December 2024 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper quantifying the effects of body size on the energy expenditure and fasting endurance of humpback whales
by Fredrik Christiansen 19 Dec '24

19 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Ecological Modelling: Christiansen, F., Madsen, P.T., Andrew-Goff, V., Double, M.C., How, J.R., Clapham, P., Ivashchenko, Y., Tormosov, D., & Sprogis, K.R. 2025. Extreme capital breeding for giants: Effects of body size on humpback whale energy expenditure and fasting endurance. Ecological Modelling 501:110994. Abstract: Baleen whales are extreme capital breeders, capable of fasting for more than half a year while migrating thousands of kilometres and nursing rapidly growing offspring that quadruple in body size over the same period. To understand this energetic conundrum, bioenergetic models that quantify the energy expenditure of baleen whales relative to their body energy reserves (body condition) are required. However, due to the difficulty in measuring the physiology and bioenergetics of large whales, few empirically informed models are available. Here we develop a bioenergetic model for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Western Australia to quantify their daily and seasonal energy expenditure over the breeding season. Specifically, we hypothesised that body size (length) would have a negative effect on the mass-specific energy expenditure of whales, and reduce female reproductive costs. A larger body size would also increase the absolute energy reserves, and hence fasting ability of humpback whales. To test this, we used a unique combination of field methodologies, including behavioural focal follows, aerial photogrammetry, and satellite tagging. To quantify the daily energetic cost of body maintenance, activity, somatic growth, and reproduction (gestation and lactation), we combined fine-scale behavioural and body morphometric data. Seasonal energy loss was estimated from changes in body condition, using aerial photogrammetry data. Migration timing and swim speed were calculated from satellite tag movement data. The resulting bioenergetic model showed that body size had a strong negative effect on the mass-specific energy expenditure of whales, and a positive effect on the fasting ability and residency time of juveniles and adults. Maternal body size had a positive effect on calf birth size and growth, so that calves of larger females reached their departure size quicker and begin their migration back to the Antarctic feeding grounds. The body condition loss during the breeding season declined with body size for juveniles (26.9-14.4%) and lactating females (28.3-7.8%), while adults maintained a constant loss (14.4-15.0%) by increasing their residency time. The ability of humpback whales to support such high seasonal energetic costs with only stored energy reserves highlights the energetic benefits that gigantism provides in these extreme capital breeders. The paper is open access and available at the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030438002400382X This study not only quantifies the bioenergetic budget of humpback whales on their breeding grounds but also establishes a comprehensive framework for empirically parameterizing key components of baleen whale bioenergetic models. By detailing methodologies for each component, it highlights the value of integrating advanced tools and techniques, such as drone-based photogrammetry, behavioural focal follows, and satellite tag movement data, to quantify both daily and seasonal energy expenditure, to ultimately achieve a detailed understanding of baleen whale bioenergetics. Merry Christmas (God jul!) Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Senior Researcher Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark f.christiansen(a)ecos.au.dk<mailto:f.christiansen@ecos.au.dk> http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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New publication: Predicting the drift of small cetaceans stranded along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula
by Camille Deslias 19 Dec '24

