November 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on humpback whale calving habitats in Mexico
by Fernando Noriega 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are thrilled to share our latest publication in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, where we explore the critical calving habitats for humpback whales in Bahía de Banderas, Mexico. This study offers new insights that we hope will contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts for this remarkable species. Abstract: Our study identifies key calving areas for humpback whales through ensemble modeling and spatial analysis in Bahía de Banderas, Mexico. Using data from over 1,000 sightings recorded between 2018 and 2023, we mapped mother-calf pair distribution relative to environmental factors. Calving mothers showed a strong preference for shallower waters (mean depth of 59 m, 2 km from the coast), emphasizing the importance of specific habitats. We identified three critical calving areas, including a 261.8 km² zone along the north coast, highlighting the significance of Bahía de Banderas as a breeding ground and providing insights to support conservation efforts. Citation: Noriega, F., Lecours, V., Frisch-Jordán, A., & Medrano-González, L. (2024). Identifying humpback whale calving grounds: ensemble modelling and spatial analysis of critical habitat in Bahía de Banderas, Mexico. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 104, e83, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315424000821 You can access the publication via the following link.<https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-marine-biological-as…> We invite you to read the full article, which is open access, through the link above. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback at fernandonoriega(a)ufl.edu<mailto:fernandonoriega@ufl.edu>. Warm regards, Fernando Noriega PhD

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Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program - 2025 Summer Internship
by Sydney P. Bryant 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

Hello, The Virginia Aquarium’s Veterinary Science & Research Division is now accepting applications for Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response Interns for Summer 2025. Intern Application Deadline: 2/1/2025 For more information, including duties, position requirements, and how to apply, visit https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/support/work-with-us or email strandingvolmgr(a)vbgov.com with any questions. Position Overview: Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. VAQS covers all live and dead marine mammal and sea turtle strandings for the state of Virginia. Interns will be trained in all aspects of stranding response, but may be assigned a rehabilitation or necropsy focus area. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary by internship session. VAQS will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session. Internships will be approximately three months long, starting between May and June. Start and end dates are flexible. Internship positions are non-compensatory, and housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit. The intern is expected to be available 3-4 days per week, 8:00am-4:30pm. Some weekend and holiday coverage are expected. Thank you, Sydney Bryant, MPhil Stranding & Research Scientist: Field Response & Volunteer Manager (757) 385-6484 SBryant(a)VirginiaAquarium.com Stranding Response Hotline: (757) 385-7575 717 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 [cid:9b12b6e4-6744-4965-95ff-2ebeb5ca3e0f]<https://virginiaaquarium.com/>

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New publication: Research handling effects on northern elephant seals
by Lauren Cooley 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

Hello MARMAMers, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of our new open access paper investigating research handling effects on stress hormones, blood chemistry, hematology, and heart rate in northern elephant seals: Cooley LA, Hindle AG, Williams CL, Ponganis PJ, Hannah SM, Klinck H, Horning M, Costa DP, Holser RR, Crocker DE, and McDonald BI. “Physiological effects of research handling on the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris)”. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A (2024): 111771. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111771 Abstract: Wildlife researchers must balance the need to safely capture and handle their study animals to sample tissues, collect morphological measurements, and attach dataloggers while ensuring their results are not confounded by stress artifacts caused by handling. To determine the physiological effects of research activities including chemical immobilization, transport, instrumentation with biologgers, and overnight holding on a model marine mammal species, we collected hormone, blood chemistry, hematology, and heart rate data from 19 juvenile northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) throughout a translocation experiment. Across our six sampling timepoints, cortisol and aldosterone data revealed a moderate hormonal stress response to handling accompanied by minor changes in hematocrit and blood glucose, but not ketone bodies or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. We also examined heart rate as a stress indicator and found that interval heart rate, standard deviation of heart rate, and apnea-eupnea cycles were influenced by handling. However, when seals were recaptured after several days at sea, all hormonal and hematological parameters had returned to baseline levels. Furthermore, 100% of study animals were resighted in the wild post-translocation, with some individuals observed over four years later. Together, these findings suggest that while northern elephant seals exhibit measurable physiological stress in response to handling, they recover rapidly and show no observable long-term deleterious effects, making them a robust species for ecological and physiological research. You can read the full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1095643324001983 <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1095643324001983> Thank you, Lauren Lauren Cooley, M.S. (she/her) Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

