September 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on foraging ecology of fin whales in the Humboldt Current System (Ana Garcia-Cegarra)
by Ana M Garcia Cegarra 29 Sep '23

29 Sep '23

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am happy to share our new research article entitled: Multiple stable isotopes (C, N & S) provide evidence for fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) trophic ecology and movements in the Humboldt Current System of Northern Chile. The article will be open access for 50 days and you can find the pdf in this link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113623003069?utm_cam… Please do not hesitate to contact me for a pdf copy: anamaria.garcia(a)uantof.cl All the best Ana Abstract: Reflecting the intense coastal upwelling and high primary productivity characteristic of the Humboldt Current System (HCS), the northern coast of Chile supports a diverse and productive community of marine consumers, including worldwide important pelagic fisheries resources. Although marine mammals are relatively understudied in the region, recent studies have demonstrated that fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) is the most frequently encountered whale species, and forages in these waters year-round. However, a current lack of information limits our understanding of whether fin whales actively feed and/or remain resident in these waters or whether whales are observed feeding as they migrate along this part of the Pacific. Here, we use stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur of fin whale skin samples collected in early summer 2020 (n = 18) and in late winter 2021 (n = 22) to examine evidence of temporal isotopic shifts that could provide information on potential migratory movements and to estimate likely consumption patterns of putative prey (i.e. zooplankton, krill, pelagic fishes and *Pleuroncodes* sp.). We also analysed prey items in fin whale faecal plumes (n = 8) collected during the study period. Stable isotope data showed significant differences in the isotopic values of fin whales from summer and winter. On average, summer individuals were depleted in 15N and 34S relative to those sampled during winter. Whales sampled in summer showed greater isotopic variance than winter individuals, with several showing values that were atypical for consumers from the HCS. During winter, fin whales showed far less inter-individual variation in stable isotope values, and all individuals had values indicative of prey consumption in the region. Analysis of both stable isotopes and faeces indicated that fin whales sighted off the Mejillones Peninsula fed primarily on krill (SIA median contribution = 32%; IRI = 65%) and, to a lesser extent, zooplankton (SIA zooplankton = 29%; IRI copepod = 33%). These are the first isotopic-based data regarding the trophic ecology of fin whales in the north of Chile. They provide evidence that fin whales are seasonally resident in the area, including individuals with values that likely originated outside the study area. The information presented here serves as a baseline for future work. It highlights that many aspects of the ecology of fin whales in the Humboldt Current and wider SE Pacific still need to be clarified. *Ana M. García-Cegarra, Ph.D.* Laboratorio de Estudio de Megafauna Marina, CETALAB: Universidad de Antofagasta (Chile) https://cetalab.weebly.com/

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New publication: Māui dolphin epigenetic clock
by Keith Hernandez 28 Sep '23

28 Sep '23

Hello MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to share our new open access publication in Ecology and Evolution, available at this link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.10562. Hernandez, K. M., O'Neill, K. B., Bors, E. K., Steele, D, Zoller, J. A., Constantine, R., Horvath, S., Baker, C. S. (2023) Using epigenetic clocks to investigate changes in the age structure of critically endangered Māui dolphins. Ecology and Evolution, 13(10), e10562. The age of an individual is an essential demographic parameter but is difficult to estimate without long-term monitoring or invasive sampling. Epigenetic approaches are increasingly used to age organisms, including nonmodel organisms such as cetaceans. Māui dolphins (*Cephalorhynchus hectori maui*) are a critically endangered subspecies endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand, and the age structure of this population is important for informing conservation. Here we present an epigenetic clock for aging Māui and Hector's dolphins (*C. h. hectori*) developed from methylation data using DNA from tooth aged individuals (*n *= 48). Based on this training data set, the optimal model required only eight methylation sites, provided an age correlation of .95, and had a median absolute age error of 1.54 years. A leave-one-out cross-validation analysis with the same parameters resulted in an age correlation of .87 and median absolute age error of 2.09 years. To improve age estimation, we included previously published beluga whale (*Delphinapterus leucas*) data to develop a joint beluga/dolphin clock, resulting in a clock with comparable performance and improved estimation of older individuals. Application of the models to DNA from skin biopsy samples of living Māui dolphins revealed a shift from a median age of 8-9 years to a younger population aged 7-8 years 10 years later. These models could be applied to other dolphin species and demonstrate the ability to construct a clock even when the number of known age samples is limited, removing this impediment to estimating demographic parameters vital to the conservation of critically endangered species. -- Keith M. Hernandez, PhD | he/him/his Postdoctoral Scholar, Cetacean Conservation and Genomics Laboratory Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University Newport, OR 97365 Google Scholar <https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&view_op=list_works&authuser=2&gm…> | ResearchGate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Keith_Hernandez2>

