January 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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New article on nutrient concentrations in minke whale faeces
by Brandt, Carla Freitas 18 Dec '25

18 Dec '25

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to present our recently published paper: Freitas, C., Gundersen, K., Lindblom, L., Biuw, M., Haug, T., 2023. Nutrient concentrations in minke whale faeces and the potential impact on dissolved nutrient pools off Svalbard, Norway. Progress in Oceanography, 210, 102927. Abstract: There is increasing interest in assessing the impact of whales on nutrient and carbon cycling in the ocean. By fertilising surface waters with nutrient-rich faeces, whales may stimulate primary production and thus carbon uptake, but robust assessments of such effects are lacking. Based on the analysis of faeces collected from minke whales (n = 31) off Svalbard, Norway, this study quantified the concentration of macro and micronutrients in whale faeces prior to their release in seawater. Concentrations of the macronutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) in minke whale faeces were 50.1 ± 10.3 and 70.9 ± 12.1 g kg−1 dry weight, respectively, while the most important micronutrients were zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). By combining measured faecal nutrient concentrations with estimated prey-consumption and prey-assimilation rates, we calculate that the current population of approximately 15, 000 individuals in the small management area (SMA) of Svalbard defecates daily 7 ± 1.4 tonnes (t) N and 10 ± 1.7 t P during summer. The molar ratio of N:P in minke whale faeces was 1.6:1, meaning that N was proportionally limiting, when compared to average elemental ratios of 16:1 in phytoplankton. In case of no N limitation in surface waters at that time, the release of elemental P through defecation in surface waters has the potential to stimulate 407 ± 70 t of carbon per day during summer as new or regenerated primary production in the SMA of Svalbard. This amounts to 0.2 to 4 % of daily net primary production in this region. This study provides the first assessment of nutrient concentration in whale faeces prior to their dissolution in sea water. Further research, namely on the amount of N released via urine and seasonal changes in excreted nutrients, is needed to better assess the full potential of whale nutrient additions to dissolved nutrient pools in surface waters at regional and global scales. The article is freely available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079661122001860 Kind regards, Carla Carla Freitas Institute of Marine Research, Norway

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Spring UF Aquatic Animal Health Courses
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 04 Nov '25

04 Nov '25

Hi All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine would like to send notice that registration for our spring online courses are open. Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is offered in two versions: an online undergraduate course (VME-4013 ) and a graduate level course (VME-6011). These classes are both designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu) Marine Mammal Biology (VME-6014) is an online graduate course that will provide graduate students with a detailed overview of marine mammal species including cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds, mustelids, and ursids. Each module will broadly explore a particular ecological, biological, or physiological theme related to the study of marine mammals, including taxonomy and biodiversity, diving physiology, thermoregulation, foraging ecology, and reproduction as well as the many conservation and management issues faced by different marine mammal species. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iske Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu) Sincerely, Dr Larkin [AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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New publication on humpback whale response to noise
by Elisa Maria Girola 20 Sep '25

20 Sep '25

Dear Colleagues, We are happy to announce the publication of our new paper Girola E, Dunlop RA, Noad MJ. 2023 Singing humpback whales respond to wind noise, but not to vessel noise. Proc. R. Soc. B 290: 20230204. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.0204 Abstract Animal communication systems evolved in the presence of noise generated by natural sources. Many species can increase the source levels of their sounds to maintain effective communication in elevated noise conditions, i.e. they have a Lombard response. Human activities generate additional noise in the environment creating further challenges for these animals. Male humpback whales are known to adjust the source levels of their songs in response to wind noise, which although variable is always present in the ocean. Our study investigated whether this Lombard response increases when singing males are exposed to additional noise generated by motor vessels. Humpback whale singers were recorded off eastern Australia using a fixed hydrophone array. The source levels of the songs produced while the singers were exposed to varying levels of wind noise and vessel noise were measured. Our results show that, even when vessel noise is dominant, singing males still adjust the source levels of their songs to compensate for the underlying wind noise, and do not further increase their source levels to compensate for the additional noise produced by the vessel. Understanding humpback whales' response to noise is important for developing mitigation policies for anthropogenic activities at sea. The paper can be accessed here https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.0204 or you can request a pdf copy from the corresponding author (e.girola(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:e.girola@uq.edu.au>). Best regards Elisa Dr. Elisa Girola The University of Queensland Australia

