September 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

SEPTEMBER Training Courses at Seiche - Marine Mammal Observer / Protected Species Observer / Passive Acoustic Monitoring Level 1 & more
by Marketing 13 Sep '23

13 Sep '23

JNCC MMO + PAM Level 1 Training + PSO Additional Modules. JNCC MMO two-day course - You will have a thorough insight to all aspects of the life of a Marine Mammal Observer. The course is ideal for anyone aspiring to a career in Marine Mammal Observation as well as those in industry who may work alongside a MMO and who want to get a better understanding of the role. PSO (optional) BOEM and BSEE-approved - Additional Course Modules. - Our certification is a professional qualification and will give Delegates a thorough grounding in all aspects of the PSO role. PAM Level 1 course - This highly interactive three-day course combines classroom work with workshops and practical experience on a boat. It is perfect for Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) seeking to expand their skillset. This is our most popular Trio of courses. 25 - 29th September 2023. Bookings are now open, Email training(a)seiche.com for more information. Marketing Seiche Ltd E: marketing(a)seiche.com W: https://www.seiche.com Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Seiche Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Registered number: 1468514. Registered Office: Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Final Incidental Take Regulations for the Ocean Wind 1 Project, Offshore New Jersey
by Kelsey Potlock - NOAA Federal 12 Sep '23

12 Sep '23

Dear Colleagues, On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, NOAA Fisheries will publish the final incidental take regulations related to Ocean Wind’s Ocean Wind 1 Project <https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/ocean-wind-1>. The effective dates for these regulations are October 13, 2023 through October 12, 2028. The project would be located offshore New Jersey within the New Jersey Wind Energy Area. Under power purchase agreements, the project would deliver an estimated 1,100 megawatts of clean energy to New Jersey. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, these regulations would govern the “take” of small numbers of marine mammals exposed to elevated underwater noise generated by the project’s activities over a five-year period. NOAA Fisheries has determined the take that may be authorized in a Letter of Authorization would have a negligible impact on all affected marine mammal species and stocks. The final regulations include mandatory mitigation measures that avoid or minimize the impacts of the activities on marine mammals and their habitat, as well as monitoring and reporting requirements to better understand those impacts. Documents associated with this final action will be available on our website <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidental-take-authorization-ocean-w…> tomorrow. This regulatory action is part of NOAA’s ongoing work to ensure the nation’s deployment of offshore wind energy is done in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts to protected resources and their habitats. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you, Kelsey - - - - - *Kelsey Potlock, M.Phil* *(she/her/hers)* *Marine Resources Management Specialist* Permits and Conservation Division Office of Protected Resources NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce www.fisheries.noaa.gov Google Voice Phone Number: (301) 427-8410 Email: *kelsey.potlock(a)noaa.gov <kelsey.potlock(a)noaa.gov>*><((((º>·.¸. ·.¸.·´¯`·...¸.·´¯`·...¸.·><((((º> ·.¸.·´¯`·...¸.·´¯`·...¸.·><((((º>·.¸.·´¯`·...¸.·´¯`·...¸.·><((((º> [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/company/noaa-fisheries>

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New publication: Vessel noise prior to pile driving at offshore windfarm sites deters harbour porpoises from potential injury zones
by Benhemma-Le Gall, Aude 11 Sep '23

11 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to share this open access article published in Environmental Impact Assessment Review: Benhemma-Le Gall, A., Thompson, P., Merchant, N., & Graham, I. (2023). Vessel noise prior to pile driving at offshore windfarm sites deters harbour porpoises from potential injury zones. Environmental impact assessment review, 103, [107271]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2023.107271 Abstract: Efforts to meet climate change targets are resulting in rapid and global expansion of offshore windfarms. In many regions, development areas are also used by protected marine mammals, requiring the assessment and mitigation of any risk of injury during construction and operation. For small cetaceans such as the harbour porpoise, there is particular concern over the risk of injury from impulsive noise should individuals remain within near-field injury zones during the installation of pile driven turbine foundations. Currently, this risk is assessed by comparing predicted noise levels at the start of piling with baseline estimates of animal density, which are, in turn, based on data collected at least one year earlier. However, vessel-based preparation work immediately prior to piling may displace animals, thus reducing any risk of injury when pile-driving begins. We investigated the effects of pre-piling activities on local soundscapes and harbour porpoise occurrence during the construction of two deep-water offshore windfarms in NE Scotland. Arrays of echolocation click detectors deployed at a sub-set of turbine sites were used to assess porpoise occurrence within a 5 km buffer during a 48-h period prior to the initiation of piling. In parallel, we characterised local vessel activity using AIS data and underwater broadband noise levels. We then used daily engineering records to characterise variation in construction activities and explore how porpoise occurrence varied during the 48 h prior to piling. On average, vessels arrived onsite 11–15 h before the start of pile-driving activities at both windfarms. In both installation campaigns, harbour porpoise acoustic detection gradually declined by up to 33% during the 48 h prior to piling. This decrease in detections was associated with increased levels of vessel and pre-piling installation activities, and increased local underwater broadband noise levels. These results provide strong evidence of porpoise displacement prior to active mitigation activities, highlighting the need to account for disturbance from multiple sources when optimising mitigation measures aimed at reducing impacts of windfarm construction on protected marine mammal populations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments at aude.benhemma-legall(a)abdn.ac.uk<mailto:aude.benhemma-legall@abdn.ac.uk> Kind regards, Aude Benhemma-Le Gall The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas clàraichte ann an Alba, Àir. SC013683.

