September 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: "First acoustic evidence of signature whistle production by spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris)" in Anim Cogn (Rio, 2023)
by Raul Rio Ribeiro 07 Sep '23

07 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM readers, I am pleased to announce the publication of our new study entitled "First acoustic evidence of signature whistle production by spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris)" in Anim Cogn (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-023-01824-8 It may be accessed via the link below: First acoustic evidence of signature whistle production by spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) - Animal Cognition | | | First acoustic evidence of signature wh... | Raul Rio ABSTRACT: A dolphin’s signature whistle (SW) is a distinctive acoustic signal, issued in a bout pattern of unique frequency modulation contours; it allows individuals belonging to a given group to recognize each other and, consequently, to maintain contact and cohesion. The current study is the first scientific evidence that spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) produce SWs. Acoustic data were recorded at a shallow rest bay called “Biboca”, in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. In total, 1902 whistles were analyzed; 40% (753/1,902) of them were classified as stereotyped whistles (STW). Based on the SIGID method, 63% (472/753) of all STWs were identified as SWs; subsequently, they were categorized into one of 18 SW types. SWs accounted for 25% (472/1,902) of the acoustic repertoire. External observers have shown near perfect agreement to classify whistles into the adopted SW categorization. Most acoustic and temporal variables measured for SWs showed mean values similar to those recorded in other studies with spinner dolphins, whose authors did not differentiate SWs from non-SWs. Principal component analysis has explained 78% of total SW variance, and it emphasized the relevance of shape/contour and frequency variables to SW variance. This scientific discovery helps improving bioacoustics knowledge about the investigated species. Future studies to be conducted in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago should focus on continuous investigations about SW development and use by S. longirostris, expanding individuals’ identifications (Photo ID and SW Noronha Catalog), assessing long-term whistle stability and emission rates, and making mother–offspring comparisons with sex-based differences. Best regards, Raul RioUniversidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJFONG Ocean Soundhttp://www.oceansound.org Site: https://www.oceansound.org/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oceansound.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceansoundorg/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oceansoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceansound.org

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New paper: Pygmy blue whale foraging behaviour off Timor Leste
by Phil Bouchet 07 Sep '23

07 Sep '23

Dear list, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our latest article on pygmy blue whale behaviour in the tropics. Burton C/Bouchet PJ, Gill P, Marley SA. (2023) Evidence of likely foraging by pygmy blue whales in the Timor Trough during the late austral winter and early austral spring. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 718: 99-117. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14390 The abstract is copied below. PDF copies of the paper can be obtained upon individual request to pb282(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:pb282@st-andrews.ac.uk> ABSTRACT Understanding the behavioural context of wildlife movement patterns is imperative to the conservation of migratory species like cetaceans. The traditional model of baleen whale migration entails uninterrupted journeys performed throughout extended periods of fasting, during which individuals sustain the enormous costs of travelling from the poles to the tropics only from energy reserves acquired prior to departure. However, this ‘feast and famine’ paradigm is being challenged by increasing observations of supplemental feeding events along whale migratory routes. In this context, identifying the location of migratory stopovers is key to managing cetacean populations, particularly in data-poor ecosystems subject to changing ocean conditions. We report on likely foraging activity by migrant pygmy blue whales Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda in the Timor Trough (ca. 9.5°S, 126°E), a deep-water habitat south of the species’ presumed breeding grounds. Using photo-identification and generalised additive modelling, we analysed visual sightings collected aboard seismic vessels operating off Timor-Leste in 2007-2008 and demonstrate that (1) whales engage in surface behaviours suggestive of active feeding, (2) some individuals remain within the region for more than 1 d, and (3) whale presence is significantly associated with predictably high chlorophyll a concentrations. Despite previous efforts to examine pygmy blue whale movements at low latitudes using long-term satellite telemetry, knowledge of the species’ behavioural ecology in the tropics remains limited. Our results lend support to previously untested hypotheses about the possible use of the Timor Trough as a foraging site by eastern Indian Ocean pygmy blue whales during the late austral winter and early austral spring. Best wishes, Phil -- Phil Bouchet, Ph.D. Research Fellow School of Mathematics and Statistics Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM) The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens University of St Andrews, St Andrews Fife KY16 9LZ, Scotland (UK) https://pjbouchet.github.io/

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Introductory distance sampling workshop in October 2023, registration closing in two weeks
by Eric Rexstad 07 Sep '23