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Job Opportunity: University of Miami/NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center
by Melissa Soldevilla - NOAA Federal 28 Aug '25

28 Aug '25

Dear colleagues, Through our partnership with the University of Miami, the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center marine mammal branch in Miami, FL is looking to hire a full-time research associate with expertise in passive acoustics to help us with upcoming field work and data analyses. This position at the University of Miami RSMAS campus can be found on the UM job site (www.miami.edu/careers) as requisition R100061685. Please share this info with any potential applicants and feel free to contact me at melissa.soldevilla(a)noaa.gov with any questions. Best wishes, Melissa ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Melissa Soldevilla, PhD Research Fishery Biologist Marine Mammal & Turtle Division NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center 75 Virginia Beach Drive Miami, FL 33149

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Internship opportunities in the CMS Aquatic Species Team in 2023
by Heidrun Frisch-Nwakanma 30 Jan '25

30 Jan '25

Dear MARMAMers, The Aquatic Species Team of the Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), which coordinates also the ASCOBANS Agreement, Sharks MOU, IOSEA Marine Turtles MOU and Dugong MOU, is offering internships throughout 2023. You can find more information on internships with CMS here<https://www.cms.int/about/organizational-structure/opportunities#cms-vacanc…> (click on the tab "Internship at the UNEP/CMS Secretariat and co-located Agreement Secretariats"). Following a request of the list moderator to provide more information on how this internship opportunity relates to marine mammal research and conservation, here some more information on CMS: As an environmental treaty of the United Nations, CMS (www.cms.int<http://www.cms.int>) provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. CMS brings together the States through which migratory animals pass, the Range States, and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout a migratory range. As the only global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes, CMS complements and co-operates with a number of other international organizations, NGOs and partners in the media as well as in the corporate sector. The CMS Appendices cover around 130 aquatic (marine and freshwater) species, including 51 species of cetaceans, 6 species of pinnipeds, 4 species of sirenians, 2 species of otters, and the polar bear, besides many species of migratory fish and reptiles. The Aquatic Species Team of the Secretariat is responsible for the coordination of several daughter agreements established under the umbrella of CMS, as well as coordinating the implementation of Decisions, Resolutions, and Concerted Actions from the Conference of the Parties (COP) related to aquatic species. These cover topics such as bycatch, marine noise, marine wildlife tourism, or aquatic wild meat. The Team facilitates the implementation of the mandates for many activities related to aquatic species assigned to the Secretariat the Scientific Council, and prepares the draft Resolutions and Decisions related to aquatic species that will be discussed at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in October 2023. Internships with the CMS Secretariat provide a unique opportunity to see how conservation policy works at international level, and allow interns to contribute to the conservation outcomes of the Convention. The internships can start at a mutually agreed date anytime in 2023 and run for 3-6 months. Interns will work from the CMS Secretariat offices in Bonn, Germany or Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The application deadline is 31 January. Applications must be submitted through the UN Careers portal, where you can also find further details on this opportunity: https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=197199&Lang=en-US. Please pass on this information to university students and recent graduates in your networks. Best wishes, Heidi Ms Heidrun FRISCH-NWAKANMA IOSEA Turtle MOU Coordinator & CMS Aquatic Species Team Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) UN Campus - Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1 - 53113 Bonn - Germany Phone: +49 228 815 2491 - Skype: heidrun.frisch heidrun.frisch-nwakanma(a)un.org<mailto:heidrun.frisch-nwakanma@un.org> www.cms.int/iosea-turtles<https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cms.in…> / www.cms.int<https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cms.in…> [cms_logo_blue_300dpi][_IOSEA_Logo - OFFICIAL Transparent small] Disclaimer: The information transmitted is intended only for use by the addressee and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination or other use of it, or the taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons and/or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please inform the sender and/or addressee immediately and delete the material. Thank you.