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Montenegro Dolphin Research: Internship and Volunteer Positions Available
by DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association 11 Sep '23

11 Sep '23

VOLUNTEER AND INTERN RECRUITMENT FOR THE MONTENEGRO DOLPHIN RESEARCH (SOUTH ADRIATIC SEA) Dear all, Please find below details of Autumn Vacancies at our Montenegro Dolphin Research project. WHO ARE DMAD AND WHAT DO WE DO? DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association have scientific projects running in Turkey and Montenegro. We conduct long-term studies of marine mammals in Istanbul, Antalya, the Levantine Sea, and Montenegrin coastal waters. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to hydrocarbon exploration. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community. More details on the project can be found here: montenegrodolphinresearch.org WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates, that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose passion for marine mammals is strong and sincere. Opportunities are available from October 2023. The minimum duration of the placements is 2 MONTHS, with possible exceptions for skilled candidates. REQUIREMENTS -True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment; -Respect for the organisation's rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures; -Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team; -Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills; -Willingness to learn new software applications. -Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once a fortnight (occasionally more if possible). -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavioural data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloguing and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. -Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -GIS mapping -Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; -Photo-identification; -Discovery, Darwin and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; PROJECT CONTRIBUTION The contribution fee for volunteers is €1000 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee will go down in the third month to €950. For interns, it’s €1150 per month. For a timeframe longer than 2 months the fee will go down in the third month to €1050. All of the contribution fee goes directly to supporting the projects and includes tax. The fee includes: -Accommodation and expenses; -Transportation between the project sites within Montenegro;; -Training and lectures with a copy of the lecture on PDF; -Fieldwork (land- and boat survey); -Use of the equipment; And for Interns it also includes: -Scientific support; -Additional courses related to the selected subject; Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to info(a)dmad.org.tr, explaining why you are a suitable asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our internships and work please take a look at some of our web pages and social media: Our research: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-projects Our internships: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-internships Our publications: http://www.dmad.org.tr/our-publications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, DMAD team

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Webinar Alert: Marine Mammal Management in the Caribbean
by Ocean Governance 11 Sep '23

11 Sep '23

Webinar Alert: Marine Mammal Management in the Caribbean There are only a few days left to register for the upcoming webinar, “Towards effective management of marine mammals in the Caribbean: The Marine Mammals Management Toolkit.” The Marine Mammal Twinning has designed and created a toolkit for the inclusion of marine mammals into MPAs. The aim of the Marine Mammal Twinning tool is to help build the technical capacities of MPA managers by sharing knowledge, expertise and good practices. In order to guide effective management of marine mammals, and support MPA managers, the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit contains four key components: factsheets; Self-Assessment Tool (SAT); good practices and a Community of Practice. This webinar is being held in collaboration with the Regional Activity Centre for the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife for the Wider Caribbean Region (SPAW-RAC) and the Caribbean Marine Megafauna and Anthropogenic Activities (CAMAC) Project. Save the date: Tuesday, September 12th 2023 10 am (ET) Duration: 90 mins Language: English, French, Spanish Please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlceurqT4oHtfQcTOmuQoOmiVinDwJ7l… Fiona Dyrhauge *Project Officer * *Marine Mammal Twinning: *www.marine-mammals.info *Ocean Governance - Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems, catalysts for building peace and security and fostering sustainable economies, South Asia and Atlantic Ocean basin* www.oceangovernance4mpas.eu Join our *Community of Practice* here. <https://marine-mammals.info/community-of-practice/>

