November 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job posting
by John J. Citta 22 Nov '24

22 Nov '24

Position Summary: The North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management is seeking to fill a Wildlife Biologist position. Summary or Purpose: Designs and conducts field research and monitoring studies of wildlife and habitats on Alaska’s North Slope; analyzes technical data collected and other technical reports, and writes reports and proposals to further the goals of the Department and the Borough, and assure that the wildlife resources are healthy and sustainable. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. · Plans and implements Department of Wildlife Management research programs such as bowhead whale and caribou surveys, fish and bird studies, and animal migration patterns, to gain data needed for the proper management of subsistence-related wildlife resources and mitigation of wildlife issues. · Designs and implements surveys to document wildlife resources and the effects of subsistence harvest of wildlife, including hunting, fishing and trapping activities. · Analyzes and interprets survey and field research data. · Communicates and distributes research data to NSB personnel, wildlife community and the general public as appropriate. · Reviews and evaluates technical documents, proposals and publications; analyzes data and information, and communicates results. · Researches funding opportunities and prepares grant applications as required. · Coordinates staff technicians and visiting scientists; plans, prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects. · Represent the Borough in meetings with Federal, International, state and local wildlife organizations, other Borough departments, and community organizations. · Perform other duties as assigned. Preferred Qualifications/Skills: · Experience working on boats and operating snowmachines and/or ATVs. A willingness to travel by small aircraft. · Willingness and ability to handle shotguns for bear safety. · Willingness and ability to get dirty; harvest sampling of seals, whales, walruses, and caribou is essential. · Experience with Microsoft Office, GIS software, database software, and analysis software (such as R). · Good verbal and written communication skills. · Able to work within a team and independently. This includes collaborative activities with Alaska Native hunters and co-management organizations. · Willingness to live and work in a small, remote Arctic community. Salary: $3,426.24 bi-weekly; $89,087/year NSB Benefits · Excellent benefit packages including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, and options for Family Medical Leave. · State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities (8% employee contribution and 8% matching state contribution) and supplemental annuity plans, including pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) options. · Paid time off (eligible employees); the leave accrual rate starts at 0.1231 hours per working hour (9.2 hrs per bi-weekly pay period), 14 additional days of paid holiday leave per year. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management or Biological Sciences; Two years of wildlife management work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Location: The applicant must live and work in Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska. Work Days and Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work outside of regular hours for fieldwork, strandings, and outreach events as needed. Application Deadline: Until filled. APPLICATION: 1. Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northslope 2. Send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to: john.citta(a)north-slope.org<mailto:john.citta@north-slope.org> For questions, contact: john.citta(a)north-slope.org<mailto:john.citta@north-slope.org>; please include “job opportunity” in the subject line. ___________________________________ John Citta, Ph.D. Senior Wildlife Biologist North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management Box 69 Utqiaġvik (Barrow), AK 99723 (907) 852-0350 Office (907) 699-3224 Cell

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New publication: Individual variation of boldness in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins interacting with scuba diving tourism
by Pamela Carzon 22 Nov '24

22 Nov '24

Ia ora na tātou, My co-authors and I are happy to share our recent publication in Applied Animal Behaviour Science: Carzon P., Clua É., & Delfour F. (2024). Individual variation of boldness in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) interacting with scuba divers in French Polynesia. AABS, 281, 106426 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106426 Abstract Marine wildlife tourism is known to affect target species across multiple spatial and temporal scales, from short-term behavioral responses to changes in relative abundance and habitat use patterns. However, despite a growing number of population-, community-, and group-level studies, a limited number of them have focused their research on individual responses to wildlife tourism, particularly on free-ranging cetaceans. Between 2018 and 2020, we investigated the behavioral responses of 20 non-provisioned bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to recreational scuba divers in Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia, to understand whether these individuals that had been repeatedly exposed to scuba diving tourism on at least one year exhibited temperament traits along the ‘shyness-boldness’ axis. We also considered potential variation in boldness in relation to sex, age, and tourist-site fidelity. The study documented individual differences in the dolphins’ boldness. There was no variation in boldness according to sex and tourist-site fidelity, but age significantly influenced the dolphins’ boldness with immature dolphins being bolder than mature individuals. The more extreme case of boldness involved four dolphins that tolerated repeated physical interactions with scuba divers. In Rangiroa, scuba diving tourism promotes repeated intrusive interactions with dolphins that might make bold individuals particularly vulnerable to collateral threats associated with human activities. It is therefore crucial to consider individual variation in the dolphins’ behavioral responses to tourism to implement optimal tourism management measures. We suggest in the discussion recommendations to help minimize the risks for both the dolphins and humans associated with repeated close interactions. Please contact Pamela Carzon (carzonpamela(a)gmail.com <mailto:carzonpamela@gmail.com>) if you wish a PDF copy of the article. Sincerely, Pamela —— Pamela Carzon | PhD in ethology / behavioral ecology Dauphins de Rangiroa B.P. 12 Tiputa - 98776 Rangiroa Polynésie française  +689 87.31.20.53  dauphinsderangiroa(a)gmail.com  www.dauphinsderangiroa.org FaceBook > https://www.facebook.com/dauphinsderangiroa/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/dauphinsderangiroa/ Instagram > https://www.instagram.com/dauphinsderangiroa/