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New publication: Micro-scale spatio-temporal patterns in porpoise activity
by Johanna Stedt 09 Dec '24

09 Dec '24

Dear all, We are pleased to share our new publication: Micro-scale spatial preference and temporal cyclicity linked to foraging in harbour porpoises. Stedt J, Wahlberg M, Carlström J, Nilsson PA, Amundin M, Oskolkov N & Carlsson P. (2023) Mar Ecol Prog Ser, 708:143-161. doi: 10.3354/meps14268 Abstract: Habitat heterogeneity is a crucial driver for species distribution across scales. Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena basin-wide distribution is linked to prey availability, and small-scale (kilometres to tens of kilometres) differences in distribution are prevalent. However, information on porpoise distribution and foraging-behaviour variations on a micro-scale (~100 m to kilometres) is limited. To monitor harbour porpoise distribution and foraging activity on a micro-scale, we deployed passive acoustic dataloggers, logging porpoise acoustic activity at 6 sites in a small, high porpoise-density area in southern Sweden. Data were collected for almost a year, giving detailed time series on porpoise activity. The time series were analysed using dynamic time warping to compare activity patterns between sites. Large differences were found between sites separated by only a few hundred meters, indicating micro-scale spatial preference. Spectral analysis for temporal cyclicity in activity revealed a dominant peak for 24 h cycles with higher activity at night for all sites. All sites also had a second peak for 29.5 d, linked to the lunar cycle with higher activity during full moon. Activity was overall highest during autumn and winter (September-December). Spatial and temporal patterns were linked to foraging, showing a positive correlation between porpoise presence and the percent of time present with detected foraging. The study demonstrates that harbour porpoise spatial distribution on a micro-scale should be considered in e.g. behavioural, management and conservation studies and actions. In addition, we show that time series statistical methodology is informative and appropriate for analysis of acoustic temporal data. The paper is open access and can be freely downloaded at: https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m708p143.pdf Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Best regards, Johanna Stedt Johanna Stedt PhD student Aquatic Ecology Department of Biology Lund University Sölvegatan 37, 223 62 Lund, Sweden Phone + 46 (0)73 738 30 36 E-mail: johanna.stedt(a)biol.lu.se<mailto:johanna.stedt@biol.lu.se> Personal webpage: Johanna Stedt<https://portal.research.lu.se/portal/en/persons/johanna-stedt(d8f35e4a-cb7e…>

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U.S. Marine Mammal Commission Fiscal Year 2023 Funding Opportunity
by Dee Allen 10 Oct '24