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New Article: Encounter rate and relative abundance of eight cetaceans off the central Catalan coast (Northwestern Mediterranean sea)
by Oriol Giralt 11 Sep '23

11 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share with you Associació Cetàcea's most recent publication: Oriol Giralt Paradell, Silvia Junca, Ricard Marcos, Anna Conde Gimenez, Joan Gimenez, Encounter rate and relative abundance of eight cetaceans off the central Catalan coast (Northwestern Mediterranean sea), Marine Environmental Research, 191, 106166 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106166. Abstract: This study provides information on cetacean occurrence in the central Catalan coast (NE Iberian Peninsula), an area characterised by an underwater canyon system. Encounter rates (ER), relative abundances (RA) and seasonality were assessed for eight species. This information was combined with physiographic features of the seafloor to understand their influence on cetacean distribution. Data were collected along 189 surveys from January 2017 to December 2022. In total, 479 sightings of eight species of cetaceans were recorded. Striped, bottlenose and Risso's dolphins and fin whales were the most frequently sighted. ER and RA were similar or higher than in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Species were distributed differently according to physiographic features: bottlenose dolphins in coastal waters and Risso's dolphins and fin whales above the Garraf underwater canyon system. These results highlight the importance of the central Catalan coast, particularly the underwater canyon system, for at least four species of cetaceans. The article can be freely accessed for a limited time using this link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1hkShW5UJNpz1 Do not hesitate to contact us for a copy of the article at recerca(a)associaciocetacea.org Best regards, Oriol Giralt

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New Publication: Observed Trends in Scavenging by Common Bottlenose Dolphins in For-Hire Fisheries in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico
by Corie Grewal 08 Sep '23

08 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are very pleased to share our new paper : Grewal, C. E., Powell, J. R., Horstman, S. C., Farmer, N. A., Ayala, O., & Read, A. J. (2023). Observed trends in scavenging by common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus truncatus) in for-hire fisheries in the eastern U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Marine Mammal Science, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13030 Abstract Interactions between bottlenose dolphin and recreational rod and reel fisheries are a complex issue for resource managers in the United States, which may impact anglers' catch and lead to dangerous situations for scavenging or depredating dolphins. To examine this issue, we analyzed data collected by observers on for-hire fishing vessels off the eastern U.S. Gulf Coast from 2009 to 2020. A generalized additive model indicated number of anglers, number of discarded fish, proximity to shore, prior scavenging events, type of released fish, and area fished were all significant predictors of scavenging by dolphins. The Florida panhandle had the highest odds of scavenging, while scavenging in the Big Bend and Tampa Bay has increased through time. The Florida panhandle is a well-known area for illegal feeding of dolphins, suggesting human behavior may be influencing fisheries interactions. Model outputs indicate that dolphins are primarily cuing on fishing activity rather than number of discards, but are more likely to scavenge discards from the family Lutjanidae (snappers), which comprised 40% of observed discards but 80% of scavenging events. This study highlights factors influencing the frequency of dolphin scavenging events, guiding managers and scientists on additional studies and mitigation measures needed to address this issue. Please feel free to contact me to request a PDF version or with any questions or comments at coriegrewal(a)alumni.duke.edu Best Regards, Corie Grewal Duke University MEM '21 Work: corie.grewal(a)noaa.gov

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sperm whale slow clicks
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 07 Sep '23

07 Sep '23

Dear All, We are working on a project concerning sperm whale slow clicks (also called clangs), and we are therefore interested in good PAM recordings of these sounds. If any of you have such data and are interested in a collaboration please reach out to: simone.videsen(a)bio.au.dk<mailto:simone.videsen@bio.au.dk> and peter.madsen(a)bio.au.dk<mailto:peter.madsen@bio.au.dk> Best Peter

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Seeking abstracts for a session on underwater acoustic impacts at Ocean Sciences 2024 - Abstract deadline Sept 13, 2023
by Martin, Morgan J 07 Sep '23