19 Dec '24

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share with you a new open-access article focused on predicting the drift of small cetaceans along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Deslias C, Daniel P, López A, Martínez-Cedeira J, Ridoux V, Peltier H (2024) Predicting the drift of small cetaceans stranded along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula: Parametrization of the MOTHY drift model. _PLoS ONE_ 19(12): e0315593. Read the article here [1] ABSTRACT: Marine mammal populations, particularly the common dolphin (_Delphinus delphis_) in the North-East Atlantic, play an essential role as indicators of ecosystem health. Effective monitoring of these populations is vital for assessing anthropogenic impacts, especially in the context of current threats such as fisheries bycatch. The MOTHY drift model, initially designed for oil spills and later adapted to carcass drift, has been used in parts of the North-East Atlantic (Bay of Biscay, English Channel, and North Sea) to estimate the bycatch mortality of common dolphins.This study presents the parametrization of the drift model to estimate the bycatch mortality of common dolphins in the Iberian Peninsula waters. By comparing the actual stranding locations of tagged dolphin carcasses off the Galician coast with their predicted stranding locations using the drift model, we determined the best environmental input parameters.The results reveal that a 4-arc-minute bathymetry resolution, coupled with consideration for currents, optimally predicts stranding locations along the Iberian Peninsula coast. The model's accuracy in predicting stranding locations is 18.25 ± 14.77 km.This adaptation not only contributes to the ongoing assessment of bycatch impacts on common dolphin populations in the Iberian Peninsula, but also provides a standardized methodology for estimating bycatch mortality at the population level. This work can also serve as a foundation for further applications to other small cetacean species across wider distribution areas, supporting comprehensive population-level assessments and management strategies. For any queries or discussions, please feel free to contact me. Best, Camille Deslias Doctorante / PhD Student Observatoire PELAGIS (UAR 3462) Centre d'Etude Biologique de Chizé (UMR 7372) 06.78.45.62.84 Observatoire PELAGIS LA ROCHELLE UNIVERSITÉ Centre commun d'analyse 5 allée de l'océan 17000 La Rochelle www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr [2] univ-larochelle.fr [3] Facebook [4] | Twitter [5] | Instagram [6] | Linkedin [7] | YouTube [8] Links: ------ [1] https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0315593 [2] http://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr [3] http://www.univ-larochelle.fr [4] https://www.facebook.com/LaRochelleUniversite/ [5] https://twitter.com/UnivLaRochelle [6] https://www.instagram.com/univlarochelle/ [7] https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-la-rochelle/ [8] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Cf7Z00cbodH9qC8i7SHXA

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Call for Interns with the Alaska Whale Foundation
by Dana Bloch 17 Dec '24

17 Dec '24

Alaska Whale Foundation is looking for interns for our 2025 field season! Overview: Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is seeking eight interns to participate in a series of research projects in Sitka, Alaska and at our remote field station on Baranof Island, Southeast Alaska (latitude 57.0877 N, longitude 134.8342 W). Successful applicants will assist in collecting and analyzing data for projects examining humpback and/or gray whale health, foraging ecology, and social biology as well as regional oceanography. Responsibilities: Interns will work in teams of 4-8 and will split their time between on-the-water activities and data processing. Field teams live in a cooperative environment, so interns will also be responsible for cooking, cleaning and basic equipment maintenance. Interns are asked to supply their own foul-weather gear (rain gear, boots, etc.) appropriate for work in the Alaskan marine environment. Compensation: In return for participation, AWF will provide room and board, Mustang-style float coats and pants and additional safety gear. AWF will also provide travel reimbursements for interns traveling within the United States. Interns will gain tangible data collection and processing skills, and AWF can assist students who wish to receive credit from their academic institutions for this internship. Schedule: Dates for Sitka-based work are March 7 - April 30 and March 22 - May 11. Dates for field station-based work are May 27 – July 27 and July 27 – September 30. We are looking for two interns for each time block. Due to travel logistics, we cannot accommodate arrival and departure outside of these dates. Qualifications: All applicants will be considered; however, preference will be given to individuals that are pursuing or have recently been awarded a BS/BA degree or higher in biology, environmental science, or similar field, and who have basic first aid training. Additionally, the following will be viewed favorably: * Desire to pursue a career in marine sciences * Experience operating small boats, especially in marine waters * Experience working in remote field settings * An ability to work well with colleagues in both research and cooperative living situations How to Apply: Interested individuals should apply by following this link: https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers You will need to include a link (i.e., in Google Drive or similar) to a CV, brief cover letter (no more than 500 words), and contact information for two references in a single PDF file. When selecting date preferences, applicants should include all dates for which they are available. Priority will be given to US-based applicants. Alaska-based applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications should be submitted no later than Tuesday, December 31, 2024 @ 11:59 pm PST. Qualified candidates will be contacted within two weeks to set up interviews, and final decisions will be made no later than January 31, 2025. Further announcements - including notification that positions have been filled - will be posted on Alaska Whale Foundation’s social media pages. For more information contact: dbloch(a)alaskawhalefoundation.org<mailto:dbloch@alaskawhalefoundation.org>

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Southern right whale publication
by Stephanie Stack 17 Dec '24