10 Oct '24

The U.S. Marine Mammal Commission will be accepting proposals until Wednesday, April 12, 2023 for projects focused on understanding marine mammal population health in a changing climate. Funding requests are limited to $60,000 USD. Marine Mammal Health in a Changing Climate The Marine Mammal Commission's mission, as defined by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), is to ensure that marine mammal populations are restored and maintained as significant functioning elements of healthy marine ecosystems. However, numerous stressors, including pollution, habitat loss, overfishing and fisheries bycatch, noise, and vessel traffic, threaten both the health of marine mammals and the health of marine ecosystems of which they are a part. In addition, climate change is leading to warming seas, extreme weather events, ocean acidification, and shifts in range and abundance of many marine species and infectious agents, all of which can disrupt ecosystem processes and function, including impacts on the health of marine mammals. For example, some viruses and bacteria that cause disease in marine mammals and other marine wildlife have increased in prevalence or been detected outside of their previously documented range; harmful algal blooms (HABs) that produce dangerous toxins have become more frequent and extensive; increased freshwater discharge from terrestrial sources has dropped salinity in coastal waters and led to marine mammal unusual mortality events; and changes in prey distribution, nutritional quality, or availability are impacting body condition, growth, reproduction, and survival of some marine mammal species. Monitoring the health of populations may provide an early warning of emerging issues prior to observable changes in vital rates or abundance, and may also provide insight into the underlying causes of a population decline. Increased capacity to detect changes in marine mammal population health and understand the underlying factors and processes contributing to those changes is critically needed to be prepared to respond to and mitigate impacts related to changing marine ecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change. We are seeking proposals for projects that: Further our understanding of how environmental factors affect marine mammal population health. In this context, we define "population health" as the distribution of health indicators or outcomes in a population or subset of a population. Health indicators could include a single measure or aggregate measure of body condition or energy stores, organ status, immune status, sublethal injury from trauma or human interaction, or infectious disease. Projects that use long-term data or archived time-series samples are welcome, as are prospective studies, or projects that provide innovative tools for assessing health indicators to support long-term surveillance into the future. We are particularly interested in learning about changes in population health driven by climate change, and encourage proposals that investigate how environmental factors that will be affected by a changing climate, such as prey availability or nutritional quality, HAB toxins, pathogens, temperature, or salinity, influence health of marine mammals. Proposals that increase the inclusion or representation of people from underserved groups in marine mammal research, management, or conservation are strongly encouraged. Eligibility: Applicants from both within the U.S. as well as outside the U.S. are eligible to apply, including both non-U.S. citizens and those affiliated with non-U.S. institutions. Proposal deadline: Wednesday, April 12th 2023 11:59pm EDT Applicant notification: by Monday, July 31st 2023 Proposals should be submitted electronically to the Marine Mammal Commission e-mail address: rpo(a)mmc.gov<mailto:rpo@mmc.gov>. Please be sure to reference both the Current Funding Opportunities as well as the Proposal Requirements web pages prior to submitting proposals. More details can be found on the Commission's webpages below: Current funding opportunities: https://www.mmc.gov/grants-and-research-survey/current-funding-opportunitie… Proposal requirements: https://www.mmc.gov/grants-and-research-survey/current-funding-opportunitie… Dee Allen Scientific Program Officer Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814-4498 301-504-0087 dallen(a)mmc.gov<mailto:dallen@mmc.gov> Follow us on Twitter: @MarineMammalCom Visit us online: www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov/> The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government. [cid:image001.jpg@01D8EFB8.F3F96B60]

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Reminder - UF Fall online aquatics courses - Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues and Marine Mammal Biology
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 09 Aug '24

09 Aug '24

Hi All, Registration is still open for Fall 2023. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues and Marine Mammal Biology courses, fully online. Classes start Wednesday August 23rd and run through Wednesday, December 6th. * Registration will remain open through Aug 29th. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues Class (VME-4012, VME-6010) is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled at any College or University can take this course. Marine Mammal Biology (VME-6014) is an online graduate course that will provide graduate students with a detailed overview of marine mammal species including cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds, mustelids, and ursids. Each module will broadly explore a particular ecological, biological, or physiological theme related to the study of marine mammals, including taxonomy and biodiversity, diving physiology, thermoregulation, foraging ecology, and reproduction as well as the many conservation and management issues faced by different marine mammal species. *These classes are also available at the graduate level within our Care & Conservation of Aquatic Animals graduate certificate* For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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Update to SOCPROG
by Hal Whitehead 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

A new and updated version of SOCPROG, SOCPROG2.9 (both compiled and uncompiled downloads) is available at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/SOCPROG/social.htm SOCPROG is a MATLAB-based package of programs for the analysis of animal social structures, movements and populations. The compiled version does not need MATLAB itself. This version is compatible with MATLAB2018b (although it will likely work well on recent and soon-to-be-released versions of MATLAB). It fixes a few bugs and adds functionality compared to previous versions (especially association complexity). Thanks Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada

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