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New Publication: Detailed Comparison of Acoustic Signals from Rehabilitated and Wild Franciscana Dolphins
by Gisela Giardino 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our article entitled *"Detailed Comparison of Acoustic Signals from Rehabilitated and Wild Franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) Dolphins"* in Animals. This study, led by myself with contributions from Mel Cosentino, Agustina Camila Macchi, Juan Pablo Loureiro, Sergio Rodriguez Heredia, Karina Ceilia Alvarez, Sergio Gabriel Moron, and Diego Horacio Rodriguez, explores the acoustic characteristics of franciscana dolphins in both wild and rehabilitated settings. You can access the article https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/16/2436 Abstract The franciscana dolphin is a small, vulnerable species often caught in artisanal gillnets. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of their acoustic capabilities by using advanced equipment to collect a large dataset of wideband, continuous recordings. We examined the detailed acoustic signals of franciscana dolphins, comparing the sounds from rehabilitated dolphins in captivity with those of wild dolphins near fishing nets. Significant differences in acoustic characteristics were found between neonates and older dolphins, with juvenile and wild dolphins showing similar features. For the first time, repetition patterns in click production were identified, highlighting the importance of understanding the context of these sounds in regards to feeding and communication. This study emphasizes the need for detecting neonates for species protection and suggests the potential for developing acoustic classifiers specific to different age groups. Our findings offer valuable insights for conservation efforts and the development of protection strategies for franciscana dolphins. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or for further discussion. Best regards, Gisela -- Dra. Gisela Giardino Grupo de Investigacion Biol., Ecología y Conserv. de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) -IIMyC (CONICET) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 244) Casilla de Correo 1260-Correo Central-MdP https://linktr.ee/becmm

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New publication on quantifying and reducing the impacts of biologging devices
by Chris McKnight 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

Hello all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our open-access paper - Quantifying and reducing the cost of tagging: combining computational fluid dynamics and diving experiments to reduce impact from animal-borne tags. J. Chris McKnight, Chris Pass, Dave Thompson, Steve Balfour, Sophie M. J. M. Brasseur, Clare Embling, Gordon Hastie, Ryan Milne, Adam Kyte, Simon E. W. Moss, Richard Pemberton and Debbie J. F. Russell. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.1441 Abstract: Animal-borne instruments are essential research tools for ecologists and physiologists. An increasing number of studies have shown impacts of carrying a tag on behaviour and energetics, which can have implications for animal welfare and data validity. Such impacts are a result of the additional mass and/or drag loads, with the latter requiring empirical measurements or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to estimate. To quantify and effectively minimize tag impacts from drag, a novel combined empirical and CFD approach is required. Here, we demonstrate such an approach using captive phocid seals and the widely used Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Instrumentation Group GPS/GSM tag. We (i) show a significant change in the behaviour of grey seals when carrying a tag (gen 1; associated with 16.4% additional drag); (ii) redesigned the tag (gen 2) resulting in a lower additional drag of 8.6%; (iii) show significant differences in behaviour when carrying a gen 2 compared to gen 1 tag, demonstrating that the redesign successfully reduced impact; and (iv) observed changes in the swim speed of seals that were consistent with predictions from CFD estimates of drag. The gen 2 instrument is now commercially available. This non-trivial case study should pave the way for similar studies in other taxa and species. The paper can be obtained at the following link: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rspb.2024.1441 Kind Regards, Chris

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Grant Application Open from ACS-SFBay chapter
by Susan Hopp 10 Nov '24