07 Sep '23

Those interested in participating in an introductory distance sampling workshop 09-20 October of this year, there is only two weeks remaining before registration closes. Distance sampling is a popular method of population assessment for cetacean populations. The registration deadline is 22 September. Details regarding the timing and content of the workshop, as well as the registration process can be found at this page on our workshop website: https://workshops.distancesampling.org/intro-oct-2023.html If you have any questions about the workshop or discuss specific aspects of the workshop content, feel free to contact me by email. I look forward to engaging with you about the workshop. Eric Rexstad Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Registered Charity in Scotland SC013532

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New article on association patterns of bottlenose dolphins near Brunswick, GA
by Todd Speakman 07 Sep '23

07 Sep '23

Hello, My coauthors and I are excited to share a new publication entitled: *Associations and ranging patterns of common bottlenose dolphins near Brunswick, Georgia, USA* Speakman, T. R., B. M. Quigley, E. S. Zolman, B. C. Balmer, S. M. Lane, R. A. Martinson, T. Kolkmeyer, R. Takeshita, M. Caldwell, and L. H. Schwacke. 2023. Journal of Wildlife Management e22490. The full text is available open access at http://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.22490 *Abstract* The Southern Georgia Estuarine System (SGES) stock of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) resides in estuarine waters near Brunswick, Georgia, USA. There are concerns for this population due to the presence of anthropogenic stressors, particularly in the Turtle-Brunswick River Estuary (TBRE), where polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in dolphins are >10 times higher relative to dolphins elsewhere in the southeastern United States. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association patterns and distribution of the SGES stock based on long-term photo-identification data (2010–2021) using analyses of social dynamics and spatial movements. Social analyses identified 5 distinct clusters, 3 of which were substantially larger and more well-defined than the other 2. Spatial analyses indicated geographic partitioning among the 3 large clusters, with little overlap in their core ranges (50% utilization distributions) but shared ranges in their 95% utilization distributions. Despite having variable ranging patterns, all 3 large clusters used the TBRE in proximity to the Linden Chemicals and Plastics (LCP) Superfund site to a degree, suggesting that they have likely been exposed to high levels of PCBs. Given the spatial distinction and low connectivity between clusters, loss in any of the identified clusters has potential to further segment the population and lead to a decline in the SGES stock as a whole. The fine-scale population structure should be considered in identifying effective conservation efforts at the appropriate scale. Please let me know if you have any questions, Thank you, Todd -- Todd Speakman Biologist, Conservation Medicine National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway, Ste B Charleston, SC 29455 Ph/ 843.822.3287

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Upcoming SMM Editors’ Select Series Webinar, 21 September 2023: Using drones to investigate the timing of harbour seal pupping, with Dr. Anders Galatius
by Student Members-at-Large Society for Marine Mammalogy 06 Sep '23

06 Sep '23

Greetings MARMAM community! Join us on Thursday, 21 September 2023 at 1 pm EDT / 6 pm GMT / 7 pm CET for the next SMM Editors' Select Series Webinar: Using drones to investigate the timing of harbour seal pupping, with Dr. Anders Galatius This event is free to attend and presented online via Zoom, but registration is required. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W-YdBWd4RtmkO9yrpeACoA <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W-YdBWd4RtmkO9yrpeACoA> Space on Zoom is limited to the first 500 attendees. The talk will also be streamed live on the SMM Facebook page. About the talk: Harbour seal females give birth to their single pup during a distinct pupping season, which occurs during the summer in most areas. To obtain unbiased estimates of the pup production of harbour seals, surveys of seal colonies need to be timed optimally and conducted under sufficiently similar conditions. In the Limfjord, the resident harbour seal population have about 95% of their pups at two haul-outs, Ejerslev Røn and Blinderøn just 3 km apart. The short distance makes this area ideal for investigation with drones. We counted harbour seal pups at these two haul-outs throughout the pupping season in June for three consecutive years, 2017-2019. As harbour seal pups can swim almost from birth, there was considerable variation in the counts. Some of this variation could be related to date; as the season progressed, increasing numbers of pups were hauled out, before the counts began to drop, with an estimated peak in counts on June 22nd. Weather also impacted the counts, on windy days, fewer pups were counted. These findings will be used in the planning and interpretation of harbour seal pup surveys in Denmark. About the presenter: Anders Galatius is a senior researcher at Aarhus University’s Department of Ecoscience where he works on marine mammal morphology, ecology and behaviour. He graduated as MSc from University of Copenhagen, Denmark in 2003 and obtained his PhD from the same university in 2009. He has been working at Aarhus University since 2010, leading the Danish seal monitoring programmes of harbour seals and grey seals since 2013. 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/full/10.1111/mms.13020 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.13020> 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 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> We hope to see you there! -- 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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Volunteers for a dolphin study using drones in Coffin Bay, South Australia
by Anna Christie 06 Sep '23