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Postdoc position in dolphin cognition, behavior, &/or welfare
by Kelly Jaakkola 22 Nov '24

22 Nov '24

Dear colleagues, Dolphin Research Center (DRC) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join our research group studying dolphin cognition, behavior, and welfare. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of dolphins and sea lions, located in the Florida Keys. The successful candidate should hold a PhD in comparative psychology, zoology, animal behavior, animal welfare, or a related field. The specific area of specialization is open to negotiation. This postdoctoral position will be responsible for coding, analyzing, and publishing studies using existing data sets, and will also have the opportunity to collaboratively design and conduct novel research projects in their area of interest. Our ideal candidate will have: • a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications • the ability to communicate scientific concepts and arguments clearly and compellingly, both orally and in writing • an excellent understanding of study design and statistics • the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team The position is for one year initially, with a possibility of renewal contingent on performance and mutual satisfaction. Starting date is flexible. To apply, please submit the following to research(a)dolphins.org, with the subject line “Postdoc application”: • a cover letter describing your motivation, research interests, experience, and goals • your CV • pdfs of up to 2 of your key publications or submitted manuscripts • contact information for 2 academic references For further information, please contact Dr. Kelly Jaakkola at kelly(a)dolphins.org. Thanks, / Kelly Jaakkola, PhD Director of Research Dolphin Research Center /

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New publication: humpback whale distribution Western Australia
by Kate Sprogis 21 Nov '24

21 Nov '24

Dear Colleagues, The scientific article "Distribution of humpback whales off north-west Australia highlighting Exmouth Gulf nursery area" is published in Australian Journal of Zoology. Free download: https://www.publish.csiro.au/ZO/ZO24020 Authors: Kate Sprogis, Alicia Sutton, Micheline Jenner, Curt Jenner. Abstract: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate from their Antarctic feeding grounds to their north-west Australian breeding grounds. North-west Australia has experienced rapid development of the mining and petroleum industry, and remains under increasing human pressure. The aim of this study was to examine the spatiotemporal distribution of humpback whales across the north-west; North West Cape, Pilbara and Exmouth Gulf. Aerial surveys (n = 184) were conducted from 2000 to 2010. After accounting for survey effort, kernel density estimation was used to assess the monthly distribution of whales. The largest density hotspot of whale groups was the centre to western edge of Exmouth Gulf. The highest encounter rate of mother-calf pairs was in October in Exmouth Gulf (0.0447 ± 0.0082 groups/km), which was significantly higher compared to the North West Cape and Pilbara (0.0005 ± 0.0002 and 0.0011 ± 0.0005 groups/km, respectively). The comparison among the three regions confirms and quantifies Exmouth Gulf as an important nursery area for humpback whale mother-calf pairs. Nursery areas are important for lactating humpback whale mothers as they carry the highest energetic demands in the population. It is crucial that nursery areas remain relatively undisturbed from human pressures so mothers can rest to conserve energy and nurse their young. Citation: Sprogis, K. R., A. L. Sutton, M.-N. Jenner, and K. C. S. Jenner. 2024. Distribution of humpback whales off north-west Australia highlighting Exmouth Gulf nursery area. Australian Journal of Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO24020 Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Kind regards, On behalf of all authors Kate Sprogis, PhD Lecturer UWA Oceans Institute * School of Biological Sciences Great Southern Marine Research Facility UWA Albany campus WA 6330 Australia kate.sprogis(a)uwa.edu.au [cid:image001.png@01DB3CC9.C8306730] [cid:image002.jpg@01DB3CC9.C8306730] We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Noongar-Menang Country and pay our respects to custodians of the land and sea on which we live and work. Recent publications: * Sprogis K. R., and F. Christiansen 2024. Allosuckling in southern right whale calves. Mammalian Biology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42991-023-00392-1 * Arranz P., R. De la Cruz-Modino, and K.R. Sprogis. 2024. Investigating the effects of underwater noise from two vessels on the behaviour of short-finned pilot whales. Marine Environmental Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106574.