10 Nov '24

*2024 Izzy Szczepaniak Cetacean Research Grant* https://www.acs-sfbay.org/research-grant-application *APPLICATION WINDOW:* *OCTOBER 21 – DECEMBER 31, 2024* *AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT:* *JANUARY 2025* *The San Francisco Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society is pleased to announce the 2024 research grant of $2500 in honor of marine biologist Isidore Szczepaniak. We are seeking proposals for research on cetaceans on the following geographic area and topics:* *Area of interest*: The California Current Ecosystem and adjacent waters of San Francisco Bay. Marine Protected Areas included in this scope and of special interest are The Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. *Key Topics of Interest*: Research on the behavior, biology, and distribution of one or more cetacean species living in, migrating through, or dependent on the Area of Interest for biologically important needs such as foraging, mating, calving, or raising young. Proposals can also include topics related to conservation of any species or groups of species being impacted by anthropogenic threats such as ship strike, entanglement, noise, or pollution. Work involving federally Endangered, Threatened, or Depleted species is welcome. A conservation nexus for any proposed work is encouraged but not required as is research involving cetaceans of the Area of Interest and climate change. Research involved that involves museum based studies, reviews and analysis of information in existing databases, and stranded animal studies are also encouraged as they were of special interest to Isidore "Izzy" Szczepaniak. Funding can be used for salaries, equipment, consumable supplies, laboratory supplies and costs, boat fuel and rental, publication and conference fees, software, institutional overhead for any listed expense and travel. Please feel free to contact us if you have any question about allowable expenditures you would like to include in your proposal. *The proposal structure should include the following components:* 1. Cover Letter which includes details of affiliations with universities or organizations, and the Applicants Contact Information 2. Short CV or Biographical Sketch with a Listing of a Minimum of Two Professional References 3. Title of the Project and Short Summary of the Proposed Research 4. Introduction and Background 5. Purpose and Need 6. Materials and Methods 7. Budget and Timeline 8. Anticipated Products and Presentations *Responsibilities of Grantee – please acknowledge:* 1. A progress report, and final report as presentation of results at a chapter monthly meeting as soon after completion as is reasonable. 2. The ACS SF Bay Chapter should be listed and credited for providing funding in the acknowledgements of all peer-reviewed publication, any thesis or dissertation products, at all visual presentations in classrooms or for audiences beyond working teams and advisors. A PDF copy of all products published peer reviewed or others must also be provided to the chapter. The grantee may keep any equipment, supplies, or software purchased with these funds. *Please send application by email* *to the following:* *acs.sfbay.mwebber(a)gmail.com* <acs.sfbay.mwebber(a)gmail.com>*, * *acs.sfbay.shopp(a)gmail.com* <acs.sfbay.shopp(a)gmail.com>*, * *info@acs.sfbay.shopp@gmail.com* <info@acs.sfbay.shopp@gmail.com> -- Susan Hopp, ACS Chapter Board Member / Speaker Program Development https://www.acs-sfbay.org/events *"What we're doing to the oceans, we are doing to ourselves... we need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do."* Sylvia Earle

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Job Listing- Marine Mammal Responder
by Brad Torsone 08 Nov '24

08 Nov '24

JOB LISTING- MARINE MAMMAL RESPONDER The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, CA is looking to add a member to their Response Team. If you are interested and meet the minimum qualifications, please follow the directions to apply. Preference will be given to those with wildlife capture and handling experience, particularly with marine mammals. https://marinemammalcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Marine-Mammal-Respo…

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Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship - Coastal Cambodia
by Khmer Ocean Life 08 Nov '24

08 Nov '24

Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Internship – Coastal Cambodia Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) is a UK non-profit in partnership with a local NGO Samaky Organisation in Cambodia, based in the coastal town of Kampot. The organization focuses on supporting the conservation of marine mammal species (Irrawaddy dolphins, Indo-pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-pacific finless porpoises, and dugongs), and their habitats, through research, capacity building, community collaboration, and outreach. We are looking for marine mammal research and conservation interns to join the team who can commit to two months beginning in January 2025. One-month applicants will be considered and long-term applicants are encouraged to apply. We are currently looking to fill a social media specialist intern position to help us grow our social media pages. We are also open to research collaboration with undergraduate or graduate researchers interested in pursuing projects involving topics such as social dynamics, bycatch mitigation, and behavioral analysis. This is not an exhaustive list of research topics, and those seeking research opportunities or thesis collaboration are also encouraged to apply. Project activities: · observational land surveys · observational boat surveys with community fishers · photo-identification · UAV (drone) surveys · data entry, processing, and analysis · turning findings into reports and articles for peer review · responding to marine mammal bycatch and stranding events · social media and content creation · education and outreach *Internship training includes:* · research method training on observational land and boat surveying techniques · marine mammal identification and behaviour training · marine vessel identification training · field data collection and data entry training · drone footage analysis training and drone flight training · field data collection and data entry training · weekly Khmer language lessons from our wonderful research assistant Nathan Nop Internship requirements: We are looking for dedicated and motivated interns who would love to join our fantastic team of Khmer and International members. Everybody with a keen interest in marine mammals and their conservation is welcome, including University students, recent graduates, experienced conservationists, and individuals who want to gain experience in marine mammal conservation. Project site & fee description: The project is based in Kampot, Cambodia. The project office and intern accommodation are at the same site. Intern accommodation is fitted with everything you will need, it is very comfortable and right in the heart of the town. All marine mammal research training and accommodation are included in the 700 USD per month fee, but not your food, giving you freedom with your meals and the chance to explore Khmer food as you like *Capacity Building & Current Projects* · ongoing ecological research (land, boat, and aerial surveys) · citizen science · Cambodian Marine Mammal Bycatch and Stranding Network (CMMBSN) · bycatch mitigation and action plan (BMAP) · acoustic deterrent device implementation (pingers) · university collaboration · partnerships with international marine mammal organizations Interns are also welcome to conduct their own research or outreach projects with us, depending on interest, skill set, and length of stay. For more information visit our website: Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> There are limited spaces available, if interested, please send a CV/resume stating your available dates and desired length of stay, to info(a)khmeroceanlife.com Khmer Ocean Life Team @KhmerOceanLife Conservation | Khmer Ocean Life <https://www.khmeroceanlife.com/> [image: KOL Logo.png]

