance sampling and I am enjoying every second of the course! The only thing I can say about this particular workshop is it deserves more time. -- Kaan Özgencil, PhD student, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Further details http://workshops.distancesampling.org/intro-oct-2023.html At the webpage above, you will find a link to the St Andrews online shop where payment is made. Registration opened 14 August 2023. After you registration, I will contact you with additional details regarding workshop electronic materials, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions. Please share this announcement with interested colleagues. Information regarding all distance sampling workshops can be found at https://workshops.distancesampling.org Eric Rexstad Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Registered Charity in Scotland SC013532

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Job Postings for NARW & ESA Support
by Amy Whitt 11 Aug '23

11 Aug '23

*Environmental Compliance Specialist – North Atlantic Right Whale Support* https://azuraco.com/jobs/env_comp_narw/ Azura is recruiting for an Environmental Compliance Specialist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Greater Atlantic Regional Field Office (GARFO), Protected Resources Division (PRD), Protected Species Conservation Branch, which is responsible for carrying out the mandates of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This position will provide support for protected resources vessel strike reduction efforts along the U.S. East Coast. Work is anticipated to be remote, but applicants must reside in the mid-Atlantic region (North Carolina to New York) to meet with mariners and port operators in this region. For the full job announcement, please go to: https://azuraco.com/jobs/env_comp_narw/ *Environmental Compliance Specialist - Section 7 Support* https://azuraco.com/jobs/env_comp_section7/ Azura is recruiting for an early-career Environmental Compliance Specialist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Greater Atlantic Regional Field Office (GARFO), Protected Resources Division (PRD), Section 7 Branch, which is responsible for which is responsible for implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) covering the geographic range from Maine to Virginia. Technical expertise and assistance are needed to support the PRD in carrying out tasks associated with consultations under Section 7 of the ESA. All federal agencies must consult with NMFS when their action may affect a listed species or its designated critical habitat. This position will contribute to team efforts, frameworks, and internal tools used to assess the effects of ongoing and new federal activities on listed species and critical habitat in the Greater Atlantic Region. Work can be remote or on site at GARFO, 55 Great Republic Drive, Suite 04-400, Gloucester, MA. For the full job announcement, please go to: https://azuraco.com/jobs/env_comp_section7/ -- *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* CEO, Senior Scientist amy(a)azuraco.com Azura Consulting LLC WOSB | EDWOSB *c* 870-919-2636 *o* 972-905-1416 www.azuraco.com

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Call for Papers: Special Issue on Underwater Sound Modeling and Metrics for Impacts to Marine Mammals
by Kathy Vigness-Raposa 11 Aug '23

11 Aug '23

Accurately modeling underwater sound is critically important to understanding the potential effects of anthropogenic activities on marine mammals. The Acoustical Society of America is sponsoring a special issue in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (JASA) and JASA Express Letters on underwater acoustic sound sources, propagation modeling, and the metrics for calculating potential impacts on marine mammals. The deadline for submissions is October 2, 2023. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): - Verification and validation of underwater sound source models - Verification and validation of underwater sound propagation models - Metrics for impact assessment of underwater sound sources Please review the Call for Papers for more details: Special Issue: Verification and Validation of Source and Propagation Models for Underwater Sound | The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America | AIP Publishing Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Kathy Vigness-Raposa, Ph.D.Special Issue Editor Principal Scientist, INSPIRE Environmentalkathy(a)INSPIREenvironmental.com

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Persistent organic pollutants and trace elements detected in New Zealand fur seals (long-nosed fur seal; Arctocephalus forsteri) from New South Wales, Australia, between 1998 and 2019
by Jane Hall 11 Aug '23