17 Dec '24

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to share our new publication titled* "New northernmost distribution records of the Eastern South Pacific southern right whale** (Eubalaena australis), including the first cases from Ecuador and northern Peru". * *Abstract*: The Eastern South Pacific Right Whale (SRW) (*Eubalaena australis*) population has gained interest due to its Critically Endangered conservation status. So far, this population has been confirmed only along the coasts of Chile (18°20’S to 56°30’S) and from southern to central Peru (17°38’S to 12°11’S). Recent records have extended the species’ known range, highlighting its geographic distribution, now reaching 1500 km north. Here, we report six recent records, consisting of five sightings and one stranding, that expand the documented range to northern Ecuador (0.6°N). The northern extension of the population may be associated with the unusual three-year-long cold phase (La Niña) of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the eastern South Pacific, population expansion, movement and re-distribution of the species, increased monitoring effort, or a combination of these factors. These observations raise hope for the Critically Endangered SRW population, as the occurrence of mother-calf pairs may indicate a potential for population recovery. Nevertheless, these findings intensify concerns for what is still the least abundant SRW population, underscoring the urgency for more targeted research and conservation measures. *Citation:* Castro Ayala, C., García-Cegarra, A.M., Uceda-Vega, P., Aguilar, L., Kelez, S., Buchan, S.J., Félix, F., Stack, S.H. and Van Waerebeek, K. (2024). New northernmost distribution records of the Eastern South Pacific southern right whale *(Eubalaena australis*), including the first cases from Ecuador and northern Peru. *PLOS ONE* *19*(11), p.e0312528. This paper is open-access and free to download here: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0312528 Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. On behalf of all the authors, Kind regards, Stephanie Stack

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NMFS Group Hiring: NMFS/SEFSC/MMTD Fish Biologist/Field Biologist (ZP3 FTE 10-Year Term) Vacancy announcement
by Mridula Srinivasan - NOAA Federal 17 Dec '24

17 Dec '24

*NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal and Turtle Division Fish Biologis/Field Biologist (ZP3 Federal 10-year Term position) job opportunity announcement (JOA) for the term Fish Biologist positions has been posted. * *The announcement will be live on USAJobs on Thursday, 12/19, with a closing date of 12/26 or at 11:59p EST on the day the 250th application is received. USA JOBs LINK: https://lnkd.in/e7Hhff9K <https://lnkd.in/e7Hhff9K>. Duty Locations: Pascagoula and Miami* The selected candidate will serve as a field specialist, data manager, and survey coordinator within the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division to support marine mammal and sea turtle science and conservation. The incumbent will conduct, support, and/or oversee all aspects of field research activities (as required or appropriate with skill and experience) conducted by the Division and partners from project design to data collection, management, sharing (internal), and dissemination of scientific information (external). The candidate will develop and update standard research protocols, and comply with scientific research permit requirements, including compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Animal Welfare Act and NMFS Animal Care and Use Policy. Also, the incumbent will prepare briefings and reports for internal and external audiences, and co-author/author peer-reviewed publications. Manage and curate data for accuracy and quality, ensuring metadata is provided, and data is properly stored, archived, and accessible in established repositories. The core needs for the job are project management, successional planning, knowledge transfer through mentorship of interns, graduate students, post-docs, and inexperienced research staff, compassionate leadership of geographically dispersed field staff, and effective and respectful coordination and communication with research investigators, temporary staff, vessel crew, partners, and leadership. Candidates must have extensive field specialist skills to conduct visual, acoustic, and aerial surveys of marine species (marine mammals and sea turtles). Such experiences or skills could include superior proficiency in small boat and/or large ship surveys, aerial survey operations, tagging of large and small cetaceans and sea turtles, stranding and entanglement response, basic laboratory work and sample processing, aerial surveys, photography and photo ID, biopsy, drone operations, and handling heavy equipment, deploying acoustic instruments, purchasing and maintaining field equipment, lifting and transporting heavy items, and trailering boats. Additionally, field data management, including data QA/QC and basic data analysis skills are highly desirable. The bulk of the field research activities may be near Pascagoula and travel to and from field sites for long periods may be required. There could be other field site locations and the candidate must be willing and able to travel at short notice. *_________________* *Mridula Srinivasan (Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Director, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD <https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/marine-mammal-and-turtle-division-sout…>)* *Atlantic IACUC Chair* *Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida* *NOAA Fisheries, Department of Commerce* *+1305.814.4526 (Google Voice)* *_______________________* *Special Advisor* *Office of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction (ASEOP)* *National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce* *+1202.308.3440 (Work Cell)* Executive Board Member NOAA AAPI ERG <https://sites.google.com/noaa.gov/oicr-erg-asian/home?pli=1&authuser=1> ****** ****** I support flexible working arrangements and I am sending this email now because it suits my working hours today. Please do not feel obliged to reply immediately as I understand and expect you to respond during work hours. Thank you.