06 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM community, 🌊 Join Our Dolphin Research Adventure in Coffin Bay, South Australia! 🐬 Are you ready for a unique and unforgettable experience this October and November? We are seeking passionate volunteers to be a part of our exciting Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin Research Project using drones in Coffin Bay, South Australia. 📅 When: Monday, October 2nd - Friday, November 17th, 2023 (7 weeks) 🌟 Project Involves: 🚤 Boat days: Spend your day on the boat, filled with spotting dolphins, collecting data, gaining research experience, and learning about the incredible Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Please note that boat days are long, physical, and often under the sun, so it’s essential for volunteers to be adequately prepared for these conditions. 📸 Photo Identification: Capturing photographs of dorsal fins for our photo-ID database. 📊 Data Recording: Recording essential data, including environmental data, dolphin group data, data linked to drone flights and photo-ID . 🚁 Drone Assistance: Assist in safely launching and retrieving drones, a crucial tool in our research efforts. 🖥️ Data Organising: Help download and organise data at the end of each boat day. 🎒 Gear Organisation: Be a part of our daily routine by helping organise and pack equipment for boat days. 💪 Availability: While we prefer volunteers who can commit for the entire 7-week duration, we understand that schedules vary. When contacting us, please include your availability and any experience relevant to the project. 🏡 Accommodation Provided: We've got you covered! Comfortable accommodation will be provided for our dedicated volunteers. Travel to and from Coffin Bay and food costs aren’t covered by funding but will be split between the team. 🌊 This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside a team of passionate marine researchers and contribute to vital research on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Whether you're an experienced marine enthusiast or a newcomer to the field, your dedication and enthusiasm are all we need. 🐬 Join us in Coffin Bay, South Australia, and be a part of something truly remarkable! To apply or for more information, contact us at chri0274(a)flinders.edu.au <mailto:chri0274@flinders.edu.au>. Please provide a CV along with a cover letter explaining your interests and relevant experiences when applying. All the best, Anna Christie

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New publication - Cetaceans playing with single-use plastics (SUPs): A widespread interaction with likely severe impacts
by Yasmina Rodríguez 05 Sep '23

05 Sep '23

Hi everyone, You might be interested in this new paper that adds novel information about an underreported behaviour in wild cetaceans - play with plastic litter. Some highlights of this work are that dolphins and sperm whales actively interact with marine debris, with sightings registered from a variety of locations around the world and eleven species identified exhibiting this playful behaviour; single-use plastics are the main category of litter observed, indicating that more policies and awareness are needed to reduce SUPs in the environment; the study refers to play with plastics of considerable size or with openings as a potential key in subsequent entanglements; these playful interactions might also be a cause of plastic ingestion in these marine mammals. This work is a baseline study entitled: *"Cetaceans playing with single-use plastics (SUPs): A widespread interaction with likely severe impacts"* If you want to read a bit more about it, download and access it right away *👇* https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X23008627?via%3Di… Best regards, Yasmina --------------------------------------------------------------- *Yasmina Rodríguez* ORCID <https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6910-3185>; Researchgate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yasmina-Rodriguez-2>; Twitter <https://twitter.com/YazzRodrgz> Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar Okeanos, University of the Azores - Portugal www.okeanos.uac.pt ----------------------------------------------------------------

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New paper on killer whale winter occurrence
by Doniol-Valcroze, Thomas (he, him | il, lui) (DFO/MPO) 05 Sep '23

05 Sep '23

Hi, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce the publication of a paper on winter occurrence of killer whales off Vancouver Island using a network of passive acoustic monitoring devices to examine both site-specific and regional patterns: Pilkington J, EH Stredulinsky, K Gavrilchuk, SJ Thornton, JKB Ford & T Doniol-Valcroze. 2023. Patterns of winter occurrence of three sympatric killer whale populations off eastern Vancouver Island, Canada, based on passive acoustic monitoring. Frontiers in Marine Science 10:1204908 The paper is available in open access at the following link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1204908 Abstract: Understanding habitat use patterns of animal populations across space and time is fundamental to identifying ecological requirements, and informing threat mitigation and conservation strategies. Persistent data gaps tend to occur with cryptic species in difficult-to-access environments, where the use of appropriate monitoring tools is indispensable for detection. Three populations of threatened and endangered killer whales occur year-round in waters off British Columbia, Canada; however, their winter habitat use patterns are not well known. Here we quantify wintertime use of the northern Strait of Georgia by these sympatric killer whale populations, revealing the importance of this previously understudied region. Using a network of passive acoustic monitoring devices deployed over three winter periods, we examine site-specific and regional patterns of occurrence of Bigg's, and Southern and Northern Resident killer whales. All three populations frequented these waters in nearly every month from November to April, and across all study years. Bigg's killer whales were detected most frequently, followed by Southern Residents, then Northern Residents. Population-specific differences in site use was apparent, with Southern Resident detections occurring more often than expected off the southwest side of Texada Island, while Northern Residents appeared to favor the east side of Texada Island. Remarkably, the patterns of winter use we observe in this region by Resident killer whale populations have seemingly persisted for at least 50 years. Additionally, we evaluate and discuss the effect of using multiple simultaneous recorders to characterize habitat use patterns. Lastly, we present a data-driven approach for estimating acoustic residence time, describe inter-population differences in winter residency in the northern Strait of Georgia, and discuss implications for critical habitat designation. This study fills important knowledge gaps related to killer whale winter occurrence off western Canada, highlighting the significance of the northern Strait of Georgia for these at-risk populations. Best regards, Thomas Doniol-Valcroze, PhD Head, Cetacean Research Program Pacific Biological Station Fisheries and Oceans Canada Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N7 thomas.doniol-valcroze(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:thomas.doniol-valcroze@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>