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New publication: Ship collision risk threatens whales across the world’s oceans
by Anna Nisi 21 Nov '24

21 Nov '24

Dear MARMAM community, My coauthors and I are happy to share our recent publication modeling ship-strike risk to blue, fin, humpback, and sperm whales across the world's oceans. Nisi A.C., Welch H., Brodie S., Leiphardt C., Rhodes R., Hazen E.L., Redfern J.V., Branch T.A., Barreto A.S., Calambokidis J., Clavelle T., Dares L., de Vos A., Gero S., Jackson J.A., Kenney R.D., Kroodsma D., Leaper R., McCauley D.J., Moore S., Ovsyanikova E., Panigada S., Robinson C.V., White T., Wilson J., Abrahms B. Ship collision risk threatens whales across the world’s oceans. *Science*386,870-875 (2024). https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp1950 Abstract: After the near-complete cessation of commercial whaling, ship collisions have emerged as a primary threat to large whales, but knowledge of collision risk is lacking across most of the world’s oceans. We compiled a dataset of 435,000 whale locations to generate global distribution models for four globally ranging species. We then combined >35 billion positions from 176,000 ships to produce a global estimate of whale-ship collision risk. Shipping occurs across 92% of whale ranges, and <7% of risk hotspots contain management strategies to reduce collisions. Full coverage of hotspots could be achieved by expanding management over only 2.6% of the ocean’s surface. These inferences support the continued recovery of large whales against the backdrop of a rapidly growing shipping industry. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch - my email is anisi(a)uw.edu. Best, Anna -- Anna Nisi, PhD Postdoctoral Scholar University of Washington Email: anisi(a)uw.edu

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Registration now open: introductory distance sampling workshop February 2025
by Eric Rexstad 21 Nov '24

21 Nov '24

Interactive introductory distance sampling training The University of St Andrews has been training ecologists and statisticians in design and analysis of distance sampling studies for decades. Distance sampling methods are widely used in population assessment of many different taxonomic groups, particularly cetaceans and pinnipids. Perhaps you've wanted to attend a previous workshop, but schedules conflicted with your field work. We are offering the training workshop in 10 2.5-hour blocks in February 2025. You will be invited to interact in short lectures on distance sampling principles. Exercises analysing data sets in R will reinforce those principles and the lecturer will be available to assist during the practical session via screen sharing. The session will conclude with a summary of the exercise and question/answer session for both lecture and exercise. You can participate in polls during the workshop to assess your comprehension of topics discussed. In addition to questions at any time during the lectures and practicals, an optional additional half hour will be set aside each session for discussion of topics arising. Simultaneous translation of lectures and discussions will be available in closed captions courtesy of Zoom. If English is not your first language, translation will be available into (most) languages. Contact instructor for more details. The workshop will be delivered using Zoom web conferencing software along with R-Studio "in the cloud".☁️ You will need (free) accounts for both pieces of software. I encourage you to experiment with Zoom (at https://zoom.us) and https://posit.cloud before the workshop begins. There will be an internet connection testing and general orientation session approximately 02-07 February 2025. Important details - Workshop dates and time: 17-28 February 2025; 1400-1630 British Standard Time. - For the time of day in your time zone, consult https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Introductory+dist… - Registration deadline: 28 January 2025 - Enrolment limit: 14 - Cost: 225 British pounds - What is included: Lectures, exercises, code, data all available online Widening participation scholarship One place will have the registration fee waived, for participants from under-represented groups. Details of eligibility and application process at https://distancesampling.org/training/scholarships.html. Deadline for scholarship application for the February 2025 introductory workshop is 29 November 2024. What they are saying I would like to say I really liked RStudio Cloud and it is working just fine and I am really enjoying using it as a student. I'm looking forward to using it as an instructor too. I really liked the first half of the course. I love distance sampling and I am enjoying every second of the course! The only thing I can say about this particular workshop is it deserves more time. -- Kaan Özgencil, PhD student, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara Further details https://distancesampling.org/training/announcements/intro-feb-2025.html At the webpage above, you will find a link to the St Andrews online shop where payment is made. After you registration, I will contact you with additional details regarding workshop electronic materials, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions. Please share this announcement with interested colleagues. Information regarding all distance sampling workshops can be found at https://distancesampling.org/training/training.html Eric Rexstad Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews Registered Charity in Scotland SC013532