07 Sep '23

Session on underwater acoustic impacts at Ocean Sciences 2024 - Abstract deadline Sept 13, 2023 Dear All, This is a friendly reminder that the the Center for Marine Acoustics within BOEM is hosting a session focused on underwater acoustic impacts at the upcoming Ocean Sciences Meeting 2024<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YhT03O9-KN7jyZjhrl9OphTHjqVFBSc_ebVPScIVHfl…>, which will take place on February 18-23 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The session title and description are below. We will be very pleased to receive abstracts on all relevant topics. The abstract deadline is next Wednesday, September 13, 2023. We feel that your marine mammal work would be highly relevant to this session and we encourage you to submit an abstract if possible! Please share this with your students, postdocs, research staff and colleagues. We are in need of a couple more abstracts to maintain our session's presence at the OSM 2024. Session Title: OT021: Underwater Acoustic Impacts: BOEM's Past, Present, and Future Efforts to Address the Issues Topic Area: Ocean Technologies and Observatories The link to this session can be found here: https://agu.confex.com/agu/OSM24/prelim.cgi/Session/195357 Organizers: Morgan J. Martin, morgan.martin(a)boem.gov Molly Reeve, molly.reeve(a)boem.gov Marine acoustics issues have greatly increased in national and international significance over the last several decades. As a result, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) studies and environmental risk assessment work have expanded to consider a wider variety of marine species, such as marine mammals, turtles, fishes, and invertebrates, as well as anthropogenic sound sources. Understanding the science of marine acoustics and its policy applications requires highly specialized knowledge and experience in physics and bioacoustics (how animals use and are affected by sound). To answer the call, BOEM launched the Center for Marine Acoustics (CMA) in 2020 to build its expertise, strengthening the Bureau’s role in managing and understanding underwater sound. The CMA provides expertise and leadership to drive best practices, expand research on underwater sound, seek policy improvements, and improve messaging related to marine acoustic issues. This session is hosted by the CMA and invites presentations on research and development into the application of underwater acoustic monitoring, measurements, and noise mitigation. Topics may include but are not limited to passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), animal-borne bio-logging tags, soundscape ecology, noise mitigation tools, and developing guidance and regulations toward underwater noise management. Please feel free to contact us at the above email addresses if you have any questions. We hope to see you in New Orleans, Louisiana! Cheers, Morgan Martin, PhD Marine bioacoustician BOEM | Office of Environmental Programs | Center for Marine Acoustics https://www.boem.gov/center-marine-acoustics

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New Publication (Open Access): Causes of death and pathogen prevalence in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus stranded in Alabama, USA, between 2015 and 2020, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
by Mackenzie Russell 07 Sep '23

07 Sep '23

Hello all, On behalf of our team, I am pleased to share a recent open access publication in Diseases of Aquatic Organisms: Bloodgood JCG, Deming AC, Colegrove KM, Russell ML, Díaz Clark C, Carmichael RH (2023) Causes of death and pathogen prevalence in bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* stranded in Alabama, USA, between 2015 and 2020, following the *Deepwater Horizon* oil spill. Dis Aquat Org 155:87-102. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03746 Abstract: Between 2010 and 2014, an unusual mortality event (UME) involving bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops* *truncatus* occurred in the northern Gulf of Mexico, associated with the *Deepwater* *Horizon* oil spill (DWHOS). Cause of death (COD) patterns in bottlenose dolphins since then have not been analyzed, and baseline prevalence data for *Brucella* *ceti* and cetacean morbillivirus, 2 pathogens previously reported in this region, are lacking. We analyzed records from bottlenose dolphins stranded in Alabama from 2015 to 2020 with necropsy and histological findings to determine COD (n = 108). This period included another UME in 2019 associated with prolonged freshwater exposure. A subset of individuals that stranded during this period were selected for molecular testing for *Brucella* spp. and *Morbillivirus* spp. Causes of death for all age classes were grouped into 6 categories, including (1) human interaction, (2) infectious disease, (3) noninfectious disease (prolonged freshwater exposure and degenerative), (4) trauma, (5) multifactorial, and (6) unknown. Two additional categories unique to perinates included fetal distress and *in* *utero* pneumonia. Human interaction was the most common primary COD (19.4%) followed closely by infectious disease (17.6%) and noninfectious disease (freshwater exposure; 13.9%). *Brucella* was detected in 18.4% of the 98 animals tested, but morbillivirus was not detected in any of the 66 animals tested. *Brucella* was detected in some moderately to severely decomposed carcasses, indicating that it may be beneficial to test a broad condition range of stranded animals. This study provides valuable information on COD in bottlenose dolphins in Alabama following the DWHOS and is the first to examine baseline prevalence of 2 common pathogens in stranded animals from this region. Best, Mackenzie Russell Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network Coordinator Dauphin Island Sea Lab mrussell(a)disl.org

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