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New paper: "Using individual-based bioenergetic models to predict the aggregate effects of disturbance on populations: A case study with beaked whales and Navy sonar"
by Hin, Vincent 05 Sep '23

05 Sep '23

Dear All, On behalf of all co-authors, I am happy to share our recent open access publication in PLOS ONE: Hin V, de Roos AM, Benoit-Bird KJ, Claridge DE, DiMarzio N, et al. (2023) Using individual-based bioenergetic models to predict the aggregate effects of disturbance on populations: A case study with beaked whales and Navy sonar. PLOS ONE 18(8): e0290819. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290819 Abstract: Anthropogenic activities can lead to changes in animal behavior. Predicting population consequences of these behavioral changes requires integrating short-term individual responses into models that forecast population dynamics across multiple generations. This is especially challenging for long-lived animals, because of the different time scales involved. Beaked whales are a group of deep-diving odontocete whales that respond behaviorally when exposed to military mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), but the effect of these nonlethal responses on beaked whale populations is unknown. Population consequences of aggregate exposure to MFAS was assessed for two beaked whale populations that are regularly present on U.S. Navy training ranges where MFAS is frequently used. Our approach integrates a wide range of data sources, including telemetry data, information on spatial variation in habitat quality, passive acoustic data on the temporal pattern of sonar use and its relationship to beaked whale foraging activity, into an individual-based model with a dynamic bioenergetic module that governs individual life history. The predicted effect of disturbance from MFAS on population abundance ranged between population extinction to a slight increase in population abundance. These effects were driven by the interaction between the temporal pattern of MFAS use, baseline movement patterns, the spatial distribution of prey, the nature of beaked whale behavioral response to MFAS and the top-down impact of whale foraging on prey abundance. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for monitoring of marine mammal populations and highlight key uncertainties to help guide future directions for assessing population impacts of nonlethal disturbance for these and other long-lived animals. Kind regards, Vincent Hin --------------------------------------------------------------------- Vincent Hin, PhD https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vincent-Hin-2 Wageningen Marine Research IJmuiden, The Netherlands ---------------------------------------------------------------------

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Opportunity for M.S. degree studying elephant seals in California
by Heather Liwanag 05 Sep '23

05 Sep '23

The Vertebrate Integrative Physiology (VIP) lab at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is seeking an outstanding candidate for a research-based master’s degree, beginning Fall 2024. The successful applicant will develop and implement a project studying northern elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas breeding site in San Simeon, CA. Some financial support will be provided by the Dr. Kathleen A. Curtis Elephant Seal Research Graduate Fellowship. This project involves hands-on fieldwork with northern elephant seals, as part of a research team. The successful applicant will be a self-motivated, independent scholar who can also work well in a team environment. Prior field experience is preferred but not required. Interested students should send the following information to Dr. Heather Liwanag (hliwanag(a)calpoly.edu<mailto:hliwanag@calpoly.edu>): * Brief (1 paragraph) statement of interest, describing why you wish to study elephant seals * Current resumé or curriculum vitae, including relevant skills and experience * Contact information for two professional references Candidates should submit the above materials no later than January 14, 2024. Application deadline for the graduate degree at Cal Poly is February 1, 2024. More information about the M.S. degree in Biological Sciences at Cal Poly is available online: http://bio.calpoly.edu/content/graduate-degrees More information about the VIP lab: https://www.calpoly-viplab.com/ -- Heather E.M. Liwanag, Ph.D. (pronouns: she/her/hers) Associate Professor, Biological Sciences California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0401 https://www.calpoly-viplab.com/

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