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New Publication: Remote assessment of ‘Type C’ implantable satellite tag extrusion using light sensors
by Amy Kennedy - NOAA Affiliate 17 Dec '24

17 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our new publication as part of the cetacean tagging special issue of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: Kennedy, A. S., Robbins, J., Andrews-Goff, V., Clapham, P. J., Double, M., Gales, N., Gulland, F. M. D, Holland, M., Zerbini, A. N. (2024). Remote assessment of ‘Type C’ implantable satellite tag extrusion using light sensors. *J. Cetacean Res. Manage.*, Special Issue 5: 35–44. https://doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.v5i1.1050 Abstract: Advances in engineering and long-term monitoring projects have greatly increased the sophistication of cetacean biologging methods and technology. While implantable cetacean tags naturally extrude and eventually fall off, satellite tag duration for large whales is still highly variable and often below expected longevity based on battery life alone. Causes of tag failure are difficult to determine and may include natural extrusion of the device, transmitter failure during deployment, or post-deployment damage. Tags deployed during a study designed to assess tag performance and impacts in humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) in the Gulf of Maine between 2011 and 2015 were equipped with a sensor designed to detect light exposure. Light sensor readings were evaluated based on follow-up photos of 30 whales in order to investigate whether recorded light levels could serve as a remote indicator of tag extrusion distance. There was a direct correlation between the amount of extrusion and daytime light levels; fully embedded tags recorded no light, while tags that had extruded enough to fully expose the light sensor recorded full light levels. Partially extruded tags recorded variable light levels throughout daylight hours, likely due to irregular or partial exposure of the light sensor. While the single-sensor design cannot describe the fine-scale rate of tag extrusion, additional light sensors placed along the length of the tag and a visible indicator of sensor orientation would greatly improve remote diagnostics. These results show that light levels may be used as an indicator of extrusion and highlight their potential value for understanding tag performance. Cheers, Amy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amy S. Kennedy, Ph.D. Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES). University of Washington & Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115-6349, USA

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Internship opportunity (funded): Education and Outreach Assistant in Cardigan Bay, Wales
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 17 Dec '24

17 Dec '24

The Sea Watch Foundation is looking for an Education and Outreach Assistant to take part in running their Visitor Centre and Outreach program in New Quay, Wales. This position suits a volunteer with a strong interest in marine conservation that recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving all ages. The Education and Outreach Assistant will gain experience in the following areas: Running a visitor centre and promoting engagement with the public Liaising with local stakeholders such as boat operators and businesses Organising events and producing educational materials to raise awareness. Organising, promoting, and delivering events such as National Whale and Dolphin Watch education and outreach activities Working with school groups Creating educational/promotional materials such as online learning resources Managing social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok) Writing grant applications The New Quay field season will run from 7th April to 2nd November. Our preferred Education and Outreach Assistant will stay for the whole season but, applicants can apply for half of the season (choosing Period 1-2 or 3-4). The assistant will be based in New Quay, West Wales. The successful applicant will be granted a bursary of £3000 for the full season and (shared) accommodation will be provided in the intern house free of charge. Period 1: 7th April – 1st June (8 weeks) Period 2: 2nd June – 20th July (7 weeks) Period 3: 21st July – 7th September (7 weeks) Period 4: 8th September – 2nd November (8 weeks) For more information on the position and to apply, visit our website: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/cardigan-bay-internships/

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Internship opportunity (funded) : Research Assistant/Intern Coordinator for bottlenose dolphin monitoring project
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 17 Dec '24