11 Aug '23

On behalf of my colleagues S Bengtson Nash, A Gautam, H Bender, B J. Pitcher, H McCallum, and C Doyle we are pleased to share our publication "Persistent organic pollutants and trace elements detected in New Zealand fur seals (long-nosed fur seal; Arctocephalus forsteri) from New South Wales, Australia, between 1998 and 2019" Highlights: * New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) are vulnerable to environmental chemical pollution. * POPs and trace elements were analyzed in liver samples to identify pollution baseline of seals. * Adult males have highest burden of pollutants with possible significant health effects. * Priority chemicals for ongoing monitoring are identified to assess future changes in exposome. * Comprehensive health studies are required to effectively interpret chemical pollution impacts. The full publication can be accessed at the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723047125?via%3Di… Best regards, Jane Hall BSc, GDSc (Biomedical), CF Wildlife Health Project Officer Australian Registry of Wildlife Health Taronga Conservation Society Australia Cammeraygal Country P 02 9978 4788 E jhall(a)zoo.nsw.gov.au PhD Candidate Griffith University Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security School of Environment and Science

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Khmer Ocean Life - Cambodia Marine Mammal Conservation Internship
by Rose Ellis 10 Aug '23

10 Aug '23

*Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia * Khmer Ocean Life is an NGO in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organisation focuses on supporting the conservation of coastal cetacean species (Irrawaddy dolphin, Indo-pacific humpback dolphin) and dugongs, and their habitats, through research, capacity building and outreach. Khmer Ocean Life was founded by two experienced marine mammal researchers and conservationists, with support from the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration. We are currently looking for marine mammal research interns to join the team from August 2023 onwards. *Project activities: * · observational land surveys · observational boat surveys with community fishers · photo-identification · passive acoustic monitoring · social science · data entry, processing, and analysis · potential for aerial surveying using drones · turning findings into reports and articles for peer-review · responding to marine mammal strandings · social media and content creation · education and outreach *Basic internship training schedule* Session 1: Introduction to Khmer Ocean Life Session 2: Research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques Session 3: Marine mammal identification and behaviour training Session 4: Marine vessel identification training Session 5: Data sheet and data entry training Session 6: Drone footage analysis training Session 8: Theory test Session 9: Photo ID training Session 10: GIS training You are also welcome to conduct your own research or outreach project with us, depending on your interest, skill set and length of stay. *Internship requirements:* We are looking for individuals with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation. We are looking for dedicated, motivated, and hard-working interns that are likely university students or recent graduates. We are looking for those who can join us for a minimum period of two months and are happy to commit to early mornings for surveys. *Project site & fee description:* The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation is included in the fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like. There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume to Rose, stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to *rose.ellis(a)khmeroceanlife.com <rose.ellis(a)khmeroceanlife.com>*

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New publication: "Downsized: gray whales using an alternative foraging ground have smaller morphology"
by Bierlich, Kevin C 10 Aug '23

10 Aug '23

Hello MarMam, I hope this email finds you well! On behalf of my coauthors, I am excited to share our recent publication in Biology Letters titled, "Downsized: gray whales using an alternative foraging ground have smaller morphology". The article is freely available: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0043 Abstract Describing individual morphology and growth is key for identifying ecological niches and monitoring the health and fitness of populations. Eastern North Pacific ((ENP), approximately 16,650 individuals) gray whales primarily feed in the Arctic/sub-Arctic regions, while a small subgroup called the Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG, approximately 212 individuals) instead feeds between northern California, USA and British Columbia, Canada. Evidence suggests PCFG whales have lower body condition than ENP whales. Here we investigate morphological differences (length, skull, and fluke span) and compare length-at-age growth curves between ENP and PCFG whales. We use ENP gray whale length-at-age data comprised of strandings, whaling, and aerial photogrammetry (1926–1997) for comparison to data from PCFG whales collected through non-invasive techniques (2016–2022) to estimate age (photo identification) and length (drone-based photogrammetry). We use Bayesian methods to incorporate uncertainty associated with morphological measurements (manual and photogrammetric) and age estimates. We find that while PCFG and ENP whales have similar growth rates, PCFG whales reach smaller asymptotic lengths. Additionally, PCFG whales have relatively smaller skulls and flukes than ENP whales. These findings represent a striking example of morphological adaptation that may facilitate PCFG whales accessing a foraging niche distinct from the Arctic foraging grounds of the broader ENP population. Bierlich, K. C., Kane, A., Hildebrand, L., Bird, C. N., Fernandez Ajo, A., Stewart, J. D., Hewitt, J., Hildebrand, I., Sumich, J., & Torres, L. G. (2023). Downsized: gray whales using an alternative foraging ground have smaller morphology. Biology Letters, 19(8). https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0043 All the best, KC KC (Kevin) Bierlich, PhD, MEM Postdoctoral Scholar Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab>) Lab Marine Mammal Institute | Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences Oregon State University Pronouns: he, him, his kevin.bierlich(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:kevin.bierlich@oregonstate.edu> https://kcbierlich.wixsite.com/kcbierlich