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2025 Soundwatch Program Internship at The Whale Museum
by Alanna Frayne 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program 2025 Summer Internship Openings Applications due Dec 2nd, 2024 The Soundwatch Boater Education Program is seeking interns for the 2025 summer field season (May - September). Soundwatch is a research, education and monitoring program operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a nonprofit organization located in Friday Harbor, Washington. The Soundwatch program mission is to reduce vessel disturbance to marine wildlife, particularly the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, in the Salish Sea region of Washington state, USA and British Columbia, Canada. Soundwatch is looking for two interns to help conduct vessel patrols, educate boaters on regional/federal Be Whale Wise guidelines and regulations, and record data while monitoring vessel activity around whales. Data from this critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered killer whales and other marine wildlife. This data is used to inform and update marine mammal management strategies including state, federal, and international vessel regulations. To learn more, please visit our website and read Soundwatch’s most recent Contract Report and publications. Internship is located in Friday Harbor, Washington. Interns are responsible for securing their own housing and their own mode of transportation. This position includes a stipend to offset housing costs. Once accepted, TWM staff will be able to assist interns in locating suitable housing options. INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES: • Perform a variety of tasks related to data recording and photography in the field aboard small research vessels. • Perform a variety of tasks related to data entry and photo filing in a research office setting. • Participation and staffing of public outreach and education events throughout the field season. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: • Commit to at least 12 weeks between May and September. • Ability to work approximately 35-40 hours per week, Mon-Sun. • At least 18 years of age, able to lift 40 lbs., able to swim, and not easily susceptible to seasickness. This position requires extensive boating aboard small vessels and is not suitable for those prone to seasickness. • Ability to spend long hours on the water aboard a small vessel, sometimes in demanding seasonal conditions. Field days occur four to five times a week and may exceed eight hours per day. • Exhibit strong communication skills, professionalism, and diplomacy. • Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel) and Google Workspace. • US passport, enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EID) is required. Documents must be valid through December 2025. • Up-to-date CPR/First Aid certification. • Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. • Knowledge of the area and Southern Resident killer whales is preferred but not required. • A state boater license or equivalent safe boating card is preferred but not required. • Wildlife photography experience is a plus but not required. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please provide the following: 1. Letter of interest including your start/end date and passport/ID status 2. Your resume/CV 3. Contact information for three references. Submit application materials via email as one PDF if possible. Please include in your subject line: Soundwatch Internship Application (Last Name). PLEASE SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Alanna Frayne Soundwatch Boater Education Program Director alanna(a)whalemuseum.org Active review of applications will begin immediately and continue until 02 Dec 2024, or until positions are filled. Final selections made before 01 Feb 2025. Please feel free to contact with any questions. Alanna Frayne (she/her) Soundwatch Program Director The Whale Museum 62 First St N | Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Please be advised that my response may be delayed during the field season (May-September).