17 Dec '24

The Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) is looking for a Research Assistant and Intern Coordinator to assist with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in the picturesque town of New Quay, West Wales, and supports the conservation management of one of only two semi-resident bottlenose dolphin populations in the UK. The Research Assistant will gain experience in the following areas: Daily land-based surveys Full day boat surveys Opportunistic data collection from wildlife tour boats Training and supervising interns Assisting in all stages of photo-identification and matching Assisting and supervising data entry and processing Public speaking and raising public awareness Organising and planning environmental education initiatives and events Assisting with the running adult cetacean surveying training courses Opportunity to undertake a personal research project In addition to these tasks, we have some specialist equipment: a hydrophone, a polecam, and an aerial drone to opportunistically collect acoustic, video and aerial data during boat-based surveys. A bursary of £5000, courtesy of the Tallie Brazier scholarship, and free accommodation will be provided to the successful applicant. The Research Assistant will be trained in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins but the following skills are advantageous: Strong team player with a sense of humour with previous experience supervising volunteers as you’ll be living and working with a small team in the changeable Welsh weather! Excellent organisational and time management skills Ability to work independently a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar, prior fieldwork experience is beneficial, particularly photo-identification Good IT skills Good written and verbal communication skills, experience with public speaking is also desirable If you are interested in this position, please visit the Sea Watch Foundation website for more information and how to apply: https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/ or email katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Deadline for applications is the 26th January 2025. Decisions will be made by the end of February. For a snapshot of what to expect, why not check out our social media profiles! Facebook: shorturl.at/QS568 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seawatchfoundation/

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Bottlenose dolphin research internship, Cardigan Bay, Wales
by katrin.lohrengel＠seawatchfoundation.org.uk 17 Dec '24

17 Dec '24

Interns are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in the picturesque town of New Quay, West Wales, and supports the conservation management of one of only two semi-resident bottlenose dolphin populations in the UK. Interns will gain experience in the following areas: Conducting land-based surveys for marine mammals Conducting boat based line transect surveys for marine mammals Performing photo-identification matching Using equipment such as DSLR cameras, GPS units and other field equipment Data entry using Excel and Access based databases Public speaking Running and organising public awareness and outreach activities Fieldwork is weather dependent but interns are scheduled on a daily land based watch and a full day of wildlife boat trips once a week. In addition to this, full day line transect surveys for bottlenose dolphins are conducted regularly within the Cardigan Bay and Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau Special Areas of Conservation. Interns are required from early April until the end of October 2025. The research season is split into four separate periods lasting between 7 and 8 weeks. The research periods for the 2025 season are: Period 1: 7th April – 1st June (8 weeks) Period 2: 2nd June – 20th July (7 weeks) Period 3: 21st July – 7th September (7 weeks) Period 4: 8th September – 2nd November (8 weeks) Interns will be trained in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins but the following skills are advantageous: Strong team player with a sense of humour with previous experience supervising volunteers as you’ll be living and working with a small team in the changeable Welsh weather! Ability to work independently a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar, prior fieldwork experience is beneficial, particularly photo-identification Good IT skills Good written and verbal communication skills Interns will be based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales. Accommodation is provided by a private landlord through rental of a house that interns share at a rate of around £82 per person per week. If you are interested in this position, please contact Katrin on katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk with a completed Research Intern application form (available on the Sea Watch website) and CV by 9th February 2024. Decisions will be made by the end of February 2025. For a snapshot of what to expect, why not check out our social media profiles! Facebook: shorturl.at/QS568 Instagram: @seawatchfoundation TikTok: @seawatchfoundation

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Petition for a mandatory speed limit for ships in the Mediterranean Cetacean Migration Corridor
by Laetitia Nunny/OceanCare 17 Dec '24

17 Dec '24

Dear colleagues, OceanCare is leading a campaign with 9 other NGOs to introduce a mandatory vessel speed reduction measure in the management plan of the ‘Mediterranean Cetacean Migration Corridor’ marine protected area (MPA) and Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI). The management plan is currently being developed by the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO). We would like to ask the MARMAM community to show their support for a mandatory speed reduction measure by signing the petition which we have prepared for the Spanish Government. Please follow the link to the petition: In English: https://www.oceancare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/240821-petition-to-the… En español: https://www.oceancare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/240821-peticion-al-Gob… A background document with further details including environmental and legal justifications is available too: In English: https://www.oceancare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/240821-background-info… En español: https://www.oceancare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/240821-razones-para-li… If you would like to sign the petition, please send your name, position and affiliation to: Carlos Bravo: cbravovilla(a)oceancare.org<mailto:cbravovilla@oceancare.org> Thank you very much for your support! Best wishes Laetitia Nunny Senior Science Officer, OceanCare

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