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New Publication: Microplastics in Whale Organs & Tissues
by Greg Merrill Jr. 10 Aug '23

10 Aug '23

Hello MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors - L. Hermabessiere, C. Rochman, D. Nowacek, and myself - I'm excited to share our latest publication which discovered microplastics embedded in blubber, melon, acoustic fat pad and lungs of twelve marine mammal species. The article is available open access at the link below. Microplastics in marine mammal blubber, melon, & other tissues: Evidence of translocation Highlights * • Internalized microplastics translocate to marine mammal organs, notably blubber. * • Samples containing microplastics spanned over two decades, beginning in 2001. * • 68% of samples contained at least one microplastic particle. * • The most common polymer & shape observed were polyethylene & fibers, respectively. * https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026974912301254X Thank you! Greg Merrill Duke University Nowacek Laboratory University Program in Ecology

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New publication: "First description of a lesion in the upper digestive mucosa associated with a novel gammaherpesvirus in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in the Western Mediterranean Sea"
by Ignacio Vargas Castro 10 Aug '23

10 Aug '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our most recent publication titled "First description of a lesion in the upper digestive mucosa associated with a novel gammaherpesvirus in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in the Western Mediterranean Sea". You will find the open access publication at the *link*: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-023-03677-2 *Citation*: Vargas-Castro, I., Crespo-Picazo, J.L., Jiménez Martínez, M.Á. et al. First description of a lesion in the upper digestive mucosa associated with a novel gammaherpesvirus in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in the Western Mediterranean Sea. BMC Vet Res 19, 118 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-023-03677-2 *Abstract*: *Background*: A wide variety of lesions have been associated with herpesvirus in cetaceans. However, descriptions of herpesvirus infections in the digestive system of cetaceans are scarce. *Case report*: A young female striped dolphin stranded in the Valencian Community (Spain) on the 6th August 2021. The animal showed external macroscopic lesions suggestive of an aggressive interaction with bottlenose dolphins (rake marks in the epidermis). Internally, the main findings included congestion of the central nervous system and multiple, well-defined, whitish, irregularly shaped, proliferative lesions on the oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal mucosa. Histopathology revealed lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic meningoencephalitis, consistent with neuro brucellosis. The oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal plaques were comprised histologically of focally extensive epithelial hyperplasia. As part of the health surveillance program tissue samples were tested for cetacean morbillivirus using a real-time reverse transcription-PCR, for Brucella spp. using a real-time PCR, and for herpesvirus using a conventional nested PCR. All samples were negative for cetacean morbillivirus; molecular positivity for Brucella spp. was obtained in pharyngeal tonsils and cerebrospinal fluid; herpesvirus was detected in a proliferative lesion in the upper digestive mucosa. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the herpesvirus sequence was included in the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily. This novel sequence showed the greatest identity with other Herpesvirus sequences detected in skin, pharyngeal and genital lesions in five different species. *Conclusions*: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a proliferative lesion in the upper digestive mucosa associated with gammaherpesvirus posititvity in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions you may have. Kind regards, Ignacio Vargas-Castro *Ignacio Vargas Castro* DVM, PhD Student Viral Immunology and Preventive Medicine Unit (SUAT) VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre & Animal Health Department Universidad Complutense Madrid Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n. 28040 Madrid. Spainignavarg(a)ucm.eswww.sanidadanimal.info <https://www.sanidadanimal.info/en/> This message is private and confidential and it is intended exclusively for the addressee. If you receive this message by mistake, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please inform the sender and delete the message and attachments from your system, as it is completely forbidden for you to use this information, according to the current legislation. No confidentiality nor any privilege regarding the information is waived or lost by any mistransmission or malfunction. The personal data herein will be collected in the file "Correoweb", under the ownership of the Vice-Rectorate for Information Technologies, in which those interested may exercise their right to access, rectify, erasure or right to object the contents (article 15-21 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, General Data Protection Regulation). Before printing this mail please consider whether it is really necessary: the environment is a concern for us all.