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New publication - Aerial Photo-identification of Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)
by Sean O'Callaghan 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

Dear MARMAM community, We are happy to announce the recent publication describing the use of aerial photo-identification on sperm whales. O'Callaghan, S.A., Al Abbar, F., Costa, H., Prieto, R., Gammell, M. and O'Brien, J. (2024). Aerial Photo-identification of Sperm Whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*). *Aquatic Mammals* 50(6), 479-494. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.50.6.2024.479 Abstract Photo-identification is a staple tool used in cetacean conservation studies since the 1970s to monitor individuals on a regional and ocean basin-wide scale to infer critical information about habitat use, suitability, and shifts. This technique has been extensively used on sperm whales globally since it was developed in 1982, initially using the tail fluke from deep diving whales and the dorsal fin when appropriate. From the mid 2010s onwards, the emergence of domestically available unoccupied aerial systems (drones) has reshaped how whale research can be conducted. Herein, we describe the suit-ability of aerial images to determine the identity of individual sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) using all available identifiable markings along their dorsal side to complement the use of fluke notches and dorsal fin scars photo-graphed from the surface of the sea from boat-based platforms for photo-identification and to maximize opportunities to identify and monitor sperm whales. Drone data were gathered while flying over sperm whales in Andenes, Norway; Shetland, Scotland; Dursey Island, Ireland; and Faial and São Miguel Islands, Azores, Portugal, between 2017 and 2024, which enabled the entire dorsal surface of sperm whales to be captured and assessed. Aerial photographs and videos were used to differentiate between 336 individual sperm whales using physical character-istics. We identified the main features of sperm whales through aerial drone images, as well as their prevalence in Atlantic high latitude foraging grounds and lower latitude nursery grounds. We discuss the advantages of using aerial drone photographs to identify sperm whales in addition to traditional boat-based photo-identification. This study is open access and designed to identify features useful for sperm whale photo-identification from an overhead perspective to aid other studies focusing on this iconic species. If you have any questions about it or would just like to get in touch, feel free to do so using seanocallaghan212(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Seán

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National Marine Life Center - Executive Director vacancy
by Lisa Becker 19 Nov '24

19 Nov '24

National Marine Life Center Executive Director Title: Executive Director Reports to: Board of Trustees Status: Full time, on-site FLSA Status: Exempt Updated: November 2024 Summary: The National Marine Life Center seeks a mission-driven and experienced nonprofit business leader skilled in successfully executing strategic plans and empowering a high performing team. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will be based at its facility in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, and have overall management responsibility for growing an impactful organization. Position Overview: This full-time position reports to the Board of Trustees. This impactful leadership position is responsible for overseeing the administration, animal care, programs, fundraising, and strategic plan of the organization. This position requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader who is passionate about leading hands-on operations, fostering growth, as well as developing and managing programs. Responsibilities: * Provide thoughtful and visionary executive leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Trustees. * Oversee and implement fundraising and development activities including grant writing, direct mail appeals, donor cultivation, events, and other fundraising campaigns to secure financial resources. * Oversee the day-to-day operations and ensure its overall successful long-term operations. * Manage and motivate staff, overseeing processes such as hiring, separation, ongoing staff development, performance management and compensation, including benefits. * In conjunction with the Board of Trustees, develop and implement a business development/fundraising plan to seek funds through major gifts, corporate, foundation, local, state, federal and individual sources; demonstrate creativity, initiative and leadership in driving the plan forward. * Prepare and administer the annual operating and capital budgets for the approval of the Board of Trustees, ensuring that appropriate systems, procedures, and financial controls are in effect. Ensure breakeven or better operations are achieved. * Serve as an ex officio member of all Board Committees. Work with all Board Committee Chairs in their areas of responsibility to identify short- and longer-term needs, opportunities, sources of new revenues, and expansion possibilities. * Foster community and media relations. The Executive Director is the organization’s face to its communities, including but not limited to the Town of Bourne; Cape Cod regional/regulatory organizations; rescue/other wildlife care providers; scientific organizations and media. This requires a high degree of comfort engaging with these constituencies and collaborating with Trustee/Advisory Board members to support the mission. * In conjunction with the Board of Trustees and staff, develop long term plans that support the mission and drive profitable growth. * In conjunction with a member of the Board of Trustees or Board of Advisors who is identified as a Human Resources (HR) Advisor (an active or retired HR professional) or with the guidance of an HR third-party provider, develop, update and implement personnel policies and programs, and manage staff in accordance therewith. * Oversee Rehabilitation Program in conjunction with staff. Ensure compliance with federal/state permits, licenses, and Environmental, Health and Safety protocols. * Oversee Science Program in collaboration with staff to ensure continued funding of the Marine Mammal Parasitology Laboratory and expand scientific partnerships. * Oversee Education Program with staff and expand educational partnerships along with programs. * Develop and inspire our volunteers, who provide essential operational support. * Ensure repairs, maintenance, and good housekeeping of facilities. * Prepare monthly reports for the Board of Trustees to be presented at regularly scheduled and special meetings; identify issues and recommend solutions. * Timely execution of other responsibilities as may be requested by the Board of Trustees from time to time. Qualifications: * 7-10 years in leadership roles at moderately sized not-for-profit organization required. * Experience in development/fundraising for not-for-profits required. * B.A./B.Sc., Masters/MBA a plus. * Demonstrated success in fiscal management and achieving results. * Outstanding communications skills and ability to work well with media, staff, board and community. * Marine wildlife rehabilitation experience is desirable. * Proven track record of growing organizational capacity and programmatic impact. * A strong passion for the mission and programs. Physical Requirements: * Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Some crouching, stooping, reaching, and carrying. * Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Organizational Profile: The National Marine Life Center (NMLC) is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) marine animal hospital and science and education center. We rehabilitate and release stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation. NMLC is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. It is the policy of NMLC not to discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disability, handicap, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, ancestry, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or other categories protected by law. To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to NMLC Board of Trustees Chair, Jay Munsey at jay.p.munsey(a)gmail.com. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lisa Becker, M.Sc. Director, Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269 ------------------------------------ office (508) 743-9888 cell (628) 999-3743 lbecker(a)nmlc.org<mailto:lbecker@nmlc.org> www.nmlc.org<http://www.nmlc.org/> Please note that I may not be able to check emails daily, as I may be in the hospital caring for critical patients in rehabilitation. If you have an urgent matter must reach me immediately, please call my cell phone at 628-999-3743.