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Invitation: Symposium for the 50th anniversary of the ESA, Rice’s whales, and marine mammal conservation
by Eric Patterson - NOAA Federal 27 Sep '23

27 Sep '23

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the National Museum of Natural History, NOAA Fisheries, and the Marine Mammal Commission, you are cordially invited to celebrate the the discovery of Rice’s whales, marine mammal conservation, and 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act at an all-day Scientific Symposium: What: “Whales on the Brink: Stories from the Rice’s Whale Discovery and Right Whale Tales” Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023 Time: 8:30 am to 5 pm ET Place: Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution The Symposium is open to the public and no registration is needed. For those who cannot attend in person, it will also be hosted online at: https://video.ibm.com/channel/smithsonian-national-museum-of-natural-history Additional information about the Scientific Symposium can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/event/2023-rices-whale-scientific-symposium We hope you can join us at this exciting event! Sincerely, The Event Planning Team [image: Whales on the Brink and ESA 50th Symposium-Invite-Nov 16 2023.jpg]

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book announcement
by Mridula Srinivasan - NOAA Federal 26 Sep '23

26 Sep '23

Hi, I am pleased to share the online publication of the book entitled *Social Strategies of Carnivorous Mammalian Predators: **Hunting and Surviving as Families* (Edited by M. Srinivasan and B. Wursig). Springer Nature Publishers, Switzerland. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-29803-5 The book offers a comparative look at the social strategies of five carnivorous social predators (spotted hyenas, gray wolves, Asiatic & African lions, African wild dogs, and mammal hunting killer whales) that make them successful hunting units. The focus is on mammalian predators hunting (largely) mammalian prey. Each chapter (with separate authors) devoted to a particular species, explores the versatile hunting techniques and social dynamics of these top predators as they attempt to survive, defend, and reproduce in challenging habitats. Each chapter also delves into how the social fabric and ecology of each species influence their ability to deal with natural and man-made threats and shifting baselines. Thanks, Mridula *Mridula Srinivasan (Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Special Advisor* *Office of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction* *National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration* *Washington, D.C. * *+1305.814.4526 (Google Voice)* *+1202.308.3440 (Work Cell)* *Director, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD)* *Atlantic IACUC Chair* *Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida* *NOAA Fisheries, Department of Commerce* *+1305.814.4526 (Google Voice)* ****** I support flexible working arrangements and I am sending this email now because it suits the hours I am working today. Please do not feel obliged to reply right away as I understand and expect you to respond during your work hours. Thank you. [image: icon-facebook.png] <https://www.facebook.com/NOAAFisheries>[image: icon-twitter.png] <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries>[image: icon-youtube.png] <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>[image: icon-instagram.png] <http://www.instagram.com/noaafisheries>[image: icon-linkedin.png] <http://www.linkedin.com/in/mridulavasan> Executive Board Member NOAA AAPI ERG <https://sites.google.com/noaa.gov/oicr-erg-asian/home?pli=1&authuser=1>

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New book: Sex in Cetaceans
by Dara Orbach 25 Sep '23