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New publication on bisphenols and phtalate esters in Mediterranean striped dolphins
by Morgana Vighi 09 Aug '23

09 Aug '23

Dear MARMAM community, on behalf of my colleagues A. Borrell, W. Sahyoun, S. Net, A. Aguilar, B. Ouddane and O. Garcia-Garin, I am pleased to share with you our latest publication: *Concentrations of bisphenols and phthalate esters in the muscle of Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba)* *Highlights* • Muscle samples were obtained from 30 stranded Mediterranean striped dolphins. • Six bisphenols and 6 phtalate esters were detected in the samples. • BPZ was detected in all the samples, at the highest concentrations. • Concentrations did not relate with biological traits but varied with time. • Results confirm dolphin exposure to plasticizers in an already anthropized basin. You can freely access the full publication at the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0045-6535(23)01953-7 Hoping this finds your interest, I wish you all a restful and lovely rest of Summer! Warm regards, Morgana -- Morgana Vighi, PhD +34 633656763 +39 3388269806 skype: morgana.vighi

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Requested post: SMM Editors' Select Series Webinar, 17 August 2023
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 09 Aug '23

09 Aug '23

Greetings MARMAM! Join us on 17 August 2023 at 7 am PDT / 10 am EDT / 2 pm GMT for the next SMM Editors’ Select Series Webinar: How to weigh a sperm whale using drone images? with Maria Glarou This event is free to attend and presented online via Zoom, but registration is required. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DY270A_iTF6pBeoUavFcCQ <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DY270A_iTF6pBeoUavFcCQ> Space on Zoom is limited to the first 500 attendees. The talk will also be streamed live on the SMM Facebook page. About this talk: Body mass is a fundamental characteristic of animals. Although sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the largest toothed predators on earth, body mass is seldom included in studies of their ecology and physiology due to the inherent difficulties of obtaining direct measurements. We used drone images to estimate the weight of free-ranging sperm whales. We collected aerial images of 102 sperm whales (of all reproductive classes) in the Eastern Caribbean and Mediterranean Sea during 2017–2020. First, we obtained body length, width, and height (at 5% increments) measurements from dorsal and lateral drone images. Based on these measurements, we then created an elliptical 3D body shape model to calculate the body volume of the animals. We used 4 different approaches to convert volume to mass: tissue-density estimates from catch data, animal-borne tags, and body-tissue composition. Our results showed that the average total body density ranged from 834 to 1,003 kg/m3, while the weight predictions matched with existing measurements and weight-length relationships described in previous research. Our body-mass models can be used to study sperm whale bioenergetics, including inter- and intra-seasonal variations in body condition, somatic growth, metabolic rates, and cost of reproduction. About the presenter: Maria Glarou is originally from Greece. She holds a BSc degree in Biology from the University of Patras (Greece), and is a MSc graduate from Stockholm University (Sweden) with a degree in Marine Biology. Her main research interests revolve around cetacean bioenergetics, ecology and ecophysiology, as well as the impacts of human disturbance on cetaceans. For her MSc project, she conducted a pilot study in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, exploring small-scale fisheries interactions with small marine mammals. She is currently a PhD fellow at the University of Iceland’s Research Center in Húsavík, where she studies the allometry of physiological and behavioural thermoregulatory adaptations of different-sized cetaceans in Skjálfandi Bay, NE-Iceland. Open access to this article is made temporarily available in the weeks around the presentation and can be found here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12982 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12982> Current SMM members have access to all Marine Mammal Science papers. Missed a presentation or want to share this series with a friend? All previous Editors’ Select Series presentations are recorded and archived on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUc78IynQlubS2DVS1VZoplf_t42-yZOO <https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUc78IynQlubS2DVS1VZoplf_t42-yZOO> Thank you! -- Ayça Eleman, Ph.D. Candidate Theresa-Anne Tatom-Naecker, Ph.D. Candidate Sophia Volzke, Ph.D. Candidate Student Members-at-Large (SMaLs) The Society for Marine Mammalogy

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