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New publication: Seasonal distribution of cetaceans in the European Atlantic and Mediterranean waters
by Auriane Virgili 19 Nov '24

19 Nov '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication: Virgili, A., Araújo, H., Diaz, A. A., Doremus, G., Garcıa-Baron, I., Eira, C., ... & Ridoux, V. (2024). Seasonal distribution of cetaceans in the European Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, 1319791. The article is available here (open access): https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.…. Abstract: As apex predators, cetaceans play an essential ecological role in marine ecosystems. Fluctuations in the abundance of these top predators linked to human activities can have detrimental consequences for the entire ecosystem. Cetaceans face numerous anthropogenic threats that can have both short and long-term effects. To ensure their conservation, it is necessary to identify changes in seasonal distributions at small and large scales. We aimed to model the seasonal distribution of the most abundant cetacean species in the European Atlantic waters and the Mediterranean Sea by assembling datasets collected over 16 years of surveys using a standardised line-transect protocol. Data were homogenised, detection functions fitted and effective strip widths estimated. We extracted environmental variables integrated over the water column, which we transformed using a principal component analysis (PCA). The dimensions of the PCA were then integrated as explanatory variables in a generalised additive model, taking seasonal and spatial effects into account to predict the seasonal cetacean distribution. We were able to highlight changes in the spatial distribution and/or density of cetaceans throughout the year at a large scale, considering environmental extrapolation areas to predict where environmental variables were sampled during the surveys. For minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and fin (B. physalus) whales, densities varied over the seasons but not the distribution, suggesting a seasonal migration outside the survey areas. For common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), densities varied little but distributions did over the seasons. Finally, pilot whales (Globicephala spp), Risso’s (Grampus griseus) and striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) dolphins showed little seasonal variation in their distribution. Using monthly dynamic environmental variables at depth and PCA dimensions in habitat models, we produced maps of the seasonal distribution of cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea and the European Atlantic waters to help fill gaps in our knowledge of cetacean distribution. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at auriane(a)sharetheocean.earth. Best wishes, Auriane -- Dr Auriane VIRGILI Ingénieure de recherche / Research engineer Share the Ocean consortium, 14 place de l'Eglise, 56870 Larmor-Baden, France E-mail : auriane(a)sharetheocean.earth

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