25 Sep '23

On behalf on my co-editor and the contributing authors, we are pleased to announce the publication of our new book: Würsig, B., Orbach, D.N*., *eds. 2023. *Sex in **Cetaceans: Morphology, Behavior, and the Evolution of Sexual Strategies*. 619 pp. Cham (Switzerland): Springer Nature. The 24 chapter book is available *open access:* d oi:10.1007/978-3-031-35651-3 Sex in Cetaceans provides an up-to-date review of multi-faceted aspects related to mating and reproduction in toothed and baleen whales. This open access book begins with discussions of sexual selection and anatomical traits related to mating and diversity between the sexes. The functions of non-conceptive copulations are reviewed as are different research techniques applied to explore sex in cetaceans. Authors and editors build knowledge of female and male social, mating, and parental strategies and tactics for several specific toothed dolphin/porpoise/whale species and baleen whale species. It concludes with a discussion of potential conservation efforts and ways to help especially beleaguered species and populations the world over. The volume is intended as a major primer of cetacean sex for undergraduate and graduate students, new and established researchers in the field, and the public wishing to learn more. Cheers, Dara Orbach, PhD Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi

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summer 2024 jobs in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
by Neilson, Janet L 25 Sep '23

25 Sep '23

The National Park Service may be seeking to fill two full-time seasonal biological technician positions for next summer (approximately April/May - September/October 2024) at Glacier Bay National Park based in Bartlett Cove, Alaska. Applications will be accepted September 25, 2023 - September 29, 2023: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/750701200 (Note that this same job announcement includes Biological Science Technician positions at other national park duty stations in Alaska besides Bartlett Cove.) Follow the instructions carefully. Including a cover letter as part of your application is strongly encouraged. Your complete application package must be submitted through USAJobs by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, September 29, 2023. ***IMPORTANT: You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for these positions and the application deadline is firm. There are no exceptions. Late applications will not be accepted and we do not accept hardcopy or email application packages. Humpback Whale Population Monitoring (1 position): Seeking applicants with photo-ID and/or data management experience for a summer seasonal position in Glacier Bay National Park. This GS-6 or GS-7 position is primarily responsible for data entry and analysis, (e.g., fluke matching, MS Access databases, labeling digital images), but will also be a trainee and learn to lead boat-based surveys of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait to document the distribution, behavior, feeding ecology, and life histories of individually-identified humpback whales. Familiarity and experience operating small vessels is encouraged. This position also assists with marine mammal stranding response and helps maintain a 45-foot humpback whale skeleton exhibit. This seasonal position will be hired at the GS-6 or GS-7 level depending on the applicant's education and work experience. Marine Mammal Shipboard Observer (1 position): This GS-7 position is based out of Bartlett Cove, Alaska focused on marine mammal surveys in Glacier Bay National Park. The position is part of an effort that, since 2006, has recorded the frequency of surfacing events of humpback whales in proximity of large cruise ships in Glacier Bay National Park. Selectee will conduct cruise ship-based surveys up to four times per week, by standing at the bow for long periods in all weather conditions using rangefinder binoculars and GPS units. Familiarity with GPS and database software is encouraged. For more information on these positions, please contact Chris_Gabriele(a)nps.gov

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important comment opportunity -- Rice's whale
by Jasny, Michael 25 Sep '23