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New publication: minke whale entanglement in static fishing gear
by Clare Embling 07 Nov '24

07 Nov '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our article: Rayner, J., Embling, C.B., Ryan, C., and Hartny-Mills, L. (2024) 'Minke whale entanglement in static fishing gear: identifying consistent areas of high risk in Western Scotland", J. Mar. Biol. Ass. UK., 104, e15. Abstract: Entanglement in static fishing gear is the largest cause of non-natural mortality for minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Scottish waters. To mitigate whale entanglement, one priority is to identify areas where the risk of entanglement is consistently high. Sightings data for minke whales and creel fleets were collected by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, during vessel line transect surveys conducted between 2008 and 2014. Habitat modelling was used to relate survey, environmental, and temporal variables to the co-occurrence of minke whales and creels in coastal waters of western Scotland. This revealed that minke whale occurrence was related to depth, peaking around 70 m. Using predictive habitat modelling, the overlap between minke whale habitat and the creel fishery was measured as risk of entanglement. A method was developed to quantify the consistency of risk over the seven-year time period. This allowed for the identification of areas where there had been a consistently low, medium, or high risk of entanglement from 2008 to 2014. The three areas with a consistent high risk of entanglement were identified: Inner Sound and Sound of Raasay, east of North and South Uist, and north of The Small Isles. The method presented here could be used to guide management to areas where mitigation efforts will be the most consistently effective over time. You can download this Open Access paper here: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315423000930 Many thanks, Clare & team Dr Clare B Embling Associate Professor in Marine Ecology School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, B425 Portland Square, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA Email: clare.embling(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:clare.embling@plymouth.ac.uk> Website: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/clare-embling Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Gcin3_gAAAAJ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-embling-90793b2/ Marine Vertebrate Conservation Research Unit https://www.instagram.com/marinevertscru/ [cid:image001.jpg@01DB315E.8CEFE360] I sometimes send emails at odd times but I do not expect them to be read, or to receive a response, outwith your normal working hours. ________________________________ [https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, University of Plymouth accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. University of Plymouth does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin barrier feeding
by Daniela Silvia Pace 07 Nov '24

07 Nov '24

Dear colleagues, we are happy to share the following paper: Pace DS & Pedrazzi G (2024) Bottlenose dolphin predation on flathead grey mullets using barrier feeding techniques: a visual and acoustic case study in the Mediterranean Sea. Ethology, Ecology and Evolution - https://doi.org/10.1080/03949370.2024.2411507 We report first-time evidence of barrier feeding techniques in the population of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) at the estuary of the Tiber River (Rome, Italy), used to prey on the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus). We describe an event that occurred in summer 2023, consisting of dolphins forcing schools of mullets against different types of barriers, i.e. sea surface, coastal breakwater blocks and other dolphins. We provide the first visual and acoustic account of this predation modality in the Mediterranean Sea, showing that bottlenose dolphins adopted techniques to fragmentate prey assemblages and then to limit prey escape routes by forcing them against barriers. In this way dolphins were able to catch the mullets both in air and in the water. Such a technique possibly depends on the ability of sensing each other in the hunting group and of exchanging information through different types of vocalizations. Best Daniela & Giulia -- Daniela Silvia Pace, PhD Lecturer in Ecology and Acoustics of Marine Mammals Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Viale dell’Università 32 00185 Rome, Italy mail: danielasilvia.pace(a)uniroma1.it mobile: +39 346 1039652 office: +39 06 4991 4763 skype: lagenorinco Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5121-7080 Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=it&user=RsYqB5QAAAAJ [image: Risultati immagini per logo sapienza] "*Ecology is a contingent science under the broad control of climate and evolutionary change. It is an essential science if we are to achieve conservation success. There is much left to do*" (Charles J. Krebs) [image: BMC Ecology and Evolution]

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