25 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM community - I'm writing to alert you to a comment opportunity on an important conservation matter. Recently, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposed designating critical habitat for Rice's whale in the Gulf of Mexico, under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Rice's whale, as many are aware, is one of the most endangered baleen whales on the planet, with a population estimated at fewer than 100 individuals. Aside from the natural vulnerability that comes with small population size, the species faces a number of serious anthropogenic threats, including ship strikes, oil spills, and chronic ocean noise from seismic surveys and shipping. NMFS's proposed designation for the whale comprises shelf-break waters from Florida to Texas, between the 100 and 400m isobaths. This area was defined based on multiple lines of evidence: sightings from large-vessel surveys, acoustic monitoring from sites along the northern Gulf, studies of the whale's prey and prey distribution, and analyses of habitat suitability. Designating critical habitat is essential to species conservation under the Endangered Species Act, and it will be essential to recovery of this endangered whale. If you're interested in the species, I strongly encourage you to submit comments to NMFS. To do so, please go to this submission page<https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2023-0028-0001> (https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2023-0028-0001) and click the comment icon. The proposed critical habitat designation is here<https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/24/2023-15187/endangered-….>. Thanks, Michael Michael jasny Director, Marine Mammal Protection NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, bc v6r1s4 T 604.736.9386 c 310.560.5536 mjasny(a)NRDC.ORG<mailto:mjasny@NRDC.ORG> Please save paper. Think before printing.

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New paper on using CNNs to detect and identify dolphin vocalisaions for PAM
by Guilherme Frainer 23 Sep '23

23 Sep '23

Dear Colleagues, I am happy to share our new study on the use of Convolutional Neural Networks for Passive Acoustic Monitoring. This study aimed to develop a sound classifier to acoustically monitor the critically endangered humpback dolphin in South African waters. The article is open access and you can find the pdf in this link <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1574954123003205?fbclid=…>. The new tool can be downloaded and tested with the demo you can get at GitHub <https://github.com/Gui-Frainer/CetusID>. All the best, Gui Abstract: A novel framework for acoustic detection and species identification is proposed to aid passive acoustic monitoring studies on the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (*Sousa plumbea*) in South African waters. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) were used for both detection and identification of dolphin vocalisations tasks, and performance was evaluated using custom and pre-trained architectures (transfer learning). In total, 723 min of acoustic data were annotated for the presence of whistles, burst pulses and echolocation clicks produced by *Delphinus delphis* (~45.6%), *Tursiops aduncus* (~39%), *Sousa plumbea* (~14.4%), *Orcinus orca* (~1%). The best performing models for detecting dolphin presence and species identification used segments (spectral windows) of two second lengths and were trained using images with 70 and 90 dpi, respectively. The best detection model was built using a customised architecture and achieved an accuracy of 84.4% for all dolphin vocalisations on the test set, and 89.5% for vocalisations with a high signal to noise ratio. The best identification model was also built using the customised architecture and correctly identified *S. plumbea* (96.9%), *T. aduncus* (100%), and *D. delphis* (78%) encounters in the testing dataset. The developed framework was designed based on the knowledge of complex dolphin sounds and it may assists in finding suitable CNN hyper-parameters for other species or populations. Our study contributes towards the development of an open-source tool to assist long-term studies of endangered species, living in highly diverse habitats, using passive acoustic monitoring. -- *Guilherme Frainer* <https://gui-frainer.github.io/guifrainer.github.io/index.html>, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation <http://www.seec.uct.ac.za/>, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town Sea Search Research and Conservation <http://www.seasearch.co.za> +27 068 3330404 (RSA) Lattes <http://lattes.cnpq.br/6792744964578279> - ORCID <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5527-9219> - Scholar <https://scholar.google.com.br/citations?user=qbVW_uUAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR>

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Marine Mammal Rescue/Rehabilitation Spring Internship
by Karen Helms 22 Sep '23

22 Sep '23

Marine Mammal Rescue/Rehabilitation Spring Internship The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City, California, is accepting applications for Spring internships in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and public education. Internships are 12-14 weeks. The internships include a $1,000 stipend. Applicants will live and work in Crescent City. Intern duties include: * marine mammal rescue and health assessment * diet preparation and feeding * wound care and medication administration * blood draw and subcutaneous fluid * cleaning enclosures, pools, and kennels daily * facility/equipment maintenance and cleaning tasks * fundraising events and special projects * engaging with the public in our gift shop * observing surgical procedures and necropsy * additional tasks as needed Requirements: * Must be a minimum of 21 years of age * a recent graduate or actively pursuing a degree in marine biology, zoology, or veterinary * physically fit with the ability to lift 50lbs and hike long distances in adverse conditions * available to work 5 days a week including evenings, weekends, and holidays * self-motivated, articulate, reliable, and responsible * works well independently and in a team * must possess a valid driver's license * must have experience with Microsoft Office, Word and Excel Preferred Qualifications, but not required: * previous experience in a marine mammal field * previous experience working with the public Additional Information: * interns are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution for university credit. * this is an unpaid position with no housing provided, however, we do offer a $1,000 housing stipend (in 3 payments) * all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation * a vehicle is preferred as public transportation is very limited and will restrict participation in some areas * internship requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks * spring term begins on March 1, 2024 To Apply: please include the following and submit via email to volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org<mailto:volunteer@northcoastmmc.org>. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone calls or faxes please. * a cover letter that includes term start date * a current curriculum vitae or resume * three references familiar with the applicant's academic/professional performance

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Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Oceanography of Marine Mammals
by Kate Indeck 22 Sep '23

22 Sep '23

Hi all, Please see below for an exciting opportunity to join our lab and contribute to critical oceanographic research that will help inform conservation measures for endangered marine mammals in Canadian waters! Project Description: The Davies Lab at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, Canada, is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow into our laboratory with generous support from the Murphy Family Foundation. The fellow will conduct research that applies oceanographic principles and tools to advance the conservation of endangered ocean animals, and particularly the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. The fellow will work with remote sensing data sets of whales and associated oceanographic data collected by ocean gliders to study whale & copepod distribution, and research applications for dynamic ocean management. They will have the opportunity to engage in seagoing field work in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Bay of Fundy, Canada, engage their research in policy and management processes, and work with partners in industry, government, NGO and academic communities. Qualifications: A Ph.D. in oceanography, biology, aquatic conservation science, aquatic environmental studies or a related discipline. Research areas of the candidate may include, but are not limited to, foraging ecology, passive acoustic monitoring, remote sensing, satellite detection, dynamic management, distribution and/or habitat use. Experience with computer programming and publishing research is essential. Helpful skills include experience working on boats, data science, and numerical modeling. Setting: The Davies Lab is a dynamic, interdisciplinary laboratory that focuses on oceanography, marine conservation, and top predator ecology. Visit our website for more information about our lab and ongoing projects: https://davieslab.wixsite.com/davieslab. The University of New Brunswick Saint John is located on the Bay of Fundy. The Department of Biological Sciences at UNBSJ is a collegial and research-intensive group, with a strength in marine biology. Saint John is a vibrant port city with a historical core, great nightlife and restaurants, and access to wilderness and the ocean on its doorstep. Compensation: This is a 2 year postdoctoral fellowship position, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The award includes a salary of $60,000 CAD per year plus benefits, and $15,000 per year for work-related travel costs which include relocation expenses, travel to partner institutions, conferences, and workshops. Postdoctoral fellows are unionized under a collective agreement at the University of New Brunswick. To Apply: Send a cover letter detailing the evidence that you meet the required qualifications, career goals and fit with the project and lab, a recent CV, copies of unofficial graduate school transcripts, and contact information for 3 references to kim.davies(a)unb.ca<mailto:kim.davies@unb.ca>. Applicants who identify as members of groups underrepresented in science are especially encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2023 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Cheers, Kate Katherine Indeck, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow • Biological Sciences Mobile: (506) 653-7097 Office: Ganong Hall 224 Address: 100 Tucker Park Rd Saint John, New Brunswick Canada E2L 4L5 [University of New Brunswick] [Facebook]/uofnb<https://www.facebook.com/uofnb> [Twitter] @unb<https://twitter.com/UNB> [Instagram] @discoverunb<https://instagram.com/discoverunb/> UNB.ca<http://www.unb.ca/> Kate Indeck | Davies Lab<https://davieslab.wixsite.com/davieslab/copy-of-kim-davies>

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